Types Of Photography

Mountain Photography

2009-11-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

Mountain Photography is very common not only for photographers but also for mountain climbers. The mountain pictures to contain your achievement on climbing it, as well as the beautiful elements of nature. I love to take pictures of mountain whenever or wherever I go mountain climbing. It makes me feel great. I hope you feel great too watching this video of my mountain pictures collection. Enjoy!!

Newborn Photography To Capture The Moment

2009-11-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

The baby is finally here, and everyone wants pictures! But every time you try to take pictures, your beautiful baby looks like a little wrinkly old person instead of that exquisite being you see before you. That is why many people consider hiring a photographer to take beautiful newborn photography . Well - you can do it yourself. You just need to learn my secret. Here are some tips to capture your newborn for the best results.

- First things first - Turn off the Flash! Use window light for the best natural soft light to show off your baby. Find a window that has an abundance of good light

- not direct sun light streaming in, but good indirect sunlight.

- Remove clutter from the background of your shot by putting the baby in a carrier with a solid colored blanket covering it, or on the bed with white sheets.

- Remove the babies clothing down to the diapers. Less clothing is better for newborn photography to really show the baby as they tend to not fit clothing well at this age, and clothing is more of a distraction. If the diapers have cartoons on them, try to cover the cartoons by folding the diaper over, or putting fabric over that area - or take your chances and remove that diaper! Work quickly at this point if you choose this route.

- With your camera ready, making sure the babies face and body is turned toward the light from the window, start taking pictures from different angles. Try to fill the frame with the baby and the solid colored blanket or sheet - avoiding additional clutter or items that may get into your background. Do not try to get the baby to smile - just take a series of images from different angles, with some of the baby looking at the camera and some of the baby's profile, some of the top of the head etc. Keep working your way around the baby talking and singing to your baby to try to engage them. If the baby starts fussing, soothe them as needed and when they are calm, try again. If they fall asleep - no problem - photograph them while sleeping! Take more pictures than you think you need - you never know which ones you will like. Make sure to get come full body, some half body and some close ups of face, hands, feet and other cute, memorable body parts - like the fuzzy wrinkly shoulders, funny hair lines, and more.

- Now it is time to develop the images- whether on your computer or at the lab, develop your newborn photography pictures and then sit down and go through them, looking with an artistic eye to choose the ones that capture the baby that you see, and this time in your life.

Study Photography Today

2009-11-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

Many keen and budding photographers feel that taking a photography course is the best way to help them study photography , improve their photography and ultimately the quality of the photographs they take. In this article I set out some of the key things to look out for when choosing a course. So, if you want to improve your photography then this may be one of the most important articles you will read for a long time.

The best courses are a mix of theoretical study and practical application. In order to learn the most you need to be given a chance to implement and practice the things you learn so choosing a course with a focus on practical training is a must. Any successful photographer will tell you that you can read all the books in the world but the time when you learn the most.

From experience the best kind of course for photographers to take is some sort of home study course. Doing such a course allows you to study in your own time and fit your study and shooting around the rest of your life. With classroom based training it is all to easy to miss a few classes here and there and miss out on valuable learning that you have paid for.

Another key benefit of home study photography courses is that they tend to be a lot cheaper than classroom based photography courses. The lack of classroom and physical support means that in general home courses cost on average of one tenth the cost of classroom based courses.

Do you want to learn to improve your photography but don't have the time or money to attend a photography course? This is a situation virtually all photographers have found themselves in at some point or another. In this article I'll discuss some of the benefits of studying a photography course from home and tell you how to find the best one for you.

I hear all the time from amateur photographers that have taken the plunge into the world of photography by buying a digital SLR camera. Often after a few months of great photographs people get frustrated or even disillusioned that they seem unable to take their photography to the next level. It is not uncommon to feel that the money spent on your SLR camera was wasted and maybe you should have stuck to your compact digital.

There are many photography courses run all over that aim to help you improve your skills however many of us are unable to afford the high course fees or take the time off work to attend the often multi day courses. Well the simple solution is to take a home photography course.

Benefits to Study Photography at home:

There are two main benefits to these types of course:
Time - As you are not committed to attend college courses you are free to study in your own time. You can fit your photographic studies around you job, family, social life etc as you see fit.

Cost - By their nature home study courses in photography tend to be much cheaper than class based ones. The main reason for this is the course provider has no overheads such as classroom hire, enabling them to offer their services at a much lower price.

Choosing the right course can be a difficult process so it is best to look at some reviews first.

Space Photography

2009-11-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today I'm going to discuss space photography . No I am not talking about the dark black area above us that we see at night. I am talking about the space of the photograph within the borders of the photo. You see there are various areas that you can use the space in your photograph. If you know how to use the space in your photo right you can take much better shots. If you don't use the space right you can end up with photos that just seem off and are not visually pleasing.

First off, there are two different types of space when it comes to photography.

Negative Space

This type of space is the space that is in relation to the object of importance of the image but not the object itself. The negative space is the are on the photo that does not include the object or focal point of interest. For example, the negative space of a picture of a soccer ball with a white background is the white background.

Positive Space

I am really sure that you can guess what positive space is now that you know negative space. Yes, it is the space that comprises of the object or focal point of interest in the photograph. This area is where you are going to want your viewer to pay the most attention to.

Many photographers only pay attention to the positive space but in reality the negative space plays a major role in the photo as well. Knowing how to master the use of negative space can make the positive space that much more appealing. The amount of this negative area that you use can make your photo either look trapped and lacking in space or like its liberated and open.

The background of the subject can have a very large role in the picture. The background is the negative space and usually does one of two things in photography. It either is neutral and blank or it is filled with things that contribute to the object of importance.

The use of the space in your photograph is what can really make your photo work or feel as if it is missing something. Experiment with this and do not be afraid to try different things out.

Digital photography has lots of different components to it. There are the technical parts and the compositional parts. And in these compositional parts there is another part...the space. Space is something that can make or break a photo when used. You can use it to take much better shots. This article will show you digital photography tips for using space right.

What are these different types of space?
There is, first off, negative space. This basically is all the space that is around the subject you are taking a picture of. All of your photos have negative space. Many people think of the space around the subject as unimportant but this is wrong. Using the negative properly can make for much more interesting shots.
For example, most people take shots and isolate the subject to a blank background. This makes the shot simple and more compositionally sound. However, a blank background does nothing to add more meaning to the photo. It in no way helps define the message and concept of the photo.

Using negative space properly can make for much better shots. Proper use of this space can make your photos much more powerful and captivating. For example, if you have a photo of a person praying behind a blank background it'll look fine. However, put the subject behind a war field or a church and the surrounding space adds more meaning.

Positive space is also important. This is the space that comprises of the subject of interest. You can use lots of this space or a little. Using a photo that is mostly positively spaced will make the subject look much closer and intimate. A shot with little positive space will make the subject look less important and less powerful.

Space photography is very important. The space of your photo is very strong and will be the matter of getting the right pictures. Practice and you will start seeing that this is true.

Advertising Photographer

2009-11-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

We human beings are a bag of various emotions and our range is far wider than any other living species on earth. And, when tickled, these emotions compel us to behave in different ways. It is due to this fact that advertising photography has become such a powerful media which makes us behave in a plethora of ways.

Advertising photographer tickles a number of human emotions and basic needs and desires. They are the stimulators for different kinds of human behavior; and this includes consumer behaviour. When we see the images on those glossy magazine advertisements and flashy website banners, they go right to our brain and communicate their message. An advertisement is able to drive home a point through the images.

A variety of human emotions and wishes are tapped by advertising photography. A girl who wants to make her lovely tresses look shiny and bouncy is liable to fall for the shampoo advertisement which shows her favourite model with long flowing radiant hair, because she wants to look equally beautiful. On the other hand, a young boy who shouts "Pepsi", when asked what he would like to drink, is most likely remembering those flashy red and blue colours of the brand, and his favourite sportsman who are endorsing the same.

Advertisement, irrespective of all the blessings or brickbats it gets, has always defined and directed our lifestyle. It has got inspired from how we live and also has insprired us to change our own way of living. Both words and pictures in advertisements have played critical role in informing us, educating us, inspiring us, enlightening us and also humour us. Let us see the role of advertising photography in different kinds of medium.

Advertising Photography for the Print Media
Print Media is all pervasive. It is closely entangled and enmeshed with each of our lifestyle. Advertising photography in print media has immense power and a smart advertiser should know how to use the power in an optimum way.

Advertising Photography for the Static Ads
Static ads would refer to the various ads that we see while walking down the street, driving around, waiting for bus, etc. They are the kiosks and billboards that are put up in different roads and streets. Advertising photography plays a more important role than words. No one on the road has the time to look up and gape at advertisements. It is therefore the pictures that do the talking.

Advertising Photography for Online Media
Another arena, where advertising photography has gradually and surely made an indelible effect – the online media. We come across different websites, online ads like banners, pop ups etc. What do you think makes a visitor actually take notice? Yes! You are absolutely right – its the picture used in those ads.

Advertising Photography and Advertising Photographer
Advertising photography is no small job. In order to be impressive, a picture needs to be dealt with very carefully. The proper use of light and location, the right weather conditions, the model and how should it be clicked – all this can be decided better by a thoroughly professional person who has the talent and experience for advertising photography.

Maternity Photography - Beauty Beyond Sexyness

2009-11-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

The time of pregnancy is very important to a woman. She is waiting impatiently for that special time to meet the person that has been with her for 9 months. However, if this is a first pregnancy, many women now like to also capture the special moments of carrying their little one. Maternity photography does not only show the moments of pregnancy but also shows beauty of the mother without being sexy. It is the true meaning of pregnancy that is capture by the lenses.

When your family is expanding, you want to take tons of pictures to remember the special time. Also, a good pre-baby portrait is a great display piece, and it will be treasured for years to come. Maternity photography and pictures of soon-to-be parents can have their meaning enhanced with special props and poses. This article will outline some tips for amateur photographers wishing to record such a joyful and wonderful time in someone's life.

For pictures of mothers-to-be, you want to be sure to emphasize the fact that something is indeed different-thus, a picture of a pregnant woman's back is probably not the best shot you can set up. Here are some tricks and poses to try for your glowing almost-mothers:

Opt for Silhouettes. As a mother's rounded belly is the most noticeable sign of her pregnancy, you should take a few shots that show off the curve of her tummy. Silhouettes can be beautiful, especially when you have a powerful backgrounds, such as the beach or a sunset. Even if you don't use the shadow effect of having a pregnant woman appear black against the background, you should still consider taking most of your pictures from the side.

Capture the Emotions. If you do want to take a picture from the front, you may want the mother to have her belly exposed. This way, we can still see the physical effects of having a bun in the oven. To draw attention to the bulge, you could have the mom look down at her stomach, or have the father looking down on it with love. Also, you can emphasize the belly by getting the mother to place her hands on either side of the unborn child.

Look at the Details. Close-ups of a swollen belly can be wonderfully simple portraits. Also, you may be able to take a shot the shows a belly button that is now sticking out. Of course, no one wants any stretch marks showing, so you can always have the mother wear a tight shirt that still provides an outline of the protruding belly button. You want to make the almost-mom feel beautiful; consider taking a picture of her outside in the sun so that the light glows off of her tightly stretched skin.

Show the Family. Of course, the soon-to-be-father is another hugely important part of the unborn baby's life and the maternity photography . Thus, try to incorporate the daddy into a few shots as well. This can be a classic picture with the new father holding onto his companion's belly from behind. Also, consider pictures with siblings and pets. The older brothers and sisters can be shown kissing the mother's belly, or small pets can rest on the curve. Dogs can give their own "kisses" by licking the mother's tummy.

Consider Creativity. If you want to try some nontraditional maternity poses, you may want to take a picture of the mom from above, with her belly sticking out so far that she can't see her toes. Also, it can be humorous to contrast the mom and the dad. Have the mother stand holding her belly, and the dad back-to-back with her holding an round object that is special to him right by his belly. For example, he can hold a soccer ball while she holds her baby.

Advanced Photography - Things You Must Know

2009-11-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

In recent years, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) have become increasingly available and more popular and have been use for Advanced photography . There is now a wide range of products that come under this category, including devices that serve as little more than a glorified calendar and organizer, to top of the range tablets and “Palm PC's”. Miniaturization has taken leaps and bounds as developments have progressed, and PDAs continue to grow more powerful. For some people, a PDA is something of a hobby, and the features, gimmicks, and novelties, whether they use them or not, are the most important part of the fun. More often, however, they are put to use in business, across almost every modern industry, at nearly every level, to varying degrees. PDAs now feature massive amounts of storage space, whether on-board, or via flash cards which keep growing in size, wireless networking, web browsing facilities, telephone-PDA hybrids, and ever more advanced software. One other feature that has raised some attention is the integration of digital cameras into Palm PCs.

Digital camera PDAs are not really intended for photography enthusiasts. They are intended more for people who depend upon and always carry their PDA. Integrating a camera into these versatile systems has so far been a matter of convenience and entertainment. The digital cameras combined with modern PDAs do not have particularly advanced camera features, and tend to be relatively poor in quality compared to a separately purchased digital camera. While a $200 digital camera may produce photographs at as high a resolution as 5, 6, or 7 “mega-pixels”, the cameras found aboard a similarly priced PDA will be less than half a mega-pixel, and even more expensive PDAs rarely boast a camera with a resolution as high as 2MP. Digital camera PDAs are not just a trivial toy, though, and have many useful applications. And of course, no-one ever knows just when they might need a camera.

The Hewlett Packard HW6515 iPAQ is a fully featured PDA featuring a 1.3MP camera, with an LED flash. PDA cameras often use a high powered LED rather than a conventional strobe because they use significantly less power. Unfortunately the intensity of the flash is also much lower, but using an LED is the most efficient tool for the job. In addition to its camera, the 6515 has a 312MHz Intel CPU, 320x240 TFT display, and 128 MB of on-board memory, of which, 55MB is available for to the user. It is Bluetooth enabled and has all common digital cell network compatibility (GPRS, GSM, EDGE.) Data cable is USB, and it uses Secure Digital removable media. It comes with a very full bundle of Microsoft mobile software, and runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 (Phone Edition) Operating System. Weighing in at 5 ounces, it will set you back a little under $700.

If you are more interested in the camera capabilities themselves, then you will want to consider external cameras designed to be used in conjunction with an existing PDA. These offer much better camera quality, resulting in better image reproduction.
Another 1.3MP PDA camera is the Lifeview Flycam. This small digital camera plugs into your existing PDA by way of the CF card attached to it. This is inserted directly into the CF slot of your tablet or PDA, and you have almost immediate camera functionality. It offers a few more features as a camera, and it is the camera aspect itself that is important to you, it makes a lot more sense to buy your PDA camera and PDA separately. As better PDA cameras are developed, you will be able to upgrade the camera without having to replace the whole PDA, which – as can be seen by the above example – can be quite an investment. The Flycam retails for as little as $130, making it a very appealing way to retrofit a camera to your PDA.

The HP Jornada is another retro-fitted PDA camera, also installed by way of an attached CF card. At a maximum resolution of only 640x480 (0.3MP), this camera retails for about $60. If you have an existing PDA, and have no desire to upgrade it yet, and you only need a simple camera, then this could well be the option for you. With an auto-focusing lens, this is a very easy camera to use, however, it will not appeal to more astute photographers. If all you want is to be able to take pictures of your friends whenever you want, then this is a great purchase.

Choosing a PDA camera is a matter of weighing up what you need. If you mostly just need a good camera, you are best off buying a normal digital camera, completely independent of your PDA. If it's a PDA-camera hybrid you need for advanced photography , along with all the other functionality of a top shelf palmtop, and you can afford the considerable outlay, but you don't need absolutely top notch photography, then consider an integrated option. If the idea of being able to swap the camera between different PDAs, and you like having the option of progressively upgrading as newer and better technology comes out, then you may wish to consider one of the retro-fitting options. They're an ingenious solution that promises to stay within budget, and allows you to upgrade at will.

Kids Photography – Teaching Kids At An Early Stage

2009-11-17T23:30:00.000-08:00

If you can get a child learning the fundamentals of photography from an early age, imagine what photos they will be creating as an adult? Kids photography is getting popular today because many parents found it very rewarding to see their children doing great pictures. Lay down those foundations now and they will thank you for it later.

I started my photography as an eight year old with my grandfather giving me my first camera and processing my photos in his darkroom. What a feeling of fulfilment when those first images appeared in the developing tray. I had created something. I never looked back. The bug had bitten. I have now been a photographer for over forty years. What a heritage he gave me. You too can give your child that same heritage.

Here's where to start.
1. Encourage
With the age of digital there is no cost when shooting photos so encourage your children to shoot often and regularly. The excitement of getting that great image stimulates the hobby. As the old adage goes, nothing breeds success like success. When they take their first really stunning shot it only encourages them to do it again and again. You will be the reason for their success, so encourage.

2. Experiment
Getting them trying new things and ideas and experimenting. Change angles, get in closer and teach them to use their feet to find new and different viewpoints. This will stimulate their creativity and allow them to explore all their options. Train the mind from an early age to think before pressing the shutter button.

3. Holding the camera
Once they are taking images and having fun start teaching them some of the fundamentals. The first and most basic one is how to hold the camera. It sounds logical to most of us but, if you don't do this bad habits are formed and they become hard to correct as time goes by.

4. Hold the camera straight
Get them watching horizons from an early age. It is essential to learn how to keep a level image. This is fundamental to good photo taking. There is nothing worse than a great image with a crooked horizon or buildings that are slanted.

5. Get in closer
This is the easiest way to improve any photography. Getting in closer focuses on the subject, making it the most important element of the image. It allows you to exclude clutter that shouldn't be in the image.

6. Shoot lots of photos
If they are not taking lots of photos then the possibilities of improving diminish. They need to be shooting lots of images in order to practise. It is only practise that makes perfect. Gary Player, former international champion golfer, says that the harder he practises the luckier he gets. Relying on luck will not make you a photographer but practise will.

7. Learn the basics
There is never a time like the present to learn the fundamentals of photography. Buy a book, do a course or find a mentor. These are all keys to getting your children going in photography. Basic rules like composition, colour and form and texture will help form the foundation for great images.

8. Focal points
Teach them what focal points are and how to place a subject using the rule of thirds. Unless there is a focal point in a photo the images is pointless. These points of interest or subjects should always have prime position in the photo. If they learn these keys early they'll shoot great photos for the rest of their lives.

9. Balance
It is great for a child to have an interest in one type of photography but at an early age it's best to have a general interest in a variety of genres. Specialisation can come at a later stage. Variety is the spice of life so get them shooting everything.

10. Review
Sit with your child and review their images, taking time to compliment and encourage. They need to know what they are doing right first before you point out what is wrong. By reviewing their images on a regular basis they will learn quickly in a comfortable place allowing rapid growth.

There is no better time to start learning that from an early age. That is why kids photography should be try by all parents today. The great masters of art and music all started their professions at a very young age. Today there are books and courses for kids so there is no excuse if you are not a skilled photographer. Let them loose and see what happens.

Male Photography - Making Men Calendar

2009-11-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

Ever thought of putting together a pinup calendar featuring hot guys enrolled at your college or university? Well, if you do, then dont think that it is as simple as taking cameras and taking pictures of all those cute and "yummy" guys around. You need to learn about male photography and how to make the best out of those guys to make them look better.

Most people who think of creating a "Men of (Your) University" calendar assume that all they need to do is locate 12 hunky college males and have them photographed. This is true, but there are more tasks to publishing a calendar and many more than 12 college guys must be recruited.

Besides recruiting, selection, and training of these student male models, there is production of the actual calendar, which includes photography, arranging graphic design and commercial printing. After the calendars are delivered, news media publicity must be arranged. Promotional Events must be held. But, first, the best college guys on campus must be found. After a decade of publishing, recruiting of college men is an area were Campus Men Calendar operation is an expert.

There is a high demand to appear in pinup calendars of college men. Therefore, we do not cater to, or try to convince any one college student to appear. We want to be able to choose from many college guys.

The theme of Campus Men's calendar photographs is very important to who we chose to recruit and select. We present young, all-American college guys in sensual poses in which the viewer never gets to see them.

We answer the question of: I wonder what that incredible-looking guy I saw on campus would look like in bed? We have found that to sell calendars, we do not feature college men wearing sweaters. We appeal to the sexual motivations of the viewer, whether through a cute smile, great face or body or what little you wear. We attempt to give the viewer a fantasy of what it is like to be intimate with the college student.

We also prefer photographs with a "college feel" - a collegiate or athletic feel to them, rather than "beach" photos to them. We try to plan imagery that brings college life to mind or portrays the college student as a sexy athlete.
Remember, the theme of Campus Men Calendars is: "We show people what that athletic guy they passed on the quad looks like in bed."

Far more than 12 must be recruited. Calendar production process calls for locating as many attractive males on your campus as possible. It is not usual to evaluate at least 125 college guys and as many as 500 during the entire process. If you want to organize a calendar, your goal should be to sign up hundreds of hot college guys.

A large number must be secured because the most important issue - other than quality of photographs - is timing of delivery. Timing is very important. Calendars must be produced for delivery June 1 of each year. This allows a seven month long selling season, allows appearing college guys to sell calendars during the summer (when they have ample time to sell because they are not enrolled in classes; are usually home among family and friends; and eventually order more after selling out); allows us to sell through national magazines; and allows us to reach incoming freshmen college guys visiting the campus during orientation sessions, held during June through August. This means the calendar also will be on store shelves in time for college guys who arrive back for the beginning of fall quarter who shop for items to decorate the dorm or sorority room walls.

Winter term is a poor time to recruit college guys because completing any activity takes generally more time due to cold weather. We cannot easily see what college guys look like because they cover themselves with clothing when outdoors. College guys generally stay indoors, become sedentary, gain weight, and do not have tans. If only 12 college guys are recruited, the operation can be delayed if even one college student drops out of the publication for any reason or is dismissed.

We also need to recruit a large number of college guys because appearing in a calendar is not for everyone. We find that we must screen all guys to select only those who are willing to pose nude or nearly nude. Why? Because college oriented calendars are not the thing for timid or conservative young men. We have published many pinup calendars of varying degrees of provocativeness. Tame pinup calendars are nice. But, few buyers actually part with $15 to buy a boring male calendar. Calendars which have been more risqué have always been more popular in sales.

Making a whole calendar is about mastering male photography first. because it is not just about shooting gorgeous guys but also about making a whole calendar that people will see in a whole year. You dont want them to be bored with those guys right?

Interior Photography - Indemand Right Now

2009-11-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

Interior photography is very demanding and the photographer must be sensitive to all the elements that will appear in the final print. Most rooms consist of small objects that look good in the room, but in a print, these objects may cluster the image.

Photographing interiors involves working within a confined space, so the first thing you need is a suitable lens. Most of us would prefer to use a wide-angle lens, but this lens causes problems with image distortion. Distortion is a large and common problem when shooting interiors, but can be reduced if you use a lens with the focal length set between 80 and 100.

Interior images should be bright, with perfect exposure and have fresh vibrant colours. This is the standard used by publishers all over the world. To achieve this the photographer must be able to control these elements and have a very good understanding of light.

Light will play an important part when photographing interiors. Most of your images will be shot with a low shutter speed, because natural light levels will be very low, so a tripod will be needed. If the natural light is good, use a reflector to bounce the light into the dark areas of the room.

If the natural light is not good enough you will have to use a strobe unit. Try to bounce the light off a photographic umbrella to soften the light in the room. If you are using more than one light have some reflectors with you.

Composition is very important in interior photography . Here are some pointers that you may find useful and helpful:

Look out for lines that will lead to the focal point of your image. By leading with lines into the main part of the scene you will draw observers into your photograph. These lines don't have to be straight. They can be a row of seats or interesting converging vertical objects.

Simple foreground objects are also perfect for composition. Patterns on a floor can give your interior a greater sense of depth. Use a small aperture (f/22) to keep the entire scene in focus.

Try to frame your scene with some of the elements in the room. This will focus attention on the main part of the picture.

Tiles on the floor and walls can be very handy as composition when photographing a room - use the tiles to focus attention on the focal point of the room. When photographing bathrooms, if possible exclude the toilet. Always try to exclude anything that you think is distasteful.

Sometimes framed pictures hanging on walls will appear distorted so it is best not to include them. If you are photographing someone's home ask the owner before you move items.

Good interior images are not easy to take but the rewards are great if you can master the trade. If you are unsure of the standard, buy some of the magazines that use these images. Publishers pay fine prices for well exposed, good quality indoor images.

Photography Bay

2009-11-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

One of the most sought out subject of photographers is the Bay. I can not blame them for the sight of the bay especially at sunrise and sunset is really breathtaking and cannot be compare to anything in the world. Like any other photographer I too have an obsession on photography bay . I would like to share to you my collection of bay photographs in this video. Hope you enjoy it!!

Wedding Portrait Photography

2009-11-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

Brides and grooms alike are now enlisting the expertise of professionals to get the best digital wedding portrait photography for that special occasion. And why not? They would surely want to have the best photo taken so that the memories will be preserved as long as they live.

Whether you use a digital camera, or a traditional camera for taking wedding photos, you should know that thanks to technological advances, any photographs or negative slides can be scanned, digitally enhanced and burned onto CD for preservation purposes.

Today, people are more dependent on their computers than ever before. With computers, they can easily upload their wedding pictures and share them with family and friends all over the world. This means that you do not have to rely on snail mails just to send your pictures. They can be sent and viewed nearly instantaneous.

This is one of the many advantages of digital photography. If taken properly, you are assured that you and you partner will never regret having used digital photography for your wedding pictures.

Below are some of the tips to get the best digital photography for your wedding. Choose the right background. Photos can really look great once they are shot with the perfect background.

You can use the decorations in the church and in the reception areas as a back draft for your photos. Be sure to fix some scattered decorations so that they will appear simply perfect on photos.

Always remind the photographer to check if the view is good when taking pictures. It does not mean that you have to stand on the same corner or place. The best photographer is able to make even the simplest of background look great on photo if it is taken in the right angle.

Look out for any kinds of glass. Glasses tend to cause reflections in photos. May it be an eyeglass, window or wine glasses. One way or another, they will cause a reflection or brightness to reflect back on the camera it is included in the picture.

To avoid this, the position of the camera can be altered so that it will not directly hit the glass. The photo can be taken sideways or downwards but never on eye level. The perfect timing. Persons being photographed should not always be looking at the camera. And they do not have to be smiling at the lens too.
One way of doing it is to wait for the right moment so that you can have a candid shot at them. You will see that catching persons on film when they are in their candid state is much better than having them wearing a fixed expression.

Candid moments make photos look real and natural. Review each photo. To maximize the memory that your digital camera has, it is best to review every shot taken. There might be duplicates that can be removed so that you can free more space for a different shot.

You will probably want the best and the maximum number of digital wedding portrait photography shots so you need to make the most of the capacity of the digital camera.

Protect Photography Lenses With The Right Case

2009-11-17T04:50:00.000-08:00

For any level of photographer, it is essential to keep gear protected. M-Rock has developed a compact line of camera cases to suit any photography lenses . The wide range of styles and sizes of camera cases comes equipped with some vital features for protecting expensive camera accessories.

Water Resistance. Weather and water can be public enemy number one to an active photographer. M-Rock has gone great lengths to ensure their camera cases can withstand the elements. The M-Rock triple protection system on every case consists of a rain-flap, zipper and front buckle. And if that’s not enough, all cases come with a protective weather jacket that serves as a dry bad in inclement weather.

Rigid Structure. Delicate photography materials cannot stand heavy pressure. M-Rock camera cases are constructed with water resistant material, plastic paneling, and thick closed cell foam. The result is a rigid structure that protects all the gear inside.

U Shaped Cradle. A large problem for photographers can be space restrictions and placement of lens within the camera case. Unlike competitors, M-Rock components are universal and can be placed in just about any imaginable combination. Larger M-Rock camera cases come with a rigid foam U-shaped cradle to hold lens while in transit. The U-shaped cradle can be placed on any of the camera case walls to perfectly hold any size lens.

Quality photography relies on quality gear and components. Great photography lenses are an investment for photographers that should be protected with quality camera cases. M-Rock has thought of all the essentials in their line of camera cases to protect your lenses and keep you shooting.

Couple Photography

2009-11-17T03:15:00.000-08:00

Weddings are definitely one of the happiest moments in a person’s life. But, this momentous occasion does not always come as blissful as the event itself. Days and even months before the big day, couples usually cram up with the littlest details.

The process of listing down and cutting down everything into specific details—the wedding date, the venue, the reception, the caterer, the designer of the gown and suit, all the way down to the wedding coverage—are the areas where stress usually ushers in.

Due to hectic schedules, most couples usually do not pay much attention to one of the crucial things in any wedding—the wedding coverage. Despite the overwhelming tension and excitement, couples do not have to be nonchalant when choosing their wedding photographers if they want their fun times and precious memories recorded very well.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PREFERENCES
To avoid making this slight neglect that usually leads disastrous results, couples have to decide first what kind of wedding photography they would want to have. Most wedding photographers today categorize the types of wedding couple photography into two: the traditional or classic style and the wedding photojournalistic style.

The most common style used by wedding photographers today, the traditional or classic wedding photography is considered as a “timeless” and the “safest” style because you normally see in countless wedding albums. Characterized by classic poses of subjects aware of the camera, this style involves so much control from the photographer because he is in-charge in arranging individual and group shots before, during, and even after the wedding.

Having excellent portraiture skills, expect the photographer to focus more on the quality of the photograph by making the subject look great from the littlest details. Expect typical wedding photos like pre-ceremony pictures, formal shots of the bride and groom posing with brides maids and ushers, cake cutting, garter and bouquet toss, and the like when you choose a classic wedding photography. This style is ideal if the couple would want to keep portraits of family members for their wedding album.

If the couple is adventurous and unconventional, then you might want to consider the wedding photojournalistic style of photography on your big day. An increasingly popular style today, wedding photojournalism offers fresh and new style of taking photos in the occasion. Characterized by candid shots of the subjects unaware of the moving camera, the photojournalism style lets the attendees act freely to capture their pure and true emotion.

Sourcing style from his experience in journalism, the “photojournalist” pays more attention to minute details and candid shots rather than arranged ones. He’s more into eyeing interesting moments and capturing those in his lens to produce a narrative collection of images that tell a story in to the couple photography .

Although some traditional poses will be present, expect photos that show actual emotions of the bride and groom and of other participants throughout the duration of the wedding when you choose the photojournalism style.

In order to avoid ruining the documentation of your wedding, here are some tips in making your wedding a picture perfect one:

1. Weddings are one of the most exciting chapters of one’s life. Make sure that you choose a wedding photographer that can meet all your standards. Meet with the photographer before hand the so you could discuss the details you want.
2. Inform the important participants about the schedule of photo sessions and make sure everyone attends the rehearsal to cut down the stress.
3. Have a reception area so guests can be informed about the itinerary. This will set the occasion in order.

Children’s Photographer Must Have Attitude

2009-11-17T02:45:00.000-08:00

Most baby portraits are taken when the baby is very young. Children's photographer must keep in mind that the baby should be on their stomachs with holding their heads up strongly. Some babies can perform this task earlier than three months. Each baby is an individual so do not fret. This is also a great time when a baby will not cooperate with cloth changes.

You can try laying the baby on their tummy and when they raise their head, you can snap the baby portrait. Children photographers tend to use black and white for these baby portraits, which give the portraits a classic look.

At six months of age, this will increase a children photographers options with posing and baby portraits. This is a wonderful time for children photographers to photograph with cute props or even a special chair. The expressions for these baby portraits are truly priceless.

Nine months of age, the babies will be teething as well as drooling a lot. Make sure you keep drool rags in a location, which is easy to access and quickly. Children at this age also experience anxiety when separated from their parents.

Children photographers must show patience to capture these particular stages in a baby portrait. You can try shooting the child standing up and without shoes, which make for adorable baby portraits most parents will love.

Twelve months of age, the baby will be standing up more times to none by themselves. Make sure you advise the parents to have shoes on the baby for the baby portrait. The shoes should be clean. Children's photographer usually engage the child while taking the baby portrait pictures. The child will more than likely not be looking at the camera and this is ok. This will provide an arena for very natural poses while catching the childs personality in the baby portrait.

It is very important to document the babys stages during the first year of life, whether by the parents or professional children photographer performing the baby portrait. This is something that is monumental and will never be able to be captured again.

Use the most natural lighting as possible. You do not want red-eye to be popping up in the baby portraits. Move in close and be quick about it. A good children photographer wants to catch those timeless expressions. Photograph outdoors is you need to while avoiding the sunlight. Do not ever face a child with the sun in their eyes; this will cause them to squint.

Family Portrait Photography

2009-11-17T02:30:00.000-08:00

Family portrait photography is an important part of our heritage. They preserve history. They record family growth. They document changing styles (some good, some not-so-good!). More than that, however, portraits seem to call to us and will garner our attention almost immediately when we enter a room. These, among many other reasons, are why family portraits continue to be so popular. It's also why portraiture is one of the most popular areas of study at photography schools.

While almost all get looked at, only a few spark the phrase, "That's a good picture!" Why is it that since most photographers go through photography school, only some family portraits gain compliments while others seem ordinary? The posing strategies and selections of photographers play a big role. Photographers tend to get into ruts taking the same styles of portraits over and over. When you feel this happening to you, it's time to shake things up with new ideas about posing families.

Natural Sittings (and Settings) Are Popular
First and foremost, keep things light. The days of stiff family portraits where everybody is in exactly the same pose are over! Today, more natural-looking poses (even "formal" portraits) are what give that noteworthy appearance.

Let the family members be themselves. Keep your eye behind the lens, always looking for an opportune shot as family members interact with each other. You'll also want to encourage natural laughter and smiles rather than forced "cheese" smiles.

Creative Family Poses
Get creative! Use your imagination and a host of props or natural settings to capture moments that are truly unique. For young families, consider placing baby in a bassinet with siblings and parents looking at baby, not at the camera. Perhaps toddlers could play at the edges of brooks or streams with mom and dad.
Other memorable (not to mention adorable) shots could include toddlers chasing bubbles or butterflies and toddlers playing with puppies, bunnies or other small (but tame) pets.

For families with older children, head outside! Fabulous portraits can be created with the family standing behind a fence (smaller kids sitting on the fence). Try a portrait of all silhouettes or of the family gathered on the front porch sipping lemonade. Families can even lounge at the edges of ponds or brooks for creative shots.

Move!
While there's a place to use your tripod, it may not be during a family portrait shoot. If you feel your posing is getting stale, toss the tripod and try alternate angles. Shoot from above or to the side or experiment with lighting. If the family isn't sure of exactly what they want, offer to take a variety of portraits and let them choose the style they like best once they see the results.

When you break down the barriers that squelch your creativity, you free yourself to produce your best work yet. You'll enjoy the sessions more, and your clients will be thrilled with the results of your family portrait photography !

Wedding Photography Tips

2009-11-17T02:10:00.000-08:00

It’s your wedding…one of the most beautiful days in your life. How else can you make the perfect occasion last? Capture the momentous event with great wedding photographs. This blog is for you. because today, I'm going to offer you wedding photography tips that will help you get a great photographer to make your wedding day memories last forever.

The first thing to do is to give the most opportunities for the photographer when scheduling activities during the wedding day. When planning the time of the wedding ceremony and of the reception, couples should incorporate the time that the photographer requires to capture all of the couple’s special moments. There should be a gap between the end of the ceremony and beginning of the reception, to allow for more photographs for the bride, groom and wedding entourage, especially if they are in two different locations. The photographers and subjects will have a more relaxed shoot and will enjoy all the parts of the wedding if the events are well spaced out.

Next, think of important factors when selecting a wedding photographer. The photographer should be able to show more than one complete set of wedding photos. Couples should not accept someone who shows only selected prints of their best photographs from different weddings. Ideally, all photographs from 3 to 4 complete wedding sets that are at least satisfactory should be a criterion of a professional wedding photographer.

It is also good to have a photographer that gives a package with unlimited coverage for the whole day. Again, this way, photography will not be rushed.

Next, try to be aware of photography companies or individuals that contract out jobs to a pool of wedding photographers or even freelancers. Salespersons often pose as actual photographers and try to woo customers. Make sure companies deal openly, and ask them to show 3 to 4 complete weddings from each of the photographers they offer you, so you can choose. Make sure the one chosen is the one that will cover your wedding. Otherwise, it is better to find a photographer that personally shoots weddings. A two-person team is an even better package because two points of view of the wedding can be taken.

Some photographers only offer the traditional wedding photography style, or strictly a photojournalistic style. It is best to find a versatile photographer that can do both.

Lastly, couples should take note of some important questions to ask a prospective wedding photographer:

• Are colored and black and whites included, or would he charge extra for B/W? Dramatic effects can be made with black and white photographs, so ask if this is a premium.
• Are hand and digital coloring or digital color separation included in the package or would he charge extra for these? Better pictures are developed when the photograph colors are separated first, improved, and then printed.
• What kinds of cameras does he use? Does he use medium format equipment and have a back up? Does have a "leaf" shutter or "focal plane"?
• What lenses does he use? Does he use only one, or will he change lenses? Make him show you photo effects that he is able to achieve with different lenses and choose the ones which you like to appear with your photographs.
• Is he willing to customize a package that is within your budget?

Asking intelligent questions is one of the most important wedding photography tips to deal openly with customers and photographers. Remember, it’s your special day, and you should make sure that the wedding photography is something that will help you and your loved ones relive those wonderful memories.

Corporate Photographer

2009-11-16T02:02:00.000-08:00

Wendy as a corporate photographer has grown to be an artist. She has the website that is a simple picture of her artistic moves in the career of photography. As a Photographer it has definitely taken a mode of an artistic journey of being nothing to becoming a photographer in capturing spirits, emotions, phases of life and expressions.

The role of a Photographer is to create something out of nothing. A Photographer brings life to a click of a picture. This obviously involves not only imagination but a gift of recognizing the motion of a simple picture or a portrayal. The role of the photographer also signifies in recording the still images that are produced into a product. A brief is prepared by the interactive designer or the project manager.

A photographer is called on to photograph a wide range of subjects from human subjects captured or posed in action to places such as buildings, landscapes, interiors to objects such as personal or cultural artefacts. The photograph is expert on using the specialist equipment necessary to bring life to the photographs as screens, backgrounds, spot lightning and copystands. The photographer is also responsible for the development of the film and hence discusses with artistic director or interactive designer for the quality of images in the photograph. The photographer has tremendous responsibilities as converting the image to digital format, either by scanning or image grabbing.

Photographer is experienced and knowledgeable in the field, the site have experience in shooting a wide range of subject matter in different conditions and settings. They are familiar with trends in digital photography as well; they are also experts in professional image editing and processing software such as Adobe Photoshop.

Wendy has come a long way in the field of corporate photographer . It definitely started of with a passion to having a full blown professional business. It has fulfilled the roles of a professional business in every other way.

The website is designed of portraits to see the work of Wendy in the field of Photography. The website is the panorama for different photography sessions. The website is designed beautifully to understand the full blown role of a photographer in the field of photography. There is immense counterpart by the website to reflect the works of the photography and the trend of photography. It not only depicts the true colors in photography but also adds on to the beauty of design and features. It compliments to the talent of photographer in acknowledging the beauty in the field of photography. It portrays valuable pictures and modes of different colors being added to the talent of photography.

Photograph Wedding

2009-11-16T00:52:00.001-08:00

Many couples get so caught up with planning all the obvious details of their wedding--such as the cake, the wedding decorations, the gown and gifts for members of the wedding party--that they often overlook the importance of selecting the right wedding photographer. It’s important to remember that the photographer you choose will be responsible for capturing the moments and memories of what may be the most important day of your life! With this in mind, you'll want to take great care in selecting a wedding photographer considering there are no second chances.

As you might imagine, photograph wedding is one of the most challenging types of professional photography. The wedding photographer has to make everyone look beautiful, shooting in a multitude of locations in all kinds of weather conditions--and accomplish all this in minimum amount of time. At the same time, your wedding photographer should have the personality to complement you on your most joyous day. Take your time and follow some of the simple suggestions discussed below, and you will most certainly be satisfied with the outcome.

Where Do You Begin?
Personal referrals or asking friends, relatives and co-workers for suggestions, is a great place to start. Typically, people who have had positive experiences with photographers are more than willing to share that information. In addition, you’ll already have some insight about the photographer’s personality before you actually meet. After compiling a preliminary list, visit each photographer’s web site and thoughtfully review his or her online portfolio. If a portfolio looks appealing you, chances are, that photographer might be a good fit. Next, call or email each photographer on your list. Through this initial contact, you can determine the photographer’s availability, the type of work they specialize in (candid or traditional) as well as an estimate of the cost and what you’ll receive for that fee.

Schedule appointments with the photographers who seem most appropriate and ask to view their portfolios in person and discuss more details. Ask each of them to show you a complete portfolio of a single wedding--this will give you a much clearer sense of what you can expect than a collection of choice shots from several different events. Pay attention to whether the photographer is adept at portraying individual expressions and personalities. Ideally, these meetings should include the bride and groom as well as the bride's parents since you will all be interacting with the photographer.

What Questions Should You Ask For Photograph Wedding ?
Be sure to write down all of your questions beforehand, and take thorough notes during the meetings. Although most professional photographers will provide you with a clear outline of their services and fees prior to your meeting, you will, in all likelihood, still have a large number of questions to ask. Remember, the more information you have, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel on your special day. The following are some questions, courtesy of you may wish to consider asking:

•How will you show me pictures for selection (e.g., electronic, proofs, contact sheets, online gallery, etc.)?
•Will you help me choose the final pictures?
•How will you make it easy for friends and family to order reprints?
•What are the costs of the various levels of coverage?
•Are there different degrees of coverage?
•What is your photography style; photojournalistic, traditional, mixed, etc.?
•How much for the duplicate prints, albums, folios, enlargements, thank you cards, etc.?
•What’s your time frame for preparing the pictures for my selection?
•How about engagement session?
•How long do I have to make up my mind as to which pictures I want and how many?
•How long have you been in business?
•What kind of guarantee comes with my hiring you?
•What’s your philosophy for photographing weddings?
•Will you have an assistant?
•Do you have travel fees?
•How much is your overtime fee?
•What do you plan to do at my wedding to make my wedding photographs unique and personal to me?
•Do you have a backup?
•Will you be shooting my pictures personally?
•Will you use film or digital?
•What's your payment policy?
•Do you give any guarantees on your services and photographs?
•What is the possibility of the pictures fading?

How Much Will It Cost?
•Plan to allocate a significant portion of your wedding budget to ensure photographs are perfect. Expect to spend at least $1000 on a professional wedding photographer to document your event. Albums and prints are usually extra. Other extras that may increase your bottom line include additional hours, additional photographers, custom albums etc. etc. Add on too many extras – and your photography budget could quickly creep to $5000 and beyond! Photograph wedding does not need to be so expensive if you only know how to handle it.

Making a Commitment
At this point, you should have a relatively clear idea of which photographer is best suited to capture your wedding day memories. Once you have made a decision, be prepared to leave a deposit to reserve the date. You may still wish to reassure yourself by asking about a few final details. For example, find out what the photographer's policy for wedding-date changes is and what the alternatives are if he or she is not available on the backup date. Also, ask about their policy for an unexpected cancellation. If you feel the photographer is right for you, then relax and make the commitment with the confidence that you’ve made a well-formed, intelligent decision in planning the most important day of your life.

Website Photography

2009-11-16T00:52:00.000-08:00

So you plan to create a website photography and topics related to photography? The most important thing to do for this is to gather and create useful and interesting content for the website. Remember that your photography website is going to become a marketing tool for your website, and so your website content should accordingly reflect this. You could actually create the web design for your photography website using the numerous software and templates available on the Internet. However, if you do use this software or template, you will not be able to create a unique website as anyone else can design a website using the same software or template, and will thus resemble your photography website.

So if you plan to have a photography website that is unique, you could enlist the services of a professional web designer. The web designer helps you create a website using his expertise. If you are not satisfied, you could make some changes to the designs he gives, to finally come across the best website designs. The additions and deletions you make in the website design all come in the web designer’s package, and he is not to charge extra for that work. The professional web designer may cost a bit but compared to the profits you make through the website, this fare can be considered negligible.

If you plan to write your own content for your photography website, remember to appeal to the emotions of your web site visitors. Make it a point to highlight the benefits of photography; like the benefits of digital photography, where you can do all the developing and printing of photos in the comfort of your house; without having to go to a photo developing shop. You could include programs for novices to organize photos into albums. By doing this, the visitor learns how to load the photographs into a community building web page that permits sharing of photos address books and chat rooms. Including photography tips is very important in a photography website, as everyone is always on the lookout for tips to make their photography better and more attractive. All these points make the visitor more interested in visiting your website to read the content of the website.

Of course, other content that could be entered in a photography website would be newsletters and articles of new products and services that are available for improved photography. The photography market is improving everyday, with new cameras, video cameras, printers and photo accessories coming out everyday. By including all this in the photography website, people will be informed about the developments in the world of photography. Since there are many photography contests going on around the country and the world, including information about this too is feasible for the photography website. In this way, people who are interested in the competitions may participate in these competitions. News about the numerous photography events going on too is another piece of information that could be included in the photography website. This way, photographers can visit these events to have a look at the work of other’s photography and thus make improvements in their own photography.

To make the content of your photography website more interesting and appealing to the visitors, you could consider including banners buttons and clip art in the photography website. However, avoid creating too big banners and graphic designs for the photography website, as visitors are not actually that patient to wait for these big files to download; they may leave the website for waiting for so long. Another thing to remember when creating a website for photography; is that it is vital to use terminology that the general public understands, as it is they who will be most visiting your website. Don’t use industry jargon and abbreviations, as a well-written site is one that entices sales and improves your search engine rankings. This can be done only if the visitor actually understands what is on your photography website!

As your photography website may also contain cameras and camera accessories for sale, it is important that you eliminate apprehensions of visitors buying online. You have to ensure them that you have a privacy policy, which they can easily access. Display your contact information on your website as this lends credibility and reassures potential buyers. Showing satisfaction of your products and services with testimonials from past clients too is an important part of your photography website. They are an excellent marketing tool, just make sure that the testimonials are legitimate. You could legitimize the testimonials by including the person’s title, business name and website too. Make your purchase process in the website photography easy for the visitor to understand. Keep the purchase buttons at easily identifiable points by using action words like “buy now” on the buttons. This is sure to give an increase in the sales of your photography equipment and also more visits to your website! So keep all these points in mind when creating a photography website and see the popularity of the website soar!

Photography Lesson

2009-11-16T00:51:00.001-08:00

Are you looking for Photography Lesson 101 ? Then you've got the best place right now.
Here are some tips for you to begin photography:

Keep an eye on the weather
Weather conditions can play a big part in setting the mood of your shot. Rather than waiting for the bright light of the midday sun, a misty morning in a forest can be the perfect time of day for that mood-shot.

Take your time to choose the subject
Take your time to choose the subject, then spend time walking around the subject looking for the best angle and lighting.

Take your time to set up the shot
Don't be afraid to take your time to set up your shot. Although it can get a bit frustrating if you have your loved ones tagging along and they're sitting and waiting impatiently for 20 minutes for you to take a single shot of a piece of driftwood on the beach!

Don't always choose brightly-coloured subjects
Subjects with muted colours can sometimes produce excellent results. A field of wheat of similar yellow-brown colour can produce striking results when accompanied by a low-sun and long shadows.

Movement diffusion
If you have a camera that allows you to shoot with a manual shutter speed - try slowing the speed and increasing the F-stop. Then move your camera when taking the shot. Some very effective arty-type images can be produced with blur effects.

Overexpose your subject
Not too good to do all the time, but experiment with results by over-exposing the subject.

Try macro photography
Grab a magnifying glass and see if you can focus your camera through the glass onto a small subject. It just may work! And may open up a whole new range of subjects for you!

Shoot through wet glass
Try spraying water onto a window, then take a shot through the window to a subject outside. (wet the outside of the window - not the inside of your home!).

Color balance
Try balancing color by having subject and the surrounding detail in similar colors. This is the best photography lesson you need to remember.

Silhouettes
Silhouettes usually have a small range of colours, but can produce some of the most beautiful images. Shooting a silhouette involves having the background brighter then the subject in the foreground.

Experiment with patterns
We've all seen those amazing images of the red and orange leaves of maple trees in the fall/autumn. Thousands of leaves - all of a similar shape and colour - but very awe-inspiring and beautiful.

Compliment colours
Two strikingly-different colours can be beautiful too. Picture an image of your girlfriend or wife in a red dress sitting on a field of green grass. Or your boyfriend or husband in a red shirt walking through a field of waist-high wheat stalks. Complimentary colours that will bring more attention to the subject.

Use a colour filter
If your camera can be fitted with coloured filters - try your hand. Although this effect can be made quite easily these days with photo and image-editing software.

Sunrise is better than sunset
Wake up before sunrise one day and go on a photography expedition. If you've not done it before you'll be pleasantly-surprised by the contrasting light and shadows. But remember you'll only have a very short window of time in which to shoot (usually less than an hour) before the sun rises too high and you lose the light.

Use a flash in daylight
Use your flash during the daytime to fill a close subject with light. This will produce better results where the background is brighter than your subject and the automatic shutter speed on your camera shoots too fast to effectively show the detail of your subject.

Childrens Photography

2009-11-16T00:51:00.000-08:00

In my work as a pro photographer I would guess that a good 70% of my images are of children. As a result I have discovered various methods of achieving the completely natural images that people love. There are many things to remember when trying to do childrens photography . First of all, you need to have so much patience. There are some methods that work and some that don’t, here are a few hints that I have learned along the way.

Don’t rush into things
Children can be very shy at first and it takes a real skill to get a child’s trust in a short period of time. I have an advantage over studio photographers in that I regularly shoot out doors (about 95% of the time). This means I can often meet the children at there home or a place familiar to them which makes it easier for the child to be relaxed. Having arrived at the location I set about gaining the child’s trust and breaking down the shy barriers. This is essential if I want to capture the completely natural images I have made my name on. I never take the camera equipment in to the house straight away. I’ll leave it in the car until I feel the child is ready. This also helps the parents to settle down. Its important to realise each little one is an individual and as such there is no hard and fast rule of how to treat any of them.

Timing
Not only is your timing of each shot vital but also the time of the day. Children normally run on a routine that involves sleep, food, drink and play. If you schedule the shoot to take place in anything other than a child’s natural play time you are asking for trouble.

It should be fun for all involved
If you want to capture natural expressions of joy (and who wouldn’t) then the only way to achieve this is to make it fun. Depending on the age group the way this can be achieved differs but the basic guideline is, you play by their rules. Find something that would entertain them. For example for 0-4 year olds can be easily distracted with a bubble machine. For over 4’s perhaps a kite or remote control car something that is both colourful and enjoyable. What you are aiming to achieve is a happy child who soon forgets about the camera and really is having great fun.

Don’t force things
As any parent will tell you trying to get a child to do something they don’t want to do is as close to impossible as things get. You can guarantee tantrums and tears follow if a child is forced into doing something they’ve decided they don’t want too. The trick is to get them to want to do whatever it may be. Constant praise is all that should come from the photographer on how well they are doing. When I’m photographing children and for whatever reason they decide that they’re not going to lie down / kneel or even stand I try once and then move on to something else. Ten or twenty minutes later I’ll come back to the original pose and try it again, nine times out of ten this will succeed as the child has forgotten about not wanting to do whatever it was and we get the shot. As is mentioned before, you’re playing by their rules. Childrens photography is all about them and not about you.

Be prepared
You never know what each second holds when photographing children especially when you’re outside. Many things can make fantastic photographs, throwing stones into a lake, patting a dog, throwing leaves all this and more. If you switch your camera off and put your lens cap on it’s a sure way to miss fantastic unscripted moments.

I hope these points have made sense and will help you next time you take on the challenge of photographing children. I wish you fantastic luck.

Selling Photography

2009-11-15T23:56:00.000-08:00

Anyone with the ability to use a camera correctly has the potential to go on the business of selling photography . Picture agencies handle images of every subject and are always looking for emerging talent.

Pictures libraries and stock agencies are in the business of selling images. The don’t give you advice on how to take better images. Their purpose is business - they sell images to magazines, book publishers, the travel industry and many other industries that use images.

Many photographers look upon agencies as a last resort to sell their work; if you have been unable to sell any of your images, the chances are that most agencies won’t accept them.

If you are interested in an agency selling your images, you must be able to produce high quality images which are suited to the agencies market. Check out their website to view samples that are currently in use.

If you feel your work meets their standards and suits their customers - then approach them by e-mail or by standard mail. But, before placing your work at an agency make a short-list of the agencies that seem to suit your work. Contact each agency outlining your work and which magazines have already published your images. If an agency is then interested they will ask you to send them samples.

If an agency accepts your work, don’t take this as a guarantee that your images will sell.

Don’t approach an agency until you have a large collection of images. Minimum first submissions can consist of anything from 50 images to 500 and regular submissions are normally required thereafter. Most agencies work on a commission basis - 50 % being the standard rate. If an image sells for two hundred euro - the photographer receives a one hundred euro fee.

When an agency takes on a photographer’s work, they normally require a four or five year retention period. Agencies normally sell the reproduction rights of a pictures - the image being licensed to a buyer for a specified purpose.

It may take as long as six months before an agency sells a picture belonging to you. First they need to scan your images if they are submitted by film; then they need to contact their clients and let them know that there is new material available - all of this takes time, so you must look at supplying a picture agency as a long term investment. It is only when you have several hundred images placed in a library that you’ll start to see regular sales on your selling photography .

Remember: agencies can’t sell images if there isn’t a market for them and placing images at an agency does not guarantee you sales.

Tips And Types of Photography

2009-03-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

Few families would consider leaving home for a vacation these days without reliable, high-quality digital imaging equipment-whether it's a camera or a camcorder.

Here are some tips and types of photography from the experts at Canon to help you make the most of memorable vacation moments:

Always be prepared: Don't forget to bring backup camera batteries or memory cards so you'll never miss a shot.

Creativity is key: Sunsets and mountain ranges are always great backdrops for family pictures. By using your surroundings in interesting ways, you'll be able to create images featuring an array of natural color and light while showcasing your happy family.

Share the fun: Take turns and let others control the lens for a while. A camcorder such as the Canon DC40 DVD Camcorder is so easy to use that anyone in the family can take great video. The camcorder records direct to DVD, is compact and takes high-resolution, 4-Megapixel digital photos.

Strike a pose-No!: Candid shots of family members can capture their personalities much better than carefully orchestrated photographs.

Don't be afraid: Take your PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH camera with you on a scuba diving adventure. The 6-Megapixel camera has a 16:9 widescreen mode for full-screen viewing on widescreen TVs and computer monitors, and is the right size for taking along on any deep-sea adventure.

Use the WPDC40 underwater camera case (to depths of 130 feet) to protect the camera and snap pictures in the surf.

Hello from abroad: Print and send photos before you even get home: The SELPHY CP510 photo printer is small enough to pack in your suitcase and lets you print pictures in under a minute. And the paper used for printing photos doubles as a postcard! How's that for multitasking?

Pack lightly: Hybrid digital products such as the PowerShot S3 IS let you capture still photographs and high-quality video. The 6-Megapixel camera has a 12x optical zoom lens, image stabilization technology for steady shots, a "movie snap" feature that lets you take still images while shooting movies, a widescreen mode for full-screen viewing and still leaves plenty of room for any souvenirs you might want to bring home.

Hybrid digital products can take types of photography stills and shoot movies without taking up too much space in your luggage.