Archive for Make Better Photographs – Page 45

Branding Portraiture Photography

Over the years I have had the good fortune to work with actors, actresses, celebrities as well as up and coming models, corporate executives and alike. At first, many state they only want a “good looking” representation of themselves in the best light possible … and of course … I can do that! 🙂

On the other hand, some require Professional Branding Portraiture Photography which is slightly different.

Before continuing I would like to say: This short article was inspired by a call I received by a potential client yesterday. A very nice lady rang to say that she was searching the web, stumbled across our website and was intrigued by the “Simple Design”, “Color”, “Banner Image” and most importantly the” branding portrait” of myself. In short, the potential client raved about the content but stated she would not have stayed to view it if for not the intriguing,  professional portrait which was displayed.

Branding Portraiture in a nutshell requires the client to know who they are or whom or what they wish to be “portrayed” as.  Many times I send new client’s away with the task of determining this and ask them to schedule a session once they know and have the ability to articulate it too me.  Some call back within a day, some a week and others not at all. This task is not an easy one and requires some sole searching, to say the least. Read More→

The 10 Commandments of a Successful Wedding Photographer: by Dominic Lee, AMPA

Wedding Photo1. Never ever take a booking without a booking fee (average 10%). A deposit is refundable while a booking fee is non refundable.

2. Never ever smoke or drink alcohol while working and always dress as if you are a guest at the wedding. If you want to dress like “an artist” then take up wildlife photography.

3. Never ever give the client printable files on DVD (unless you intend changing career within 3 years). They will print them on cheap fax/copy paper using the printer they got free with the computer which has all the colours of the rainbow in one cartridge!!!!.

4. Never panic, (if you are impatient, dont be a wedding photographer).

5. Always carry a spare camera, flash and spare batteries that are fully charged, (anyone want to buy my old Hasselblad?)

6. Never take photographs during the Gospel or during the Consecration, (it’s as disrespectful as doing a jig during the Nation Anthem). Read More→

Does Image Orientation Matter in Microstock Photography? by Rahul Pathak

If you are actively shooting (or interested in shooting) images for stock, one of the common questions that comes up when submitting stock imagery concerns image orientation. Which perform best – horizontal, vertical or square images?

Image Formats

The simple answer is that horizontal formats dominate in microstock on all key metrics – views, downloads, conversion and revenue per image. The most likely explanation is that online usage of stock imagery is rising and most device form factors are horizontal (think monitor screens, blog layouts, banners, etc.) Read More→

6 Tips for Better Pet Photos

We love our pets, they’re part of our family and our everyday life. Those cute little kitties and crazy canines bring us a lot of joy and happiness. Here are 6 tips to help you capture those little personalities for a lifetime of memories.

  1. Patience is a virtue – Unless your pet is very well trained, the odds of them doing exactly what you want when you want them to are very slim. Take your time, relax and go with the flow. You can encourage them to get in certain positions, but you’re better off letting nature take its course. Try photographing them during normal activities rather than creating a photo session. To get their attention, try squeaking their favorite toy just before you press the shutter button. Simply calling their name or making an unusual sound may help to create an inquisitive expression.
  2. How low can you go – So many people photograph their pets from a standing position. This is how we normally see them so we think this is how they should be photographed. Let’s try something different. Get down on the ground so you’re eye level with them. It will give you a new perspective and give your photos a sense of intimacy. Read More→

Speedlite Built-in Snoot

How many of us professionals forget that our strobes have a “ZOOM” feature? Zoom is normally set too automatic and will focus the strobe beam of light based on the lens “Zoom” setting.

Example: If we’re using a 24-70 lens and have it zoomed out to 24mm your flash would automatically fire a beam of light broad enough to encompass the entire frame. Now if we take the same picture and zoom in with lens to 70mm our strobe will focus that same beam of light to only strike the area which is now framed within the camera. This process saves flash power and overall works great! Read More→

Compose Then Shoot – Don’t Shoot Then Compose

So many photographers have 20+ megapixels cameras and brag about how they now have more latitude when cropping in on a photograph. This is very true but is it really as great as it sounds?

Personally, I’m of the old school film days and have always tried to get what I wanted in the camera at the time of the shutter release and not after in the darkroom. Of course, things are much easier now within our “digital” darkrooms but still today just like years ago our photographs suffer from cropping.

Let’s look at it this way…

Read More→