Archive for Tip

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→

Portable LED Lights for Under $20 – by Scott Wyden

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Don’t be afraid to try something new! Even if you can’t afford the expensive lighting and gear you can still have a blast playing with light. Go to Home Depot and pick up some Sylvania DOT-it lights. They even come in multi packs. For under $20 you can have portable LED lights that can really bring some great light to a photo.

Sylvania DOT-it Lights

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