Month: August 2017
8 Things Photographers Hate
Photographers are generally considered a tolerant bunch. What with an endless number of amateurs devaluing the work of professionals, patience and persistence are defining traits of a successful photographer. Having said that, there are an assortment of things that make photographers want to tear their hair out. No doubt you’ve experienced some of these, or others, but let’s glance over the worst offenders. Hearing How ‘Easy’ it must be to Take Photos for a Living There’s nothing easy at all when it comes to being a photographer. Boundless competition, price pressure, difficulties securing long-term clients, a general underappreciation of the industry – the list goes on. But just because a photographer happens to follow their passion and enjoy what they do, it doesn’t mean it’s an easy job. Praise for Your Camera This one is all too common. Photographers should and do take great pride in their abilities… | Read the full article
Photographers Shouldn’t Confine Themselves to the Golden Hour
It’s widely acknowledged that the golden hour is the best time of the day for photographers to be working outdoors. As photographers, particularly those focusing on portraits, we embrace and rely on the warm, soft overtones during those short moments after sunrise and before sunset. And why not? After all, the conditions add another dimension to our work. However, this in itself should be a point of concern for portrait photographers. Sure, it’s more difficult to work in bright or sunny conditions. But why continually settle for the ‘easier’ option when you can hone your technical skills by working against the conditions? The reality is, if you’re intent on becoming a full time photographer, you will need to have a flexible schedule and work during the daytime hours. This includes those moments where the harsh sun is bearing down. This isn’t to say you should never work during the golden… | Read the full article
An Outdoor Photographer’s Paradox
As a photographer, the tendency is to be prepared for every occasion. We learn throughout the early stages of our career that it is good business practice to be equipped with a wide range of photography equipment. We also come to realise that we shouldn’t be reliant on our photography gear, or seek to upgrade gear just for the sake of it. Instead, our artistic vision and creativity is more pertinent. However, despite this careful balance of judgement, there’s another paradox we should consider. Namely, our frustration with certain pieces of equipment that are designed to make our jobs easier. Let’s look at some of the biggest culprits, but also remind ourselves why we should persevere using them. Strobe Lights, Softboxes and Umbrellas In the studio, these items are akin to set and forget type instruments. Sure, they require tweaks and configurations, but their use is still fairly straightforward…. | Read the full article
Tips for Photographing Pets
There’s something about photographing pets that just warms the heart of many. Whether it’s their adorable appearance, or their loveable personality, pets have a special place in family homes around the country. Not to mention, they are often a source of joy, humour and delight for plenty. Similar to newborns, working with pets is an unpredictable task and they won’t always be so accommodating. Accordingly, if you can master pet photography, there’s a fair chance you’ll have no problems working with any other type of subject again. Aim for Natural Shots Instead of trying to force an animal into a certain place, or posing them in a certain manner, capture their natural movements. Sometimes the best shots eventuate when an animal is doing an activity, or engaging with another animal and perhaps even their owner. Increasing the shutter speed and using a continuous setting will help you capture… | Read the full article
