Photography Tips

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


Tips for Photographing Newborns

Photographing newborns is a joyous occasion and one that photographers shouldn’t take for granted. There are few things more special than capturing the beauty of a new bundle of joy that has recently entered the world. For all their volatility and unpredictable nature, newborns present photographers an incredible challenge. But with this challenge, photographers can be sure to push their skills to the limits. If you’re thinking about improving your newborn photography skills, consider these tips.      Patience and Confidence are Necessities So you’re probably thinking that babies aren’t able to identify confidence in a photographer. Regardless of whether they can or not, the more important aspect is that you’re able to connect with the baby in an emotional manner. A manner which brings out their happiness, or one which can soothe their worries. This is one of the hardest aspects in life for a parent, yet alone a… | Read the full article


Shooting Better Maternity Photos

Maternity photos are one of the best mediums to highlight the beauty that is pregnancy. The context is also quite a unique moment, as not only are you capturing the magnificence of an expecting mother, but you’re also responsible to portray the bundle of joy that will soon enter the world. In this sense, you’re working with a subject who is often shy and reserved about the appearance of their body at this time, and a subject who isn’t visible on camera. These considerations can make maternity photos a difficult challenge, but here are some words of advice to help the cause.     Understand What Your Client is Comfortable With Before you start a maternity session, you should work with the mother to understand her personality and what she is comfortable with. It goes without saying that the style of maternity shots can range considerably, but ultimately, you want… | Read the full article


Travelling With Your Photography Gear

As a professional photographer, getting around with all your equipment is no easy feat. Once you start to travel for work, or take your gear with you on your travels, this difficulty is only compounded further. Not only do you have to be mindful about packing fragile equipment, but you face constraints surrounding the size and weight of your luggage. However, despite these irritating factors, there are certain things you can do to reduce the inconvenience you face.   What to Take Of course, deciding what to take depends on the exact nature of your trip and whether it is strictly for business, or pleasure as well. With that said, opt for versatility and functionality rather than taking every single piece of equipment in your possession. You’re better served by taking fewer lenses, ideally zoom lenses which are adaptable. What is sometimes overlooked from the packing process is cleaning materials…. | Read the full article


How Improved Fitness Can Help You as a Photographer

As more and more people jump into the fitness scene in increasing numbers, there’s little doubt that the way we take ownership of our health has become a priority for many. Most however, photographers included, don’t necessarily associate or recognise the benefits that fitness can play in their profession. From the physical aspects, to the mental components, improved fitness can help you become a better photographer.   Aside from the obvious physical health benefits that come with fitness – including the lower likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, or diabetes – it can also play an important role in boosting our memory and thinking skills. Now considering photography is by no means an easy profession – particularly since you are also managing a business at the same time – keeping your mental state finely attuned is imperative to cope well under the inevitable stress. Furthermore, with the role it may… | Read the full article


These Tasks Will Help You Become a Better Photographer

As we all know, overconfidence and complacency can be a photographer’s own worst enemy. Being able to recognise one’s technical deficiencies is one of the best ways to continually improve your photography skills. Ultimately, if you’re not learning, you’re not trying hard enough. Next time you have a chance, incorporate these tasks into your schedule to help you become a better photographer.   Step in Their Shoes This is less about creativity than it is about execution. If you have a favourite photographer, or even some favourite shots that you’ve collected, go about trying to recreate the work. Perfection isn’t the be all and end all with this task, so long as you’re picking challenging photos that test and broaden your skills.   Stay Away from that Magic Wand Given the processing capabilities of today’s editing software, it’s easy to become accustom to fixing everything on Photoshop. What this means… | Read the full article


Tips for Macro Photography

There are times where you just want to incorporate that little bit extra detail into your photos. Macro photography is the perfect approach, while also a thoroughly challenging and enjoyable experience. Naturally, the process is all about a close up, but is macro photography really as straightforward as that? No, not really, but take heed of these points and you’ll deliver impressive results.   Use a suitable support If you’re using a regular lens, one of the difficult aspects when shooting close ups at ground level is ensuring the camera remains steady. Rather than trying to find a support for your hands or body, instead consider one for your camera. For example, specialty tripods or even cushions and beanbags can be great as props to minimise any movement. Similarly, where appropriate, you can use one of your hands or a purpose made device to steady the object that you are… | Read the full article


Tips for Low Light Photography

As any photographer would know, it’s important to be versatile. Not only with one’s style of photography, but for the conditions with which they work. This includes low light conditions, which may be attributable to shooting: outdoors at night, indoors, or where there are varying sources of low–intensity light on offer. What’s more, low light photography skills are necessary for a variety of photographers, including those working with portraits, weddings and landscapes. Of course, a flash would appear a logical solution to deal with low light conditions. However, it’s not necessarily a fix that works in every situation. You see, a flash device, particularly when integrated into a camera, can sometimes result in a flat looking picture by compressing image depth. There are also the complications that come with a flash being distracting to the subject of a photo, as well as the potential need to set up and configure… | Read the full article


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