Photography News
Setting up a Photography Studio
Having your own dedicated studio is an essential aspect of running a professional photography business. While some opt for an external studio, provided you have ample space and privacy, you can also set up your own studio at home. Let’s take a look at some of the steps involved with a home studio. Find a Suitable Room This is the first and most important step. Fundamentally, if you don’t have a large enough room, or it lacks privacy, then your best bet is to consider an external studio. The measure of this should really be whether you have space to work different angles and also zoom with a wide angle lens where suitable for things like full body shots. Overall, for a broad range of photography sessions, the bigger the better. Suppose however that you do have sufficient space. First you want to make sure that the walls are white… | Read the full article
Food Photography Tips
Few things look better than a well prepared dish crafted to perfection. And as a food photographer, you’re fortunate enough to be involved in the important step of showcasing this delight. However, considering there are countless blogs and magazines out there dedicated to the topic, and even the same dish, you’re not short on competition. As such, it takes perfect execution to really separate yourself and your dish from the crowd. Follow these tips to get the fundamentals right. Maintain the Focal Point It goes without saying that the dish is the star of the photo. Therefore, if you’re starting to incorporate other items like cutlery, porcelain or other, remain mindful that these have the potential to decrease the viewer’s engagement with the food. They can, and still should be used effectively, but balance and positioning are vital points when you create the composition of the shot. Presentation… | Read the full article
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
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
