When you first begin using your digital photography
camera be sure you have got the correct equipment you
will need before you set out. Owning the proper equipment
is essential whenever you would like to make it
successfully wether you are a beginner or a professional.
If you're going to become a professional with your
digital photography then you had better be willing to
spend a good deal more on equipment than simply somebody
wanting to do this as a hobby. Depending upon what you
would like to do with digital photography it's entirely
up to you as to how much equipment you're going to be
checking out in buying. A professional career in digital
photography might not be what you are looking for do if
you don't have the money for these kinds of equipment
that you will need to have.
Then, if you are merely wanting to enjoy digital
photography as a hobby then I should be able to assist
you out in letting you know what you may require for your
digital camera, accessories and all. For your first
digital camera the important thing is to not spend overly
to much on it. There is no call for in purchasing an
pricey digital camera until afterwards down the road once
you get a good deal more experienced with it. On several
digital cameras you could be capable to even utilize them
as a manual camera. You will merely have to work out how
to adjust all of it's operations. You'll be able to go
out and buy a book for dummies on digital photography as
well, those are always handy to own. They have them for
virtually everything you want to know. Just keep in mind
that owning the proper software for your digital camera
is really significant, it will help you organize all of
the images you have created.
You will need to purchase a bag or case to keep your
digital camera safe and all or any accessories that you
may have bought as well while you're active. Purchase the
camera that you feel best suits your needs and remember
you only require a basic one for beginners. They will
have all of the features you will need just to get going
and with this camera you'll even be able to take truly
great photographs.
Spending more doesn't all of the time mean that you're
buying the better product. If there's not a photographing
equipment store in your city then I suggest you will be
able to simply go online and look up anything you may be
interested in purchasing. You will be able to discover a
couple of really good deals on the internet if you're
wanting to save a little money, who would'nt like to do
that? Or you can ask around, you might have a friend that
can assist you out with your first time purchasing needs.
If there's a local store where you can go in and purchase
digital cameras for digital photography there will be
somebody in there that can help you with any questions
you could have about the product.
Iowa Photographer
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Baby Photography.
Babies can be the most challenging and rewarding portraits to take, but can also be the most frustrating.
Babies tend to sleep, eat and cry a lot and won’t pose in front of the camera but don’t let that put you off photographing them. Creating the perfect baby portrait, when done right, will certainly be rewarding.
One of the most important factors in photographing babies is patience and the way you apply child psychology when relating to the baby. Babies over six months may be shy and won’t react well to a complete stranger. This is where child psychology comes in - you must try to play with the baby, or even become a child yourself while taking the photograph. The keys of your car can be very effective. But remember, your job is to take a baby portrait; you must be able to react quickly when the infant responds to your entertainment.
Shooting a portrait of a newborn baby can be difficult. At this age the baby will not be active, so it’s better to focus on close-up headshots. Try using natural light from a bedroom window to add mood to the portrait.
Babies over a few months of age will be more alert and will have a lot more movement in them. Shooting fast is a necessity, the infant will tire quickly.
Babies seven months or older can be very tricky to shoot. The baby will bore quickly and will not want to stay in the same position.
If you are serious about baby photography and you tend to shoot from your own studio make sure you have a lot of toys to amuse the infants. A light colour background will work best and shoot the portraits in colour and black and white.
Parents may be worried about the affect of studio lights on their baby. Point out that strobe lights have no effect on kids. Try to point this out before the parent asks.
Don’t ever handle a baby without the parents consent. Most parents will be very protective and won’t react well to a stranger lifting the infant.
Watch out for the fingers - fingers in the mouth can be attractive but on most occasions they will obscure the face.
If you plan to resell the baby photograph to an agency make sure you get a release form signed from the parents. There is a large market out there for baby pictures but agencies or magazines won’t touch them without the parents consent. For baby portraits to be sellable they must be technically perfect, but the picture must illustrate the baby being active or some form of child care.
Des Moines Iowa Children Photographer
Babies tend to sleep, eat and cry a lot and won’t pose in front of the camera but don’t let that put you off photographing them. Creating the perfect baby portrait, when done right, will certainly be rewarding.
One of the most important factors in photographing babies is patience and the way you apply child psychology when relating to the baby. Babies over six months may be shy and won’t react well to a complete stranger. This is where child psychology comes in - you must try to play with the baby, or even become a child yourself while taking the photograph. The keys of your car can be very effective. But remember, your job is to take a baby portrait; you must be able to react quickly when the infant responds to your entertainment.
Shooting a portrait of a newborn baby can be difficult. At this age the baby will not be active, so it’s better to focus on close-up headshots. Try using natural light from a bedroom window to add mood to the portrait.
Babies over a few months of age will be more alert and will have a lot more movement in them. Shooting fast is a necessity, the infant will tire quickly.
Babies seven months or older can be very tricky to shoot. The baby will bore quickly and will not want to stay in the same position.
If you are serious about baby photography and you tend to shoot from your own studio make sure you have a lot of toys to amuse the infants. A light colour background will work best and shoot the portraits in colour and black and white.
Parents may be worried about the affect of studio lights on their baby. Point out that strobe lights have no effect on kids. Try to point this out before the parent asks.
Don’t ever handle a baby without the parents consent. Most parents will be very protective and won’t react well to a stranger lifting the infant.
Watch out for the fingers - fingers in the mouth can be attractive but on most occasions they will obscure the face.
If you plan to resell the baby photograph to an agency make sure you get a release form signed from the parents. There is a large market out there for baby pictures but agencies or magazines won’t touch them without the parents consent. For baby portraits to be sellable they must be technically perfect, but the picture must illustrate the baby being active or some form of child care.
Des Moines Iowa Children Photographer
Monday, August 17, 2009
Art Photography
Art photography is photography that is designed to express the creative vision of a particular artist. It is not necessarily documentary in nature, but sometimes, is purely expressionistic. Art photography can be representational. Art photography can be portraiture, landscapes, still life or nudes. This type of art photography tries to set a classic, sophisticated tone.
Art photography has gone through many phases during its history. At one time, art photography did its best to mimic paintings in their presentation, but art photography just didn't find the same acceptance as paintings did. As time went by, more and more galleries began to display the fine art photography of the day. Art photography moved into larger and larger formats. Art photography went through more phases, but has generally been predominated by the natural landscape, the portrait and the nude figure study. People have begun to accept that even documentary photos can have artistic merit and galleries today display all sorts of art photography. Some of the most famous art photography images in the world were actually taken by photo journalists.
Many rt photography pieces today are large, elaborate stage scenes depicting all sorts of creative visions. Art photography, by its nature is not mass market or commercial photography. Art photography is meant to be one of a kind pieces and small number series works. Art photography is collected by museums and individuals, but generally does not appreciate in value the way fine art paintings have.
With the advent of digital technology, art photography has expanded and the ease of using photo editing software has meant that art photography artists have gained more control over their work and that more people than ever before can produce art photography. Color and composition are now still important elements of art photography, but a vision for your art photography is crucial as well. If you have a digital camera and a computer with photo editing software and a creative vision for your art photography, you can produce some very nice art photography. Photo collages have become more prevalent in art photography since the advent of digital technology and the computer's in creasing role in art photography.
As computers become faster and more powerful, they will further impact the world of art photography. What you can do in art photography is limited only by your imagination. Computer technology coupled with digital photography can create almost any kind of image. Art photography now encompasses so much more than ever before. And art photography is so much more accessible to the average person that the limits of art photography will continue to be expanded. With technology advancing the way, the future looks bright for art photography.
Des Moines Photographer
Art photography has gone through many phases during its history. At one time, art photography did its best to mimic paintings in their presentation, but art photography just didn't find the same acceptance as paintings did. As time went by, more and more galleries began to display the fine art photography of the day. Art photography moved into larger and larger formats. Art photography went through more phases, but has generally been predominated by the natural landscape, the portrait and the nude figure study. People have begun to accept that even documentary photos can have artistic merit and galleries today display all sorts of art photography. Some of the most famous art photography images in the world were actually taken by photo journalists.
Many rt photography pieces today are large, elaborate stage scenes depicting all sorts of creative visions. Art photography, by its nature is not mass market or commercial photography. Art photography is meant to be one of a kind pieces and small number series works. Art photography is collected by museums and individuals, but generally does not appreciate in value the way fine art paintings have.
With the advent of digital technology, art photography has expanded and the ease of using photo editing software has meant that art photography artists have gained more control over their work and that more people than ever before can produce art photography. Color and composition are now still important elements of art photography, but a vision for your art photography is crucial as well. If you have a digital camera and a computer with photo editing software and a creative vision for your art photography, you can produce some very nice art photography. Photo collages have become more prevalent in art photography since the advent of digital technology and the computer's in creasing role in art photography.
As computers become faster and more powerful, they will further impact the world of art photography. What you can do in art photography is limited only by your imagination. Computer technology coupled with digital photography can create almost any kind of image. Art photography now encompasses so much more than ever before. And art photography is so much more accessible to the average person that the limits of art photography will continue to be expanded. With technology advancing the way, the future looks bright for art photography.
Des Moines Photographer
Friday, August 7, 2009
An Introduction to Pet Photography
Photographing your pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Done well, it will allow you to immortalize Fluffy or Spot - that significant member of your family - the pet that shared you food, chewed your shoes, and brought you the newspaper. In fact, the act of seriously photographing your pet will bring you both closer because the process opens you to noticing the small, wonderful things that you might have missed before - the way he wags his tail, etc. This is a grand adventure.
Goal
As with anything, it's best to proceed with a goal in mind so you know where to start. What are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to capture your pet's playful side? Are you trying to setup a funny photo using a prop such as a birthday hat? Is this an interactive portrait between your pet and your child? Sit down and put on paper this goal, because it will help you in preparing properly. Nothing is worse than spending an hour going to your favorite scene with equipment in hand and realizing your forgot a favorite toy - do your self a favor, do not skip this step.
Setting
Now that you have decided on your goal, it's now time to decide the proper setting. Indoors vs. outdoors. Near the fireplace with an open fire in the background, or in a studio. At the beach or in the woods. As you think about the proper setting, think about how your pet will respond to that setting. If you decide the public park is the perfect place, you must think about your pet's resistance to distractions. Is he/she able to resist running after another animal or person? The more you know your pet and look through his/her eyes, the better off you will be.
Preparation
Now you are at the critical preparation stage. You've set your goal, you've decided on the appropriate setting - let's try to anticipate all that can (and will) go wrong. I use the word 'wrong' loosely - try not be too rigid and to have fun - we will talk more about that in a minute. Write out on paper every possible thing you can think of. Here are some suggestions:
· Exercise your pet - just enough so they are still alert, but not hyper
· Lighting - outdoor is best, but flash will work too - should be natural lighting
· Grooming - only if it doesn't adversely affect your pet's mood - then do it days beforehand
· Props/Toys - favorite of the pet
· Food - favorite of the pet
· Be prepared for sudden movement - shutter speed about 1/125th and use iso 400 or 800 film (if indoors)
· Watch the scene clutter
· Have pet at least 6 feet away from background to reduce shadows
· Bring an assistant to help manage your pet
· Zoom Lens
· Camera, Film, Tripod, Equipment, etc.
Etc., etc. Are you getting the idea? The first time you make out your list, the process will be a little tedious, but the beauty is that once the list is made, all you need to do is modify it slightly for the next sessions.
On Location
Whew, you've made to shooting location - congratulations. Hopefully, you've brought everything you are going to need, right? Right! Now, it's time for setup. Be organized; get everything laid out in a logical fashion. The last thing you want to be doing is fiddling around with equipment when you need to be shooting pictures - an animal has a zero attention span and you have got to be ready to snap that picture when the moment is there. How is you animal's demeanor? Is he/she super wound up? If yes, then perhaps some light exercise would be in order - nothing too heavy, but just enough to help him/her calm down. How are you? Are you stressed? Relax, and go with the flow - animals are super sensitive to your mood. Give your pet some last minute grooming - just touch-ups. If you are outdoors, how is the wind? Is it too strong? Is the sun too bright? Remember, overcast is much better for exposure. Make sure that your pet is far enough away from your background so as to not cast any shadows.
The Photographer's Mindset
Your mindset should be one of peace and serenity. I can't overstate that enough. Also, you need to climb into the mind of your pet as best you can. What are they thinking and feeling? Align your expectations properly. If you have never done this before, don't expect perfection the first time out - that will just raise your anxiety level and will stress out your pet.
Shooting
One of the most important things to remember is to get down on your pet's level, physically, as much as possible. A shot from above doesn't portray intimacy. In addition, when you are at your pet's level, it's easier for you to empathize with it. If you've never crawled around on the ground before, you might feel a bit foolish, but trust me, it makes all the difference in the world. Make sure that you and your handler work with each other - you have got to be in charge, but also try to be flexible - you have a lot of variables that you are managing.
Be patient, and have a lot of fun!!!
Iowa Pet Photographers
Goal
As with anything, it's best to proceed with a goal in mind so you know where to start. What are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to capture your pet's playful side? Are you trying to setup a funny photo using a prop such as a birthday hat? Is this an interactive portrait between your pet and your child? Sit down and put on paper this goal, because it will help you in preparing properly. Nothing is worse than spending an hour going to your favorite scene with equipment in hand and realizing your forgot a favorite toy - do your self a favor, do not skip this step.
Setting
Now that you have decided on your goal, it's now time to decide the proper setting. Indoors vs. outdoors. Near the fireplace with an open fire in the background, or in a studio. At the beach or in the woods. As you think about the proper setting, think about how your pet will respond to that setting. If you decide the public park is the perfect place, you must think about your pet's resistance to distractions. Is he/she able to resist running after another animal or person? The more you know your pet and look through his/her eyes, the better off you will be.
Preparation
Now you are at the critical preparation stage. You've set your goal, you've decided on the appropriate setting - let's try to anticipate all that can (and will) go wrong. I use the word 'wrong' loosely - try not be too rigid and to have fun - we will talk more about that in a minute. Write out on paper every possible thing you can think of. Here are some suggestions:
· Exercise your pet - just enough so they are still alert, but not hyper
· Lighting - outdoor is best, but flash will work too - should be natural lighting
· Grooming - only if it doesn't adversely affect your pet's mood - then do it days beforehand
· Props/Toys - favorite of the pet
· Food - favorite of the pet
· Be prepared for sudden movement - shutter speed about 1/125th and use iso 400 or 800 film (if indoors)
· Watch the scene clutter
· Have pet at least 6 feet away from background to reduce shadows
· Bring an assistant to help manage your pet
· Zoom Lens
· Camera, Film, Tripod, Equipment, etc.
Etc., etc. Are you getting the idea? The first time you make out your list, the process will be a little tedious, but the beauty is that once the list is made, all you need to do is modify it slightly for the next sessions.
On Location
Whew, you've made to shooting location - congratulations. Hopefully, you've brought everything you are going to need, right? Right! Now, it's time for setup. Be organized; get everything laid out in a logical fashion. The last thing you want to be doing is fiddling around with equipment when you need to be shooting pictures - an animal has a zero attention span and you have got to be ready to snap that picture when the moment is there. How is you animal's demeanor? Is he/she super wound up? If yes, then perhaps some light exercise would be in order - nothing too heavy, but just enough to help him/her calm down. How are you? Are you stressed? Relax, and go with the flow - animals are super sensitive to your mood. Give your pet some last minute grooming - just touch-ups. If you are outdoors, how is the wind? Is it too strong? Is the sun too bright? Remember, overcast is much better for exposure. Make sure that your pet is far enough away from your background so as to not cast any shadows.
The Photographer's Mindset
Your mindset should be one of peace and serenity. I can't overstate that enough. Also, you need to climb into the mind of your pet as best you can. What are they thinking and feeling? Align your expectations properly. If you have never done this before, don't expect perfection the first time out - that will just raise your anxiety level and will stress out your pet.
Shooting
One of the most important things to remember is to get down on your pet's level, physically, as much as possible. A shot from above doesn't portray intimacy. In addition, when you are at your pet's level, it's easier for you to empathize with it. If you've never crawled around on the ground before, you might feel a bit foolish, but trust me, it makes all the difference in the world. Make sure that you and your handler work with each other - you have got to be in charge, but also try to be flexible - you have a lot of variables that you are managing.
Be patient, and have a lot of fun!!!
Iowa Pet Photographers
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