Every year, as I ponder my new year’s resolutions, I always try to find the one photo that best describes how I met last year’s promises. The process keeps me grounded in success and helps me determine realistic goals for the new year for creating better photos. This year’s best photo is of a young [...]
Being a good photographer means more than having technical skills. It means more than understanding light. It means more than understanding composition. It’s easy to learn these things. What is important is arrive early and stay late. Not matter the job, no matter the subject, no matter the need. Get there before everyone else and [...]
It’s time to take advantage of the bad weather. When snow covers your sidewalk, driveway, and path to the newspaper (if you still read one), it’s time to grab the camera and take the kids outside for a quick portrait session.
The next time you’re in the grocery store or at the book store, make sure you tell me what you see when you look into the eyes of Oprah.
I’m guessing at least two light sources and probably a reflector from below to create what is now called glamour lighting. Oprah pays a lot of money for a photographer to create that flattering effect.
I’d traveled to North Carolina for the wedding of my niece, the only child of my sister. Despite a committment to advance my photo technique by shooting photos every day, I told myself to be nothing more than an eager family member with a camera while at the wedding and reception. I was going to be a guy with a camera.
I also didn’t want to interfere with the workings of the wedding photographer hired to do the job.
Making a living as a wedding photographer is bad enough. Try shooting with guys with cameras hovering over your shoulder shooting everything you do including the required, posed, grinning family shots.
Several days ago we talked about crawling out of bed before sunrise to find the perfect light for certain types of photos.
One of our discussions centered on finding the right place at the right time and waiting for the right light to appear for the right moment. Such a time was necessary for this youngster’s martial arts portrait.
On an early spring afternoon as the grass was greening and warm breezes closed the days I picked a time and place for the shoot. It was already planned for late in the day so we could take advantage of what promised to be clear skies at sunset.
Creating portraits of active young athletes is a set of mixed blessings.
Finding the natural moments that express the joy of competition and its associated training goes beyond standing near the finish line of an event. It also requires a good understanding of phot technique to create an image that explains the moment and the athlete.
Seeing professional photographer’s photos from major sporting events makes it look simple. Stand in the right spot with the right camera and lens combination might be all that is necessary to duplicate their result.
Welcome to Lessons for New Digital Photographers where seasoned professional photographers will help you become better at the craft of … [Read More...]
