Do you get confused when photographers start talking about depth of field, bokeh and compression? You’re not alone! So…what’s the difference? We talked recently about some tried and true methods to get that envy-worthy background blur in your photos, and since then I have seen a lot of the same questions popping up. Achieving background…
We spend a lot of time talking about how to get technically perfect photo, but there is more to a great image than technicalities. A technically flawless photo doesn’t matter as much to a client if the photo isn’t INTERESTING, so let’s chat a little today about how you can enhance your photos with great…
We chatted recently about how to master shooting wide open, and I wanted to follow up that post with more discussion on achieving a nice blurred background, or bokeh, in your photos. Who doesn’t love it? It’s that creamy background that really separates your subject and helps them jump off an image to catch your…
If you’ve ever shot photos indoors, you know how tricky it can be. The lighting can be inadequate, and a decent backdrop can be hard to come by. If the nuances of shooting inside have you avoiding it altogether, today is the day that changes! Whether you’re wanting to capture candid shots of your family…
Are you struggling getting sharp photos when shooting wide open? There are several reasons you might choose to take photos with your aperture open as far as it will go, or as it’s affectionately referred to in the photography world, “shooting wide open.” One trademark of a professional portrait is that nice creamy, smooth background that…
As a family photographer there are very few things that make me happier than feedback from a parent telling me I did a perfect job of capturing their child’s personality. The main reason I approach my family sessions with a lifestyle method is that there are so many things in this digital age distracting us…
Do the words “off camera flash” fill you with dread and terror? Many photographers, especially amateurs and those loyal to natural lighting, typically steer clear from flash photography of any sort due to its perceived complexities. However, once you start to learn the basics of controlling your electronic flash, you’ll quickly find that off-camera flash…
Winter is upon us, and for many of us, that means SNOW. I love the challenge of taking photos in the snow: The scene is entirely different than what I work with the rest of the year, and it compels me to stretch my creativity and my skill level. Shooting good photos in the snow…
Because my heart for photography started with my desire to document everyday memories, it’s no surprise that I LOVE taking Christmas morning photos! But since we have had kids, I have found myself more and more aware of the fact that, most of the time, I am not in the frame with my family. For…
There is a lot of buzz in the photography world about how to capture genuine smiles and expressions from your clients. Capturing authentic connection is one of the things that can separate a good photo from a great one, and is something I plan to write about soon. But today I want to tell you…
The Daunting Christmas Card! Should you take your own photos or hire a professional? Christmas Season is just around the corner and that always brings up the option to send out Christmas Cards – which can be a total chore if you do not know how to get a decent photo of your family. If…
Photographing children can be hilarious and meaningful. Other times it can be like trying to bottle feed an angry octopus. It takes patience, skill and a bit of creativity. Here are some tips and tricks to capturing the moment….as quickly as possible. Have Everyone Prepared Before the Shoot Plan out the areas in which you…
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or on one other than the third from the sun, you’ve probably noticed an influx of night time / astronomy shots on social media this week. This weekend awed night watchers and photographers with a stunning view of a “super moon eclipse”, which only happens about 5 times…
There are many functions that modern cameras have. But some of the old ideas that modern cameras can’t do away with are your aperture, your shutter speed and your ISO (i.e. sensitivity of the film to light or in digital cameras your sensor’s sensitivity to light). These all have very important relationships between each other…
We often spend so much time making sure that the speed of our shutter is fast enough to avoid camera shake or motion blur from movement, that it might sound odd to talk about improving your photos by slowing down your shutter. But that’s exactly what we’re going to do. “The water was blurred out…
Artist In Your Own Home: Improve your Photography by Practicing in Your Own House! Have you ever felt constricted in your ability to learn and grow in your photography because you don’t have access to high-end workshops or expensive photography classes? Maybe your time is limited, and you want to increase your skill set, but…