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Tips to Taking Candid Shots

July 3rd, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Taking pictures of people go into two categories.  They are either portraits or candids.

Portraits are the shots when your subjects are in poses.  While the candids are usually when your subject is doing something natural.

I would like to focus on taking shots that are candid.This form of Photography is an art form, and if you take these few steps, you will be happy with your work.  This is from my experience as a San Diego Photographer.

First off you don't want to get in the way.  Most candid shots you take of course are going to be people going about their business, but the secret to taking a great shot like that is to make sure they are unaware of the shot.

Because often, if you let them notice you, you will miss the essence of that unguarded shot.So make every effort to ensure they are not aware of the camera. 

Another thing to consider is the setting or the environment.  When you are taking a candid shot, the setting plays a vital role.You want to capture your subject in their setting as naturally as you can with your candid shot.  It's that setting
whether it is their work, their house, or the street they are walking, helps tell a story of your subject's life.  This is especially important if you are going to be taking shots as a Wedding Photographer San Diego.

A third step you can do is to learn to anticipate behavior. An important part to being able to take candid photos of people who are acting naturally is to know what your subject will do next in a situation.

This will help you if you are trying to catch something in particular because it will allow you to be prepared rather than miss the shot.Knowing how they are going to act in a given situation and then capturing it is all about anticipation.

Finally, look for those events that cause a person's expressions to be expressed.Because if you think about it, when you take these photos, the main thing is trying to capture their emotions in these shots.

Take a look at what your subject is doing and think about whether or not it's a moment that will express an emotion.  Such as an impatient expression at a stoplight.Or a joyful emotion displayed at an event.Every second in time is an opportunity to capture a moment of beautiful emotion.  Being prepared for those moments will help you capture and tell that story in that moment of time.

Taking candid shots is definitely an art form.  Especially if you truly want to tell a story in your candid shots. Following these few simple steps will help you be on the road of capturing as many storytelling moments as possible as a photographer.

Model Posing Secrets: Glamour Photography

July 2nd, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

The head is usually an integral focal point in a shot.  Photographers spend a great deal of time getting just the right tilt or chin drop from their posing model.  The position of the head, be it a tilt of the head or a drop of the chin, can convey beauty, character and expression.  

There is some controversy surrounding the shoot and how it is handled regarding model posing.  Some photographers prefer to allow the model freedom to move as she wishes to get more candid shots.  Other photographers prefer to pose their models and control the shoot by directing the model in every pose she makes.  Some photographers would never even entertain the thought of directing their models,  feeling that that level of control would undermine the integrity of the shot.  They feel that it would destroy the natural feel and spontaneity of the shot.

On the other hand, other photographers subscribe to the belief system that directing a model so that her poses are precise and planned is more efficient and effective because there are fewer wasted frames and more good shots.

No matter how the shoot proceeds, when both the photographer and the female model have a solid working knowledge of posing technique, then it really does not matter if the shoot is controlled, candid or a combination of the two.  Of course, this can vary from model to model and from assignment to assignment.

Experienced photographers have many tricks and techniques for getting their model to act and react realistically in front of the camera.  They have found a way to walk the fine line between controlling the model and giving her the freedom to move and pose, loosing her own creativity.  By using words, verbal instruction, gestures and even giving working examples of the poses, a good photographer can draw from the model, the expression and feel that is his goal.  A supportive approach with clear directions coming from behind the camera can inspire nearly any model to pose and give the photographer what they want from the shot.  She can move from pose to pose without losing the appearance of spontaneity or showing stress.

It is true that a photographer relies heavily on the capabilities, knowledge and skill of the model.  Often, she can even inspire the photographer to create or tweak a shot and to find a great pose or perfect one.

With this in mind, part of the success of the photographer hinges on his ability to keep his model thinking, creating and suggesting ideas within the scope of the project, the set and the props at hand.

Some models, often those who are inexperienced, may do a few head tilts and be at a loss for new, different head positions.  This can frustrate the photographer as well as the model, particularly if the photographer gives the model freedom to move about and pose instead of placing her.  To combat this, try making some suggestions that will reignite her creative inspiration and get her moving again.  Perhaps suggest a particular pose that will allow her to pick up on it and move on from there.

For instance, if she is turned 45 degrees to the right, have her turn to the left and do some head tilts, raise her chin and drop her chin.  This will give another perspective to the shot, particularly if the lighting is strongest to the right because now, with her facing left, you have shadows to play with.  Photos are about the subject, but they are also about so much more.  Have her tilt her head slightly in, toward her body.  This gives a warm feeling or even a sensual feel.  Tilting her head back over her shoulder is more fun, friendly and carefree.  Chin up can be playful, friendly or arrogant while chin down can be seductive or demure.  This is why care should be taken when posing.  The message conveyed through the head tilt hinges on the language that the rest of the body speaks.  Make certain that it is all in sync.

If your model is struggling with head tilts or chin drops, maybe going to far or not far enough, try using your hand to show her what you want.  If you hold up your hand and move it as you want her head to move, she will be inclined to follow your motion by moving her head the same way.   Speak softly and keep your posture non threatening.  You want your model to feel relaxed, not stressed and pressed to perform.

As long as you remain supportive and encouraging with your model, you can get a lot out of her.  Have her combine some head tilts and chin drops by giving her verbal direction and hand gestures.  Have her tilt her head slightly and drop her chin, or tilt her head back and raise her chin for two completely different expressions and moods.

Remember to coax your model into her poses, encouraging her and praising her when she “hits it.”  After all, models are only human and they respond to praise and encouragement.  When you are supportive, she will not only gain confidence, but will also want to please you more and will feel more relaxed.  This is how you will get those great shots.

Model Posing Secrets: Foot Posing

July 2nd, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

The face of a model posing is her fortune.  Usually, it is the face that most people this of as the most vital part of a good fashion shot.  However, this is not entirely accurate.  Every part of the model, from face to feet, work together to create the clean lines that make up the composition of the shot.  Nothing should detract from the final shot, but a poorly placed foot or an awkwardly cocked ankle can draw the eye, thus ruining a great shot.

The ankle can be a very expressive tool in foot posing.  It acts as that pivot point for the foot, allowing it to roll in and out as well as up and down.  Moving the ankle itself from side to side is a common foot pose.  The best way to view this is from the front where the foot, ankle and leg can be clearly seen.  The starting point for the ankle is in a straight line directly over the toes.  From there, it can “cock” in toward the other foot or “cock” out, away from the other foot.

Photographers and models refer to the movement of the ankle as “rolling.”  When the photographer tells the posing model to roll her ankle in, he means for her to roll it toward her other foot.  When he says to roll it out, he means for her to roll it away from her other foot.  There are many points between the two extremes of the rolled out and in ankle, each bears its own conveyance of attitudes.  The wise model knows, though, that too much of an angle breaks the line and interrupts the flow of the lines of the leg.

The universally ultra feminine foot pose is that of the ankle rolled in, or cocked toward the other foot.  This pose lends a very graceful curve, a nice line that conveys sophistication, elegance and femininity.  The basic foot pose and its modifications are often seen in fashion Photography using this technique.  In the basic foot pose, one foot (the cocked foot) is placed slightly in front of the other with the heel of the forward foot placed at the arch of the rear foot.  The rear foot is turned out slightly.  When the right foot leads in this pose, models sometimes call it a “right hemisphere.”  When the left foot leads, it is called a “left hemisphere.”  Modifications of this pose include sliding the front foot forward or to the side a few inches.

When the model keeps the ankle straight, so that the leg posing is directly in line with the foot, she can convey strength, haughtiness and arrogance.  In the fashion world, this is a very strong foot pose and is generally used when the overall feel is less feminine or androgynous.  It may even be considered a masculine pose, but when an overly feminine style is not desired, many female commercial models will employ it.

A rolled out ankle, or ankle that is cocked out, usually lends an air of immaturity.  A casual pose, it is also used quite a bit in high fashion shots when the goal it to achieve a chic or funky impact.  This pose is best done sparingly, though because it is not appropriate for many types of shots.  Depending on the tone of the set, the image you want to convey and the garment you are modeling, you may opt for this foot pose.

The foot is also a strong posing tool in that is moves in an arc, much like a fan.  Ankle and foot placement are integral to a good shot, regardless of whether the model is sitting or standing.  When she is standing, she is usually in the basic fashion pose, a right hemisphere or left hemisphere, where her weight is supported on one foot and the other foot is placed to the front or side.  In a right hemisphere, the right foot is slightly in front of the left foot, with the right heel positioned very close to the left inner arch.  By cocking the ankle at various degrees and moving the right foot forward or to the side, the basic pose can be modified.  A left hemisphere, of course, is simply the left foot placed in the front and the right foot in the rear.  The toes of the forward foot may be angled at various degrees to the body, either straight ahead, to the side slightly or even at a 90 degree angle out.

In modeling, the right hemisphere and left hemisphere are very basic poses, a beginning modeling stance for walking on the catwalk and for other poses.  However, another universally neutral foot position places the feet side by side.  From that position, the toes can be placed in a wide range of angles along the arc, from pointing in to pointing all the way out.  This position, though, is not generally used often in the fashion world.

While the foot has a wide range of motion, allowing it to move 90 degrees in either direction, it is rarely used at the extreme angles.  Most of the time, the foot of a model is slightly fanned out or in the neutral position, pointing straight ahead.

When the toes are pointing inward, the effect is awkward and pigeon toed, usually associated with playfulness, bashfulness and childishness.  It can also indicate inexperience and naivity.

Fanning the foot outward at the extreme angle denotes a casual attitude or lack of sophistication.  A popular teen model pose, it is used to convey a nonchalant attitude or rocker image.

The model must understand how each part of her body works to convey a particular tone, mood or image and how just one misplaced foot or awkwardly cocked ankle can throw off the entire shot.  She should have a very good grasp of posing and controlling the various parts of her body so that the lines she creates are clean and unbroken, which is what the photographers want.

Digital Photography Could Be the Best Internet Business Out There

July 1st, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Many people wonder, “What is the best internet business out there?”. The truth is that there is something out there that will make your mouth water. There are some niches that have opened up a lot of internet business opportunities, but there aren’t really that many internet businesses that stick out as an opportunity for virtually all of us.

Please recognize that there are no “get rich quick” internet businesses out there, but we have found that there are a variety of Stock Photography sites that offer a pretty good value for your photographic efforts. All it takes is a few hours of your time to learn the basics of the business, after that you should be earning a regular monthly income. The best way to begin is to find a good training program that can guide you through the first steps needed to launch your own digital Photography internet business.

While no one can say which internet business is the best, a digital Photography internet business is well worth considering. Remember that you only need a digital camera and a computer. The only other overhead you can expect is your internet connection fee (of which I assume you are already paying); this is one business where you don’t need to make any heavy investment to get this business up and running.

If you would like a higher earning potential you may want to consider setting up your own website, but don’t worry about the hosting and server fees as there are a variety of sites that offer this all for free and you just have to worry about adding content to your digital Photography internet business.

You won’t even have to play for advertising costs as the sites you are working with generally pay for those costs and actually do the internet marketing for all of your digital images. There are also other free internet marketing resources, like Google and Social bookmarking sites, that will also help in bringing paying customers right to where your digital photos are being advertized.

Pentax K-7 Accessories

June 30th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Calling all semi-pro or enthusiast photographers: Pentax is releasing the K-7 lens-interchangeable DSLR next month. Below are some of the basic Pentax K-7 accessories. The Pentax K-7 price is all worth it, selling for $1,299.95.

Improved lenses

For great lenses, get the Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL. The improved optical design, minimized lens elements, and improved resolution suit the latest high resolution image sensors very well. The Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL works well with Pentax DSLR cameras.

Rechargeable battery

A large-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery juices the Pentax K-7. It can capture about 980 images when fully charged.

Memory card

The SanDisk 4GB Ultra II SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) Memory Card has at least 9 MB per second write speed and a 10MB per second read speed. The Ultra II SDHC is perfect for difficult photo shoots like events, sports, fashion, and nature Photography.

Flash

For the flash, go for the Pentax AF-360 FGZ. It works well with the latest MZ-S, 645N, MZ-SD, or Digital *ist series cameras, including even the classic 67-system lenses.

Upgraded tripod

The Bogen/Manfrotto 190XB Tripod Legs with 484RC2 Mini Ballhead is building on the achievement of the 3001 series. It has undergone several improvements to offer better ergonomics of the leg angle release mechanism and improved quick-action leg locks.

Handy remote control

One of the basic Pentax K-7 accessories is the Pentax Remote Control F infrared remote control. This accessory is handy for capturing photos of difficult to approach subjects, for self-portraits, or for minimizing vibration for time exposure and close-ups.

Bag

The Pentax DSLR Gadget Bag (black) is a good storage bag for the Pentax K-7. This bag is a nylon bag tailored to carry the camera body, as well as selection of flash, memory cards, lenses, and many other Pentax DSLR camera accessories. The bag’s major compartment has foam padding and has interior dividers that can be adjusted for case customization.

The Variety of Ways You Can Edit Your Photos Using Adobe Photoshop

June 30th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you are like me you will do everything you can to make the conditions for taking your pictures as perfect as possible. Putting your subject in the perfect position to capture the best lighting, eliminating distracting elements, these are only a few of the steps necessary to take the best possible photo. This is where Photoshop gets in.

Even amateur photographers can now make an ordinary digital photo to look professional using today’s technology. How? You can use the power of Adobe Photoshop and turn an ordinary photograph into a masterpiece. In fact, most professional photographers use Adobe Photoshop in order to air brush so called imperfections in the pictures they took with their SLR camera.

If you want to add a sunny blue sky to a cloudy day it is possible with Adobe Photoshop. If you want to remove a trash can, you can do so with Adobe Photoshop. The imperfections we all have can be easily removed. Scars, wrinkles and even pimples can all be airbrushed away to make everyone look cover model perfect. These techniques are used by professional photographers who wish to make their subjects look perfect.

In fact, you can even make fat people look as if they are the sexiest people on earth. That’s the magic of Adobe Photoshop. Everything is possible with this photo editing software.

You don’t even have to have an SLR camera in order to produce high quality pictures. With an ordinary 4 megapixel digital camera, you will be able to produce high quality photos with a few clicks of the mouse. If the colors look dull and you want to make it even more vibrant, there are tools that you can use in the Adobe Photoshop software that can bring out the colors in a dull looking photo.

As I mentioned earlier, we have all had the red eye syndrome which can completely ruin a great photo, now these can be edited. No more worrying about red eyes on your subjects as Adobe Photoshop is able to remove them. Dark pictures can be enhanced with the lighting tool. All you need to do is adjust the brightness of the picture as well as the contrast and dark pictures will look like you took it in a perfect lighting environment. Over or under exposed photos are no longer a problem when you have Photoshop.

The best thing about this photo editing software is that it is relatively easy to use. Learning the program won’t happen overnight however once you become comfortable with the environment you will be able to edit pictures like a professional.

As you can imagine, you don’t need to a digital photo studio in order to make your dull pictures look a little bit better. With Adobe Photoshop, you can make the pictures you take look as if it was taken by a professional. Even using an ordinary digital camera, you can be sure that you will be able to take great pictures with the help of Photoshop.

So, if you want your photos to look as if they were taken by a professional then Adobe Photoshop is the program for you. You can do all that I have mentioned plus more using Adobe Photoshop.

Not only can you change the background of your picture, you can even replace someone’s body with another person’s body.

Did you find this article useful? Curious about learning photoshop fast? Well now you can by watching this Photoshop Sample Video…what are you waiting for?

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Credits: Work From Home | Matteo Turchetto | Andreas Viklund