There’s nothing quite like seeing an aesthetically pleasing outfit for me. The majority of my style inspiration comes from the countless people that post their looks online. Here I’ll narrow them down to my 5 favs. Pinterest This was beyond obvious right? Not only am I able to search for specific looks, I can also quickly save them to my style board for later reference. This is my fav site of all time and I spend (probably) too much time here. Style Bee Not only do I love Lee’s images, I also love her style as well as her blogging voice. I really like seeing what she does with her 10×10 challenges & how she styles one piece multiple ways. Death-by-elocution This is a tumblr that has an endless supply of minimal fashion goodies. I particularly appreciate the consistency of the photos. They all feature a faceless person rocking a few key pieces in some tried and true poses. Tarmarz I found Tara through youtube years back & love the way she (and her photographer friends) capture her looks with the environment. Un-fancy Caroline is definitely known by many thanks to her capsules she started […]
Read More
In this fast paced world we live in, it’s always smart to have a plan ahead of time when you’re preparing for a shoot. In part 1, I’ll talk about what I do before shooting a client’s headshots. Typically, someone has reached out asking me to take some shots for them. Whether it’s for their acting website, model portfolio, or professional profile images online, I follow the same process. Date/Time Figuring out a date in which to actually go out and take the images may be the hardest part. With different schedules, I try and pick a day I have off and at a time later in the day (after they’re done with work or class.) I make sure to allow myself at least an hour as we may move to a couple locations during the shoot. Location I pick a place we both have been to before & that is relatively close to where they’re coming from. In this case, I’d rather keep things easier for them so that they may focus on getting their headshot done. Attire If a client ever wonders what to wear, I suggest picking their 3 favorite tops that […]
Read More
This month I may be cheating a bit by reusing a previous challenge (silhouette) but I don’t care! These challenges are supposed to be fun, not restrictive, so I’m going forward with them even if they recycle techniques. This was from an impromptu shoot that I didn’t initially plan on making a challenge, but found some real gems. I learned that sometimes some of our best work comes by accident when we’re just out shooting for fun. Check out my favorite here! May the light be with you. Follow Save
Read More
If I had to pick only 1 way to light my subjects for the rest of my days, it would be natural light. Though artificial lights like flash & softboxes can be useful when continuous control is required, I still find the quality of light provided by the sun to be the most appealing. I’d like to share the different types of natural light as well as a couple pros & cons for each. Natural light based on location: Window light (the easiest way to use natural light. Simply place someone beside a window and you’re set) Pro: located in most buildings & easy to access. Con: Can cause a harsh shadow on the opposite side of the subject. Open Shade (having a person under the shade and facing towards the sun) Pro: Gorgeous shaping of facial features and soft shadows. Con: I honestly can’t think of any! Closed Shade (when your subject is not only under a shaded area, but also when they are facing away from the sun) Pro: Even light without harsh shadows. Con: Flare is a possibility which may wash out your image. Backlit (when your subject […]
Read More
Much like any other professional setting, there are a few universal guidelines to abide by. Presentation, preparedness, articulation, & confidence are all paramount when having someone in the field critique your work and/or consider you for a position. Here are a few tips to help you next time. Presentation It seems obvious, but dress to impress (especially for an interview.) Even though this is a creative field, it’s still important to look put together. Dressing professionally shows the interviewer that you take this opportunity seriously and respect them for sparing some time for you. Your portfolio should also be top notch and ready to view with no torn/dirty/disheveled bits. Preparedness Do your research! Look up this individual/company’s work. Pick out certain aspects of it that you like or have questions on. Write down those things to bring with you so that when they ask if you have any questions you will have some you’ve really thought about. If you wish to display a digital portfolio instead of a printed book, bring your own laptop or tablet fully charged & ready to go. There’s nothing worse than expecting the reviewer to find an electronic device to […]
Read More
Over time, you have probably learned many fail-safe methods for a successful photograph. When I first started, I abided by many of the following rules: stay in focus, use the rule of thirds, refrain from cutting off your subject’s limbs, maintain even exposure, among others. It is helpful in the beginning to really get a handle on the technical aspects of an artform so that you can work more efficiently later on. Here are a few “rules” I continuously enjoy breaking with some examples. Cut that subject up! Deciding what to include in an image is more important than being afraid of what’s removed if it makes that image stronger. If this means amputating someone, so be it. Make that subject feel like they’re in a J.J. Abrams film! Oh lens flare. The technique that has grown so popular it’s actually less of a thing to avoid & more of a thing to embrace. There’s something inherently mystical about the golden glow it provides. Center that subject! Something they teach every visual artist in every medium is to avoid putting the focal point in the middle. I say bump that. Centering a person reinforces symmetry as […]
Read More
I’ve chosen voyeur to be the challenge this month & incorporated that idea into my “Candid Creature” shoot. This character is inspired by woodland fairies or sprites and tries to capture a lighthearted innocence. Click here to see the rest from my archetypes series! May the light be with you. Follow Save
Read More
Something I’ve always admired about different bloggers I follow is their consistency with making photography a part of their daily life. Not necessarily behind the scenes of a shoot or out on assignment, but a simple portrayal of enjoying lunch with friends or a walk in the park. So on my yearly trip up north with loved ones, I decided to challenge myself to create a few images that really capture that tradition for me. (And I didn’t even use my phone!) Here are my favorites with thoughts to consider the next time you tackle this particular niche. 1) Put some life in it. 2) Hone in on the details. 3) Try to share a specific mood. 4) Capture humor. 5) Don’t forget the food & drinks. 6) Make some unconventional portraits. 7) Refrain from being a perfectionist. 8) Find an interesting texture. 9) Show an overview of the place. 10) Get in there yourself. May the light be with you. Follow Save
Read More
If you’re a portrait photographer, chances are you’ve come across all different types of people. And though someone may have hired you to capture their image, unless they are a model/actor/musician/or other professional performer, they’ll probably be a little (if not a great deal) shy once you point that lens at them. All is not lost though, here are a few ways to ease their anxiety and make some great photos. 1) Get to know them. If this happens to be a friend, great, you’re already halfway there. Ask them about their recent trip, their pet, their job, anything they really enjoy. If this is someone you’ve just met, do the same thing. Try and find out what they are passionate about, what really gets them riled up. Building rapport isn’t too difficult after a bit of practice. Once you find a similar interest, share some tidbits about yourself. Often times if a photographer doesn’t speak, they seem on a different level or even less human than the subject. Break the silence. Show them you are a person behind the camera as well. 2) Be authentic, yet eloquent. There’s a difference between being polite and being fake. If […]
Read More
This post is definitely geared towards beginners. When starting myself, I didn’t have a guide showing the different types of lenses available. I basically used that kit lens until I wanted to achieve other results & realized there was more out there. I’ll explain not only various lens types, but also focal lengths and touch on different brands as well. Categories There are three different categories of lenses photographers’ wind up using: prime, zoom, & specialty. Within those categories, are different types including: wide angle, normal, telephoto, & macro. Prime Lenses These are the preferred choice for many portrait & lifestyle photographers. They come in a variety of focal lengths, apertures, & price ranges. Recommendations: 24-28mm – helpful when shooting interiors and can also show wide sweeping landscapes. 35-40mm – great for showing environmental portraits as well as interiors. 50mm – the holy grail of a walk-around lens. Excellent for most street, lifestyle, event, portrait, landscape, product work, etc. 85mm – the popular choice for portraits. 135mm – excellent at capturing close ups & makes the most dreamy portraits. 200-300mm – typically sports, other big events, or nature. Zoom Lenses Typically not as fast as prime […]
Read More
