tips & tutorials

Is The Canon 5DS R The Right Camera For You?

We love being able to offer photographers the awesome camera giveaways that we do and we are thrilled that the upcoming winner will be able to choose from 3 different popular cameras as a prize. One lucky winner will get to choose from a Canon 5DS R, a Sony a7R or a Nikon D810. 

Last week, we talked about the Sony a7R and all the great features it offers. If you have not seen it, be sure to read that post here. Today, we are going to do the same for the Canon 5DS R. Read on to see what this Canon model features and if this would be the perfect camera for you and your photography! 

50.6 Megapixel Full-Fram CMOS Sensor

This camera features Canon's newest full-frame CMOS sensor. With 50.6 Megapixels, it is the highest resolution sensor in the history of EOS. It captures 8712 x 5813 effective pixels with a level of realism perfect for large-scale commercial printing, fine art, significant crops and any other high end applications. 

Low-Pass Filter Effect Cancellation

If you are looking for the best in high resolution, this Canon has a Low-pass filter effect cancellation which is useful to reduce color artifacts and also reduces detail at the pixel level. If you have the Low-pass filter disabled, the 5DS R takes full advantage of the original resolving power of the cameras 50.6 Megapixel sensor.

EOS Scene Detection System with RGB+IR Metering Sensor

With an amazing iSA Intelligent Subject Analysis system, it employs an independent RGB light sensor with approximately 150,000 pixel resolution. This sensor enables the Intelligent Tracking and Recognition system that detects and tracks subjects, automatically switching the AF point to optimize tracking. There is also new tracking algorithms tailored to recognize faces and colors. 

61-Point High Density Reticular AF

This camera has fast, precise AF with sophisticated tracking performance. It is incredibly sensitive to changes in composition, making adjustments quickly to help ensure consistent, sharp AF.

Shutter Release Time Lag

This new setting, offers an added protection against camera-shake blur by setting the shutter release time intentionally longer so the camera does not begin the next exposure until after the impact of the camera's mirror has diffused. 

Advanced Mirror Control Mechanism

When you take photos, the shake that can occur from the impact of the SLR mirror can give you blurry details in your photos. This camera's mirror is not controlled by springs, but instead is driven by a small motor and cams which reduces impact and its effects on the image. 

Anti-Flicker Feature For Better Accuracy

With this anti-flicker function, you can deliver accurate results under cycling lighting situations. For example, if you are in fluorescent lighting, a fast shutter speed may result in an irregular exposure. This function detects the frequency and phase of the flicker and captures images near the point of peak brightness when the subject is most likely well illuminated. 

Full HD 30p Movie Capability

The Canon 5DS R is a movie-making machine! It captures full HD movies with numerous manual controls at multiple frame rates and compressions. The shutter button can also be programmed to capture still images when pressed during movie shooting. 

 

 

Can't wait and want to buy your own Canon 5DS R right now? 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ONE TODAY! 

 

Does this Canon camera sound amazing to you? Be sure to enter our current giveaway so you have a chance to win this camera for yourself! Be sure to read all about the Sony a7R and check back next week for information on the Nikon D810. 

8 Tips To Taking Black and White Photography

Taking gorgeous black and white photography can be stunning. Changing a photo from color to black and white could bring a whole other level to the photo - and you may even notice that the black and white version makes it stand out that much more. Below, you will find 8 tips to taking black and white photography. We hope you enjoy! 

Photo credit: Andrew Smith via Downgraf.com

Photo credit: Andrew Smith via Downgraf.com

1. Shoot in RAW

Sometimes a photo taken may not be best in black and white but you do not see it until you are reviewing the files on your computer. If you shoot in RAW, you will be able to change your mind if you happen to have a color photo that would be beautiful in black and white or visa versa. 

2. Pay Attention To Lines, Shadows and Shapes

When you are trying to visualize what you are shooting in black and white, it is important that you only pay attention to the lines, shadows and shapes. It is a great trick to help you see what the scene in color you are looking at through the lens would probably look like in black and white. 

3. Use a Polarizer

If you are shooting black and white photographs around reflective surfaces such as water or leaves, using a polarizer will help to cut the reflection of the sun's light. When you remove color from the photo, the reflections can be very distracting to the overall composition of the photo. 

In need of a polarizer for your camera? Check out this one here. 

4. Keep An Eye Out For Patterns

The ordered repetition of patterns can be very interesting and color tends to distract from our attention from those patterns; however, shooting in black and white will make those patterns more compelling. Look for objects such as cars lined up in a parking lot, a row of trees, or shoes of a wedding party standing in line together. You can find a pattern in any type of photography that you are doing, whether it is landscapes, wedding, sports, animals, or anything else you can photograph. 

5. Not Much Color To Begin With? Probably Not Good For Black and White

If you are shooting a photo that already has very little color in it, just as an animal that is black and white or a night sky, it most likely will not look as good in black and white as it does in color. Keep that in mind so you do not get yourself disappointed. 

6. Shoot in HDR

HDR is great for black and white photography because it exaggerates the dynamic range and edges. You will notice that nothing pops quite like a black and white HRR photo. 

7. Use HSL During Post-Processing

When you are post-processing a black and white photo, it is important to tweak the colors in the HSL panel in Photoshop or Lightroom. You will notice that your photos will look much better with the HSL adjustment. 

Do you need to purchase a program to help with your photo processing? Check out this Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

8. Make It Clean Black and White

Having a clean white and a clean black in your photos is a good way to think when you are capturing a photo you want. Without it, you would have what is called a "muddy image" which means you would have a bunch of shades of gray. Having a crisp and clean white and a clean black in the photo will really make all the texture stand out. You will really notice the difference if you have that clean black and white.  

We hope these tips were helpful for you! For other great tips and advice, here are a few other blog posts we think you may enjoy:

Check out this Ultimate Season Action Bundle which offers 126 actions for every season. With it you also get the Black and White Film Actions that includes 23 actions that will simulate some of the goodness film has to offer. You can buy this now for $149.99 (regularly $499.99! 

 

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THE ULTIMATE SEASON ACTION BUNDLE NOW!

Have You Entered Our Current CAMERA GIVEAWAY!

If not, be sure to enter here for a chance to win an amazing camera! Also, enter your info below to to stay up to date on our other giveaways and industry deals and news!






Is The Sony a7R Right For You?

We are SO EXCITED that we are offering you a choice of 3 amazing cameras with our current camera giveaway! Have you entered yet, if not you can do so here and you will have a chance to win a Sony a7R, a Canon 5DS R or a Nikon D810. Pretty awesome! 

With 3 great camera choices, how do you decide which one is best for you and your photography? How could you possibly choose from those 3 outstanding cameras? We are here to help! Over the next couple weeks, we are going to talk about each of these 3 cameras and what each one offers. From there, you should be able to make a good choice about which is best for the type of photography you do. 

Today, we are going to talk about the Sony a7R, the world's smallest and lightest 35mm full-frame interchangeable-lens camera! Read below to hear about all the camera's great features. 

36.4MP Full Frame Sensor

This new sensor has all the elements for world-class images: high-resolution, top sensitivity, extreme dynamic range, unsurpassed detail and low noise.  

Superior Processing

You can expect superlative results with Sony's latest processing engine, BIONZ X that has truer color rendering, better noise reduction and faster burst mode shooting. 

Get Up Close With The Exmor Sensor

Their latest Exmor sensor features higher speed from parallel signal processing and faster signal conversion. This makes it effortless to achieve the detail needed for demanding professional applications. 

Two further advances make this sensor have such great performance: compressing pixel circuitry increases the light collected by each pixel, which expanding the individual photodiodes improves the sensor's dynamic range. 

Natural Results In Any Light With The BIONZ X Processor

This camera features enhanced detail reproduction along with diffraction-reducing technology that creates more natural outlines and reduces blur from light points. You will also enjoy noise reduction plus 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output. 

Lightweight Body

The Sony a7R has a lightweight boy that is 25% smaller than leading DSLRs, perfect for a busy photographer on the go! The camera is built from magnesium, the world's lightest structural metal. At just 465 grams with a battery and it being less bulky, there is no more reason to give up camera quality because of portability concerns. 

Autofocus

The fast BIONZ X processor plus a new spatial object detection algorithm work together to optimize control of the lens drive making it ideal for photographers. Enhancements include more accurate eye detection and lock-on autofocus.

New Eye Autofocus creates sharp focus on faces even when partially turned away from the camera with a shallow depth of field. This is thanks to enhanced eye detection that can prioritize a single pupil and is PERFECT for portraiture. 

You can also easily keep moving subjects in focus with Lock-on Autofocus, which adjusts target frame size based on subject characteristics and makes use of a wide AF area to ensure usage of the most optimal focus point for you. 

Electronic Viewfinder

Unlike a traditional optical viewfinder (OVF), which distorts bokeh through the focusing screen, Sony's electronic viewfinder (EVF) presents the image directly from the sensor, so you see exactly what the finished image will be.

Full HD Video Formats and Professional Soundtracks

Find exactly what you need for your videography. With the Sony a7R, you can get an ultra-smooth look or even a classic cinema feel. You can also attach external microphones via the XLR adaptor, meter recording levels and monitor sounds with the headphone jack. Perfect!!!

 

 

Can't wait and want to purchase your own Sony a7R now?

click here to purchase one today! 

Does this Sony camera sound amazing to you? Be sure to enter our current giveaway so you have a chance to win this camera yourself! And be sure to check back next week for information on the Canon 5DS R. 

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN HERE!

Sunset Photography Tips

There are not many things more amazing than seeing a gorgeous sunset. The beautiful array of colors across the sky as the sun sets into the horizon. But actually capturing the sunset as it is happening is hard as there is only a small window of time so it is necessary to plan perfectly and be prepared. We wanted to share these sunset photography tips with you today so you can be sure to capture the most stunning sunset that you possible can! 

Photo credit: Rick Lundh via 121clicks

Photo credit: Rick Lundh via 121clicks

1. Think ahead.

Even though you can be spontaneous and capture a great sunset, that is often times just not the case. The best sunset photos come with some planning. It is a good idea to scope out some places that would be the best picturesque spot to capture your sunset photo. Perhaps it is in a location that you are able to track the sun all the way down but also think about the scenery around it as well. 

You also want to plan ahead with what time you need to arrive to get your equipment all set up and ready to go. Find out what time the sun is going to set and get there at least half an hour before that time so you are ready to go when the sun's decent begins. 

It is also important to keep watch of the weather. You don not simply need a clear day as those are not always the best sunset shots. With the sunset around clouds, you can see some amazing colors and patterns that may wow you! 

And last but not least, make sure you plan ahead for all the equipment that you need to bring with you. Have extra batteries, a tripod, various lenses, and anything else you feel may be needed during your shoot. 

2. Shoot at a variety of focal lengths and exposures. 

You can get a wonderful landscape shot with a gorgeous sunset with a wide angle but if you want the sun to be the main focus of the shot, you will want to be able to zoom in if needed. Bring a few different lenses with you so you can test out different focal lengths to see what you prefer the best. 

You will also want to switch your camera into aperture or shutter priority mode instead of relying on the camera's auto mode. If you let your camera decide what shutter length to shoot at, you are likely to capture a photo that does not really show the true beauty of the light. It will quite often be underexposed because the sky is still reasonably light. 

3. Use a tripod.

If you are shooting at longer shutter speeds and with longer focal lengths, you want to make sure your camera is COMPLETELY still so using a tripod is very important. 

4. Find a good foreground subject. 

The sky may be beautiful but try to identify an object that stands out well above the horizon. Maybe it is a large tree, a building, a lighthouse or even something simple like power-lines that can create and add more to the photo. Another object with a great shape that will create a good silhouette in the light. Keep in mind that this object does not have to fill up your photo, maybe it is just in a small corner of the photo, but it helps give your photo a focal point so the viewer has something more to look at than just a beautiful sky. 

5. Be aware of what is around you. 

The sunset does not only create amazing colors in the sky right in front of you, but all around you which is so great for other types of photography. As the sun sets, keep your eyes open for other shots that you could possibly capture. There may be an amazing landscape shot, a great place to take a portrait or even a beautiful flower that you see. 

6. Don't stop until the sun is set. 

The sky and colors will change all throughout the sunset, so make sure you take photos all the way through. Do not stop until it is dark out and you know the sun is down for the night. 

Did you have a photo session on an overcast day and really want to add some beautiful clouds or a gorgeous sunset to enhance your photos? Look no further than these Pretty Sky Overlays by Jamie Dalton Photography that offers 110 overlays that will allow you to fix a blown out sky and edit in a mood. Get these overlays today for $299.99. 

 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PRETTY SKY OVERLAYS NOW!

Have You Entered Our Current CAMERA GIVEAWAY!

If not, be sure to enter here for a chance to win a Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D800! Also, enter your info below to to stay up to date on our other giveaways and industry deals and news!






The Complete Photography Guide For Beginners

When you are just starting out in the photography industry, whether you just have an interest in learning more about the passion you have, or you have started a business and are learning along the way, there are so many different things to learn. Between shutter speeds, ISO, shooting modes you can use, and even the different types of camera available, it can all get confusing when you are beginning. 

We found this great infographic on Petapixel that we had to share: The Complete Guide To Photography For Beginners. We hope this helps you out and provides a guidance for you to help get going on your photography journey. Enjoy!

We hope this handy infographic was helpful for you. Be sure to refer back to it anytime you need. You should also check out a few other articles we have that you will enjoy: 

 

Are you just starting off and need some extra help with the lighting aspect of your photography? Look no further! The Beginners Guide to Lighting is a MUST HAVE! For only $29.99 (regularly $299.99), Sean Molin breaks down everything you need to know about lighting. Learn about different natural lighting conditions as well as ISO, aperture and shutter speed, white balance, lens flares, using shadows correctly and so much more! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO LIGHTING! 

 

Have You Entered Our Current CAMERA GIVEAWAY!

If not, be sure to enter here for a chance to win a Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D800! Also, enter your info below to to stay up to date on our other giveaways and industry deals and news!







5 Tips To Improve Your Photography

Whether you are a professional photographer who has been shooting weddings for 25 years or you are an amateur photographer who is just starting off in the business, you must always keep learning and perfecting your craft. No matter what it is you do in life, you should always want to keep learning, and with technology changing today as quickly as it does, there is really always something new to learn. Whether you need to continue improving skills, want to know more about social media to help market your business, or you want to learn tips for programs like Photoshop, the possibilities of what you can improve upon are endless!  

Even though the business side of your photography is important, you would not have a business if it was not for the amazing work that you do. So, today we want to share with you 5 tips to improve your photography.

1. Don't Be Afraid To Snap Tons of Photos

In this digital age, you can really take as many photos as you want without worry. Do not be afraid to take LOTS! Take multiple shots of the same scene or same group of people you are shooting. You never know when one of those photos will stand out among all the others or that you have a few great shots to choose from. Another great reason to take multiple photos is that when you are shooting portraits, people tend to relax a little bit more after the first shot.

2. Utilize Natural Light Whenever You Can

Natural sunlight is always so beautiful in every photo and can add so much to it. Whether you are looking to capture a sun-kissed look, or you just want to use the natural light to help brighten up your photos, natural light is always best! 

Photo credit: Julie Parker Photography

Photo credit: Julie Parker Photography

Is lighting something that you feel you need some help with when it comes to your photography? Do you have a hard time understanding aperture, shutter speed and ISO? Then The Beginner's Guide To Lighting would be perfect for you! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO LIGHTING!

  For and extra 20% off the guide, use code CGSPECIAL100

 

3. Keep Conversation Going With Your Subjects

Let's face it... most people are not comfortable in front of a camera. Holding a specific pose and smiling while you are having your photo taken can be awkward. It is always a great idea to have conversation with your subjects that you are photographing to keep the atmosphere light and relaxed. Simply saying "Say Cheese!" when it is time for them to smile is typically a bit intimidating. Perhaps, try telling a funny story when it comes time for you to take the photos, or tell a good joke. The conversation is also great for you to get to know each and every client better which in turn will help you understand and photograph them better. Once you start doing this with each and every person you photograph, it will become second nature to you! 

4. Play Around With the Composition, Orientation and Angles

Even though it is easy to focus the subject of the photo right in the center of the frame, changing up the composition and angles can mix things up a bit. Try moving the subject to the side of the frame, so you can capture more of the background. Perhaps try and shoot someone from above or get on ground level and photograph them from below. You also want to change up the orientation of the photos. Take some that are vertical, others that are horizontal. Having a nice variety in your work is always wonderful. 

Photo credit: Photography By Orlando

Photo credit: Photography By Orlando

Whether you photograph newborns, engagements, families or landscapes, there is something for you to learn in the Kimberly Reid Posing Guide Collection. 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE KIMBERLY REID POSING GUIDE COLLECTION!

Want to get an extra 20% off? Use code CGPOSE100

5. Know Everything There is To Know About Your Camera and Equipment

It is important that you always know all the various things that your camera and other equipment can do for you. Study the manual that comes with your camera, or do some research online if there is a button you are not sure of. It is also good to know why common problems happen as well as the best ways to clean your equipment. 

Enter Our Next CAMERA GIVEAWAY!

Enter your info below to know when our next giveaway starts. Coming soon, a chance to win a Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D800! Don't miss out! 







5 Essential Items You Should Carry In Your Camera Gear Bag - Part 1

As a photographer, there may be times that you need to pull out your camera and gear bag to capture some amazing shots on a whim. Maybe you are shooting a sporting event, wedding or family portraits and it is so important to be sure you have everything you need. 

So, what photography gear should you carry in your bag at all times? We have put together this list of items we think are important for you to always have on hand. You never know when you may need to stop and capture a moment, or need an extra piece of equipment during a scheduled shoot. And be sure to check back in a few weeks for 5 other items that we think are also important!

1. Your Camera

Kind of a no brainer but very important! Of course if you want to take photos, you need to have your camera with you all the time. What happens if you love to shoot landscape photos and you come across a really gorgeous sunset and realize you do not have your camera? The camera is definitely a necessity. 

Looking for a great camera? We love this Canon EOS 5D Mark III or this Nikon D810.  

2. Lenses

Having a variety of lenses based on the type of photography you do can be important to make sure you get the specific shots you are trying to get. Some photographers are perfectly fine with the lens they have with their camera, others have various lenses they use for different types of shots they need to take. Whatever your need of lens, make sure you have it handy! 

Looking for a new lens? How about this Canon EF 75-300mm. 

3. Extra Batteries

Whenever you are taking photos, whether you are working an 8-hour day for a wedding, doing a family portrait session or just taking photos while you travel, it is always important to carry an extra battery pack along with you. You never know when you will need extra, and you would hate if you ran out of battery power and did not have an extra one to use. 

Looking for a battery pack? Check out this Nikon Battery and Charger Kit that would be perfect to keep in your gear bag!  

4. Spare Memory Card

Just like a battery, an extra memory card is not something you want to be missing from your bag when you need it. You never know when you are going to run out of photo storage space and need to switch out the card. It may never happen to you, you may be great about saving your photos elsewhere and keeping space open, but having one just in case can help you rest easy... especially if there is a bride and groom on the line who are expecting wedding photos of their special day. 

It is important you at least have an extra memory card that at least have 2 GB of space, but it never hurts to have even more. Here is a good SanDisk 32 GB memory Card if you are in need of one. 

5. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

You need to be sure to keep your camera and lens clean and a microfiber cleaning cloth is a great idea to keep in your gear bag at all times just for this. Even when you are out at a shoot or want to pull out your camera to take a photo on a whim, you never know when you may have to pull out the cloth to do a little cleaning. 

Be sure to get your hands on a pack of these microfiber cloths so you will never run out! 

Enter Our Next CAMERA GIVEAWAY!

Enter your info below to know when our next giveaway starts. Coming soon, a chance to win a Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D800! Don't miss out! 






What is one item you can not go without in your gear bag? Tell us below! 

10 Tips For Taking Better Candid Photos

We love how natural a great candid photo is. When everyone in the photo is relaxed and does not have that awkward half smile when they are trying to pose and smile for the camera, the photos can turn out awesome. We found this great article on Expert Photography that will help you capture relaxed, fun and natural photos when people are not even expecting it. 

Here are 10 tips for taking better candid photos: 

1. Turn Off The Flash

If you use a flash, people are going to know that you are taking their photo. If you want to make sure you are not seen, widen your aperture and raise your ISO. 

2. Bring Your Camera Everywhere You Go

To take great photos, you have to actually carry your camera around with you all the time because you never know when you will have a candid shot you really want to take. The more you take your camera with you and take photos of strangers and random people, the more comfortable you will become with it. 

3. Have Patience

You must be patient when you are trying to take a candid photo. You have to wait for that perfect smile or for the person you are trying to capture to turn towards you so you can get the best shot possible. 

Photo credit: Kristen Duke Photography

Photo credit: Kristen Duke Photography

4. Use a Telephoto Lens

A telephoto lens is a great way to go unnoticed. You can stand real far away and still capture a subject as though you were actually up close. Telephoto lenses also force the perspective onto your subject, making it less about the scene and more about the person. These lenses are often used when taking portraits. 

Looking for your own telephoto lens? Here is a Canon one you may want to check out. 

5. Add Context

You want to make sure you add context so your photos do not lack depth. Perhaps try to position your subjects to the left or right of the frame to show what is going on in the background. You could also try to shoot through the environment they are in, like through the trees or other people. 

6. Try Shooting From Hip Height

You may not want to be seen taking photos of someone so it could be helpful to try shooting with your camera at hip height. It gives a different perspective and also adds to that candid feel. 

7. Blend In 

Make sure you go unnoticed so you do not distract from the main event. Move slowly and quietly and blend in by wearing similar clothes to the people you will be taking photos of. You can also use live view on your camera when possible which lifts the shutter up before the photo is taken that reduces the sound of the exposure. 

Photo credit: Josh Dunlop

Photo credit: Josh Dunlop

8. Capture People In The Moment

Actually finding those great moments for the subject makes for the best photos. Capture the real, raw emotion of the subject with the added context of the background to round the photo out. Capturing someone in the moment provides the best results and truly details what is going on in a photo. 

9. Move Around

When taking photos of one person, or a group of people, capture them from various angles. Moving around the subject until you capture a shot that has them positioned exactly how you had hoped can keep your photos from being boring and predictable. It helps to mix it up a little bit! 

10. Shoot In Burst Mode

You only get one chance when taking candids.... so be sure to take lots of shots. When you shoot in burst mode, you may be surprised with what you will find in your photos. You may end up with something fun that you may not have realized you would capture. 

We hope these tips have been helpful for you! If you liked these, also be sure to check out these great articles: 

Check out this Lifestyle Portrait Guide that answers all the questions you need to know about lifestyle photography! You will get insider tips on crafting stunning lifestyle images and inspiration to promote your own, internal self as a photographer! 

 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE LIFESTYLE PORTRAIT GUIDE HERE!

Want to save an extra 20%? Use code CANDID100 at checkout! 

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9 Photography Posing Mistakes You Do Not Want To Make

There are SO MANY different ways you can pose for a photo. You can be standing, sitting, lying, walking or even hugging. You can even be creative and come up with some really awesome poses that are uncommon. Whatever you do, there are still photography posing mistakes you want to make sure you do not make when you are photographing a client - or a group together. 

As a photographer, it is your job to help and coach your client along with various poses that will look great and flatter that specific person in particular. Here are 9 photography posing mistakes that you do not want to make that are very important to keep in mind. 

1. An Uncomfortable Subject

First and foremost, if someone is uncomfortable while you are photographing them, you will be able to tell and the photos will not be as wonderful as they could be. Talk to your client right before you start snapping shots, and make them comfortable. Also, during the photo process, keep it light and fun, so they can laugh, talk and relax. You may find it keeps them a little more relaxed while you are taking their photo. 

Photo credit: Kristen Duke Photography

Photo credit: Kristen Duke Photography

2. Shooting Shoulders Straight On 

Try not to shoot someone standing with their shoulders squared to the camera. Shoulders are the widest part of the body and as a photographer, you want to flatter those "widest" parts of the body to make the subject of the photo looks as best as possible! So make sure your subject angles him or herself to the camera for a more slimmer look. 

3. Having Straight Joints

Always try to have the person you are shooting keep their joints bent. If you stand totally straight at the knees and have your arms totally straight by your side, or your neck looking straight ahead, the person could end up looking very stiff in the photos. Bending the knees, elbows, and tilting the head a bit can make such a huge difference! 

4. Shooting A Subject From Below

It is best to shoot a person from straight on or even slightly above them rather than shooting them from below their eye level. If you are down lower than the person you are photographing, it is best to only do that during really artistic shots. If you work from above, particularly when you are shooting close up shots, it will get rid of double chins, it slims down the face, and if you happen to be shooting outdoors, it will bring the sunlight nicely into the person's face. 

5. Arms Glued To The Body

It is never flattering to have your arms down so they look like they are glued to your body in your photos. Keeping them up on the hips or even holding an object helps with keeping the upper arm look thinner and also gives the subject a nice pose which also keeps the photo interesting and unique. 

 

Do you specialize in engagement or wedding photography and need a little extra help with posing couples? Look no further than this Posing Guide For Couple Portraits. For $299.99 (regularly $499.99) you can get this in-depth collaboration between BP4U and acclaimed photographer Beth of ENV Photography. 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE
POSING GUIDE FOR COUPLE PORTRAITS! 

 

6. Awkward Hands

Many people are not exactly sure what they should do with their hands when they are being photographed. Simply slipping a finger into a pocket of their pants helps immensely. If you are photographing a couple, have one put their hand on the other person's leg, or even holding hands makes it less awkward. 

7. Visible Clothing Marks

If your subject is going to be changing clothes during the shoot, which many people do, make sure they do not have skin marks from the clothing they were wearing before as they can be eye sores in a photo! For example, if your subject starts off wearing boots and a sweater and then decides to switch to a dress, you want to make sure she does not have any marks on her legs from her boots or socks that would stand out in the next set of photos. Make sure you give your subject time in between if there are marks, or make sure to pose the person so you do not see them. 

8. A Group All The Same Height

If you are shooting a group of people and all of their heads are lining up at exactly the same place, the photo may end up looking very boring. Try having some people sit, while others stand to help break it up and add some dimension to the photos! 

Photo credit: Kristen Duke Photography

Photo credit: Kristen Duke Photography

9. An Ugly Background

While you are trying so hard to get the person in the the best pose you can, make sure you also consider what is behind them. The photo background is so very important! Always keep watch for those eye sores like street signs, a random car that may be parked, or even other people walking by that could disrupt the photo. You want to capture a beautiful background to make sure the subject is showcased in the best possible location!  

Need some extra help or additional ideas for posing? This Kimberly Reid Posing Guide is perfect for you! For $200 (a $599 value) you will get all of our Kimberly Reid Guides as well as 154 posing cards so you can take these tips on the go! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE KIMBERLY REID POSING GUIDE!

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Shooting at Night: The Basics That Always Apply

Written by Bethany Cleg Photography

When you're a budding photographer, you find yourself fervent with passion and eager to plunge into a variety of different situations with your camera in hand. Photography has so many subcategories to choose from; landscape, portrait, underwater, candid, and of course, night. Whether you dwell in the countryside with sprawling acres of land you wish to capture beneath a dark, starlit sky or in a city that comes alive with the lights of neon signs and streams of traffic, night photography is an exciting aspect of picture taking to explore. It does, however, require a bit more preparation and thought than other shots. Read on for an overview of the basics of night photography that always apply, as well as specific tips for different locations, be it an empty field in Vermont or the streets of New York City.

 

The Most Important Aspect: Lighting

Photography is always about the same thing regardless of the time of day or location: capturing light. The challenge with night photography arises due to the fact that there obviously isn't much light to work with. The great thing about taking pictures after hours is that you can learn a great deal about the true extent to which proper lighting and camera settings will alter your shots.

Bethany Cleg Photography

Bethany Cleg Photography



 Camera Considerations

Whether you have a point-and-shoot or SLR, there are four main points you should always consider before you head out to start your nighttime shoot.

Flash: Does your camera have an on-board flash and is there the possibility to add on another?
Shutter and Aperture Control: What settings does your camera have in regards to the adjustment of shutter speeds and aperture settings? If there aren't any, check if there is at least a "nighttime" preset that will adjust the settings accordingly.
Film speed: Can you adjust the film speed (ISO) manually or are there pre-configured settings?
Shutter release: If you're taking self-portraits or need to adjust things in the shot quickly, it's important to know whether your camera has a self-timer option or can even be controlled by a remote.

 

Nighttime Portraits

Night shoots for model photographers are dramatic, captivating and often times more edgier than anything they can envision in the day. However, photographing people is hard enough when you're in a fully lit studio, so going outdoors into a city where there may be an excess of distracting artificial light or in nature where there's barely a sliver can be challenging for a newcomer.

If you're planning a serious shoot outdoors, the first thing you'll want to consider is lighting rental. It can be done for an affordable price if you contact smaller stores or even other photographers you know, and you'll also be able to receive some advice on exactly what type of lighting would be ideal for the shoot you have in mind.

What you should do beforehand is visit the site and take some test shots; get to know your location, see exactly how much light is available, how your flash and settings effect your images and figure out exactly what you need to get to make the image in your head a reality.

Preparation is key. When I shot the night shots for Brilliant’s custom Mercedes sprinter limo I had them drive me around to 10 different locations testing out light and backgrounds before we finally picked one then we finally did the final shot for. This was because lighting the inside of the van to be clear made the outside too dark and visa versa. It took allot of planning and tweaking to get both the inside of the van right and the skyline to look good as well.


Bethany Cleg Photography

Bethany Cleg Photography

Necessary Adjustments

Film speed: Using a slower film speed helps you gain sharpness and visibility in your images. If you're capturing moving targets like cars or nighttime sports, then you'll want to keep the ISO at a fairly normal or even higher than usual level.

Aperture: This controls how much depth will be in focus, so the settings will change based on what you're shooting. The larger the aperture, the lower the F-Stop number. You should test different settings on your own to get a feel for how the variations alter the image.

Shutter speed: As with ISO, unless you're needing to freeze motion, then you should go with a slower shutter speed. Set your shutter speed for a proper exposure on your camera's meter if it has one, and remember to adjust the settings in the darkest parts of your setting to get the most accurate reading.

Flash: Some novice photographers become a little too flash happy and think that it can be used on every single shot. Flash should be used to add additional light to a situation, not compensate for a total lack thereof. If you are in a black room and hope that a flash will illuminate both a model and the background behind them, you'll be sorely disappointed to find that everything is masked heavily in shadow. What you should do is use the flash at a relatively close distance (4 to 9 feet at most) and consider using it only when you really need to highlight a person or object.

Bethany Cleg Photography

Bethany Cleg Photography

 

Other Tips for Other Nighttime Shots

Night sky photography or time-lapse photography will require a tripod, patience and some research beforehand. This article goes into depth about the logistics of capturing stair trails and time lapses. What you should remember is that since you'll want a space with as little noise - visual, not audible - as possible and to increase the exposure as the subject - in this case, the actual black sky - isn't able to be any further illuminated by artificial means.

Nighttime architecture has its advantages in the city as there is often a lot of light from cars and buildings. The most important thing to remember here is your focal point and exposure. You want to use shadows to your advantage as a means to draw attention to the most interesting parts of the subject. Instead of trying to capture a whole building from 20 feet away, get close and center on the parts of it that truly capture your eye and work on capturing those angles specifically.

If you are going to start trying out nighttime photography or any photography remember that you will make mistakes and that is ok. In fact that is the only way you can really learn. I often refer back to this article about common mistakes to remind myself to remember and retain the lessons I have learned. Either way, night time photography simply looks “cooler” than daytime to me and it is al lot of fun.

Happy shooting!