Waterfall

1. Control Shot

     -Switch your camera to auto mode, and make sure your flash is off. When you take the image, look at the exposure your camera uses.

2. Shutter Priority

    -Try to get a shutter speed between 1-2 seconds to get a blurred waterfall like above. Of ocurse with increasing the shutter speed, you'll be getting more light inside your camera overexposing your image.

3. Timing

     -Sunrise and sunset times are best since there isnt as much light.

4. Filter

    -Using a polarized filter not only cuts down the lighting that gets into your shot but also helps improve your images.

5. Aperture Priority Mode

    -If you still have problems with your images being over exposed, switch to this mode and choose the smallest aperture possible.

6. Low ISO

    -This means that your shutter will need to be open longer.

7. Bracket your shots

    -Take a series of shots at different shutter speeds and apertures.

8. Composition

     -Try different positions of a waterfall and expierement with how it looks at different shutter speeds.

Black & White

1. RAW

    -For most control in the after production phase, you will need to shoot in RAW mode. Of course if your camera doesnt offer the RAW option, shooting in JPEG will be just fine (:

2. Shoot in Color

    -If your camera wont allow you to shoot in RAW, shoot in color and then change it on your computer to black and white. Although many cameras have a setting button to go ahead and change the pictire to B&W for you.

3. Low ISO

    -Shoot in the lowest possible ISO, this is very improtant when getting black and white shots.

4. When to Capture

    -An overcast or dark day is a good day to shoot outdoors.

5. Compostition

     -The main difference between shooting in B&W rather than color is that you cant use color to catch the eye of the viewer. Be sure to look at shapes, angles, textures, and tones to find points of interest.

Night Sky

1. What will you need?

    -Camera with manual exposure mode

    -Remote control or shutter release cable to minimize the shaking of the camera.

    -Tripod

2. Choosing the Spot

     -The darker the better. Try to get away from city lights, your images will turn out better. 

3. Settings

    -First you should try to use a lens with a large aperture and at a high ISO. 

    -Use the rule 600, which is divide 600 by the focal length of the lens you are using. 

    -Put your lens in manual mode and use infinity focus.

4.Taking Images

   -Take at least 5 composite images using the correct exposure time. Do not move the camera or change your camera settigns until you are dont with the set. When you are done with a series just take you hand to make the image black so when you look over your images, you'll know when your series end. :)

5. Edit

    -If you dont see colors in your images, dont worry about it. You need to edit and brighten them up on any editing photo device.

   -Stack your images. This is so it will superimpose one image on top of the others of the same series. Use default settings on the software. I use Deep Sky Stacker.

  -Next open your TIF file and change the curves and levels.

View your images and enjoy! :D

Farm Photography Tips

1. Prepare for Dust and Dirt
    -Wear clothes you can get dirty in. You may end up in mud or have animals jump up on you. Be sure to keep the lens cap on.
2. Look Before You Shoot
    -Look for what is most interesting about a certain farm. Think about what you want to take pictures of before you begin.
3. Circle your Target
     -Walk around what you've decided to take a picture of so you can see what angle you want to capture.
4. Background
    -Look all around your image for background. Make sure it won't take away from the main subject.
5. Animals
    -Try to avoid half animals in the background and look for a plain background.
6. Sun
    -The bright sunny summer days are not the best time to take images. Bright overcast days are usually the best.
7. Lighting the Landscape
    -Find good, strong directional lighting. Cross lighting with the sun at your side will show up in textures in plowed land, rows, and furrows much better than if the sun is directly behind you.
8. Inside
    -Go inside buildings and look around. The lighting will be at your side and and improve portraits of people.
9. Better Building
    -Find older buildings. It will make a better background for images.
10. Manual Work
      -Experiment with your camera. Don't just stay on auto.

Concerts

1. Equipment

    -Due to the low lighting, we'll need to use lenses with an open aperture of f/2.8, f/1.8. f/1.4 and using cameras that allow us to take images at an high ISO rate without any noise. 

-Be sure to use a high shutter speed to freeze the singer or instrumentalist movements. 

2. Exposure

    - Shoot in raw so you can then compensate for exposure if its necessary so when you save your images you'll have some overexposed or under-exposed. 

3. Flash?

    -The flash really doesn't do anything. It doesn't make the singer light up anymore than he or she already is. If you are far from the stage, turn your flash off. If you are close to the stage and you have your flash on, the singer will be brighter, but the background will be darker so you'll end up loosing all surroundings and atmosphere. So try to avoid using your flash, it will just lighten the smoke around you or the people in front of you.

4. Spot Light

    -If you are far from the stage and you're waiting for the singer to come on stage, wait until the spotlight narrows in on the artist. 

5. Silhouettes 

    -Choose a silhouette that is very clear so the viewer can understand what the image is. Use this when they're are no lights on the artist, just on the back banner. 

6. Color

     -Most concerts always use the color red. Be sure that the red color will not burn so you don't loose the data in these areas. Try to take the photo a little underexposed in raw then add some brightness in photoshop. 

7. Composition

     -Be sure to have a story along with the images, such as just a the guitar by itself, the whole band together. 

**This type of photography isn't easy but with some practice, you'll get the hang of it**

Newborn Baby's

1. Posed vs. Lifestyle
    -Posed: must be done within 2 weeks of birth, when the baby is still very sleepy and moldable. This could take up to 4 hours with feedings, diaper changing and posing.
    -Lifestyle: A more casual approach to photographing newborns. These can be done up to 6 weeks old and take up to 1-2 hours.

2. Be Prepared
    -Be sure to pack the night before. Most of these sessions take place at the home.
     Be sure to bring:
          -Camera and back up camera.
          -Formatted Memory Cards
          -Lenses
          -Few Kid Toys
          -Newborn posing beanbag
          -Backdrop stand and clamps
          -Space Heater
          -Step Stool
          -Props
          -Big Blankets for Backgrounds
          -Small Swaddle Blankets
          -Hats and Headbands
          -Loud enough music to block out the surprising noise of the shutter.

3. Let The Baby Inspire You
     -Have some poses in mind before you arrive. Be sure to capture the uniquness.
4. Go Macro
     -If your camera has a macro mode or if you can use a macro lens, use it to isolate a single body part such as a hand, foot, ear, mouth, etc.
5. Find Angles
    -Get down low. Get to their level. It may be difficult with focal length,but you'll end up with great shots.
    -Close Ups. Get in close by either physically moving closer or using a greater focal length.
6. Take Out the Color
    -This can soften your images somewhat. Instead of going complete black and white, leave a little bit of color in your shots and you'll end up with pastel colors that can soften your images.

Wedding

1. Create a Capture List

    -Ask the couple what kind of shots they would like for you to capture on the big day. Make 

    sure you keep up with what pics you have taken, and don't leave anyone out. 

2. Family Coordinator

    -Ask the couple to pick a member of the family that will be able to round the family up for 

     pictures. So it won't be so chaotic and the happy couple can get back to the party.

3. Location
    -Visit where you'll be shooting before the big day to get a visualization of what would look
     good where. Take some test shots to see how the lighting will look.

4. Preparation
   -Be Prepared! Also have a back up plan incase bad weather comes around. You need
    back up batteries, blank memory cards. Be sure to get an itinerary so you know the
    schedule. 

5. Set Expectations
    -Figure out with the couple what they want to achieve. Show them a few of your test shots
     from previous. Find out how many shots they want, what they want to be recorded, and
     how they want the shots to be used. If your charging them, make sure you all agree on a
     price.

6. Turn Off the Sound
    -Nothing is more annoying then beeps or shutter noises during a speech or vows. Be sure
      to turn it off.

7. Small Details
    -Be sure to photograph rings, back of the dress, shoes, flowers, menus, table setting, etc. 

8. Two Cameras
     -Use a different camera with another types of lenses. Use a longer lens on one and a
      shorter on another.

9. BOLD but not to noticeable
    -Timing is everything and so is thinking ahead to get in the right position for key
     movements. Move around at least 4-5 times, try to coincide it with songs, sermons, longer
     readings. Be sure to tell them how to pose and move, you know how to get the right
     capture. 

10. Diffused Light
      -If you're able to use a flash in churches, think about if bouncing the flash will work, or if
       you need to buy a flash diffuser to soften the light. 

11. Shoot Raw
      -This gives so much more flexibility to manipulate shots after taking them. You may need
        to manipulate exposure and white balance. Raw will help with this. 

12. Consider your Background
       -With formal shots scope out the area where they'll be taken ahead of time. You'll be
         wanting an unclustered area and shaded spots out of direct sunlight where there's
         unlikely chance of having people around.

13. Don't Delete Your Mistakes
      -When looking back on the images, you may be deleting some of the more interesting
       and useable images.

14. Change Your Perspective
       -Mix things up a little bit. Take some shots from the ground looking up, or up high and at
        wide angles.

15. Wedding Group Shots
       -Make sure you can get up high so that you'll get everyone's faces. Make sure you get
        everyone in place so that you can get the right image in one shot. 

16. Fill Flash
      -When shooting outside after the ceremony or during the posed shots you may need to
        keep your flash attached to fill it in. 

17. Continuous Shooting Mode
      -Being able to shoot a lot of images in a fast pace can come in handy, so you'll need to
       switch your camera to continuous shooting mode. Sometimes is the shot after the posed
       on where people are relaxed that you get the best results. 

18. Expect the Unexpected
      -Many things may end up going wrong on a wedding day. These mess up moments can
       actually make the day and give the couple wonderful memories. Try to capture them. 

19. HAVE FUN!!!
      -The more fun you have the more relaxed those posing will be. 

Food! YUM

1. Shoot from a lower Angle than you think you should.

    -Photographing food from a fork's point of view is different which means interesting. Shooting from

     a lower point of view, can make the food look somewhat majestic. For example, if you shoot a thick

    steak from atop how can the viewer know that steak was really tender or thick?

2. Crop Tightly

    -A tight  crop simplifies the image, and makes it more easier to see the details. This makes the focus

     all on the food, and not on crazy backgrounds.

3. Shallow Depth of Field
     -If you go with a limited focus the image will turn out better. If the background is way out of focus,
      than the need for propping is less restrictive. Just be sure not to over due, with different colors
      blurred around the food.
4. Add a little Oil
    -Use a little brush with vegetable oil to run across the food. This can make it look hot or wet. This
     can come in handy especially if the photo shoot is taking longer than expected. It can make food last
     longer.
5. Do Not Over Prop
    -If the food is supposed to be the center of attention, then don't use so many props and take away
     from the food. If it doesn't belong it should be removed.

ENJOY!

Prom

1. Watch the Background
      -Pick a spot where there is relatively clean background or at least a background that fits in with the idea of prom. Ex: in front of a limo, on a staircase, or just in front of a blank wall.
2. Light
      -Find an areas where the light is relatively bright but not to where the people are squinting their eyes. Look on your camera for a fill flash, force flash, or flash always on to use even though there may be enough light. You can tape a piece of wax paper over the flash diffuse it and the fill flash will create a nice light to face even when in shade.
3. Shadows
     -Shadows thrown across the faces at odd angles can turn a great photo into a horrible photo. Be sure to diffuse your flash in addition to paying attention to shadows. You may need to change locations if necessary.
4. Couple
     -Let the happy couple get close to one another. PDA such as cheeks touching or hugging add a lot a prom picture.
5. Getting the "Pose"
     -Never let yourself be photographed standing straight in a full body composition. The flattening effect will add an illusion being larger than you actually are. Face 90 degrees away from the camera and then turn 45 degrees back towards the camera with your upper body. Finish turning the rest of the way with just your head. Never ever tuck your head back unless you want a double chin.
6. Program or Action Setting
     -Use the program speed with the shutter set for at the very least 1/150 of a second. Don't use a portrait setting because it uses a slower film speed and wider aperture to blur the background and again a more fine grain texture. Which can lead to shaky images.
7. SMILE
     -Capture a genuine smile. Say something other than saying cheese, become creative. There can be a moment of laughter and be sure to capture it. In the confusion of the laughter there will be a wonderful SMILE, so be ready to capture it fast.
8. Take Your Time
     -Don't try to do it just as the limo arrives. A rushed photo session never turns out like you have hoped. Plan ahead.
9. Photojournalist Idea
     -This type of imagery basically captures a lot of unposed images. They show a lot more personality. Getting ready shots, and even shopping for the dress shots is a great idea.
10. Relax
      -If you're relaxed the photo subjects will also be more relaxed and the images will come out better.

Have a Great Time at PROM!!!!

Happy Easter!!!

1. Look for patterns
    -A bunch of colors will make your images turn out impressive and beautiful! If you find repeating patterns or colors, this should be the jumping point for your images. You'll need to adjust your camera's setting. You should over-expose the pictures by using 1 to 1 1/2 stops for the most saturated colors.
2. Shoot Candidly
    -Be sure to capture easter egg dyeing or painting. Use a longer lens like a 80mm or 100mm. Turn your camera mode to AV, select a low ISO and a wide aperture. Allow the camera to do an automatic shutter speed. To fill in dark spots use an external flash.
3. Capture Expressions
    -Use an 80mm to 200mm zoom lens for flexibility and versatility. Expressions can make or break a photograph, so try not to be noticed while photographing. Keep your aperture around f/4 or f/5.6.
4. Simple Backgrounds
    -By having shallow, and therefore blurry, depth of field you can create separation between the main subject and the background. You'll need a telephoto lens of 200mm-400mm to obtain shallow depth of field when your outside.
5. Dress Right
    -If you pay attention to clothing style and how its worn, it will increase the production design of all your photos. Be sure to set the aperture at f/11 or f/16. This will ensure that your subject's clothing is sharp, the colors pop, and you'll be able to notice the spring background.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

 

Abstract

1. Let your imagination rome free. There are no rules. Think outside the box.
2. Divide what you see into smaller parts. Look through the camera lens to focus your subject as a
    whole.
3. Pay attention to the lines and shapes in your frame. Straight lines, geometric shapes, lights and
     shadows all create the interest in the picture.
4. Look at a different angle. Try to get lower, or look through some things. Look below and look up.
5. Look for interesting shapes and repetitive designs and colors. Change the original direction of the
    image.
6. Look for imagery that can remind you of different objects or something that is not actually there.
   Such as reflections, shapes in the clouds, fire, smoke, etc...
7. Play around with your depth of field. This can blur the background and leave only hints for
    imagination along with lots of space.
8. Turn your image around and see if it reminds you of something else.

Good Luck and Have Fun!! (:

Picture Video

http://youtu.be/aJeE90z_D8Q

Sunset

1. Think Ahead

       Scope out places that may be god for sunsets during the day. Find out when the sun will set or rise to get there at least half an hour before sunrise or sunset. Keep a look out on the weather. Don't just go for clear days. They may be gorgeous but when the clouds are around thats when the real color comes out. 

2. Variety of Focal Lengths

       Wide angle shots can create sweeping landscapes, but if you want just the sun, make sure you zoom right in using 200mm lens or greater. Be aware that when looking through the lens at the sun it can be dangerous. 

3. Silhouettes as Focal Points

         This could be large such as a forest or environmental like a pier or animals. Silhouettes can add mood and a context to a sunset shot. 

4. Shoot at a Variety of Exposure

     Don't rely on your camera's auto mode to capture the sunset. This is a good time to switch to aperture and shutter priority mode and take multiple shots at different exposures. There is no right exposure to capture the sunset. 

5. Bracketing

       Look at what the camera suggest when taking a pictures. If your camera says to shoot at 1/60th of a second at f/8 you should shoot at 1/60 at f/5.6 and then f/11. This way you end up with different shots at different exposures. 

6. Auto Exposure Lock

        Allows you to point your camera at a darker place and lock in exposure for that spot and then reframe the picture looking at the sunset. 

7. Take off of Auto white balance mode

       When this is on, you run the risk of loosing some of the warm golden tones of a sunset. Try shooting in a cloudy or shade which are usually used in cooler lights, tells your camera to warm things up a bit. If you DO want a cooler moody shot you can experiment with other white balance settings. 

Have Fun!!! and Don't damage your Eyes!!!!!! :D

Insect Photography

1. Close
   If you are getting a close up, macro lens is a must! You'll need a specialty lens 50mm to 200mm focal
   length. Must be as quiet as possible to prevent scaring the insects. Use a shallow a depth of field to
   create a completely blurred our background to make the insect stand out.
2. Creative Angles
   Photograph above the insect for a different perspective. You can also use a colorful flower to give the
   insect a background. Such as a flower with a lot of pollen on it, will attract one or two creatures.
3. Keep in Focus
    Keeping an insect in focus is very difficult because when you use a shallow depth of field, it gives
    you a smaller margin for error. To avoid a blur you should use a tripod and the smallest aperture
    possible. Use auto and manual focus to see which one is best for you. If the insect is large, focus on
    the head.
4. Moving Insects
    When an insect is moving you can avoid blur by choosing a fast shutter speed of 1/250 and above or
    use a flash to freeze the action. You must be very still when taking a photo. Just a slight movement
    can make the image blur.
5. Vivid Colors
     Zooming in close means that the striking contrast between colors is very clear. You can also bring
     an insect inside and have a set up of colorful flowers.
6. Action
    You may need to use a fill-in-flash incase the sun isn't very bright, so you can see a little bit more
    detail on the insect. Make sure your focus is perfect and on the insect and not on the background.
    Turn the mode to aperture priority and select a large aperture such as f/2-f/5.6 for a blurred
    background.

HAVE FUN!! (:

   

Forest Photography

Observe the image

    Look through the camera to observe the two-dimensional image. See what's in it and what is not.

    Remember that what you see in the view finder is what the image will be, not what you see with

    your eyes. 

Get Close

    Turn the camera on its side if what you are capturing is better fit in a vertical angle. Fill the frame

    with what is interesting to you. 

New Perspective

     Think how you would see things if you were an animal, or a bird. Get low to the ground and look

     up or high in the air and look down. See the view in new eyes. This can result in more creative

     images. 

Focus

      Make sure your photograph is in sharp focus. Look for every little detail before taking the shot.

See the Light

    The sunlight always changes from early morning to late evening. These two times are very beautiful

    when taking a picture because the light becomes warmer and casts long shadows. When light is set

    on an object from the side, it can look three-dimensional. 

Colors

    Let color be a guide in the development of the images composition. It is best to pick out the most

    colorful part of your subject. 

Tell A Story

    Make your photo about something that is happening. EX: wind blowing across a field. Photographic

    art can be a series of pictures that show change. 

Exposure

  If you can adjust the exposure manually, briefly point your camera at the most important part of your

  photograph. Although some modern cameras can set the exposure by itself, it can sometimes be

  wrong. It can make your image to dark or to light.

Camera Steady

   Use a tripod to keep your camera from moving or shaking. You can also hold the camera steady

   against a tree or sit it on wood. 

Play with the Controls

   Since many cameras today are automatic, switch to manual mode and adjust the aperture and shurtter

   speed. Experiment with it and see what beautiful pictures you can capture.

Thunderstorm

Equipment

    -SLR camera with B shutter speed, or a digital camera if it has a B shutter speed.

    -Lenses range from 28mm to 135mm.

    -A good tripod

    -Cable Release

    -Slow speed film: 100 or 200 ISO

Location

    -Choose a place that stays dry during rain (ex. under a roof) and not to close to city lights. Avoid the roads and seek a small trail to stay safe from drunk drivers. 

     -Choose a view where the sky is optimal. 

      -Situations to AVOID when 10km or closer during a storm:

           *Being on a dike, hill or other tall objects.

           *Being in a open field

           *Being at or in a body of water

           *Near trees

           *Near fences or power line poles

           *Being indoors and very close to a window

    *REMEMBER: shooting overhead lighting is very dangerous especially when outside and no

                               coverage.

Suitable Thunderstorms

       -Not all thunderstorms are good for camera shots. Just observe first to see what kind of lightning it 

         is.

       -Here are some conditions that are of little or no use to photographing lightning:

         *Sheet-lightning (although some may be beautiful)

         *Far away thunderstorms (>25km) and are embedded in low-level clouds 

         *Lightning striking every 15minutes or longer.

         *Lightning that is surrounded by rainfall. Rain can wash out the color of the lightning and

           produce scattering or low contrast photos.

       -Examples of Interesting Shots:

          *Isolated active thunderstorms

          *A squall which is the line of thunderstorms that sometimes form ahead of a cold front. Which 

            are very active thunderstorms. There may be rainfall, but you will still be able to get a few shots.

Technique

       -Make sure the camera is on a tripod with a cable release. Do not move it at all during the exposure 

        or your picture will turn out blurry.

       -Leave the shutter open until lightning occurs.

Exposure

       -There is no accurate exposure for lightning but here is a guideline to use:

  Lightning Brightness                                             Film ISO   Aperture

  Very close-blinding CG lightning(<100m/yds)       100 ISO      f/16-f/22

  Relatively close-blinding CG lightning(-1km)        100 ISO     f/11

  Distant CG lightning(5-10km)                                100 ISO     f/5.6

  Distant CC lightning(5-10km)                                100 ISO     f/4

  Distant CG/CC lightning(10-20km)                       200 ISO     f/4-f/5.6

  Remote CG/CC lightning(20-50km)                      200 ISO     f/2.8

(CG= cloud-to-ground, CC= cloud-to-cloud, IC=intra-cloud)

   -If lightning is very far away, such as >50km than you need to use a fast speed film like 400 ISO. 

Have fun and BE SAFE!! :)

Wild Life

1. Always be ready for an animal encounter.

       -some research to find what kind of species are in your local environment. 

2. Always have a 300-400mm lens ready for use.
3.  Don't use a bag.
         -always keep your batteries, flash, memory card in your pockets, not in your bag. Going through
           a bag can result in a lost opportunity.
4. Find a good background
          -If the story is the animal keep the background simple. The simpler the better.
5. Shutter Speed
          -Use a fast shutter speed. Especially when trying to get wildlife in movement, you need to use a
            fast shutter speed. Ex: if using the sigma 300/800 F/5.6 lens set the shutter to 1/750th.
6. Look for situations that tell a story.
          -Be able to communicate with the image.
7. Light
          - Keep the lighting at your back and point your shadow at the subject.
8. Groups of Animals
           -Look for separation between subjects, and avoid mergers.
9. Sleeping
            -Do not photograph a sleeping animal. While sleeping, they appear to be dead which is not
              interesting.
10. LCD
           -Photographing animals in action while looking at your LCD, it will cause you to miss images.

Fashion Photography with Model

1. Engage the Model

       -Eye Contact. When eye contact is directly into the camera it is very powerful. It connects the model with the viewer of the image.

      - Looking Away. When the model is looking away, it gives the viewer a different way to see the image. It creates mystery, making the viewer wonder what the model is looking at.

       - Models looking at each other. The viewer can become intrigued by the connection between two models and their story.

 2. Forget the Rules

     -Change the composition. Move the model all around, either right in the center or off to the sides, but you must know your model before. 

3. Light

     -Mix lighting such as tungsten or strobe lights. Leave the shutter on your camera open longer than normal, this creates much more Drama! 

4. Moving Model

     -Get the model out of the studio. Take him or her out of the studio and take him or her to the busy streets. Let them walk down the street or look like a outsider just window shopping.

5. Angle

     -If you photograph the model low, or close to the ground and shoot up it elongates the model. Change it around. Shoot from a high area down. See the difference and choose which one is more fun and different. 

6. Prop

     -When the model is playing with a tube of lipstick or looking through the purse, it adds a sense of reality, making the viewer feel as though  they're looking at a private moment. 

7. Random Shots

    -Look for when the model is fixing their outfit or hair. It is something unexpected. Its a real true moment. Not something posed or planned. 

8. Emotions

    -Get the model to laugh or cry or be surprised. It will have them view the picture longer than they would a serious posed picture.

10 Tips on Portrait Photograpy

1. Alter Perspective
     Completely change the angle that you shoot from. You can get up high and look down or get as close to the ground as possible and shoot up. Either way, it will give you a new perspective on your subject.

2. Eye Contact
      A. Looking off Camera: Have your subject look off in the distance and outside the view of your camera. Be aware that when you take these kind of shots that you can also draw the eye of the viewer of the shot to the edge of the image also the subject.
       B. Looking with the Frame: When you give your subject something to look at that is in the frame, you are able to create a new point of interest and relationship between it and your primary interest.

3. Break the Rules of Composition
     The Rule of Thirds is a rule to break, placing your subject either dead center can sometimes create a powerful image or even creative placement with your subject right on the edge of a shot can make interesting images.

4. Lighting
     Side-lighting can create mood. Backlighting and silhouetting your subject to hide their features can be powerful.

5. Moving out of Comfort Zone
     Try something new such as jumping or falling. Anything that is fun and different.

6. Shoot Candidly
     Photograph your subject at work, with family, or doing something they love. Some subjects don't look good posed in a environment, so in this case switch to candid type.

7. Props
    You may have the rid of adding to much to the main focus of the photo, but you may also add a sense of story and place to the image that takes it in a new direction and give the person an extra layer of depth that they wouldn't have had without the prop.

8. Focus on One Body Part
    Get close or use a long focal length to only capture part of your subject. Photographing just bits and pieces of your subject can really impact the viewer.

9. Obscure Part of the Subject
     You can do this with clothes, objects, their hands, or just by framing part of them out of the image. You are able to leave a little bit of imagination to the viewer.

10. Take a Series of Shots
       Switch your camera to burst mode or continuous shooting. You are able to create a series of images that can be presented together instead of just one image. Works very well when photographing children.

Christmas Lights

Shutter Speed:
        If you're outside you wont need your shutter to stay open long at all due to the daylight and flash. If you are inside or outside and its dark, you will need your shutter to stay open longer to capture light.

Flash:
       Flash will usually ruins pictures of Christmas lights or birthday candles, etc. Which is why you need your shutter to stay open longer.

Holding your camera still:
       Using a tripod would be a very good tool since holding your camera still is sort of a struggle. There are also many other choices such as furniture or a counter, table top. Any flat surface will allow your camera to stay still.

So pretty much just have a slow shutter speed, no flash and keep your camera still to get a clear shot. :)

Fireworks

If you want to capture fireworks, there are a few easy steps to follow. 

  1. Use a tripod

          -to ensure there is no movement while taking pictures.

   2. Frame Your Shot

          -Plan early, before the fireworks begin to get a good location. Look at your background where you are set up and make sure that there won't be people's head in the way.

    3. Focal Length

           -Shoot at a wider focal length rather than a tight one.  A zoom lens will help also when capturing the right up close photo. 

     4. Aperture

             -Use an aperture in the mid to small range such as f/8 to f/16.

      5. Shutter Speed

             -Don't keep your shutter open to long. Fireworks are bright so it doesn't take much to over expose them. You should use a long exposure. The "bulb" mode allows you to keep your shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter.

      6. ISO

            -To ensure the cleanest shots shoot at a low ISO such as ISO 100.

       7. Flash

             -Turn your flash off. The only thing the flash would brighten would be the smoke which will take away from the fireworks.

        8. Shoot in Manual Mode

               -Auto focus in low light can be difficult and you'll end up missing a lot of shots. If your using a small aperture you wont need to change the focus mode. If you change focal lengths, you'll need to change focusing on your lenses.

Hope this will help you! 

HAVE FUN CAPTURING FIREWORKS :)

My baby cousin little Joshie

This boy is precious!!

Close up of an ornament