How To Create A Great Photograph

In a previous article I wrote about how anyone can take a great picture, with the main difference between an amateur and a professional photographer being the consistency and the regularity of getting that great snap. As a professional if you miss the opportunity that's in front of you, there is often no second chance. As an amateur it's just a minor disappointment.

As a pro or a budding amateur photographer there are principles of composition that can help and complement the natural eye that you have for a great image, whether it's a portrait or a landscape.

When you think you see a great image:

1. One aspect that is important is the position of the camera. The point of view whether high, low or somewhere in between, is very important in creating the best possible perspective for the shot. A shot of a building or a person from close to the ground can present the subject almost as three dimensional in the finished photograph. This can really bring to life a photograph that may not have much detail in it.

2. Another aspect of getting a great shot is the essential trio of aperture, shutter speed and ISO. All three are incredibly important in having a fully developed presentable photograph, but the aperture is the one that can really enhance the scene in front of you. A large aperture will enhance the foreground of the image making it centre stage and blurring out the background, while a small aperture will give life to the whole picture. With a large aperture the simplest photograph of something like a flower head can translate to a wonderful and powerful canvas.

3. The third main aspect of a great photograph for me is balance. Angles, straight lines and natural frames can help an image not to be overpowered by one single element. The glimpse of the side of a building, an archway or a horizontal horizon can frame the subject that is the priority of the picture and give it substance that it may otherwise not have.

These factors combine to fully develop the great picture that you think you see in front of you, but the most important factor is recognising the opportunity for the great snap that has presented itself. When you see the opportunity it is very important to take stock of all the elements and possible variations that are in front of you to produce the best possible result.

At times you can pause and relax and shoot at your own pace to create that great photograph, other times you have to be sharp and alert to weigh up the factors in an instance and catch that moment, as that second chance is often not a possibility.

Photo Session Guide for Bradford-On-Avon (Wiltshire, UK)

If you are thinking of having your professional photographer take you and your family on a fun photowalk, why not consider Bradford-on-Avon? Bradford-on-Avon is a really pleasant, homey and picturesque town, full of tranquillity and romance. Its history goes back 2500 years, with each century leaving its marks on the city's soul and architecture. Fine examples from the Saxon, Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Industrial Revolution periods are all present and preserved on the streets and squares of this relatively small corner of Western Wiltshire.

If you choose to visit Bradford-on-Avon for a photowalk or location shoot, you will undoubtedly enjoy the day immensely, as just walking the streets and riversides in Bradford-on-Avon is always a discovery, with historic adventure and the warm pleasure of a small town. At the same time, this small spot also has all the features required for a good family photowalk. As well as historical buildings that provide a stylish setting for the pictures, there is a riverside and green areas providing a natural, neutral background. Children will find all kinds of fun on the playground, while the adults of the group enjoy the beautiful hill scenery.

A 2-3 hour photowalk is easily planned in Bradford-on-Avon, while guaranteeing plenty of pictures in many different styles and background and still ensuring that the entire party is entertained and has a pleasant day out.

Start at the heart of Bradford-on-Avon, where the ancient Bridge at the centre of town faces the river Avon. There is the option to go down to the river and get some lovely shots directly on the water. Next to the bridge there are some architectural gems, including a Victorian Tea Room dated to 1675 and a historical pub, both looking the very picture of most people's fairy tale vision of old England.

Next, head towards Wine street terrace on the hill side, which will take you past both The Holy Trinity Church and The Saxon Church of Saint Lawrence. The route is filled with charmingly narrow and winding streets, historic buildings, brick walls and flowers that all together form the ideal setting for a relaxed city shoot. After taking full advantage of the aged beauty of those old churches, your photowalk can begin meandering up the hill.

Of course, if walking many stairs up a hill is not your general idea of fun and relaxation, the entire hill walk can be skipped. However, if you do make it up that hill, you will be well rewarded with a stunning view of the city and some truly splendid pictures to be proud of. There is also a playground ahead, as an enticement to children, so that they have the motivation to keep walking! Most children can manage this route very happily and head back down the hill still full of energy for the playground ahead.

Once you have climbed or skipped the hill, you and your family photographer can walk through Barton Orchard, then cross the Rail Bridge to arrive on the Avon river-side. This part of town is beautifully park-like and the first thing your children will see is that long-anticipated play-ground! There is no more suitable subject to capture for a family photobook than children enjoying themselves at play. No matter the weather, this always produces pictures of colourful, sunshiny happiness and joy.

After all that walking and playing, the kids (and maybe the grown-ups,too!) will likely be exhausted, so you can simply exit to a car park at this point, or linger a while longer in the pleasant surroundings and take advantage of the pub nearby. Of course, if the family is up for it, you could always continue walking along the riverside, enjoying the unique and peaceful atmosphere of this town. That will conveniently lead you back to where you started by the Town Bridge, where you could partake of the local coffeehouses and restaurants, which are surprisingly plentiful for such a compact town! Bradford-on-Avon is definitely a pleasant day out with the family, and is easy to take advantage of with your favourite family photographer in tow, capturing those memories of everyday life that will mean so much as your family grows.

Why Wedding Photography Is So Expensive

When you look through Wedding Photography websites checking out prices, sometimes it can seem like photographers have it easy. They earn a thousand or more for a single day of work! Of course, this is far from the case. In reality a photographer will spend many hours working before, during and after the big day itself.

Before any shooting begins, your wedding photographer will sit down with you at a consultation and have a long discussion about what you want from your wedding pictures. He will discuss the overall feel with you, venue ideas and issues, and those special shots he absolutely MUST get on the day. Once these things have been decided, a good wedding photographer will visit the venue in advance whenever possible, to look at all the options for locations, lighting, and whether there is somewhere to shoot in case of rain. This visit will help him decide which equipment to bring and to make a plan for your wedding day.

On the wedding day itself, most likely your wedding photographer will be with you every step of the way - from the bride getting ready, rushing to the venue to take some shots of the groom and his best man waiting, then heading to get a few photos of the bride arriving. He will be focussed on you for the entire service, and then for the intensive photo shoot after the ceremony. He will likely carry on into the night, photographing those important memories that happen during the reception. Like your first dance, the wedding speeches, the cake, as well as you and your guests in candid moments. And he will do all of this while carrying 3 or 4 kilos in camera, lenses and equipment. Your photographer will be as exhausted at the end of your wedding day as you will be!

Of course, the next day is when the bulk of the work truly begins. Your wedding photographer will have in the area of 1000-2000 files to sort through, grade, and edit. This post-production process can take a week or more of long days and many hours of intensive labour. Just going through all those photos alone, to decide which shots are the very best and worthy of being processed into your treasured wedding memories, can take three or four hours, during which about 30% of the photos that are not technically perfect are weeded out. Those left are rated for quality and pleasing subject matter, and the files are further reduced until 200-300 photos of the best quality are left.

At this stage, a photographer's "other" great talent comes into play. Because it is not enough to have an artisitic eye and be able to take a great shot, though that certainly is part of it. A talented wedding photographer will be able to edit your photos to perfection, creating the perfect mood for your special photos. Images are cropped, altered to remove distractions, colours are tweaked for best effect, as well as many other small details. This precision work, spread over 300 photos, means many hours of hard work for your wedding photographer, who is always conscious that you want to see your wedding pictures as soon as possible.

Suddenly that thousand or more your wedding photographer is earning is spread over two weeks of hard work. There is no putting a price tag on true talent, and finding a wedding photographer that you trust to capture your most special day, but it does help to know where the money is going and that your wedding photographer is talented, well-trained, and above all, an artist.

TIps For Taking Tasteful And Creative Boudoir Photography

There is a surprising trend happening in the world of photography that involves women taking sexy portraits. These two don't go together at all with traditional wedding photography or family photography. So, what could possibly allow a woman to express her self confidence and share intimate and personal photos with their special someone. This would have to be boudoir photography for sure. These are not the old fashion studio photos where you got the impression that you were looking at pictures taken in a hotel that rents by the hour. Boudoir photography is very tasteful with a hint of sensual and sexiness. Today's boudoir sessions are more about fashion and flair. Boudoir photography is about woman in lingerie and provocative poses.

Women are more comfortable with sexuality than ever before. It was only a matter of time before they demanded a change in how they were perceived in boudoir photos of old. The old dreary color faded photos of the past were no longer going to be acceptable. This isn't about creating a porn video either. It's an art form and it's not about taking your clothes all the way off. It's about creating a look that shows how amazing a woman's body really is. Photos they can share with their loved one that just say wow how amazing is my body and I'm proud of it. There are a few steps to keep in mind when creating and properly executing a boudoir photo shoot.

The best way to make your client feel comfortable during the shoot is working on your posing. Boudoir photography is no different than other forms of photography when it comes to creating comfortable and manageable poses. If your clients are uncomfortable then it will most likely show up in the shots you take. You need to bring out the best parts of each individual client's best features when shooting boudoir photography. Every woman is different as far as their sizes and shapes. So, you have to be able to figure out what parts of the body you want to feature. If your client has very large hips and she's extremely conscious of them. You want to take shots from the side and from above instead of head on in front of you. It's best to try and establish a rapport with the client to help them feel at ease. Don't just bring them in and start shooting.

You could go out and hire a bunch of professional to help build your portfolio and practice your skills. I feel it's better to work with regular everyday clients to work on improving your skills. With professional models it can be hard to determine which feature is their best. It can also hard to find out what is their worst. There is one plus to working with even amateur models and that is they are good at finding sensual poses that you can work with. It may take your clients awhile to get comfortable and they may not know how to position themselves in a sensual manner. This is the one area you may benefit from having amateur models to provide you with examples to use on our clients. Your job is to highlight the parts that your client feels are her best physical qualities and hide those that she doesn't feel comfortable about.

Lighting is very important in boudoir photography as it is with most photography in general. Flash photography can be very unflattering to natural skin. So, you want to use as much natural light as you possibly can. Avoid at all cost direct flash and use as little off camera lighting as you can get away with. Use soft lighting during your shoot which will allow for softer skin tones. Split lighting is a technique that I like to use in my sessions. I've tried this with natural lighting, but this doesn't work as well as use one main source of lighting. You place your light source at a 90 degree angle and preferable use off camera lighting that simulates natural light. This allows me to create a dramatic and a definite mood in my shots.

Picking the proper lens will also help you get the desired shot you are looking for. A zoom lens and the right camera angle is really all that's needed to get the perfect shot. You don't need multiple lens changes or camera changes during your shoot. You want to shoot level with the client and not from above. This will help make sure the proportions are correct and not unflattering.

Picking out the right outfit is another issue that you want to work with your client on. You don't want to pick out your clients outfit. You want them to feel comfortable in whatever they decide to wear. The item could have a special meaning or it could just be an item of clothing that they share during special intimate moments. You want your client to at least bring two or three different items for you to work with. You want to bring items that are a combination that allow you to undress and reveal another more provocative outfit underneath. This also allows the client to become a little more comfortable about taking their clothes off while a camera watches their every move.

You want them to stay with neutral colors like black, beige, and red. These work best with most skin tones. You also want the items they are wearing to fit. You don't want an outfit that is too tight on their skin. You also don't want one that lose fitting and falls off during the shoot. Remember you aren't shooting porn. You are creating tasteful art that isn't showing full nudity. Picking a favorite team jersey or a work shirt is always recommended as one of the outfits you'll want to use.

The biggest hurdle your going to face while shooting boudoir photos is getting your client to relax. If you are able to get past the nervous issues that arise. You should be able to create sexy and provocative photos for your clients to share with the loved one.

World's First Intelligent Camera Unveiled

Digital cameras of today are getting more advanced and smarter. If you still haven't heard, a new kind of camera will be released into the market this month. It's no ordinary photographic device because it is dubbed as the world's first intelligent and wearable camera.

Known as the Autographer, this device captures images in an automated manner once it detects changes in its surroundings. It is equipped with a GPS system and passive infrared sensor that is responsible for detecting motion changes in the subject or its surrounding environment. Additionally, it features other sensors that are able to detect changes in temperature, direction, acceleration and color. In total, it has five built-in sensors.

When this unique digital camera captures information, it automatically takes photos up to 2,000 in just a single day. The images are captured through the 5MP backlit CMOS sensor and a wideangle lens (custom 136 degrees).

This Autographer can take thousands of images thanks to its 8GB internal memory. It is very light weighing only around 58 grams or two ounces and has a fixed-focus lens.

Another intelligent feature is its Bluetooth connectivity that allows users to transfer images across other devices including smartphones and tablets. In short, you simply connect and beam your photos to an iPhone or other Bluetooth-equipped mobile devices and the recipients will be able to view the images immediately via a companion app.

How it works

In terms of images, this camera is able to capture natural, unexpected and genuine photos a person wouldn't otherwise be able to notice. Even the candid shots you were not able to see during your trips and gatherings are well documented.

What this means is that you and your family or friends can enjoy your get-together or travels without having to think about what subjects to take or the best angle to take your shots. This also means that you can easily share the stories of your travels on albums you create on your social media accounts because the Autographer captures everything in sequence.

As an example, you can capture the stages of the sunset through this device with absolutely no effort from you. This is because the shutter is triggered once the camera detects changes in the environment where it is situated. It can detect changes in movements, temperature, color and other factors. You can then view the images either as photos or stop-motion video. How cool is that?

Indeed, this new kind of digital camera is intelligent as it is. It has a mind of its own and lets you do your thing without worrying about the images you want to capture because it will do the job for you. No need to press the shutter or find the best scenes to capture. Just position it on a flat surface and it will record thousands of images even for an entire day.

This intelligent digital camera is due to be released this November at an initial price of 399 Sterling pounds. Early registrants will be the first to own this device like no other.

Basics of the Professional Photographer

A skilled photographer uses a camera to capture special moments, breaking news, or to promote services or products. A professional photographer might have the option to work in the news industry for the various magazines and newspapers, the advertising sector or work as a freelance photographer. While some full-time photographers might use a film based camera, many will rely on the latest digital technology for capturing their images.

Irrespective of a photographers chosen sector, their main aim is essentially the same, that is to capture high-quality and realistic images. If using the latest digital cameras, it will be possible to process the images almost instantly, which are downloaded and stored on a laptop. If the image isn't in need of editing, it can often be sent straight on to the print publisher and used as needed. A photographer has the tendency to work quite long hours, which often relates to the need to travel to far-reaching locations to capture the right image of a person, event, or structure.

In order to be successful in their chosen trade, a photographer will need to be artistic, analytical, have great communication skills, and a very keen eye for detail. Also, if the photographer is taking an image of a person, and not an object, they will need to have a calming influence to help the person relax when the photographs being taken. For the freelance photographer, they will need to have all-round business skills.

Beyond the ability to capture the perfect image, a photographer will also need to be highly skilled at using the various computer design and photo editing software. Photo editing tools are often depended on to help with touching up certain images, common use for using software relates to balancing the color, eliminating red-eye, and cropping an image to size.

A further skill required is the ability to maintain the state-of-the-art in a high state of repair. In view of the high-cost of the latest cameras and related accessories it makes sense for the photographer to learn how to keep the camera operating properly, by keeping it free of dirt and dust. It will also help to have in-depth knowledge on the various settings and adjustments that can be made on a camera in order to capture that perfect picture.

On average the photographer that has been able to become successful in their chosen trade might expect to earn in the region of $30,000 to $35,000 annually. Although various factors come into the equation when calculating an average salary, which might relate the type of employment, frequency of work, geographical location, and type of pictures captured.

Photography in Advertising

Advertising is one of the biggest industries that photography finds itself a part of. When most think of photography, wedding, family, event and club photography usually springs to mind - but advertising is one of the most profitable and technical areas that a skilled photographer can make money.

The Importance of Photography in Advertising

Photography in advertising is used to promote products, convey ideas and make the subject look as appealing to its audience as possible. Celebrity endorsements help to validate the integrity of a product while a good photograph of the product itself can catch the reader's eye and make them consider a purchase.

Because most people respond to visual stimulation, advertising in this way is effective. It is photographs that usually create the initial interest in a product. Sure, a lot of potential buyers might follow up by reading reviews or discussing a purchase with friends or store employees, but for that initial point of contact there is nothing more important than a high quality image that draws attention.

The Expense of Photography in Advertising

Advertising with photography costs in a number of different areas. Companies have to spend on the work the photographer does, the graphic designer who puts the advertisement together and then even more for the billboard, magazine, print or web space to host the advert and have it seen. For what it is, graphic advertising is considerably expensive, so most companies will invest a lot into making sure the job is done right.

Serious Advertising

While humour is a common tool used to sell, photography in advertising should take itself as seriously as possible. Images don't have the advantage of tone and comedic timing, and you aren't trying to make your subject look foolish. Painting your subject in the best possible light and making it attractive is the best way to convince the viewer.

Photographers and graphic designers are usually the ones responsible for the image and branding of a company. With the web such an important sales tool, every business is looking to market itself in the best way possible. Working with a skilled photographer who can create appealing imagery gives you a huge advantage over the competition.

Your advertising is the way you present your company to the rest of the world - there's no reason to hold back. Create more impact and a better-respected brand by working with a highly skilled photographer.

Create Stunning Photo Books

If you look through the photo books on sale in the average high street book shop then the first thing you'll notice, even before opening the photo book in question is the sheer weight of the object in your hands. That's because the aim of the book is to showcase and highlight the images it contains and, in order to do this, it has to use rich, thick glossy paper and be bound to the highest possible standards. Not only does this enhance the visual impact of the book but it also means that it is an attractive and desirable object in its' own right.

In most cases, books like this will be dedicated to the work of a particular photographer, or else to chronicling the life of a celebrity such as a film star or sporting hero. Advances in the field of digital photography, however, mean that it's actually possible for anyone with a large number of images in their collection to fashion a book of their own, printed and constructed to the same exacting standards. In the past, if you wanted to collect your favorite photographs between the covers of a book then this usually meant creating photo albums. Whilst an album such as this would be a treasured memento, it would also be fairly unprepossessing to look at, with photographs glued onto the pages of a scrapbook which was bound to deteriorate as the years went by.

If you choose to make your own picture book, on the other hand, you'll be creating a memento or gift which is put together to the highest professional standards and which will showcase your photographs at their very best for years to come. Creating online photo books is almost as straightforward as printing off a set of digital photographs or crafting individual personalized greeting cards. A quick online search will yield the best website to make photo books on, and once you've found it you just have to upload the images you've chosen. You may want to create a family photograph album, highlighting the life of your children as they grow up, or perhaps you'll put together a book to give as a gift, an Illustrated History' type of volume to give to a couple on the event of a special anniversary. The range of online photo books - from deluxe, leather bound hard covered tomes to small, cheerful, soft back, smaller booklets - is such that you're bound to be able to create exactly what you're looking for.

Having uploaded the images you've selected, you'll be able to use specially created software to put the book itself together. This software has been designed to keep the process as simple as it can be, guiding you forward in a series of small, logical steps as you select options such as the size and shape of the book, the design and material of the covers and the layout of each page. By the time you're shifting the images around, adding text and previewing the finished results you'll probably find you're actually having fun.

There are so many photo books to make online that you'll probably end up making more than one - some to give as gifts, some to celebrate specific events such as holidays or weddings and some to have for yourself, to take down from the shelf and leaf through whenever you want to travel down memory lane in style.

Using your own photographs to create distinctive and unique items is now quicker and easier than merely having your photographs printed used to be. Whether you create online photo books to grace your own bookshelves, or photo greeting cards to delight friends and loved ones, you'll be crafting items which are totally personal yet still produced to the highest possible standards.

Employment Opportunities for Photographic Artists

The employment opportunities for photographic artists in the United Kingdom are actually numerous and varied. There are opportunities for people with photography talents to make a good living pursuing something that is exciting, rewarding, and fun to do.

The number one opportunity for photographic artists in the United Kingdom comes from publications like magazines. Wildlife photographers are in high demand for many of these types of job positions. Magazines and publications that are devoted to depicting wildlife images are always on the lookout for people who can provide them with a fresh perspective and a new shot that has never been gotten before. Wildlife specialists spend a great deal of time with their subject matter or in search of their subject matter. They are well paid professionals and they are highly respected.

Photography can be all about the current things that are happening and this type of picture taking is needed by newspapers and television stations. People who have a talent for getting the good shots of current events can make a good living without having to travel all over the world. They can take pictures for law enforcement agencies, and they can work as a freelance specialist or hire out to just one company.

Some people do not see the photographers that capture events like weddings, galas, and parties to be photographic artists, but these individuals are just as artistic, and committed to their art form as wildlife photographers are. Taking photos at an event like a wedding means the person has to set up shots so they include all of the bridal party in the albums they create. They need shots of the bride and groom that show them at their very best. They need candid pictures of the reception, the ceremony, the getting ready, and the couple exiting. There are even a lot of couples that are now hiring a photographer to come to the hotel room the morning after the wedding and take morning after shots. It takes a great eye for detail for someone to get all of these types of pictures and make them look good so that the couple have a documented pictorial of their special day.

Add to the group of photographic artists the ones that take pictures of families, children, children at school, and graduation shots. These people are also hard work and they have to be able to manipulate their subjects, their lighting, and their equipment to provide the best pictures of their subject that they can. People want to be flattered when they take a picture. They envision themselves as looking better than they actually do at times and it is the job of the photographer to make them look as good as they can.

You can even find photographic artists positions that have you taking pictures of things like fruit, or a bowl of mashed potatoes. Maybe some fashion photography with real live models would be more in line with what you would enjoy. There are plenty of opportunities for the individual that see the world through a lens and documents that sight.

How to Get a Photography Job With a Magazine?

Before we even begin this journey, you need to have a good Digital SLR camera with flash, and good images to share with magazines. Be extremely selective with your choices, ask friends and family to pick their favorites. Do not include pictures of your pets, or kids. Look for unusual photos, sometimes mistakes or blurred images end up being the most interesting to magazine editors. Photograph something from above or below. Anyone can stand in front of the Capitol and snap a picture, you have to catch their eyes with something new and fresh.

Enter a general message directed at the art director, photo editor, or publisher. I usually email all 3 in one email so that I cover all my bases. Include your personal website address if you have one. Keep your email short and to the point, editors are busy and do not want to hear about your life, they just want to know if you can take an interesting high quality photograph.

Research which magazines you want to work with. Do a general web search for magazines or publishers in your zip code. You will have more success if you stay local and only contact magazines who publish your type of photography. Go to the magazine websites and make sure that your photos would be appropriate for their magazine. Look for the emails of the publisher, art director, and photo editor. Copy those email addresses into your email with your photos attached.

Make sure that your email is open and friendly. Make it clear that you are willing to do ANY assignments, travel on short notice, and help in any way possible to make this magazine even better than it is now. You see, the point is not to make money now, it's to get published and have a portfolio that you can use to make money in the future. Photo editors will not give you cover shots or high-profile articles until you have proved yourself to be reliable and consistent in your photography.

Be patient, and do not email publishers asking why they did not respond unless you want to be deleted from their inbox. Anyone can get 5 really good photos out of 1000's. If you really want to work for someone, send new photos every month with a friendly note. Most websites will tell you what is coming up in the next issue, this is your chance to go out and get some images that are relevant to what they are working on at the moment.

Photography Outlook Until 2014

Cameras have advanced through the years. From the old ones that use film, we now have the digital cameras. After the standalone units comes the smartphones built with cameras that can capture images of similar or even better quality than the digital cameras.

Today, more than ever, people are in the habit of taking as many photos as they like wherever they go. Thanks to the digital units, consumers today enjoy keeping their memories and sharing them as often as they can online through the various photo sharing sites. But other than the main camera itself, the memory card is also instrumental in helping people capture numerous images during their photo sessions. With this advanced storage card, hundreds of pictures can be saved and shared on the internet.

Big cameras are it

For the future, the big cameras are going to make a comeback. Manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon and Sony are putting their bet on the high-end units that boast of full-frame sensors. The latest buzz is that Photokina will roll out five full frame models.

The best part is that these cameras will become more affordable. Canon's 6D and Nikon's D600 are selling for $2,100 while Sony also has its SLT-A99 valued at $2,800. Sony's SLT-A99 boasts of great features such as full-time autofocus in live view but is much affordable compared to its close rivals (Nikon D4 and Canon 1D X) which are at a price range of $6,000-$6,800.

Moving onwards, analysts see many photographers seeking image quality that can be achieved by a massive sensor. This may be the feature they will be looking for more than the sturdy body.

Mobile Imaging

As smartphones are now more patronized by consumers more than the digital cameras, top camera manufacturers are considering the idea of incorporating some mobile phone features in their products. Wireless capability is what's being focused on by the makers these days to allow for faster and easy sharing of images on the internet without having to use the computer.

So far, only Samsung has responded to this need. Its Galaxy Camera is known as the first smart camera despite its being compact. Some of its great features a wide screen measuring 4.8 inches, a touch interface, 3G/4G data antenna and the latest version of Android.

Expensive cameras

One of the trends being predicted is the creation of expensive digital cameras of different brands. These are the equivalent of luxury cars with unique designs.

An example is the Lunar made by Hasselblad which is selling at $6,500. In truth, this digital camera is just the bigger version of Sony's NEX-7 but features a new frame.

Leica, for its part, has the V-Lux series which are very similar to the Panasonic units. They even have the same designs but only their logo or brand is different.

Besides these three, the demand for longer zooms, higher megapixels and brighter lenses will also continue. Manufacturers are listening and taking action and hopefully, these features will soon become a reality.

Legal and Copyright Issues in Photography

If you're doing photography as a business, you might have wondered about legal and copyright issues. After all, trick photography is still part of photography whether you digitally manipulate the images or not. Have you ever seen a piece of video or a show that includes public shots and some of the faces seem to be blurred out? That is not poor production values on the part of the video team. The producers who eventually sold that video to be used commercially did not secure releases from those individuals. And if they used their images, they are laying themselves open for lots of legal problems.

So how do you know if the work you are doing in your photography or trick photos business requires such releases? After all, it's better to be safe than sorry and get releases from everyone you use as a subject than face a surprise problem down the road.

If you snap for portraits, weddings or other events where the intent of your work is to sell the photos to the people being photographed, there is certainly no need for releases. As long as you have no intention of ever using any of those photographs in a sale that will profit your business other than the original way, then you should be fine.

It is when you are working with models to provide photos for advertising, magazines, newspapers or any other purpose in which you are selling the images you have photographed for a profit, that is when a release is needed. This whole area of professional photography is very profitable because you are working at a higher level of professionalism than photographing the public to provide them with portrait pictures. It is a lucrative arena of professional photography, the competition to make those sales is very competitive.

When you are working with professional models, securing their releases is pretty routine and never a problem. They are working for you and they know the photographs are for sale so their agents and lawyers do all the legwork so the releases are proper. But from your perspective, don't let this detail go unattended to. After all, it is your responsibility to your customers, those magazines or ad agencies who look to you for professional photography work, are assuming you have this covered and that they can count on you to deliver not only quality work but work that has been legally released to be used for promotion.

The complexities come if you do your shoots in a public place such as a park, a mall or anywhere that there may be traffic that becomes part of the shot. If you complete the shoot and discover that the perfect shot that fits your customers needs just right happens to have miscellaneous members of the public in the background, you have to secure the releases from them or you cannot sell that photograph.

So what can you do to avoid these situations? You could think ahead and try to secure those releases on the spot. But if the people you are trying to convince to sign such releases know you are going to use their images for profit, and you pretty much have to tell them, you get into another whole level of negotiation. But you sure don't want to have to blur their faces out on the shot.vYou could Photoshop them out but then you might lose the spontaneity of the shot.

It is best to stage the shot from start to finish. If you want traffic to be occurring around your model, bring in models who can do the job for you. Any good modeling agency to provide you with average looking models to use for this purpose. You will have to pay them but at least you know that the shot is clean. Plus when you sell the shot, you are going to get questions about whether those models were paid and if you have releases on them too.

You can find a standard release form on the web or your lawyer can help you develop one that covers the legalities you need handled but also reflects how you want to handle this issue. But make this a priority. By protecting yourself, you can do good business and profitable business but above all, legal business in perusing your professional photography career.

The Trick to Getting an Unexpected Image

We are always looking for the intriguing, the unusual, something that sparks our interest. Everyone sees so many photographs now, making them so common that even the great ones can seem average. Yet it's easy to elevate an average subject into something of interest. Here is how.

Usually we see the world from a sitting or standing position. Naturally, as we stand we bring our camera up to take the shot. Viewers of our image see the viewpoint as they would if they had stood there. So it's an expected, ordinary viewpoint. Nearly every photograph you see is taken from the 5 foot to 5'8" high vantage point. Usually with the lens that the camera came with.

It's no surprise that the majority of the photographs you see feel the same.

So the magic is to change your point of view. It's really an easy fix.

Try getting down low - real low, belly on the ground low. Then, shoot up. Add to that a wider angled lens. Dramatic things happen. It intrigues the mind.

Try getting up on a step stool, a ladder, or climb a wall. Stand on the bumper of your car. Balance on a railing. Lean out of a balcony - heck climb up on your roof, and then shoot down, even straight down. Suddenly it's a whole new world. People don't go to those extremes to see things, so it becomes a novel delight to see the same old thing so differently. Your image takes them to a viewpoint that is completely new.

Now do that with the extreme ends of your lens collection. Since the vast-used lenses are the middle range ones, leave them. Use a wide-angle lens, then shoot up from a low vantage point. Shooting up warps everything it sees. Legs become stilts, the sky becomes all drama, it all becomes different, fascinating.

Try using your lens the wrong way. Rather than having the wider-angle lens (that is everything from a 55mm lens and smaller) for a scenic, full landscape shot, get in close, real close to your subject. It's a delightful change; yes, it's warped and now oddly shaped, but that's its charm.

Try focusing your telephoto lens on the nearest thing it can handle, and do it with the lowest fstop your lens has. You will be delighted with the effect and the mood this creates.

Rather than being so careful to get the whole subject matter in, crop it like crazy, to just a small piece. Do a study of the subject that way.

Or pull so far back, your subject becomes just an element in the scenic image.

Try these vantage points; you will be amazed at what happens to your images, the interest that will suddenly happen. The unusual always fascinates the viewer - they want to study it, figure it out, enjoy it. You will also start to see your world differently, finding new and exciting photographic choices abounding.

Portrait Lighting Techniques That Will Help You Capture the Best Look of Your Subject

Every person wants to look best in his portraits and this is the reason why you are always hard-pressed to make your subject look great. Although professional portrait photography seems to be very simple, getting those perfect looks require some knowledge, preparation, and confidence. Here are some simple techniques that can vastly improve the quality of your portraits.

• Direct harsh light creates sharp unflattering shadows and this is the reason why you must use photography lighting equipment that diffuses the light beam and soften the shadows. Instead of positioning your lighting equipments directly towards your model, bounce it from any reflector or diffuser such as an umbrella reflector or a softbox.

• Use a three-point lighting system to give a flattering look to your model. Place your main light directly in front of the subject so that you can successfully hide the scars and other marks that the subject has on his/her face. The other two must be placed at two opposite angles from the camera. You can always replace one fill light with a reflector and use a backlight if required.

• Even the finest photographers prefer continuous studio lighting for shooting portraits. This is because; this form of lighting can give you an idea about the final results that you will be getting. Flash photography however, doesn't give you this flexibility and is therefore, usually not recommended for shooting portraits.

• Position your light modifier as close to your subject as possible without including it in your frame. This is because; the closer it is the better will be the illumination.

• To give a life to your subject's hairs, elevate your photography lighting equipment that you will be using at the back. This light is very often referred as hair lights.

• Plan your background carefully depending on the theme of your picture. If you are portraying a newlywed, a marble-colored backdrop would certainly look elegant but if you are portraying a man with a big tattoo, this backdrop will take away the beauty of the tattoo. For this, you should use a black backdrop.

• If you are shooting fashion photographs, never position your subject's head opposite to that of his/her body. This will give a flattering look to your subject.

• Since the face of your subject should be the main focus, try various continuous studio lighting techniques to give them sharp looks. For example; if your subject has a big nose, make him raise his chin slightly and point his nose directly towards the camera.

• Lighting is the essence of photography. Play with it creatively to click breathtaking portraits.

How to Make Your Own Action in Photoshop

How to Create a Photoshop Action

If like me, and many other photographers out there, you find yourself repeating things on Photoshop (often carrying out the same set of functions on numerous photos) then you really should learn how to create your own actions. Put it this way, my go to "action" is a very simple one, I now no longer have to spend time with saving my work to a specific folder as I have set up an action where I hit one key to save my work in my chosen folder (I may need to move things from here but it shortens the process no end).

Actions are in simple terms a pre-programmed set of steps that you can implement with a single key stroke or mouse click. They can be as simple as a resizing process or the save action I mentioned or as complicated as you like really, there are loads of free actions out there that others have created that let you do many things on Photoshop with ease, but here is the low down on how to create your own.

The First Steps

When you want to create a Photoshop action, it is important to know the steps you wish the action to take. By this I mean if you want to create a save action you will need to know how to go from where you are to have saved the photo, once you have
these steps ready in your head, you can begin to start creating your action.

Creating the Action

Creating an action is very simple, what you are doing is recording the steps you wish to form the full action. To achieve this select Window > Action from the menu bar and a new window will appear from here either select record action from the drop down menu or hit the "new" icon at the bottom of this window.

A new window will now appear, this is where you can set things like, Name, Set (this is where you can choose to add the action to a group of other actions), Function Key (used to set a specific F key for one key access to your action), and Colour (again a grouping tool). Select the name etc. you wish and you are ready to start recording the action.

Now click record. Then is the time to go through your pre-determined set of steps, which you wish to use for your Photoshop action. Once all steps are complete click stop and your action is complete and ready to use.

Using Your Action

When you have made your action you have a number of ways in which you can use it, the easiest (if you have set one) is to use the function key that you set. The other alternative is through the actions menu clicking on the chosen action, then the play button this will then run through.

Batch

You can simplify your workload even more by using your action on a whole batch of photographs at the same time. To do this got to File > Automate > Batch. Then select the chosen Action through the dropdown menu.

Hopefully this will now enable you to create your own stunning Photoshop Actions, if you do be sure to let us know as we are always happy to see great new actions.