You really dislike having your photo taken, don’t you? Most of us prefer to be on the other side of the camera taking the images. There is something to be said though for using ourselves as models and test subjects in learning how to shoot portraits and also learning general photography. Would you do that yourself? Think about images you see of models. Sometimes they are in precarious positions, scary locations or uncomfortable environments. By trying some of these things yourself you can better empathize with your subjects and help them to … [Read more...] about Using self portraits to learn
Lauri Novak
Lauri Novak is an international award-winning fine art photographer, mentor, traveler, wonderer and wanderer: inspiring and challenging you to see the world in a new and unique way. You can find her on social media at those listed under her profile pic and also at LauriNovak.com
Latest posts by Lauri Novak (see all)
- Using self portraits to learn - December 5, 2018
- Pick up your camera and go - November 30, 2018
- Traveling with non-photographers - November 19, 2018
Pick up your camera and go
Let’s face it — some days we don’t really feel like going out to take photos. Weather, kids, work, chores, projects...the list goes on. The list of excuses, because really that’s what they are. All of these things take us away from our passion, our hobby and even our photography work if it’s a job for us. Take action I came across a quote in a book I’m reading and this passage struck me as kind of perfect for all of us at times. "Creativity begins with an impulse, but it is the practice that hones the form. Having a creative practice makes … [Read more...] about Pick up your camera and go
Traveling with non-photographers
Whether you’re a serious hobbyist, semi-pro or pro, traveling and going on outings is part of our lives with our friends and loved ones. As a photographer, this can sometimes hinder our efforts to getting the shots we want while we are out but it doesn’t have to. Here are some things you can do to ensure you all have a successful trip. Plan One of the easiest ways to alleviate the stress that sometimes happens when traveling with non-photographers is to plan. While you are planning out your trip itinerary sit down with your fellow … [Read more...] about Traveling with non-photographers
Leaving the camera behind
There are reasons — honest, there are. Airport opportunities A year or so ago I went on a trip to spend several days with my mom. I've learned over the years that it's OK to leave my camera at home for these trips because we don’t really go out much. I'll be the first one to tell you that there are ALWAYS, ALWAYS photo opportunities, no matter where you are. There are. I generally live by that statement. These trips are no different. Airports offer up a gazillion opportunities! (Check out Levi Sim and his #airportphotowalk … [Read more...] about Leaving the camera behind
Help! I’ve lost my inspiration
As photographers, we’re hard on ourselves when we feel like we’re not creating the shots we want or when we are feeling like not even picking up our cameras. The reality is it happens to all of us. Here are some things you can do to work through this downtime. Help others Helping others is a great way to motivate and get inspired. You never know what bit of information, a way of seeing, shooting location or processing tip might help someone over that next little hurdle they have to make in order to get better. In turn, you’ll feel so good … [Read more...] about Help! I’ve lost my inspiration
What has social media done for you lately?
In the wake of the Google+ ‘sunsetting’ announcement, it has me thinking of social media in general as I’m sure many of you are. If you haven't heard about this, here is a link to the post on Google's Keyword Blog. Basically, they are shutting down the consumer side of Google+ and will only be offering the G-Suite version for internal business use. G+ users will have 10 months to figure out where else to go. I think it’s time to reevaluate our use of social media as photographers (and in general). Is it merely social? Do you use it to … [Read more...] about What has social media done for you lately?
Using Presets in Luminar to Achieve Different Looks
How long do you spend on editing an image? Minutes, hours, days, more? It varies by image, by photographer and all depends on what it is you’re trying to accomplish. One way of trying out different looks for your images is to use presets. Skylum’s Luminar comes with 67 presets that you can use to experiment with. After opening image in Lumiar click on categories. Then just click away on presets to see how each one affects your image. Don’t get stuck thinking you need to use Portrait presets only for portrait and Outdoor presets only for … [Read more...] about Using Presets in Luminar to Achieve Different Looks
Photographer of the Day: Anna Savino
Category: Travel Photographer: Anna Savino - "Vulci" I love the softness of the light in this and the way the wooden railing leads me into the image to the castle and across the bridge. The colors in the railing also reflected in the bridge and the rocks along the water complete the trip through this lovely scene. Originally shared in the Photofocus Community on Google+ here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Anna Savino
Photographer of the Day: Michael Berg
Category: Travel Photographer: Michael Berg - "Corporativo Citibanamex" As I was scrolling through images looking for this week’s Travel photo of the day this one made me stop and look again. At first, I thought it was a looking up perspective, then I thought maybe it was a mirror image shot or even a created mirror image. I love images that make you stop and think. This is a great example of that and it’s pushed me to do some investigating to find out who the architect is. Please click on the link here to see the full image as … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Michael Berg
Photographer of the Day: Bert de Bruin
Category: Travel Photographer: Bert de Bruin - "Business Plane in Fog" Though traveling has its share of hassles, it also has many beautiful moments, yes, even at the airport (or train/bus stations). Bert has captured a beautiful sunset while waiting for his flight. Want to see more fun and beautiful airport photos? Check out #airportphotowalk by our own Levi Sim on social media. Proof you can find beauty and something to shoot anywhere. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Bert de Bruin
Photographer of the Day: Michael Hoffman
Category: Travel Photographer: Michael Hoffman - "A. J. Meerwald" The light on the sails of this tall ship caught my eye. The black and white conversion is perfect for this to limit the distractions of all the buildings and activity on the shoreline and it also helps to make the shape of the sails and tall ship more distinct to separate it from the background. This is also a great reminder to travel in your own backyard. The A. J. Meerwald is the state ship of New Jersey where Michael is from. Originally shared on the Photofocus … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Michael Hoffman
Photographer of the Day: Justbecvz
Category: Travel Photographer: Justbecvz - "Lovers. Gion, Kyoto" This image caught my eye and made me laugh. I love that the photographer chose to leave the mannequin in the shot because she makes this what it is. Images like this are a great reminder to pay attention to not only your subject but also the background and what might be happening around the area where you are shooting. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Justbecvz
Photographer of the Day: Kurt Kramer
Category: Travel Photographer: Kurt Kramer - "In the Church" The light and colors in this image remind me of a painting by one of the Old Masters. Images like this can sometimes be found by peeking in buildings, stepping through a doorway and actually going in a building that may not be a tourist attraction. If you do this though, remember to be respectful and if you are asked to leave, just smile and turn around. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Kurt Kramer
Photographer of the Day: Eduardo Mendoza
Category: Travel Photographer: Eduardo Mendoza - "F32 TMax400R1Scan-ExposureX3" When we are traveling we get caught up in capturing the sites and forget to take images of the actual journey. This can be the streets, bikes, taxis, trains, waterways and all types of how we get where we are going. When we capture images like this one it helps us to tell a better story of our travels. Yes, we saw amazing sights but we also experience new ways of getting around, new foods, different types of accommodations, and all the other details that go … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Eduardo Mendoza
Photographer of the Day: Cathy Donohoue
Category: Travel Photographer: Cathy Donohoue - "Watering Cans" This just screamed spring and here in the U.S., it seems to finally be showing up. I love the vibrant and happy colors in this and the whimsicalness of the watering cans as a decoration. So many places we visit when we are traveling have wonderful shops, parks, and gardens. As tourists, we tend to gravitate toward all the historical tours, city tours, and all the typical tourist spots. Shots like this remind us that wandering around the local neighborhoods can allow us … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Cathy Donohoue
Photographer of the Day: Benjo Rulona
Category: Travel Photographer: Benro Rulona- "25,550" I chose this image because it's a great reminder when you're traveling to check out the local festivals, special events, and art installations that may be happening. Many times we head out on our vacations and holidays planning to see the major sites, visiting the well-known places and tourist spots and in that process we miss the local flavor of the place we are visiting. By participating and attending local events you see and learn about traditions within the local culture. These … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Benjo Rulona
Photographer of the Day: Martin Bishop
Category: Travel Photographer: Martin Bishop - "Waves on Tynemouth Pier at Sunset" I love the contrast of the soft clouds and light compared to the power of the waves crashing against the wall in this image. There is a peacefulness in this despite nature's fury and that one seagull which elicits calm amongst the turmoil. Really beautiful shot with lovely light skimming across the top of the wall. If I may be a bit whimsical here, the shapes the waves make up the side of the pier look like a giant's feet stomping as if to remind us … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Martin Bishop
Photographer of the Day: Andrew Slater
Category: Travel Photographer: Andrew Slater - "Lake Bled in the Snow" This shot caught my attention as I was scrolling through the Flickr Group. The vastness of the sky and the clouds coming down from the top kind of like lightning striking the trees. Or, is it the other way around, the trees pointing upward and the light and clouds are being emitted from them? Then you add in the man walking his dog and it makes the scene feel even more expansive. When you're looking at the man and his dog you realize that you're also seeing great … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Andrew Slater
Photographer of the Day: Ian Lewry
Category: Travel Photographer: Ian Lewry - "Lake Bled in the Snow" This shot made me want to be there shooting alongside Ian. Call me crazy but I love snow and appreciate when there are photographers who get out and shoot in the winter no matter what the conditions are. The choice of composition in this image does a really good job of framing. By using the tree and the snow in the foreground it makes this look like a magical snow globe scene. I love that the boat points us to the background of the scene leading us to the wonderful … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Ian Lewry
Photographer of the Day: Mike Hedge
Category: Travel Photographer: Mike Hedge - "219 Steps" Two of my favorite elements in an image, perspective, and architecture. I love the choice of high contrast black and white for this as it brings out the details and emphasizes the shapes within the staircase. This is also a great reminder when you're traveling and going on tours to not be afraid of stopping and looking around to find the shot you want. They may nudge you to move along or catch up but it's almost always worth it to take a bit of extra time to see the area … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Mike Hedge
Photographer of the Day: Bernd Weller
Category: Travel Photographer: Bernd Weller - "Gate Crashers" Perfectly framed to make us want to head through the gate to see what beauty awaits us. (Please click on the link above to see the full image.) I love the warmth of the golden light and the way it reflects on the doors making it so inviting. Everyone looking towards the ancient architecture makes this image that much more intriguing, I want to go see what they are seeing. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Facebook here. To learn how your work can be … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Bernd Weller
Photographer of the Day: Paolo Di Giovanni
Category: Travel Photographer: Paolo Di Giovanni - "Dualism" One of the first things I do when I check into a hotel is to look out the window and see the view. This is a perfect example of checking to see what great scenes you might find. (Please click on the link above to see the full image.) I love the perspective and the shadows created. The walkway stripes lead us in and are then echoed in the canopy of the store helping to pull the image together. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Paolo Di Giovanni
Photographer of the Day: Michael L Ricci
Category: Travel Photographer: Michael L Ricci - "An Eerie Day on Alcatraz Island" I love the moodiness of this image, it's quite indicative of the feeling you get when visiting Alcatraz Island. It's also very cinematic, we could be looking at the beginning of a scene in a movie that then cuts into one of the windows in the building to show us one of the characters. We don't always have a choice when we are traveling to get to a location during the good light, good weather or best time of day to shoot so making it work no matter … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Michael L Ricci
Photographer of the Day: Brandon Kopp
Category: Travel Photographer: Brandon Kopp "Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park" I love how simple this image is. It works. Lovely soft color and great light. The shadow of the tree pulls us in, the lines of trees and the mountain on the horizon bring it all together and invite us to grab a blanket and a book and rest right there under that tree. Sometimes we find ourselves in places that don't truly inspire and if you follow the link to this image on Flickr and read the background story Brandon tells, you'll realize … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Brandon Kopp
Photographer of the Day: Ryszard Domański
Category: Travel Photographer: Ryszard Domański - "Return Home" A great use of the waning sunlight and silhouettes on this image. I love the light on the sheep and the shapes that are made. Sometimes we forget to 'see local' when we are on holidays and traveling. This is a wonderful example of shooting local daily life. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Ryszard Domański
Photographer of the Day: Brian Duffy
Category: Travel Photographer: Bryan Duffy - "Forth Bridge" I must admit, I have a thing for bridges. I love the colors of this and how the blues give way to the shades of orange of the sunset and bridge. The shape of the bridge mimics the hills on the horizon as well which also help pull the image together. Originally shared on the Photofocus Community on Google+ here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Brian Duffy
Photographer of the Day – Greg Williams
Category: Travel Photographer: Greg Williams - "Momocon Roswell MIll Falls" Ahhhh fall. The falls are perfectly framed by such beautiful colors. I love the contrast of the white water with the colors of the leaves. Perfect little bits of color and light on the rocks in the stream pick up the color throughout the image. I'm happy to see this done as a 1/20 exposure, it helps to add to the feeling that you could be standing there listening to the water rush over the falls and rock and the leaves rustle in the trees. While I don't mind … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Greg Williams
Photographer of the Day: Dean Grossmith
Category: Travel Photographer: Dean Grossmith "Marrakech Luxury" The beautiful tones of this image first caught my eye but then as I looked back through and explored the lighting and the stars in the sky it truly lives up to the luxury of its title. It's rich and very old school cinematic. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Dean Grossmith
5 Tips for Shooting During the Holidays
Earlier this week Bryan Esler posted an article about Getting Creative on Christmas Morning. Here are a few more tips that may add something different and fun to your holiday photos. 1. Think Outside of the Gift-Wrapped Box Have you seen those cardboard glasses that make your tree lights look like mini snowmen, Santas or Christmas trees? Use them as a filter! Hold or tape them in front of your lens. The results are really fun! 2. ‘Tis the Season of Bokeh! Is it cliché? Sure. Is it pretty? You bet! Pay attention to your Depth of … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Shooting During the Holidays
Photographer of the Day: Vittorio Vida
Category: Travel Photographer: Vittorio Vida "Burano" This image is so representative of the colors of Burano, Italy. I love that Vittorio included the yellow towel instead of choosing to leave it out. It isn't something we would typically focus on when creating a travel image but here that pop of color and the implied human element really make this shot. Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here. To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Vittorio Vida
