Every client you will ever have will say, "I prefer candid photos, not posed photos." And we get that: We understand that they want pictures that look like a moment captured instead of faces lined up in a row. But we also know that they don't mean it. Candid ... but not They mean they want natural-looking expressions and natural-feeling backdrops. But they don't initially understand that they still need significant posing help to have flattering pictures — pictures with hair that not's flying in faces, pictures that still help them look their … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Perfect your un-pose
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Portrait Tips: Remember for yourself
It's a good idea to look back. Ten years ago I was looking at my photography idols and wondering what it'd be like to be doing this for a decade. Now I'm here, and I love that I can look back at 10 years' of work. As I do, I'm impressed by one thing, and it's the thing I've been telling clients for a decade. Photographs unlock the power of memory Scott Bourne calls us the high priests of memory protection. I believe that. And we always tell clients that they'll treasure these pictures for generations and all the things they experienced in … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Remember for yourself
Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Michele Celentano | Photofocus Podcast March 8, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/mind-your-own-business-podcast-with-michele-celentano-photofocus-podcast-march-8-2019 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to the Mind Your Own Business Podcast! Today we chat with family portrait photographer Michele Celentano! We discuss: How Michele got started with her career The importance of education in every photographer's career The role empathy plays when interacting with client The role psychology plays during a portrait session … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business Podcast with Michele Celentano | Photofocus Podcast March 8, 2019
Portrait Tips: A note for newborns
One of the best experiences you'll have as a portraitist is making pictures with brand new babies. There truly is something special about working with someone so new and pure, and it's a big responsibility to be entrusted with the opportunity. It's really a once-in-a-lifetime shoot, so be ready and take it seriously. And remember that it's not a picture of baskets and props. What is your purpose? We love pictures of babies snuggled into a blanket or wrapped in a peapod costume, and we dream of making that kind of picture, too. Swaddling a … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: A note for newborns
How to photograph sledding (comprehensive)
Wanna have some fun this winter? Go photograph kids sledding. When your subjects are having fun, you're sure to have fun, too. It's a great excuse to get out and make pictures and keep your eye sharp through the winter. As much fun as it is, there are some surprising challenges you'll need to overcome if you want to make epic sledding pictures. Let's talk about camera settings and shooting techniques so you can get great pictures quickly and focus on having fun. White balance Why is white balance at the top of the list? It's simple, but … [Read more...] about How to photograph sledding (comprehensive)
Portrait Tips: How to use V-flats to light a group
When you light a portrait, a good rule of thumb is that your light should be about the same size as your subject. That's easy for a single individual where any softbox will work, but what about lighting a group of people? A light that big is hard to find. V-flats offer an easy way to make a large light that gives soft, even coverage for your group. You can use them to make soft light on the whole group, but you can also move your subjects around for different effects. V-flat as a modifier The V-flat is two large sheets (typically 7 or 8 … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How to use V-flats to light a group
Portrait Tips: Retouch portraits in a batch
Batch retouching is the holy grail of portrait finishing. You've shot a lot of good pictures you want to share, but you know your client will only buy a few. How do you prepare all the best pictures without spending hours retouching pictures that won't be chosen? Let me show you how to do some things with Lightroom and then allow Perfectly Clear to finish them off automatically. Batching in Lightroom In Lightroom, you can adjust all the pictures at the same time very easily. Start by adjusting one of the pictures you want to work on. Make any … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Retouch portraits in a batch
Portrait Tips: Holiday portraits
Holy cow, it's the holidays. Yeah, crept right up on me. With family and friends getting together, you could have a golden opportunity to make terrific portraits. If you don't blow it. Another picture...? The problem is that these people know you are crazy about making portraits and they've suffered you for years — or maybe only this year if you're new to this marvelous game. They may be a little tired of feeling compelled to participate in your hobby (no matter how much your peers realize it's a passion, it'll always be a hobby to family. … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Holiday portraits
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
Portrait Tips: Four tips for photographing teenage boys
It's time for senior pictures and school portraits and that means facing one of the hardest subjects on the planet: Teenage boys. Now, brides are under stress, two-year-olds can't sit still and executives are in a hurry. Those all pose trouble for you when you're trying to make a portrait and elicit genuine expressions. But unless you do things right, your teenage boys are just going to look bored. I've photographed a ton of teenage boys, and these tips will help you have an easier time getting it done with genuine and engaged … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Four tips for photographing teenage boys
Portrait Tips: How to combine photos for the best expressions using layers in Luminar
Photographing large groups of people is the most challenging assignment you'll get as a portrait photographer. Each person expects you to make them look great in the final portrait, but there's always at least one person with a half blink or a nose tickle and there's definitely one person who is just looking off into space while everyone else has a winning smile. Sigh. The easiest thing way to manage this is to make many pictures and then combine them together into one with everyone's face look great. It's simple to use Luminar to make this … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How to combine photos for the best expressions using layers in Luminar
Seven tips for killer hunting pictures
As a new hunter, I've been devouring so much information available out there about hunting and I realized that I can contribute back by sharing some simple ideas to help hunters make better pictures. There are so many traditions and beautiful landscapes surrounding hunting that you should really take advantage of the opportunity to make pictures and record memories. These tips will help you do it more effectively and more creatively, and they'll actually serve you well anytime you're traveling with others. Get ready You're likely hunting … [Read more...] about Seven tips for killer hunting pictures
Portrait Tips: Family reunion posing time-lapse
Photographing large family groups is intimidating. There are so many people that you have to help look good and if you look at the big picture it can be overwhelming. This is a picture I made at my family reunion the other day. Every time I do this it makes me sweat, and it's tempting to simply have everyone line up and turn toward the center like a high school band picture. But, there's one thing you can do to make it simple to photograph an extended family. Chop it up Instead of thinking of this task of photographing one huge family, … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Family reunion posing time-lapse
Portrait Tips: Go for the tilt
People standing right next to each other seem like they are close, but once you ask them to tilt their heads together you'll see that they were really miles apart. Anytime you photograph two people together, you'll make an infinitely better photo if you just ask them to tilt their heads together. Why tilt? You should do this with friends, coworkers, families, kids, couples, everybody. Now, of course, coworkers standing next to each other probably shouldn't be touching their temples together, but just tilting their heads toward each other … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Go for the tilt
Portrait Tips: Beg, borrow or steal — whatever it takes to get catchlights
We talk about posing and connecting with our subjects and all kinds of other stuff when we make portraits, but there's one thing that matters more than that stuff and you've got to do it first. You've got to find a spot that puts catchlights in your subject's eyes. Catchlights let us see that the person is alive and they allow us to focus more on their eyes and see more from the expression. Do this to get catchlights The key to ensuring that your subject has catchlights in their eyes is to make sure that they are facing a bright light … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Beg, borrow or steal — whatever it takes to get catchlights
Rock Your Vacation Family Photos This Year, Part Two
Ten vital tips to give them a different spin, part two Looking for part one? Click here to start reading. Here's a few more tips — some for my geeky side as well. 6. Pack light You don’t have to take every lens you own and come back thinking you wish you’d married a chiropractor. Think about what you want to shoot and just take minimum gear for it. Limitations expand creativity! I once went on vacation with one camera and a 50mm lens, and really learned how to use it. It has since become one of my favorite lenses. If you’re unsure, take … [Read more...] about Rock Your Vacation Family Photos This Year, Part Two
Summer isn’t over yet, so keep snapping those pictures
Summer isn’t over yet which means you still have plenty of time to take some photos. Plus, the kids are home and they make excellent little subjects to work with and with the long summer days you'll have plenty of light. This equates to a lot of great photo opportunities awaiting you. Let’s talk about how to get some great summer pictures in a few different situations. Beach pictures When you take pictures at the beach, there are a few things you'll want to take into account. The first is to be very careful with your gear as sand in your … [Read more...] about Summer isn’t over yet, so keep snapping those pictures
Portrait Tips: Watching and practice are key for kids
Do you ever feel like Nemo's dad, Marlin, from Finding Nemo? He meets a new group of fish and they say, "Hey, you're a clownfish: Say something funny!" Once people find out you're a photographer, the pressure is on to be able to make a great photo on the spot under any conditions and one of the hardest of those circumstances can be photographing children. But I've found one key that helps me photograph kids, and that's practicing being observant. Readiness from watching Now, don't go get your binoculars and hang out at the park, 'cause that's … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Watching and practice are key for kids
Rock your vacation family photos this year, part one
Ten vital tips to give them a different spin Family vacations. Late night packing, last minute checks, car trips, crowded stations, airport check-in queues, cranky kids. But of course it’s all worth it. We get to our destination and some days are good, some fall a bit below our expectations, but the overall feeling is that this is a special time and we want to make the most of it. And we take photos, lots of photos — because of the benefits digital cameras offer. How many files do you bring home? How long does it take you to sort through … [Read more...] about Rock your vacation family photos this year, part one
Portrait Tips: The Critical Time
Photographs extend one instant for eternity. That's a long time and when you're making a portrait that will last forever, the instant most critical to your success is when your subjects first step into your studio. That first impression will set the stage for the rest of the shoot. Now, when I say 'studio' that includes the park, or the office, or wherever you're making pictures that day. There are three things I do that make a big impact on how the shoot will go, and these three things, done your own way, will impact your shoots for the … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: The Critical Time
Portrait Tips: Include the No-Look Look
You can double the unique pictures you make during every shoot by utilizing the No-Look portrait. Most portraits include the subjects looking at the camera smiling. But every pose you set up and each location should also include shots with the subject looking someplace other than into the camera. Don't Look Ahead One key to the No-Look portrait is that the subject should rarely be looking right where their body is facing. When the subject is looking downward in-line with the rest of their body it looks a little depressed or like they're … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Include the No-Look Look
Photographer of the Day: monoauge
Category: Street Photographer: monoauge "FAMILY + CAR, Jaipur / India 2016" monoauge's photograph of a family traveling by car in India struck me. There are quite a few things that I like about this photograph, but specifically, the packed car speaks to me, with every person inside looking at what's beyond on the street. It's an interesting take on what I can only assume is a family that's wondering what their next move is, and they're experiencing the excited uncertainty of what's next. What I also love is the post-processing done on … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: monoauge
How Do You Photograph LED Holiday Lights?
There is nothing like using holiday lights to set the mood for a photograph. When you see those little lights twinkling in a picture, you immediately know what time of year it is and it immediately brings lots of warm feelings to the photo. However, over the last decade, LED's have replaced tungsten lights as the primary kind of light you'll see adorning houses and trees. These lights last longer and use less power than traditional lights, but they have a major downside. Let me show you how to conquer the problem of photographing LED's--it's … [Read more...] about How Do You Photograph LED Holiday Lights?
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
Portrait Tips: Always Do This When Photographing Kids
The Holidays are one of the best times to make pictures. (Check out Bryan's and Lauri's articles for some terrific ideas.) And it's a great time to photograph kids--if you haven't discovered it, yet, a simple truth is that the Holidays are better with kids. Here are two simple tips to help you make better pictures with kids, and you should do these everytime you make pictures with children. Get Down Your pictures will be much more engaging if you get the camera on the same level with kids, at the same height as their perspective. In fact, you … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Always Do This When Photographing Kids
Getting Creative on Christmas Morning
Aah, Christmas morning. As kids, my sister and I used to wake up at the crack of dawn and wait on the steps 20 minutes for Santa to figure out how to use the camcorder and make any last-minute adjustments under the tree. Long are the days of sitting on the downstairs steps before we could come upstairs. Now, I'm in charge of capturing those ever-important moments by the tree. Below are a few techniques I use when photographing every Christmas, that will ultimately lead to sharper, more creative photographs that will help you better … [Read more...] about Getting Creative on Christmas Morning
Portrait Tips: How Do I Choose White Balance For Portraits?
There are so many things to think about when making portraits that leaving your white balance set to auto is a tempting proposition. Especially when everyone raves about how good each new camera's auto white balance settings are. Don't fall into this trap, though. Auto white balance reads the colors in the scene before you take the picture and makes adjustments. But there are two things that foul it up, and there are two simple ways to ensure you get consistent color. Why Do My Pictures Look Different? The camera has white balance settings so … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How Do I Choose White Balance For Portraits?
Live Webinar: Get Up And Running With The New Perfectly Clear 3.5
Join Levi Sim and Vanelli Live for a free Webinar on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, as they explore "How to Get up and Running with the New Perfectly Clear 3.5". Athentech unveiled Perfectly Clear 3.5. with lots of great new features. It’s also a FREE update to existing Perfectly Clear version 3 owners. If you don’t own the application/plug-in (or own an older version) we’ve got a time-limited special offer here. Perfectly Clear is Now A Stand-Alone Application! Perfectly Clear version 3.5 has removed the need for using a host application. … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Get Up And Running With The New Perfectly Clear 3.5
Live Webinar: Get Up And Running With The New Perfectly Clear 3.5
Join Levi Sim and Vanelli Live for a free Webinar on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, as they explore "How to Get up and Running with the New Perfectly Clear 3.5". Athentech unveiled Perfectly Clear 3.5. with lots of great new features. It’s also a FREE update to existing Perfectly Clear version 3 owners. If you don’t own the application/plug-in (or own an older version) we’ve got a time-limited special offer here. Perfectly Clear is Now A Stand-Alone Application! Perfectly Clear version 3.5 has removed the need for using a host application. … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Get Up And Running With The New Perfectly Clear 3.5
Use A Telephoto Lens And Good Light For Holidays
There are two kinds of photographers at family events: those you know are making pictures and those you don't. My mother-in-law is really good at the former. She captures every grouping at every party and gets most of the people to look. I'm really bad at that kind of picture and am trying to get better at it. But I'm pretty good at the candid shots. I do two things when I'm making pictures: I look for good light and I use a telephoto lens. Good Light Good light is usually coming from the side, and it's usually coming from a window. If … [Read more...] about Use A Telephoto Lens And Good Light For Holidays
