|
How to Look Good in Wedding Photographs |
|
The dress was beautiful, you got through the ceremony and reception without a hitch, but just when you thought your wedding was perfect, your pictures come back and you look awful. What can you do to make sure that your photos are as beautiful as the memories you have?
Here are some of the things you should consider:
- Never scrimp on your photographer. Nobody's going to remember if your bouquets had daisies or rare, exotic orchids. But years from now, your great grand children will be looking at your wedding album. They're not just souvenirs, they're heirlooms. Spend on them.
- Avoid complicated hairstyles and veils. You'll be walking around, too busy talking to guests to check the mirror. You don't want your veil hanging to the side, or your bangs plastered to your face. Keep it simple and elegant. If you want a dramatic veil for your walk down the aisle, look for a style that allows you to detach part of it, leaving you with something less cumbersome at the reception.
- Buy or make a small clutch bag or pouch that matches your gown. It should carry blotting paper, pressed powder, lipstick and blush. Ask your maid of honor to keep it handy for you.
- Wear waterproof mascara. You will cry a lot. It's guaranteed. Black mascara will run and leave unflattering raccoon eyes.
- Don't wear heavy powder eyeshadow. Again, you will cry. You will also sweat from walking around in heavy makeup, a thick gown, and hundreds of guests milling around you. Powder smears and cakes, and ends up under your eyes.
- Don't wear sheer lipstick. You'll eat it off. Or if you do, wear a matte or semi-matte base and apply the sheer lipstick as a top coat. Be sure to blot well, or it'll end up around your mouth or on your teeth.
- Don't wear heavy shimmery makeup, unless it's applied by a professional makeup artist. It doesn't photograph well under less than perfect lighting conditions. If you do, apply only on the eyes.
- Bridal makeup should be soft and romantic, not harsh. Natural pinks are most flattering, and really make you look like a "blushing bride". Avoid hard-edged contouring and dramatic browns, unless blended well and kept close to the eyeline. Even lipsticks should stick to the pinks and brownish pinks. Bright reds look too harsh worn against a white dress.
- You'll need good foundation that lasts long but doesn't cake. The trick is to apply moisturizer first and let it "set". This will prime your skin. Apply a matte or cream foundation, then concealer. Dust powder foundation with a brush.
- Take good photographs right after the ceremony, when everyone's make up is still intact. You should have solo shots, couple shots, and group photos with your entourage, friends, family members.
- Ask for a few black and white photographs. They always have a soft, romantic feel.
- If you'll be having outdoor photographs, light is most flattering in the morning and at dusk. Avoid any outdoor shots from 11am to 2pm; everyone will just be squinting.
|
|
Have a 'green' Wedding, Hire a Digital Photographer! |
There are many simple ways to have a ‘Green’ wedding. Hiring a digital photographer is one of the easiest ways of all… Why go digital? Well, here are a few reasons:
Receiving your wedding or portrait photos on DVD and/or CD is more cost effective and more ecologically sound than paying for several hundred printed photos you may never even use.
If you want to share your pictures, these days it's so easy to post them online or to email your favourites to your friends and family. This not only saves you time and energy, it also saves you money!
In addition to the financial benefits to going digital with your wedding photography, the ecological reasons are pretty compelling as well.
It’s been known for years that the chemicals it takes to develop and print photos are toxic. - As is the process for making the paper to print them on. That paper is chemically treated in a variety of ways and photo-paper is not known for being recyclable or recycled.
And film itself is responsible for a large contribution to environmental pollution. Most especially because of the emissions of methylene chloride, which is a solvent used in the making of photographic film. Very, very toxic.
Then there’s the processing. For every roll of 24 film prints, at least 4 ounces of chemicals get poured down the drain during the processing. Down the drain means in our water systems and leaching out into the soil.
Silver is also used in the processing of film. As a matter of fact, around 40% of all the silver consumed in North America has been used to make photographic materials.
Silver is discharged from film processors, such as photo labs and hospital x-ray units, in the form of sewer sludge. Silver ions can be more toxic to water organisms than mercury.
Now all this doesn't mean you shouldn't get any prints made at all. Of course you’ll want to have a few pictures printed for framing, but when you receive your wedding photos in digital format, all you need to do is choose just a few shots to be professionally printed, instead of dozens. Or you can even do your own printing at home.
Another really great thing about having your images in digital format is that they’ll last forever… While film images will deteriorate over the years, digital images can be safely archived indefinitely without ever losing quality.
So does such a simple choice really make a difference? Yes. More than you might think...
Recently, the Stockholm Water Authority in Sweden noted that the rise of digital photography was a major reason why silver pollution had diminished by half in the city's sewers in just five years.
Proof that choosing a digital photographer really does have a positive effect on the environment!
|
|
Great Pictures are a Must at a Wedding |
Wedding photography is the one discipline in the wedding industry that does not produce a product that you can enjoy on your special day. You bet, now more than ever in the digital information age, freelance and full time career options are endless. Wedding photography is a great place to start your Photography career. Photography is ever evolving; it requires an artistic flair and a vision to take really great pictures. Be sure to ask any questions you have about this important event. Your wedding photography is important to you so don’t hesitate to be clear about what you want.
A wedding photographeris expected to be a master of the craft. When looking for a photographer the best way to make a determination if he/she is good is to observe them in action, try to watch them at a function or event. The hardest part of choosing a wedding photographer is that you sign a contract and agree to pay before you have ever seen the photos. If you are doing an in-person interview, the photographer can show you portfolios of samples of their work. Hiring a professional photographer is the best option because he has the equipment, the experience, and the knowledge in this field. A qualified professional will most likely be using what's known as a digital single-lens reflex camera, or DSLR, with an average of 8 mega pixels and perhaps even more.
The goal of the wedding photographer is to capture the true you. When we look at photos we think we are seeing the truth as it is taken at that specific time. This isn’t always true as all photos can be cropped.
When many think back on their life, there are certain memories that come to mind. These memories are often important days or moments. Your wedding day memories are very precious and you don't want them lost by poor photographs. One of the top priorities on a wedding day is to make sure every moment is captured with great photographs and by looking at party favors. These once-in-a-lifetime memories are irreplaceable and making sure these photographs and party favors are properly stored and displayed after the wedding should be just as important.
The wedding goes by so quickly, and before you know it your guests are leaving and think to yourself where did the time go. Then you find that the event is over and what you are left with is all your memories of the day. Once the wedding comes to an end you will receive the proofs from the photographer, this way you can choose the pictures you would like to include in your album. Another good reason to scout out the locations is to check out the lighting situations. Photographic artists who retouch and edit photography are in great demand as are graphic artists who specialize in certain graphic and photographic software.
Hiring professional photographers is usually the preferred way for couples to capture the moments of their wedding forever. If given the opportunity, most couples would prefer to work with a professional wedding photographer. Finding a good photograph is not inexpensive so budget wisely so you are able to get the photographer you want. So choose wisely.
|
|
Five Top Wedding Photography Tips |
Finally you have everything booked for the wedding of the year. The countdown and last minute plans begin to take shape! Because your photographs will probably (aside from videography) be the only lasting way to really remember all the effort you've put into this magical day, we've come up with our five top tips to help you make the most of your photographer (and allow them to create the best images possible).
Tip one:
Allow more time!
If time is going to be a bit tight for photography later on in the day (and with demands on your attention from family, relatives and friends it usually is!) why not start getting ready earlier? Then you can make plans to have photographs with your bridesmaids, parents and other important people in your life when you've just finished getting ready. You'll be looking absolutely perfect and if you've left extra time for this you'll also have a bit of time to calm your nerves before walking out the door! Your bridesmaids and parents will especially treasure these photos with you - the last hour as a single girl!
Tip Two:
Plan your locations in advance!
Your photographer is going to have a lot to think about on the day. Make their life easier by thinking about potential good locations for your group shots in advance. Ideally you want a photographer who will be happy to come with you to see the venue(s) in advance so they can get their own ideas. If they don't offer - ask them! This is one of the most important days of your life - make sure your photographer is prepared!
Tip Three:
Make time for photography
We know weddings are about celebrating your union with your closest friends and family, but remember that your photographs are your way of showing your future children or grandchildren what your wedding day was like. It makes sense to maximise the skills of your photographer and to try and get some really beautiful shots of the two of you. Shots like the ones you see in magazines though don't just 'happen' when you're not watching, they take time, effort and a willingness to work with your photographer. If you want photographs which also look like beautiful pieces of art then talk to your photographer about setting aside half an hour after the ceremony when you can do these. Our favourite wedding was a couple in Bristol who left their wedding party for half an hour and got a friend to collect their pet dog. We got some really special shots of them walking in the park with their dog which worked wonderfully to represent the start of their new life together as a family.
Tip Four:
Be natural!
It might be the only time you ever have a camera pointed at you for an entire day, but try to act natural and forget the photographer is there. It's great if you can find a photographer who you really get along with, because they really do become a friend and can then blend into the crowd and get some really relaxed shots. It's especially important when taking photographs of the bride and groom that you focus on each other. Laugh, giggle, cuddle and kiss. Forget about the camera and let your love shine through! That's what makes great photographs, not stiff and awkward formal poses with no emotion!
Tip Five:
Ask family what they would like!
While we don't recommend handing your photographer a huge list of group set ups (which will only stress everybody on the day when Auntie Elma can't be found), it's still great to get some feedback from your parents and other key family members on which photographs they would absolutely love. We've heard horror stories of parents being devastated when the prints come back and there isn't one of the bride with her Mum on their own for example. If this or other shots are particularly important to you or your family then let the photographer know in advance. There are so many variations of family shots it would usually take hours to do them all, so if you have a particular preference do let your photographer know - and well in advance of the day!
|
|
2 Weeks to go – time to meet |
What bride doesn't want her wedding day to go exactly as she planned with a minimal amount of drama and disappointment? To avoid as many of the 'should’ve, could’ve would’ve' moments later, proper preparation is required.
Photos are the ever lasting reminder of your wedding day. They record the atmosphere of your wedding, your dress, guests, the venues and special details. They will be on display in your home and the homes of family and friends as a reminder of the beautiful celebration of your love. For that reason, every detail of the day is important and you will want to relive every moment through your photos again.
Yet on the day, emotions are charged, tensions are high and schedules are tight. All the details you want to see again later will be a blur and you will be so focused on the events, you will not be able to remind, repeat and reiterate your expectations. To make sure your memories are recorded to your expectations, you will have to put in some work before the day.
1. Meet and greetAt this point, you would have booked a photographer who is qualified, experienced and someone you will feel comfortable with on your wedding day. You need to feel absolutely sure that the photographer you have chosen will capture the essence of your ceremony and be able to make you and your guests look the best you can.
Set up an appointment to meet with your photographer and preferably have some shots taken of you and your fiancé. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the photographer better and learn to relax in front of the camera, alone and as a couple.
2. Style starThis meeting allows you the final opportunity to confirm what style signifies you as a couple. Are you traditionalists or contemporary? Do you want mostly colour or black and white photos? Do you want mostly realistic photos, or some that are digitally altered to create a specific effect? If you’re not sure what you like, take the time to go through a wedding magazine with your fiancé and photographer to find clips that match your style.
3. Make a shot listYou will undoubtedly have specific shots you want of the day – those non-negotiable must haves. Create an initial list and build a more detailed list with input form your fiancé, parents and the rest of the bridal party. Discuss the list with the photographer and get his input and ideas as this list will keep him /her focused during the day and ensure that nothing will be forgotten.
4. Talk about family mattersRounding up people for formal portraits can be a challenge. Adding divorced parents, eccentric aunts and wheelchair bound grannies to the mix can make it even trickier. If your photographer is prepared he can play a vital role in making sure that tempers are kept in check during the day and that no one is offended.
5. Location, location, locationVisit the wedding venue with the photographer if they are not familiar with it, even if it is an online tour. Make suggestions about specific settings and corners you would like to use as backdrop to your photos. Draft a general sequence in which to go to different settings or locations and bear in mind things like what distractions must you watch out for in each location, where the light is etc.
6. Create a Master ScheduleWith your photographer, plan out a schedule of the wedding day in 20-minute intervals. This should include wedding preparations, photos of the bride, bride and bridesmaids portraits; the groom and his groomsmen, the full wedding party, the family portraits, and the bride and groom.
Wedding photos should start with the largest groups first and move down the list to help keep things moving along as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Plan for extra time so you won’t be rushed or distracted by the time pressures and always make extra provision for possible traffic delays. Make sure your guests know when they need to arrive for their photos and don't be afraid to emphasise the importance of being on time.
7. Make sure everyone is connectedBe sure to give the phone number of the maid of honour, mother of the bride, the best man and contact at the venue to the photographer (and everyone else who is rendering a service on the day). Also make sure you have a copy of these numbers available on the day. If something does not go according to plan, or you want to change some detail at the last minute the wedding, everyone should be in contact easily.
8. Have help!This is your wedding day; the most beautiful event of your life and you must be fully present to enjoy it. Once you have made your lists and flow plans for the day (and checked it twice), enlist the help of someone who's familiar with your relatives to be in charge of gathering the herd for the wedding photography planned. You'll have plenty of other things to do rather than finding hiding family members on your wedding day.
9. Smile, relax and enjoy!Remember that no matter what happens on the wedding day, there will be a plethora of uncontrolled variables. Relax, wear waterproof mascara, smile until your cheeks hurt and enjoy your day. Remember, if you are having fun, everyone else will too and it'll make your photos that much better.
|
|
Thinking Outside The Box With Artistic Wedding Photography |
Your wedding day is one of the most special, eagerly awaited days in your life;and often we spend a great deal of time and money to ensure that it is perfect in every way.
Everything from the flowers to the food is given careful consideration in an effort to plan a cohesive and exciting event that is reflective of your personality. And nothing is more scrutinized than the photography - that which will be a lasting memory of your special day. Today's sophisticated brides and grooms are looking to artistic wedding photography more and more - as a way to infuse their wedding with non-traditional style.
Artistic wedding photography is photography that is approached with more than just "stand and pose pictures" in mind. Gone is the day of formal - and often stiff - wedding photography. Today's photographers have ushered in a growing trend wherein they bring creative expression to the age-old craft of wedding photography.
Some methods included in artistic wedding photography may include the use of non-traditional angles that you may have never associated with wedding photographs - including the use of light, color, shadow, and scale. A creative photographer can create dramatic works of art out of a single photograph and present you with a photographic result you can frame and hang in any room.
An increasingly popular style of artistic wedding photography is that of candid - or journalistic type - photography. Using this method, the photographer takes photographs of the couple and their guests when they are unaware of the picture being taken. Photographers who are adept at this have an uncanny ability to stay unnoticed and still get beautiful, engaging shots.
Artistic wedding photography may also include the use of the computer to add design elements to the photography in order to make them unique. The choices are really endless when it comes to creating photographic works of art. Working with a photographer who can best express the style that is unique to you and your wedding means finding one that works at a higher creative level than traditional wedding photographers. Luckily, most photographers host their own website where visitors can browse through their work and get a sense of their style.
Having a wedding does not mean that you are stuck with traditional vendors and formality reminiscent of your mother's wedding. Infuse your wedding with modern sophistication by choosing artistic wedding photography. The memories will last you a lifetime.
|
|
7 Tips to Make Your Wedding Photography Spectacular |
#1 TIME!The number one most important thing to remember is that
YOU WILL BE RUNNING LATE..
Plan for it! If you need to be ready by 1:00 be dressed and ready by 11:00. Plan for about a 2 hour difference in real time and wedding time. It’s a freaky twilight zone reality that does not exist in any other form other than in weddings. THINGS WILL HOLD YOU BACK! It’s weird but true. So it’s better that you are dressed and ready early even if you’re sitting around in your hair and make up… gives us more time to shoot more awesome pictures! So it’s a win/win! The last thing you want is to be stressed out all day and not enjoying the beauty of everything you've planned so meticulously because your manicurist was really slow. Do not be the last person to get your hair done that day because your girls’ appointments were first. You need to be one of the first appointments. I can shoot the girls later but not you. Make sure get your hair done really early.. Hairstyles are notorious at quoting short times for hair sessions. If they tell you an hour for hair it will be an hour and forty five minutes. Make up artist are almost as bad. Have your manicure and pedicure done the day before… also make sure to exfoliate your face the day before. You make up artist should have told you this. Do a full body exfoliation if you can the day before it will leave you glowing for you wedding day. Make sure if you have never exfoliated before that you do it at least a month ahead of time in case your skin is ultra sensitive and it makes your break out. That way you know whether you’ll have a bad reaction. #2 Meeting your fiancé ahead of time.I know that this is a very sensitive subject for many of you. I know that you want him to see you walking down the isle for the first time. So.. Seeing him or not seeing him? That is the question? Like everything involving your wedding, this is a very personal decision, which means it weighs entirely on your individual preferences. There is no pressure one way or the other. I believe that we can make the meeting just as special if not more by having you meet ahead of time. We can capture the moment with the perfect romantic setting and lighting. We can set up a scenario where you meet that adds another moment of mystique and wonder to your beautiful day. Also, having this time to be together can help diminish the stresses of the day. You guys can focus on what’s really important, as opposed to the many details that must fall into place. As a result, your love for one another takes center stage. And this can happen no matter what the setting. It definitely comes across in the photographs. #3 Getting ready at the same hotel.This one is a biggie for me. I love to tell the whole story and sometimes because the bride and groom are getting ready at such for away locations I can then, only tell one side of the story with depth. If you guys book a room the night before you can each wake up relaxed and refreshed and ready to start your getting ready process. Plus I can shoot both of you getting ready. I can tell your story and well as his. Choose a beautiful hotel that has a garden area or beautiful lobby where I can take your down to shoot your pictures of you alone, you with your parents and also with your girls! Then I can do the same for him! Plus I can use the location to shoot your wedding dress, shoes and accessories. It’s much better than shooting in a home that’s messy with wedding chaos or a backyard. One last thing ...usually hotel rooms have big windows that allow in more natural light which translates to softer, prettier pictures as you guys get ready! #4 Schedule some time for sunset pictures.The most beautiful, most magical time of the date is sunset or sunrise I call it “The sweet spot.” I know that most of you are not morning people. So if you can... try to schedule a little time for your and your loved one to get away for some sunset pictures. Skin is creamier, softer and more beautiful. The light is warn and there are less harsh shadows. So if you can do it schedule about 20 minutes outside of our regularly scheduled picture time for some sunset pictures. As you can see in the photo on the bottom left the sun is still very high up in the sky, the shadows are dark especially under the eyes.. But the rest of the photos are soft and warm, much more flattering. #5 Well lit reception.Now this tip is one that many brides don’t put much thought into and I think in makes all the difference in the world in regards to your reception images. You see... a camera doesn't see the same things that the human eye sees. You may think when you walk in to a reception area that is lit with just the standard light that it looks bright enough, but have you ever noticed when you take a picture indoors usually all you see is the peoples faces and black in the background. Well, we “drag the shutter” which means that the camera will try to capture as much light as possible from the background but if there is little light then the camera is going to capture black. But if you use twinkle lights and candles (lots of them) and as much lighting directed towards tables and walls then the camera has more to capture. So go crazy, get some Chinese lanterns or get your DJ to add your monograms to the dance floor with lights.. It all helps as you can tell below. The brighter the light the better. I know that Dj’s are often trying to dim the lights for your first and other formalities but this does not have a nice effect on the images..unless they have a cool spotlight or something of that sort. So this is something that you may want to discuss with your dj. #6 The ring shot.One little thing that also makes a difference is ….when you are putting on your rings, please be aware that I am trying to shoot it. So tilt your hand a bit so that your audience and I can see it. It really pays off at the end and looks beautiful in your album. If we are outdoors in plenty of light I will usually get in really close and do a shot of just the hands. This looks spectacular and really adds to the story of your day. #7 The Kiss!The kiss, the finality, the end to your gorgeous ceremony. The moment everyone waits for! So take your time Don’t rush through. I’m not saying you guys have to slobber all over each other. Just take it slow. You should probably practice. Maybe he can slow dip you or anything. Make it romantic and unique. If you take your time during the kiss it usually allows me to take a close up and a full body shot depending on the lighting situation. If it’s outdoors I can do a sequence set of more than 2-3 pictures. Make sure that you are facing your profiles towards your guests. You could put your hands on his face for part of the kiss, but please be sure that there are no arms around necks. This usually blocks the whole kiss... Not so good.
|
|
The Classic Rules of Photography |
People often refer to “the classic rules of photography”: “This photo follows the classic rules...” or “he/she broke all the classic rules...” etc. But what are those “classic rules” anyway? I gave it some thought and came up with the following five rules, all longstanding and time-honoured, like you would expect when something is called classic. But nothing is set in cement and rules such as these have been violated with superb results over and over again. But they are also there for a reason, since they probably represent something that most people mostly find pleasing most of the times. Not everybody all the time. So what are they, these classic rules of photography:
Rule #1 : F/8 And Be There!This is rule number one and it has little to do with your camera and technical proficiency, as is the case with the other four rules. Read this rule again, breath it and live it. As simple as it sounds, it is the most important of all rules in photography.
The part about f/8 refers to a camera setting, or rather a lens aperture setting. It’s a technical detail and it’s not really important. But at the same time it’s what makes this rule so memorable.
It’s not a bad advice using f/8, it’s a pretty standard value and often safe to use if you want to be sure to get your subject in focus without giving it much thought.
But it’s true value is that it boils all the complicated art and tech issues down to that simple 1-letter-1-number statement, f/8 (simply read f eight), the hidden message being: Forget the technical aspects, concentrate on the subject. Simple and brilliant.
In my experience it’s mostly used in the context of spot news photography, where it’s certainly important to be on the spot when something happens. But I wouldn’t forget about it in the context of normal peoples lives, peaceful landscape photos and even photos for the family album. Whatever photo you want to capture, you have to be there first. You have to get up and go out, walk that extra mile, lose that hour of sleep, do whatever it takes for you to get there with your camera.
A talented, but lazy photographer is not necessarily as successful as a very active, less talented one. Because you have to be there.
Rule #2 : The Decisive MomentA term coined by photography legend Henri Cartier-Bresson. Sort of a time-version of rule number 1. Together we could call these two rules: “Being in the right place at the right time”.
But there’s more to this rule than just being there at the right time. You have to press the shutter button at exactly the decisive moment, when all the elements of the photo (perhaps including the photographer himself) suddenly come together in a fraction of a second. A blink of an eye and it’s gone again. The man jumping over the puddle has touched down again, the guy in the background has turned his head away from the kissing couple and the dying soldier has fallen flat to the ground.
It happens so fast that it’s hard for us to see and react to before it’s over. But that is one of the big charms of photography. It can capture these fleeing moments and make them last forever -- on print. For Cartier-Bresson it was an intuitive thing. “Think before and after you take a photograph, not while you are doing it.”
Sports photography arguably has a lot of decisive moments, but in my book they don’t really count, since it’s just a game and not truly a slice of reality. I know Cartier-Bresson in his book set off with quoting someone “there’s nothing in the world that doesn’t have a decisive moment”, but I don’t want to get into the discussion here. Many people who are more sports enthusiastic than me would probably disagree with me, but I do think that there’s more real decisive moments to be had on the stadium seating than on the pitch.
Rule #3 : Go CloseAnd when you’ve done that, go even closer! Coined by another photography legend, Robert Capa, who died following this rule, camera in his hand, as he stepped on a landmine in the French-Indochinese war. But not all situations of course are life-and-death situations. So use it whenever you reasonably can, and your photos will in many cases have a stronger appeal and give a more intimate connection between the subject and the viewer.
Again, it’s not just for spot news photography. If you are portraying normal life, it is equally important to get close to people. Get into their homes and into their private lives where they are themselves. Do it in a way that isn’t prying and offensive. It will give you an honest and intimate view of life.
This rule usually implies using a wide-angle lens, which tends to give a more “open” perspective. Much good can also be said about the long tele-photo lenses as well, and they have their place. Especially in fields like wildlife and sports photography, where it is often impossible to be up close to the action.
Rule #4 : The Rule Of ThirdsThis is one of these rules that are great to follow and equally great to break. But photography would be a lesser thing without it. Briefly stated, it tells you to place you main subject, not in the center of the frame, but a little to the left or right side, a third into the frame. And also to place any dominating horizontal lines in your photo, like for instance the horizon, a third into the frame from the top or bottom. Just not in the center.
This will arguably give your photo a more appealing look, pleasing to the eye by leaving a significant space on one side of the subject for the surroundings. The rule, also known as the divine proportion and the golden mean, have been used by painters for thousands of years. Having survived that long, there’s got to be something about it!
Rule #5 : Use The LightThe magic hours, the hour around sunrise and the hour around sunset have a particular pleasing, soft light that works particular well for landscape and outdoor photography. It’s always the light that creates the photograph. For indoor and portrait photography, use a barn door or, if you don’t live on a farm, a big window without direct sunlight will also do. Place your subject close to the window and you will get a nice, soft light from different angles falling onto your subject. You can get the whole studio lighting set-up as well if you prefer not to rely on the constantly changing natural light.
|
|
My idea of food photography.
It’s a long and boring story of how I got this gig, which I believe not to be important. I had the privilege of spending a weekend with a LEGEND of a chef / cook. Let me tell you this guy cooks game like no man can. We were treated to so many different flavours and tastes. He gave me several tips on cooking game and what spices work really well. Have you ever noticed when watching someone that does something really well how easy they make it look ? Ooohh yes , I also shot a few photographs, this was my attempt at food photography.
|
|
Lighting for Wedding Photography |
Lighting is an important ingredient for wedding photography. Unlike most other areas of professional photography, weddings require all types of lighting, all on the same day, such as window light, outdoor lighting, bounce lighting, and multiple electronic lighting. Each type of light has its drawbacks but also offers opportunities for creative work. In order to appreciate fine lighting, study the works of the master painters. Notice how the artists were acutely aware of lighting and light direction; shadows fall as they would in a naturally lit scene. They understood the difficulty in trying to make a two-dimensional. Increasingly, electronic flash equipment, with its automatic thyristor circuitry, is being used as the easy way to photograph a wedding. Some photographers boast that they can shoot a whole job at f/8, allowing the flash unit to do the work. Unfortunately, this type of lighting is really noticeable and unappealing.
The two broad categories of lighting discussed below are: existing light and electronic flash. Existing light consists of natural light and the light sources encountered, such as lamps or chandeliers. Electronic flash or strobe lighting includes single and multiple lighting setups, as well as umbrella and the other bounced lighting.
Existing light. Taking pictures in existing light that are consistently well exposed is not a simple task. Because of the great color variation between a bride’s white gown and a groom’s black tuxedo, cameras with built-in light meters will not suffice and are rarely used in wedding photography. A reliable way of measuring light is crucial. There are two types of exposure meters available: those that measure incident light, and those that measure reflected light. An incident-light meter measures the amount of light that falls onto a white dome that collects the light. Even lighting condition such as shade, the reading will usually give a proper exposure.
Reflected-light meter measures the intensity of light coming off the subject. Critical users of light meters tend to prefer this type. The meter is pointed toward the subject from the camera position or in the line from the camera toward the subject.
To photograph with window light, place the subject close to the window and looking toward it. Direct sunlight creates harsh shadows and highly contrasting highlights and shadow areas and unless some form of fill light is used, the shadow side of the face will have insufficient illumination. Fortunately, more diffuse shaded light is usually available.
|
I was lucky enough to be given a Press Pass to the recent Seether concert at the Standard Bank Arena.
The local supporting acts:
|
|
Hire a Professional for Wedding Photography |
Wedding photography is a major commercial endeavor that supports
the bulk of the efforts for many photography studios or independent photographers.
With the advent of the digital revolution in photography, today’s contemporary wedding photographer needs to stay abreast of all the latest developments in the industry.
Depending upon the demands of the client, a contemporary wedding photographer will usually need to provide some or all of the following:
- Formal portraiture in the studio (for either the wedding and/or the engagement photos).
- Outdoor photography (often at a park, beach or scenic location on the day of the wedding and/or for engagement photos).
- Indoor photography at a church, temple or other private venue during the ceremony and reception.
- Both posed and candid (photojournalistic) shots of the wedding couple and their guests at the religious or civil ceremony and the reception that follows.
- Digital services such as digital prints or slides shows.
- Albums (either traditional or the more contemporary flush mount type of album).
During the film era, practitioners favored color negative film and medium-format cameras, especially by Hasselblad.
Today, many more weddings are photographed with digital SLR cameras as the digital convenience provides quick detection of lighting mistakes and allows creative approaches to be reviewed immediately.
|
|
|
