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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.
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I was lucky enough to be given a Press Pass to the recent Seether concert at the Standard Bank Arena.
The local supporting acts:
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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.
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I covered the Gauteng Weddings Bride Of The Year 2007 on 2008/05/09.
It was held at Isiphiwo and Bibi Canes was announced as the overall winner.
If you would like to purchase any of these photographs please contact me directly.
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Different Styles of Wedding Photography |
You spend a fortune on flowers, stationary, place cards, a gorgeous wedding dress, a make up artist and so much more. Your personality, your style, who you are goes into those details.. maybe you like elegance or maybe you like dots and stripes and lopsided cakes. Whatever, and whoever you like there is a wedding photographer out there for you. There are photographers who shoot in different styles that would do a more adequate job capturing your day the way your envision.
The most popular styles of wedding photography in today's market are...
PhotojournalismPhotojournalism is the art of capturing moments unobtrusively. Normally you barely know that the photographer is there. He/She normally covers weddings with large telephoto lenses (although not always) and tries not to get in the way of the story as it unfolds. They normally don't like shooting posed family photographs or posed bride and groom photographs preferring to capture moments as they really happen. This style of photography takes mastering. The photographer needs to know their equipment extremely well and it basically needs to be an extension of their body. If you are going to hire a photojournalist make sure that they person has many years of experience as it is a difficult and artistic method of photography.
IllustrativeThis photography is usually a creative person who loves design and elements of color and texture. This person will pose in new and different ways, maybe laying the bride on the floor or shooting from strange angles. The photography will set up fun posed shots and instead of just posing and shooting they will have the subjects interact together to capture spontaneous moments. This style of photography brings more of the photographer into the photography. This photographer's artistic vision and use of lighting, design elements and texture is more artistic. They do not just wait for things to happen and capture them. They will often makes things happen.
TraditionalAlthough traditional photography still has it's place in the modern photography world it is being pushed aside by more illustrative and photojournilistic styles of shooting. You see more traditional photographers that are older and have been in the industry a long time and have not changed their ways or you will see it in the lower end beginners as it is any easy style of shooting that does not take much creative input. Tradition style photography is posed and can follow a photography list. It is stiffer in it's style and does not allow for mush spontaneity. This is sadly a dying breed. Although most photojournalists and Illustrative photographers still do some posed photography especially during the posed family shots with the bride and groom. So it still has its place.
The best photographer is a photographer that has the ability to shoot photojournilistic and can capture most of the day as quickly and masterfully as a true photojournalist but that will still give you the fun artsy look of an illustrative photographer. Someone that will prompt some fun stuff and still be able to do posed family shots for mom.
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A new wave of wedding photography is washing through South Africa. Trash The Dress AKA DrownTheGown started in US with brides wanting something different from their wedding shoots.
The idea is not to have one last shoot with your wedding dress and then throw it away; it is much deeper than that. Some brides even believe it shows commitment to their partners, signifying "I will never need this dress again, I have found my life partner", while others do it just for fun.
It usually involves water, a bride and a wedding dress but it can actually be done anywhere. (For the South African context that would be anywhere the bride and photographer is safe.)
It’s a really fresh way of looking at wedding photography, and as an added bonus you get to wear your dress another time.
Honestly I have not done one of these yet but I am very excited to do my first Trash The Dress Shoot.
Here are some cool links I found on the subject:
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Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You want to capture every moment for you, your friends, and family to cherish for the rest of your lives. Planning for excellent photography can help you remember the details about your wedding. For example, the careful steps you take walking down the aisles, or the long kiss you enjoyed while sticking the cake. They set the stage for adorable photos that make you the envy of your single friends.
But come back here for a moment and let us prepare your plan for having great photos at your wedding.
Hire a ProfessionalIf you want to have quality photographs, you probably want to hire a professional. Even if your great-uncle is a good amateur photographer, you are better off hiring someone who regularly shoots at weddings. When you are hiring a professional to do the shoot, be sure that he comes well recommended. Ask to see wedding photos this person took at another wedding. If the photos are not your style, find another photographer. You can find many photographers in the yellow pages or ones your friends have hired in the past.
Consider Your BudgetBefore you make a final decision on your wedding photography, you need to consider you budget. Remember that your pictures will last a lifetime, whereas other party goods such as cake, flowers and expensive party drinks will only last a short while. It may be wise to spend a bit more money on your wedding photographs, so you will have pictures to preserve everything about your special day.
Be Specific with Photo Must-havesEven if you have a competent photographer, you should specific about the pictures you want taken. Even if you think that your wants are common, mention them to the photographer. This can serve as a checklist so the photographer will not miss a moment you consider special. It is usually best if you sit down and come up with a list of photos that you want taken at your wedding.
Of course, you want to allow the photographer free reign to use his imagination. But you must clarify your objectives before the shoot begins. Specific photos that are important to most brides include family pictures, "the kiss", the first dance together, wedding party photos and walking down the isle.
Get Guests InvolvedEven though you may have a professional doing your wedding photography, it is often a great idea to get your guests involved as well. Passing out disposable cameras at the wedding reception can be great for getting great photos that are spontaneous and fun. Your guests will enjoy having the opportunity to catch cute snapshots for you. Some may surprise you and others may make you wish you were somewhere else. But it is a good way to make your guests feel at home on your big day.
Photos are a way that you can preserve the memories of your wedding day for years to come. You also want to have the best photographer and pictures you can buy.
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Photography - Passion to Business |
Photography is a passion for many of us.
Many of us are interested in wildlife photography, while some of us are interested in still photography.
Seldom do we think of concerting this passion of us into a profession. The thought may have struck us many times but we never pursued it. The reasons can be many. We may have second thoughts of leaving our cushy jobs and going out on our own. Secondly we may not have enough ideas to how to go about it. We have tried to elaborate in brief about photography business.
For starting any business you need to have a proper business plan, which should include your objective, your choice of photography and even the revenues that you are expecting. Next you need to make your business a legal entity with a proper registration, bank accounts and insurance. Now you have done it all, so how do you go about getting customers. The best way to get customers is by getting in touch with people who are professionally associated with the business and have an existing network. They can be friends or acquaintances who are associated with photography. If you are interested in still photography you need to develop a studio where you can have your photo shoots done. If it is an outdoor shoot you need to pack your photography kits and move to the location where the shoot is scheduled to take place.
Setting up a photo studio at the first instance may be overkill. We suggest that you use the infrastructure of an existing studio by paying an hourly rate for the initial period of your business. When your revenue stream becomes constant then you can go about and set-up your own studio.
There is another very important aspect of photography business. If you have decided that photography is what you want to pursue as your profession, you need to have a tie-up with a professional photography lab to process your photographs. To get a true finish to a photograph it is very important that they are processed by hardened professionals.
Since you are new you may not be aware of how much you should price your services. Check out the current photography service rates for different genres and price your service accordingly. Try offering discounts for long shoots which will benefit your customers. It is imperative that you always add value to your customers when offering services. Suggest locations for outdoor shoots, dress for the models and give other ideas which will benefit your customers. Always use your creativity to give a product that your clients have never experienced before at a price which they will appreciate.
There are other points that you should keep in mind. Take assignments which you think you can handle within your bandwidth. Keep to your commitments as it is important in photography business. Your delay can cost your customers on their model fees, location hire charges, lights etc. As a photographer always try to use the best equipment which goes a long way in producing that perfect picture.
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Choosing Contemporary Wedding Photography For Your Big Day |
Your wedding day is a day that will live in your memory for a lifetime; but it will also live in the pictures captured throughout your wedding ceremony and reception. Choosing a photographer for your wedding is more than deciding who you want to be with you throughout the day; it's choosing the style in which you want your wedding pictures to be presented. And many modern brides are choosing contemporary wedding photography.
Contemporary wedding photography is defined by a modern approach to a traditional custom. While traditional wedding photography often captures a conglomerate of formally posed pictures, contemporary wedding photography often focuses on a more journalistic style of capturing photos. The result is a more candid style of photography that often captures moments that traditional photography tends to miss.
Gone are the days of wedding photography by the numbers. Today's wedding photographers are showcasing their talent, creativity, and specialties like never before. This puts consumers in a beneficial position - creativity abounds in the wedding photography market which means that you are only limited by your imagination when it comes to creating unique and exciting wedding albums. But in order to realize your dream, you must first find a photographer experienced in contemporary wedding photography.
There is no better wedding planning tool for brides than other brides. Conduct your own informal research among friends who have recently gotten married or are planning their own nuptials. Take notice of other couples' wedding photography; if you like a particular style then ask for a recommendation for their photographer.
Of course price is always a consideration when it comes to tackling big ticket items associated with weddings. Be sure that you approach each photographer you interview with a solid budget in mind - and stick to it! Contemporary wedding photography allows for non-traditional needs and requires flexibility on the photographer's part; you'll be surprised how much room there is to negotiate on price.
Most importantly, be sure that the photographer you choose completely understands what you want from your contemporary wedding photography. Ultimately the wedding photography that will work the best is that which accurately reflects the unique personalities of the happy couple.
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All The Untold Secrets Of Digital Photography! |
It's amazing how far digital photography has come in the last decade! When the technology first came out many photographers were very skeptical and they believed that it was going to destroy the world of photography forever and they were scared that everyone was going to be able to become a photographer and remove any kind of professionalism associated with this art form. We all know this isn't the case and in fact digital photography has done more for the world of photography than anything else in history.
What we've come to realize is that digital photography and print photography have been split into two different categories and that neither of the two are better than each other. Going back to that belief that many photographers had about digital photography ruining any form of professionalism, this is of course not the case. There are many professional digital photographers who do amazing work and use this piece of technology to its fullest extent.
So How Do I Get Involved In Digital Photography?
Well it's so simple, all you have to do is go out and buy a digital camera and start shooting! No but seriously though, there are some things you have to know first but they are pretty basic. First of all you are going to need to get a camera with a decent lens. Fortunately most professional cameras come digitally nowadays so you shouldn't have any problem finding one. The benefit of having a camera with a great lens is that you will have the ability to focus on different things in your shots. This is the real art of photography, being able to show something that stands out and has meaning. That meaning you will of course have to find and explain yourself through your pictures.
Benefits of Digital Photography
There are many benefits of digital photography but perhaps the most obvious is that you will have the ability to see what you have taken and choose whether or not it is worth keeping or discarding. The second benefit is that you can also upload your pictures onto your computer so you can edit and change them around. There are lots of different pieces of photo editing software out there that allow you to do amazing things.
If you are just deciding to start digital photography now, then you have started at the right time as we will only start to see more and more advancements in this form of technology in the future which of course we will have the privilege of first trying and testing.
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All The Secrets Of Black And White Photography |
Ever since the onset of color in photographs, black and white photography has become less and less popular, however in recent months there has been an increase in the number of photographers turning to black and white photography. Why is this happening now? Well many people believe that photographers are going back to more conventional techniques to perhaps bring out a new look and feel instead of churning out all the too often normal colored photos.
It's important to note that black and white photography was the beginning of photography and holds a special place in many photographers' hearts. This is one of the reasons why it has become a bit of a trendy thing to do nowadays. Basically beginner photographers are starting to take up black and white photography more often than normal photography. Why? Mainly because they are still able to use the most advanced, up to date cameras while creating amazing black and white photos.
What's So Great About Black and white photography?
Perhaps this is a question that can't be answered, however it's more important to realize the unique differences between black and white compared to color. First of all black and white photos are able to portray a lot of different feelings. These feeling are aimed more at the dark side of human nature including, pain, depression a sense of loss and hopelessness and also an ability to create an aged photo.
Color photography however portrays a much more different set of feelings aimed at the more passionate, enthusiastic side of human nature. Bright colors are able to create a sense of joy and enthusiasm. Another important thing to note is that certain colors portray different feelings. Red for example creates a scene of passion and enthusiasm. Yellow makes the watcher feel a sense of joy and happiness.
One thing that many photographers try to do is incorporate both black and white and color together to create a paradoxical scene if you will. By that I mean the photographer will attempt to create a scene of joy using black and whit photography which is normally used for negative emotions. This is something that is very appealing to the more advanced photographer.
Color photography may be more desirable in some respects for sporting events and for landscape photography, though works of black and white photography by such renowned photographers such as Ansel Adams and Edward Watson are matchless works of art. People photography is another sphere where it reigns supreme and can be particularly appreciated in the old glamour photographs of the late 30's and 40's. The longevity of black and white photographs is seen in these old and lasting prints that age has not been able to damage. Good photography should have two features, beauty and ability to stop time, both of which are abundantly present in black and white photography.
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Shades of Wedding Photography |
Photography is a very familiar word in our life. There are different shades and types of Photography through which we capture some memorable moments of our lives that are cherished forever. We all want photographs to be pleasing to our eyes but at the same time creative and not too artificial. The human wish of exclusiveness in photographs is more obvious in case of wedding and bridal photography.
To make their wish come true, would be bride and grooms prefer service of expert professional photographers with several years of experience particularly in wedding and bridal photography. Yes, professional photography is one of the important shades of this art and wedding or bridal photography is among the most important assignments for a professional photographer. It gets more important at the time of wedding, when some one is about to begin his/her new life. Wedding photographs are symbols of the beginning of this new journey.
Here one can feel the need to pay more for a lifetime memory than spending on the throw away frills. To capture this special moment one needs to be taken care by some one who can make the memory as lively as it was when it actually happened. A good professional photographer is one who can help you capturing all the results derived by putting your emotions and feelings. He goes beyond the ordinary to capture the joy, excitement and romance of this special wedding day.
The wedding day is more important for brides, because they are about to leave their old home and going to begin life with a person for lifetime. The situation at wedding for brides is very tough to understand for a normal human being. It combines sadness of leaving parents and siblings, excitement for the new life ahead, happiness of spending whole life with her desired partner, and plans to make all dreams come true. While capturing a bride from a lens, a wedding photographer has to extract all those emotions and feelings inside a bride's heart into snaps. It is an important as well as crucial task to accomplish.
Therefore, a professional photographer would personally learn your interest and requirements to ensure satisfying shooting assignment for you. He has to be flexible and would ready to go beyond the ordinary to enclose all the goodness in the frame. Your dream wedding will be more like a child play when you select a perfect wedding and bridal photographer that will bring your dreams to life in an ever-lasting vision of emotions and elegance.
You deserve your peace of mind on your wedding day. To fulfill all your requirements, and to guarantee the total covering of your wedding day to make your precious moments alive forever in your wedding albums contact a professional wedding photographer today.
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The field of child photography is challenging but also both enjoyable and profitable - if you like children. Don't bother pretending, if you really don't. You may fool a parent - but not the little one.
Tips to help are:
The techniques used in most other fields of photography do not always apply in child photography. The phrase "hold it" or "freeze" carry very little weight with children. They typically do as they please and if they please. Your assignment is to anticipate what a child may be about to do and capture it.
YOU can turn this into your advantage: Since children don't always do what you want them to do, or what you expect them to do (actually they rarely do!). A solution often is: don't expect them to become a cooperative little adult merely because you want to take their picture. Trick them - expect them to act like children. Don't expect anything in particular. DO this and you can enter the fun and profitable field of child photography.
Know your stuff -
Before you start booking sessions with children you must know exactly what you are capable of doing - what your camera is capable of doing - what all your equipment is capable of doing. Operating your camera and equipment must be second nature. Have your style of photography down pat, so when you start a session your mind is on the child(ren). This takes your complete focus. This is not the time to be fiddling with you camera, or trying to figure out your light setup. Children take 100% of your concentration. For some children the entire shoot may only last 10 minutes - though you feel you have just run a marathon - so you have to be able to get in position , get the most cooperation from the child, get great shots. At times, this has to be done very quickly, BUT you cannot make the child feel they are being rushed.
Know your subjects -
With children, you must expect the unexpected. At different ages children are capable of doing different things. The more you know what they typically do during some of these stages, the better images you are going to capture. And the happier you make your clients - which, in turn, makes you financially happy.
During a session photographing children you can get a variety of poses, expressions and antics. In no other field of photography are you liable to get such variety. The more you learn about little ones the better child photographer you will be. Children are not just children until they become adults -they come in all sizes. Between four months and four years you can place them into quite a few categories: 4-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos, and then you can lengthen out the age span. Awareness of these ages are needed to help you - the photographer - be aware of the limitations children (especially little ones) have.
Listening to the parent can help toward a successful session.
You can learn specific things about their child that will make it or break it:
Are they afraid of certain things or sounds?
What are their special likes?
Do they like books?
How comfortable are they with a stranger approaching them? You do NOT want to spook a little one; the scheduled time may not allow for you to win their confidence.
Be ready with that camera when you first introduce something new -you do not get a second chance to get first reactions!
In most areas of photography a tripod is great for sharp photos. However with child photography you do not always have such a luxury. Once they reach the moving around stage, a tripod limits your ability to capture expressions and poses. Be mindful of your camera settings - keep that shutter speed fast enough to prevent blurring - and be ready to move quickly!
Child photography allows for close-up portraits as well as the child engaged in some activity - taking their socks off - in a box / tub with toys - climbing on or out of something. There is really no limit. As you continue to gain experience in working with children of various ages you will become more adept at learning what typically works with different age groups.
Child photography is a challenge - but don't worry sometime it turns into children photography. Mom has twins - big brother / little sister - maybe three little cousins. The list goes on! Imagine two sister and they both have triplets! Other than the obvious difficulty of getting multiple little subjects in any semblance of position, conducive to a memorable photo you need to bring everyone's eyes to a central focal point. Tricky, but not impossible. Adding something NEW to catch their attention, at the moment you press the shutter, can work. Use this sparingly, because when child photography turns into children photography getting all their attention on the same thing is quite a feat. The beauty of digital is no limits to the exposures you take and you can take a quick peek on the spot.
Parents can be quite helpful during the photo session. Children often are more confident with a parent nearby. Also, do not overlook the value of older brother and sisters. They have a relationship with the little one like no one else! Often they can get their little brother or sister to giggle, make faces, hold things and a host of other things that may be exactly what you need. Plus, you have the opportunity of including more subjects in the photos, which translates into a larger photo package for the customer!
As you advance in child photography you will want a lighting setup and a backdrop. A three light setup - consisting of a main light fill light and a background light - is ideal. However if you are just beginning you can do great photography with a lot less. Experiment, and add as needed. If you are using a backdrop keep the child at least four feet from the backdrop (if possible). This eliminates shadows and prevents the backdrop from competing with your subject.
Take your act on the road -
You can do child photography at the park - on the beach - in the backyard, just as easily as in a studio or home - maybe more so - and nature will take care of the lighting for you, as long as you select open shade.
Items to have on hand:
Depending on the ages and whether you are shooting indoors or outdoors you need a supply of items to catch and keep their interest and that look great in a photo: - rattles
feather dusters
soft toys
dolls
hats
mirrors
a telephone (the bigger the better)
a big whistle
duplicate toys (for twins & overly competitive little ones)
treats & snacks
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