Family Photography

Probably the hardest picture to set up and pull off is the group family photograph. These pictures only really work when everyone is on the same page, looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. Synchronizing by getting everyone to say "cheese" is the typical way to get everyone smiling. But it doesn't always work.

Here are some things to think about when trying to snap that lovely family portrait to make everyone happy:

Put the Group at Ease - It is essential that all participants in the photo are at ease and comfortable with each other as well as the photographer. If the photographer also happens to be a family member then being at ease should not be a problem. With no strangers in the midst, relaxing before the camera is not a problem.

Move into Scene - Don't be afraid to move into the scene, cutting out the background and focusing just on the people. Crop off the top of the head of the taller people, in order to emphasize a connection among family members. Allow the drama of kinship and love to play out before the camera. Let the family members interact before snapping the picture. Saying "cheese" while always listed as one of the most important family photography tips, is not always a good one, and will make people go rigid and become less candid, so sit them down and let them get comfortable. The good shot will follow as you watch.

Blur the Background - Blurring out the background makes the people aspect more dramatic. It makes the family the focus of attention, because, after all, the family unit is what you're shooting.

Candid within the Group - There is always someone in the family at a gathering who doesn't want to sit for a picture. Today's small compact cameras make it simple to get candid shots without have to pose everyone. Keep the camera in your pocket as you work the room. Find your shot and compose it and shoot quickly. It takes practice, but grab-shots do come out well with a little thought and focus.

Taking Multiple Shots - When trying to capture everyone in one group, the only real successful way to do it is to take many shots, and quickly. Shooting in rapid bursts of three or four shots at a time will get the good shot for which you're looking. The first shot is usually a throwaway shot. However, the second or third will probably be the keeper. Shoot some shots before everyone is ready. Some of the best pictures are of the actual organizing to sit part of the activity.

Timing is Everything - Choosing your timing carefully will make or break the shot. However, true timing can only be learned with practice. Another of the suggestions that tops the list of family photography tips is that the quicker you learn to compose or to know what you want in composition the better will be your timing. Try to work taking of the picture within the natural flow of events, when the family is naturally together rather than artificially posed making them more rigid.

Lighting - No matter what type of photography, lighting is probably the most important element. In most instances a small flash will be sufficient. However, bigger family groups may require more lighting. Taking the photograph outside in natural light makes for an easier, less stressful shot.

Taking Control - It is paramount for the photographer to maintain control of the situation and communication is the key. Keep talking to your subjects making them understand what you want to do and need for them to do to make for a happy situation. If you have a really large group to photograph, then use a tripod and have someone act as your assistant.

Smile - Finally, there is nothing worse than a grumpy old photographer, so smile. That will put everyone else who has to take part, at ease. Have fun, act like you're enjoying the process. It's okay to crack a joke or two in order to get everyone to loosen up. And don't be afraid to be creative. Think outside the box. The group can be a group without sitting down next to one another with another row standing at attention behind. Emphasize other items of "family-ness." Play with it. Enjoy!

I hope you have found these family photography tips useful.

Great Photography

The photography industry has been very successful in generating an absolute hysterical interest in the latest technological innovation to the point of changing the perception of the general public into believing that great photography is simply a matter of having the right equipment. Many times I have heard from someone, "Well, I could do that good if I had a camera like yours." Statements like these totally discount my 35 year study of photography and over 10 year study of Photoshop. My normal retort is to encourage them to get a better camera. The problem with that is my statement is an affirmation of their core belief.

Candid Photography

Candid photography is photography that focuses on spontaneity rather than technique. Your subject's focus is not on the camera, but on their current task. So we're not talking about the photo albums full of people looking at the camera and smiling here! Your subjects are un-posed and the shots are unplanned.

Candid photos are usually simple photos without a lot of technical equipment or any time taken 'setting up the shot'. Thus they capture some wonderful 'slices of life'!

Here are some tips for taking candid photos:

- Take your camera everywhere you go! Keep alert for candid situations - they can be found everywhere.

- Some examples of candid shots: A daydreaming store owner; an elderly man sitting beside you; commuters waiting for a train; two lovers on a park bench about to kiss; a child's delight when feeding ducks; elation of a football supporter when a goal is scored; a city tramp surrounded by clutter; a woman lost in thought staring at the beach.

- It's rare to get a second chance with candid photography. When you see an opportunity, grab it!

- Don't use complicated lighting techniques for taking your candid shots. Concentrate on the simple and use your camera's automatic features. Technical problems don't matter so much if you have a great candid photo. Most technical problems (like if the image is too dark or too light) can be fixed on your computer.

- Set your camera to "ISO 400" so it uses a fast shutter speed. This will help you 'grab' the shot even if you are moving.

- The best candid photographers blend into the background so don't be too obvious. Do what everyone else is doing so you fit in with the situation. Then when you see a good candid moment, bring your camera up to your eye.

- You don't always need to take the shot with your camera at eye level. Support your camera on your waist when taking the photo. Some luck or experience is needed here to get the framing right.

- Use your zoom lens to it's fullest extent so you can keep away from the action while taking your shot. A Telephoto lens is essential if you're going to be a fair way away.

- Never take photos of people's backs. Nothing is more boring than a group of people with all backs turned to the camera. It just doesn't work.

- Try converting the image to Black and White to get that extra punch and emotion.

- People 'doing things' make the best candid photos. Sports players, trades people, farmers and accountants are all excellent examples of subjects with 'things to do'. Try to capture the essence of the person's task. For example, you might capture a plumber concentrating on fixing a leaky pipe.

- If you're in a public place, it's usually okay to photograph people. If they object however, you need to stop. If you're not sure, it never hurts to ask permission before hand. Your subject may want to pose, so explain what you saw them doing and ask them to continue as if you weren't there.

- Experiment! Sometimes the artistic expression of a candid photo can be limited by you; the photographer. Try different angles, places and scenes. Look at candid photos created by others (they can be found in lots of magazines) for inspiration.

Candid photography is a great way to add some artistic flare to your photos without spending a lot of time with the technical aspects of photography.

Photography Backgrounds

In photography backgrounds play a very important role. Unless they are carefully chosen, the end result can be disastrous. Irrespective of the type of camera that one chooses to use - it could be a professional DSLR or a simple point-and-shoot camera - the photographer has to pay attention to the surroundings. Despite it not being the focal point of the photo, the backdrop certainly plays a very important role in highlighting the subject.

There are some important factors that must be kept in mind while taking a photograph. It is important to examine the surrounding scenery in relation to the subject. Is there any object that sticks out like a sore thumb? For example, there might be a tree or a table that looks out of place and spoils the picture. If the individual in the picture is wearing a red shirt, then it is meaningless to take his photo against a photography backdrop that is also red.

The surroundings should not be too much of a distraction and it should not overpower the subject of the photograph. Photography backdrops are meant to enhance the photo, not be the primary point of attraction. It is important to use the aperture smartly. The photographer can blur the background by using a wide aperture, enabling the subject to be sharply in focus. Some photographers may prefer to fill the frame completely with the subject and almost eliminate the backdrop, thus giving a more intense feel to the final image.

When it comes to photography backgrounds for studios, most photographers use either clouded backdrops or plain backdrops. Each backdrop generally has a hem sewn in at the top so that they can be used with all commercial photographic stand systems. While some are heavy canvas, most of them are lightweight and portable, which makes them ideal for studio purposes as well as outdoor assignments. Custom-made backdrops are also available from certain suppliers and colour backgrounds are also available for projects requiring a massive canvas. Plain photography backgrounds give great results when used for fashion shoots and product shots. Chroma key cloths are particularly useful if the subject is to be modified digitally.

There are a variety of materials that is used for creating the backdrop. Paper rolls are available in large quantities in almost every color imaginable. They are fairly expensive though not particularly long lasting, which means that they would not fit the budget of most amateur photographers. The problem with paper is that it can very easily get torn or spoilt and cannot be used once the damage has occurred. A painted canvas can help a photographer take some truly stunning portraits but again, canvas backgrounds are very heavy and expensive.

Polyester cotton mix offers a good alternative, as this material is light but very durable. The pattern is dyed into the cloth so backgrounds manufactured from it can be machine-washed. The polyester makes backgrounds easier to iron, unlike muslin backgrounds which tend to crease very badly. By choosing the right type of photography backgrounds for their projects, photographers can produce top quality results and turn photographs into works of art.

Learn Photography

Many new parents find themselves wanting to be better photographers when their new bundle of joy gets home. Documenting each precious first in photos and taking pictures of the special moments that you do not want to forget is part of being a parent. It's also a lot of fun to take pictures of your baby and share them with others. If you are ready to learn photography tips and ideas to make your photos the best that they can be, here are a few suggestions of where you can go.

Learn Photography Online

The easiest place to learn photography in a short amount of time is by doing research on the Internet. This is a flexible and easy solution, because you can do it from home and on your own schedule. Keep in mind that anyone can write anything on the Internet, and you get what you pay for. If you are interested in receiving tips from a person who is a subject matter expert on the topic of photography, be prepared to pay a small fee. It is worth it to receive your information from a well respected source on the topic. This is true for anything you learn online. Using the Internet to research tips on photography is especially helpful if your new little baby is already home. Any new parent will tell you that it is difficult to get out of the house in the first few weeks.

Take a Photography Course

Another way to learn photography is by taking a local class. Nearby colleges and community education centers offer courses for amateurs who want to take better pictures for personal use. These courses are very popular, but they are usually offered only once a semester. You may have a problem fitting in a class to your schedule, depending on when the course is available. Keep in mind, that depending on who is teaching the course, it may be out of your budget. Learning from the best is not always necessary if you only want to be able to take good pictures of your new baby.

Read a Photography Book or eBook

You can also learn photography from a book. Just make sure that your book has been written sometime in the last year or so. Technology changes so quickly that a book that was written a few years ago will be very much out of date. Digital pictures or pictures taken with your portable electronic device require a different skill set than pictures taken with a film camera. Consider an eBook that can give you up to date tips and information. These are usually inexpensive, and filled with relevant information that is appropriate to the current technology.

Modern Photography

Photography started as early as the 4th century B.C., when the very first image was formed on a wall, using a pinhole camera in a dark room. It wasn't until 1820, that modern photography was born. In 1839, the word photography, derived from Greek words 'fos' for 'light' and 'grafo' for 'writing', was finally universalized by John Herschel.

Today we have reached a stage, where modern photography is present everywhere. Life would have been colorless, but for the morning newspaper, colorful and glamorous magazines, the soap operas on television or a late night movie at an auditorium. Viewing 'Still' photographs in a family photo album or watching live images on a video or television is indeed fun. From an old black and white camera, with minimal options for speed and zoom, to a modern auto focus digital or an SLR camera, which has a supreme power to manage every possible option in photography, indeed we have come a long way.

Modern photography is an art, in fact, an expensive art which is probably more than just amateur photography of a family, friends or nature, to more complex portrait, glamour photography or photojournalism by a professional. Whatever may be the level, the results can be passionate. There have been occasions when photographers have won awards and accolades, for their photography, in areas like fashion, nature, war and combat, to name a few from a long list.

The credit for modern photography goes to both, machine and the man behind the machine. The special photographic effects seen in the movies have reached a zenith. The camera tricks and the photography in modern movies can leave you in shock and disbelief. If you plan to pursue photography as a career, then following items are a must for you. A good camera, compact digital or digital SLR (single lens reflex) type, accessories like special UV filters, different zoom lenses for a more professional touch can take you a long way, if you are an enthusiast for still photography; but if you are venturing into the video photography zone, then modern handy cams can be pretty handy.

Selection of a camera and accessories would also depend upon the place of photography you are planning, indoor or outdoors? In both situations, you will need a good camera, but if you love to shoot outdoors, then you cannot do without a handheld or body supported balance system and the tripods to avoid a blurred picture. The camera cranes, dollies and remote heads would further augment your efforts for photography, especially outdoors. Some of the most awesome pictures have been captured outdoors, on land, under the sea and in the sky.

Sony, Nikon, Canon, Minolta and Olympus manufacture very good digital or digital SLR type of cameras for modern photography. These cameras range from $50 to $2000. It would be inappropriate if we do not mention here the role of printing. You can transfer the images onto your computer or store them in USB drives. You can print your results with a wide range of color printers available, without wasting precious time for the processing lab results. So go ahead and nurture that artist in you and enjoy taking photographs of the beautiful land, the life under water or the different facets of the sky.

Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photography is all about capturing your essence. It is similar to the environmental portrait but it takes it a step further. Wikipedia defines lifestyle photography as "re-creating real life situations in a controlled setting."

Lifestyle photography is very different from the traditional studio portrait session where the subject is posed (chin-up, tilt your head, hands on the lap etc.), photographed and ushered out of the studio. The majority of lifestyle photography shoots take place outdoors or on-location, such as in your home or some other place that is significant to you. Lifestyle sessions usually last from one hour to three hours and include a few formal or posed shots and lots of informal, candid photographs that capture doing what you do best. If it is a family lifestyle photo shoot, be prepared to run after your kids, roll around with them, take them for a piggyback ride or simply enjoy sharing an ice-cream with them - anything that you would normally do on a Sunday afternoon with your children.

In Hawaii, where I live, lifestyle photography sessions often center around the ocean or the great outdoors where people spend a lot of their time. If you are a paddler or a surfer, the photographer will ask you to come to the shoot in your board shorts with your paddle or your favorite surfboard. A typical session will include a few posed shots on your favorite beach and then the fun begins ... its off to the water to do what you love. Some photographers will get in the water with you while others will shoot from the shore. 

This is not to say that lifestyle photography can't take place in a studio - it can, but a studio can be limiting. There are photographers who specialize in studio lifestyle photography, and if the outdoors is not for you, this is a good alternative.

Preparing for a lifestyle photography session is easy after you find the right photographer. Wear what you normally wear to do what you love, then show up for the session with a good attitude!