Year: 2019

 

 

Some people go crazy at taking pictures, to the point that they turn a pastime into a way of life. Many social media stars rose to fame due to the incredible photos they post online on a regular basis. Were they all taken with a regular camera phone? Nope – a lot of them use professional gadgets and perhaps hire folks to capture the shots for them.

On the other hand, some individuals would much rather stay out of frame. It isn’t because they have flaws they don’t want everybody else to see. Often, the reason is that they are camera-shy and they assume they aren’t photogenic enough to be the subject of still images.

If you’re more like the latter, you surely know how this shyness can bring your loved ones’ mood down. Instead of joining group pictures, for instance, you pretend to need a quick bathroom break, and then only come out when the photo op is over. Or, in case they manage to pull you out, you either cover half of your face or put on an awkward expression.
Although no one can or should underestimate your anxiety around cameras, remember that images are great remembrances you can keep for life. If you wish to chuck out this problem, here are some tips on how to stop being a camera-shy individual.

 

Overcome Your Fear

My initial advice is to take that first selfie, in case you haven’t at this point. Considering you have, and yet you still feel uneasy about having your photos captured, then just continue doing it or ask a friend to do it for you to let go of the fear.

 

 

 

 

Get Comfortable

Another source of worry for many folks is that they may look too skinny, fat, underdressed, or dolled up in the picture. Because of that, you should only wear an ensemble you don’t mind being caught in anytime.

 

Forget Past, Present Or Future Haters

Beauty standards can also make someone anxious. If you were – or are – a victim of bullying or body-shaming, whether online or not, you may quickly think you’ll never seem significant in front of a camera. However, haters will always lurk around regardless if your figure is like Kim K’s or Gigi Hadid’s, so try your mightiest not to give them the satisfaction of controlling your life decisions.

 

Avoid Posing At First

Doing poses when you’re not familiar with the act will highlight your awkwardness a lot. Personally, I suggest going with candid shots in the beginning so that you can develop a sense of comfortability without pressure. Once you’re ready for the theatrics, then strike a pose whenever you please.

 

Never Push Yourself Too Much

In case you’re not feeling it after a week or so, don’t give up, but prevent going overboard as well. The love for getting your images captured will never grow overnight. You need to take it easy on yourself since, to be honest, forcing the idea won’t make you appreciate it more.

 

 

 

Be You

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to act normal in front of a camera. It’s a device that won’t eat you alive; you can be as silly or as funny as you usually are around the people you love. Once you keep that in mind, your photos will look much better instantly.

 

 

 

Our world is indeed full of beautiful places and sceneries, and we have our advanced technology to thank that we can witness the wonders of different parts of the globe. People travel to see beautiful places, meet new people, taste new cuisines, experience different cultures, and learn about the world we live in, and they can share their experiences by taking photos of all the unique and extraordinary things they encounter.

 

Photographers give a glimpse of what’s out there through the images they capture. Somehow, people who see their photos get a sense of motivation and inspiration. They would realize they have something to look forward to – to be at the same place, at a perfect moment, and experience the same happiness they see in photographs.

 

There are millions of photos we see on the internet every day, and some of them are undeniably stunning. Photos have the power to influence the mind of a person just by looking at it, and some have mastered the art of capturing the best scenes and moments.

 

 

How To Capture The Best Shots:

 

1. Move Closer To The Subject

 

Great photographers know that every space in the frame should capture something meaningful. If you are trying to catch an emotion or an action, make sure your distance is just about right to be able to get it. Don’t be afraid to move closer to your subject. See and feel the moment you want to capture.

 

2. Utilize The Light

 

Whether the light is coming from the sun, lamp, or what not, remember that you can use it to your advantage. Get the right place and position to create highlights and dramatic shadows that can add magnificence to your photos. Light is essential in creating a masterpiece.

 

3. Flash The Light

 

You can use the flash during the daytime, especially when the sun is strikingly bright. When there is too much light coming from the sun, there are uneven highlights and shadows on the subject. Use the flash to eliminate shadows and create a balanced exposure.

 

4. Add Some Humor

 

When you’re trying to capture a smile, you can bring out some humor and tell a joke. Nothing beats a genuine smile that comes from laughter.

 

5. Read Photography Books

 

Don’t just invest in expensive gears. Instead, invest in your knowledge. Read and learn from photography books. You can also search for the works of famous photographers, so you can get an idea of how they make amazing photos.

 

6. Eyes Before Lenses

 

Observe your subject through your eyes. Feel the message you want to convey. Sometimes, the key to capturing the best moments is to look at them with our lenses down and our eyes focused.

 

7. Always Be Ready

 

You don’t have to carry your bulky camera with you all the time. There are smartphones on the market right now which can do just about what a professional camera can do. Always be ready to take photos, because you may never know when and where the lightning is going to strike.

 

8. Retain Simplicity

 

Make it as simple as possible. Avoid trying to capture multiple elements in a photo. Focus on one or two subjects.

 

9. Merge With Your Camera

 

Make the camera an extension of your body. Practice your reflexes to respond to what you see by using your finger to click and capture a moment.

 

10. Learn The Rules And Break Them

 

Know all the rules in photography then break them. Learn your techniques and develop your style. You don’t have to follow every photographer. You can have aspecific eye and mark in seeing and capturing the best photos.

 

 

Life consists of photos taken every millisecond that can only be remembered by our mind, and being able to capture an extraordinary moment is just priceless!

 

Photography is one of the many hobbies that can foster happiness. While this practice used to be expensive during the time of film cameras, camera phones have made it significantly more accessible. But how exactly do photos bring us more joy? Let’s find out.

Fosters Creativity

Creative activities like painting, pottery, and music can be very expressive. They can help reduce stress and anxiety and make us generally happier. Photography is another one of these practices that can help those creative juices flow.

A good challenge to keep you active is to take or post one picture a day. It pushes us to find something worth capturing every day. “When you challenge yourself to learn a new skill, you are building your intellectual health. People who pay attention to their intellectual wellness often find that they have better concentration, improved memory, and better critical thinking skills,” says Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC.

Acts As A Journal Or Diary

Another expressive activity is journaling. Alison Stone, LCSW states that “Journaling is great for enhancing self-awareness through helping us detect and track patterns of behavior, thoughts, and feelings.”However, not everyone is fond of or comfortable with writing. As an alternative, a visual diary can help you document memories and special occasions.

On days where we feel a bit down, our photo journals can remind us of better times. Even pictures of everyday life activities can boost our mood. Our collection of photographs can also serve as something we can share with others.

Reminds Us Of The Things We Love

As many people say, nothing is truly permanent. Our loved ones will pass, events will end, and memories can fade. However, a photograph can be somewhat more lasting. Even when we graduate from school, move to a new city, or find a new job, our photos will remain unchanged.

While it does not bode well to cling to the past, looking back helps us remember the good moments. Moreover, it helps us realize how far we’ve come since then.

Connects You To Others

If you’re looking to get into photography, you’ll be glad to know that the community is vast and very welcoming. From online groups to neighborhood gatherings, you’re sure to find people who are always willing to share.

Many participants find that the community provides a sense of belongingness. You can exchange tips on how to take better photographs and even collaborate on shoots. This social aspect of the hobby allows people to feel more connected to others and, thus, happier as a whole.

Makes Us More Engaged And Attentive

Most people say that those who frequently take photos aren’t “living in the moment.” However, according to a study from the University Of Southern Carolina Marshall School Of Business, photography can create a better experience. 

During their research, they asked two tour groups not to use their phones. Then, they encouraged a different set of participants to take photos. They observed the latter explored and looked at museum exhibits longer. Likewise, the third group also felt more “immersed” in their meals during lunch.

Researchers say that asking people to take photos makes them actively look for things they want to document. In this way, they can find things that make them happy and want to hang onto. As Roya R. Rad, MA, PsyD advises, “Give yourself permission to do some serious emotional healing to become your happiest self and remember, it is a process more than a destination.”

Seeing a camera can often prompt a smile from the person who has their picture taken. However, we don’t always get to see the person behind the lens. Photography doesn’t just bring happiness to those in the front of the camera but also the photographer. Taking pictures can bring about greater creativity and remind us of things that bring us joy. It connects us with others and keeps us engaged with life. By looking through the lens of a camera, we capture moments, memories, and happiness.

Learning about photography is not an easy task. It is even more difficult if you are just starting out and you have no idea where to begin. Taking pictures here and there may improve your photography skills to a certain extent. However, you will be unable to advance your shooting techniques without proper guidance. Since that’s the case, we are more than happy to provide you with what you need to be able to start your venture in photography.

 

 

Things Beginners Should Do

The tips and essentials in this article will help shape the knowledge you need for taking pictures. It will also aid you to proceed in the right direction rather than making blind attempts. We will also give you the necessary techniques to boost the results of your shots.

 

Getting the Right Equipment: Buying expensive equipment will not make you a better photographer. What you need to do is find the right camera for the kind of pictures you will take. It is better to start with beginner-friendly cameras considering that this eases the difficulty of the shots you make. Complicated cameras have numerous features, but you also need sophisticated skills to use them. As a result, beginners will only end up impairing their shots if they try to use them.

 

 

    Read About Your Cam: Getting to know your camera is a fundamental step. It will allow you to see its strengths and weaknesses then use them to your advantage when taking photos.

 

    Take Lots of Photos: This is self-explanatory. Taking lots of shots will improve your skills little by little. After a long time, you will be able to see your improvements when you browse the old pictures you made. Using a digital camera will be efficient for this step due to its ability to show your shots instantly rather than wasting precious film.

 

    Associate With Other Photographers: Getting together with other photographers is advantageous in every angle. Joining local camera clubs, competitions, and conventions will promote your competitive spirit. Additionally, you will be able to exchange information, techniques, and opinions with other photographers.

 

    Try Everything And Ask for Opinions: It is a reasonable thing to focus on one kind of aspect in photography. However, it would be excellent to try different things from time to time to give yourself room for improvement. It is also a marvelous idea to ask friends and family members for their opinions regarding the photos you made. It will surprise you with the amount of information it can give you for self-improvement.

 

Enjoy Every Moment: Don’t stress and force yourself for quick improvements rather than enjoy every moment you capture in film. Photography is about the heart and mind going hand in hand to produce the best photo results. Take your time to look around because stimulus and inspiration are everywhere for you to find.

 

 

Learning photography has its essentials. The step-by-step process can help an amateur photographer experience the benefits of enhancing their knowledge and skills. You can never run out of ideas and things that you can learn about photography.

 

 

 

 

 

DSLRs are still some of the most impressive cameras you can buy, despite the emergence of powerful cameras on smartphones. Any committed photographer would eventually want to transition to using DLSRs. These cameras have impressive hardware and software that allow unparalleled freedom in making the most out of your shots.

However, expect to shell out at least $500 to get your hands on one of these cameras. Their relatively high costs mean that you need to choose the camera you want to buy carefully. Buying a camera with frills that you don’t need or one that you’ll quickly grow out of can easily dampen your photography spirits. Taking the time to assess what you want to get out of a DSLR camera can help you avoid wasting money and effort down the line.

Assess Your Needs

First, you should take some time to figure out how you’ll be using your camera. Do you want a DSLR for general-purpose photography? Do you want a model that excels in taking landscapes? How about low-light photography? Will you use the camera to shoot fast-moving objects or underwater subjects?

Keep in mind that you’ll be tempted to think that you’ll use the camera to take exotic shots. However, people tend to overestimate the times that they’ll use their camera for unusual scenarios. Think of the most common shot that you’d like to take, then consider it when you start assessing models.

Basic Specifications

DSLRs have two components: a body that contains the sensor and other electronics and a removable lens that can sometimes be adjusted. You’ll need to check out the body and see if it’s ergonomic. Can you easily twiddle with the controls? You should also be comfortable with the size and weight of the camera, especially if you’ll be using it a lot for outdoor photography.

Moving to more technical specifications, you’ll probably encounter first the megapixel count, abbreviated as MP, of the sensor. Higher MP gives you pictures with more resolution but doesn’t necessarily translate to better image quality. If you’re not planning on making large prints, skip the high MP counts.

What you need to focus more on is the sensor size. Larger sensors take in more light, resulting in better image quality. However, they also make the camera body bulkier. In many cases, investing in larger sensors is a good idea.

You should also check the available modes of the camera. DSLRs exist to give users manual control, but many models also offer automatic and semi-automatic modes that can be useful at times.

If you can, take some practice shots to see how the camera performs first-hand. Test the autofocus performance by pressing the shutter halfway while focusing on different objects.

Other features to note include battery life, ruggedness, and resistance to the elements.

Assessing The Lenses

Even the best DSLRs can’t compensate for bad lenses. Many cameras come packaged with kit lenses, but their performance is passable at best, and they offer limited options. While you can buy better lenses, it wouldn’t hurt to check the kit lenses, especially since they can be costly.

You generally want larger apertures, which means that the lens can admit more light. Your desired focal length will depend on whether you want to shoot near or far objects. If you regularly take photos at different distances, consider a zoom lens which allows you to vary the zoom.

You can choose from a variety of DSLR brands and models in the market. Your chosen camera should suit your experience level and preferences to make the best out of it.

You only need a few minutes on social media sites to find that images dominate the web. From selfies to photos of their nicely-prepared last meal, there’s no denying at this age; almost anyone can take their own photographs.

 

 

But that’s not to say that anyone can be considered a photographer, let alone do so professionally. If you’re thinking of seriously taking it up as a hobby or planning to go pro someday, here are a few tips you’ll want to know.

Continue reading “Useful Tips for Budding Photographers”

Source: pixabay.com

Smartphones used to take crappy photos that can’t even compare to pictures from a professional camera. However, advances in light sensor hardware and image processing software have drastically improved the quality of smartphone photos. Nowadays, it can be challenging to identify the type of device that was used to take a particular photo.

Improved phone cameras give you the perfect opportunity to improve your photography skills. Ever wanted to take groupies that are the envy of the crowd? How about some beautiful landscape pictures for your next vacation? Learn more about the essential photography tips that will help you maximize the powerful cameras you have on your device.

Explore Your Existing Camera Hardware And Software

In modern smartphones, you already have a stock camera app that performs well out of the box. Almost all apps have an automatic mode that adjusts your camera settings to deliver optimum shots in most scenarios. Apps may also have specialized methods such as night mode for low-light photography or sports mode for capturing high-speed objects.

Burst mode makes the camera take quick shots in succession, allowing you to choose the best photos. Your chances of getting decent images increase with the number of shots you take and burst mode takes advantage of that.

Used correctly, flash can make it easier to take photos in dark settings. Just make sure to adjust distances to avoid glare and overexposure.

Source: pixabay.com

Many apps also use software to add filters and other special effects to your shots. A typical example is the bokeh effect, which blurs the background and puts your face in focus.

Make sure to explore the options you have. There are dozens of decent alternatives out there. Don’t hesitate to use a third-party app if you want. 

Learn About Photography Settings

Three primary settings are used to tweak how photos appear. First, the shutter speed controls the duration that light reaches the sensor. There’s also the aperture speed, which adjusts the amount of light that passes through the lens. Finally, the ISO settings modify how sensitive the sensor is to light.

These three settings have different effects on your photos. For instance, low ISO settings are useful for getting clear images in brightly lit environments. On the other hand, high ISO settings allow for decent photos in more moderate light conditions at the expense of adding granularity to the pictures. Low shutter speeds improve night shots but make photos blurry. Small aperture openings prevent overexposure but are only practical for daytime photography.

Many smartphones offer a manual mode which allows you to edit these settings as you see fit. If you want to customize how your photos look, learn more about these settings and practice until you’re skilled at them.

Invest In Tools

Source: pixabay.com

Having additional equipment can improve the quality of the shots that you take. For example, small tripods allow you to eliminate photo blur, which is critical for moving shots or night-time photography. A gimbal will keep your phone level as you move it around, allowing you to try out new shot perspectives. Even a selfie stick can do wonders for your photos.

You should also buy some items for maintaining your camera lens. Buying some microfiber cloth allows you to clean the lens without leaving scratches. However, be wary of other products that can leave lasting damage to them, such as liquid cleaners.

Do you know other tips and tricks on smartphone photography? Share them in the comments!

Source: pixabay.com

Taking pictures of people, especially family or friends, is easy. You raise your camera, ask everyone to smile, and that’s it. However, it’s not always smooth sailing, especially when dealing with people who are either uncomfortable in front of the camera or clueless about their excellent angles. Sometimes, they need an extra nudge or two to help them look their best in photos.

Here are five tips on how to pose people who have zero modeling experience.

Build Rapport With Your Subject

When working with models, regardless of their experience, you should first create a comfortable working atmosphere for everyone involved in the project. As the photographer, you should establish trust between you and the model so that he or she could also bring out their A-game during the shoot. An uncomfortable model will only produce awkward-looking photos.

Direct Through Scenarios

When working with people inexperienced in modeling, you cannot expect them to carry out poses that professional models do. At one point, you will work with people who are unsure of how to move their bodies, but this is not necessarily a hindrance.

Instead of instructing them about angles and hand placements, direct them by creating scenarios that they can act out. Use the language of emotions and ask them to convey a message, and an expressive photo will surely follow.

Source: pixabay.com

Natural Expressions Over Forced Expression

Forcing your model to show an expression that they do not understand will only produce awkward or half-baked results. At best, your photo will look dull; at worst, its message will appear confusing. To remedy this, take advantage of your model’s natural expressions to create unique and dynamic photos. With a little shift of perspective, your creativity as a photographer is more than enough to transform these candid looks into beautiful images.

Use Motion For A More Dynamic Look

Instead of asking your model to do poses that they’re untrained to pull off, use motion instead to create an illusion of a laid back and confident look in your model. You could direct them to do simple movements like stretching or walking forward, and you’ll notice at once the difference between a stationary and frozen pose compared to a moving pose. Your model’s limbs will appear loose and relaxed, instead of stiff and awkward, and the overall vibe of your photos will improve.

Communicate And Engage

Source: pixabay.com

The last tip is to communicate consistently with your model. It’s natural for people to feel awkward or insecure, especially those who are not used to being in front of the camera. During a shoot, when working with an inexperienced model, they might feel uneasy during silent moments. Part of the job is to keep your model engaged to prevent awkwardness that might interfere with your flow as a team.

Directing models is an essential skill that every photographer must develop. Sometimes you do not have the luxury to choose your models; sometimes, you don’t get to work with professional ones. But this doesn’t have to cramp your style as a photographer. Using these tips, you can transform anyone and make them look like professional models and boost the quality of your work at the same time.

How many times have you taken a picture as a novice photographer and wanted to meet up with psychologists after seeing how horrible it appeared?

The reality that we all have to accept when it comes to this art form is that everyone has an idea of how to capture a subject. At the same time, however, not everyone can manage to connect their thoughts to the camera they are holding. Hence, it results in an image that either requires a lot of editing and may even be unavailable by the greatest Photoshop experts out there.
Now, if you genuinely believe that you can have a career in photography – a successful one, that is – then no one can make you think otherwise. All you can do, though, is find out the ten typical mistakes that every photographer might make when starting early in this field.

1. The Colors Are Out Of This World

According to Adrián José Velasquez Figueroa, a Venezuelan-born entrepreneur, some of the photos he had seen prior were either overly saturated or had unrealistic hues. These could have been fine if they were for a fantasy-filled theme. Even so, the problem can now be remedied by utilizing a picture-calibrated computer.

2. The Photos Are Blurred

Someone who moves a lot can only produce blurry images. A few people use this to make the audience’s gaze focus on the main subject alone, but it will not be good if they can barely see a thing. Thus, the photographers can utilize the auto-focus feature on cameras, or get a tripod to fix the device on.

3. They Have Incorrect Composition

Other pictures that Adrián had laid his eyes on were either askew or taken in a wrong position. Although the subject matter and the way it was taken were both fantastic, the poor editing dampens its beauty. This is why aspiring professionals need to align or rotate the images as they edit.

4. The Camera Angle Is Faulty

The entrepreneur also mentioned that a new photographer tends to take photos that are too close or too far from their subject. The result is that the viewers cannot see the message that the artist wants to convey through the image. Figueroa’s advice, there, is to use a wide angle lens that is great for everything.

5. The Color Balance Is Unstable

When folks overdo the black and white, exposure or contrasting colors of the pictures, the end-product can seem like an abstract master has made it. According to him, one needs to have the photos in the right equilibrium.

6. The Photographer Uses HDR Too Much

Whereas the pictures should always have high resolution, making use of the HDR feature, a lot cannot be good for the photographers. The output will be similar to what has already been said in the first error above – unrealistic.

7. A Story Cannot Be Found

Every picture needs to have a story. After all, it can paint a thousand words. If the audience cannot comprehend what it is supposed to mean, it is not a very good one.

8. The Photographs Are Inconsistent

In case he or she is creating a portfolio, the images that can be viewed from it should be connected. Otherwise, the people who will look at it will be lost.

9. People Only Take Pictures When Traveling

There is a beauty in every city or town, as per Adrián’s words, and it does not sit well with him that some are solely inspired to take pictures when they visit different places. He said that, with a professional camera or not, they have to capture everything they will see, as they can be interesting for others.

10. The Photographer Has A Lot Of Photos

One just needs several images of the same subject in the same pose. Do more than that, and it can get boring.

Final Thoughts

More than the possibility of becoming famous due to your awesome snaps, photography is a form of art that can relax your bones and tired muscles. It can also serve as a bridge when it comes to connecting you to new subjects and camera angles. If you have been planning to start taking pictures of people, animals, and inanimate objects, therefore, you should do so without forgetting the mistakes mentioned above.

Good luck!