The failure to prepare, is preparation to fail. – John Wooden

While this may have been applied to basketball at the time of the quote, this principle applies to many important things in life, including wedding photography.
This preparation for the wedding day can be followed in three steps. Treat them like wedding rehearsals. Let’s see how.

A Few Months Before
A few months before the actual wedding, a tulsa wedding photographer should
try and do a planning ‘run through’ with the wedding couple, and plan out the day. You may not have all the details chosen yet, but it is a good starting point to get things narrowed down. An experienced photographer can also help you with ideas that you may not have thought of, and details to consider.
Another thing to potentially plan for is a “photo-run-through” aka, engagement photos. As a photographer, you get to know the couple even further, learn about their personalities, and get them ready for feeling comfortable when posing for pictures. Besides these advantages, you get the opportunity to discuss style with the wedding couple, and inquire more intricate details they would want to incorporate in their wedding photos.
You can also use this time (either in addition to, or in place of) to do bridal portraits. Usually featuring the bride and her dress, many times at the place of the ceremony (or at another scenic location) the bridal portraits offer the bride a chance to get some beautiful shots that she and all of her family members will want to keep, and possibly more importantly, gives the bride another excuse to be the princess if the day. Getting dolled up, hair and makeup done, and donning the dress that she plans to be married in is a great run through for the big day.

One Week Before
This is ‘making sure’ rehearsal for the wedding day, in order to ensure the same situations discussed previously are still on the list.
Most important shots like pre-ceremony and post-ceremony shots of the couple or the group shots should be planned at this time. Shot sheets that feature specific family member names can also be very helpful in organizing the day, since it is difficult to off hand remember every shot you may want, especially in the whirlwind of the day.

The Night Before
Sleep well! Your big day is ahead of you, and your photos are the last thing you will need to worry about. With the preparation you have gone through for the day, everyone should be on the same page, and you are free to enjoy your big day!

By: Tulsa Wedding Photographer
Jake Aldrich
Epic Photography Tulsa

Product Description
Light & Lens: Photography in the Digital Age is a groundbreaking introductory book that clearly and concisely provides the instruction and building blocks necessary to create thought-provoking digitally based photographs. It is an adventurous idea book that features numerous classroom-tested assignments and exercises from leading photographic educators to encourage you to critically explore and make images from the photographers’ eye, an aesthetic point of view. More >>

Light and Lens: Photography in the Digital Age

Just like any school you will need to do your research to make sure that the photography school you select will best meet your individual needs. This article is intended to provide you several of the key areas that you should take into consideration as you begin to research good photography schools. After all it is your time and money so you owe it to yourself to make a well educated selection.

In choosing a photography school you should start by looking at the big picture. The selection of a photography school must be aligned with your specific career goals. As with any business field photography presents many opportunities in a wide range of categories. For example, you may have an interest in portrait photography, product advertising, or sports photography. At this point you may be focused more on the general aspects of photography and if so that is okay. But, if you have an area of interest it is worth your investment in time to determine the areas of specialization your short list of photography schools may have to offer. It would also be beneficial if your school of choice provides courses in general business in addition to the photography classes. This will aid you as you move from student to professional status.

I am sure you already know this but I will say it any way. Professional photography is more than point-and-shoot method for making a living. It requires an attention to detail and a wide range of skills including mathematics, business management, marketing and more. So make sure that the photography school you select can provide you the knowledge you need in the area of general business education too. Since many photographers eventually go into business on their own you will find these to be extremely valuable survival skills that will lend to your success.

It is always wise to inquire about the size of the class as well as the ratio of students to teacher. To many people in photography class can really be a hindrance toward proper learning. And it will also prohibit the instructor from providing effective hands-on supervision to each of the students.

Another skill area that should be considered is in the area of computers and you should determine if the photography school of choice provides learning in this area as well. A good photography school needs to have courses on basic computer use as well as more advance courses for those who have an interest in expanding their knowledge of digital photography as well as specialty software used for creating a digital darkroom. Since the field of photography is a very competitive it is imperative that you gain education and knowledge in this area as well.

Lastly, keep in mind that any education will have a price tag associated with it. So unless you just happen to have all of your photography education funding in hand it is worth while to determine if the schools provide scholarships or other forms of financial assistance for their students. Also keep in mind that you will more than likely need to invest in some of your own photography equipment. So I would recommend that you ask for a listing of equipment that the photography school offers to their students as well as a listing of equipment that you need to buy. This will aid you in determining the total cost of your education.

Hopefully, these recommendations will help you build your list of investigation questions so that you can make a wise and well educated decision. Choosing the right school is just as important as having a good view of where you want to go. And the right school is the best way to help you get there.

To Your Success as a Professional Photographer!

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

There is much more to be written on child photography. For more information on this, and other related subjects, you may want to read the article

http://www.you-can-do-great-photography.com/child-photography.html

This article authored by: You-Can-Do-Great-Photography.com

Mast Photography is where a camera is elevated from a fixed point on the ground using an extended pole or mast. This is often hydraulically operated although some manual systems still exist. Conventional Aerial Photography utilizes an aircraft such as a Cessna or a Robinson Helicopter. Both mast and conventional aerial photographic companies will often have their own extensive Aerial Photographic Library.

Although it would appear that mast photography would be lower cost it must be remembered that the photographer (with mast) must travel to the site and once at a site it takes time to set up the mast in each position. Due to these timely processes the price is often similar.

Event Photography is often undertaken using a combination of both mast photography and aerial photography due to the differences in the results. It also allows greater coverage and a much greater variety of angles.

Although some forms of Construction Photography benefit from mast photography large construction projects will often require conventional aerials as greater height will be needed. This is especially true if local transport links need to be included which may be several miles from the site. Progress Photography of building projects will often have a similar brief but ultimately the type of photography used will be dictated by the size of the site and the desired content.

Definition of Macro Photography:

Strength of the lens or the range of the lens determines whether the style can be called macro photography or not. A camera with a lens that has a 1:1 range should be used in macro photography so that the image size on the negative or slide is equal to the actual size of the subject.

Hence, if you are using 35 mm photographic film, you should use a camera that can focus on 24×36 mm small area. Then only you can take picture of a subject where the image size on photographic film is equal to the real size of the subject.

What’s interesting in Macro Photography:

Macro photography opens up the doors of a new world. It captures minute details of the subjects – such details are not at all visible in the naked eye. Hence, the viewer can reveal a lot of new things in most familiar subjects while watching the photographs. And unfamiliar subjects become more attractive in macro photography. According to photo critics – macro photography is not only attractive, but seductive!

For example, when someone takes a picture of a rusted chain in 1:1 range, you get to see the exact texture of rust. How rusts look like, what is the exact color of rust and many other minute factors come into notice. That’s what makes macro photography attractive.

Ideas & Subjects of Macro Photography:

People with a knack for photography find the subjects their own. They are artists and they have the eye for the right thing. However, those who are new in this field and about to start their career might need help finding the subject.

Snowflakes, water drops, minerals, butterflies, plants, leaves, flowers and flower petals, baby feet and fingers, eyes, spiders and spider web, insects etc. are the common subjects. Get out in your backyard garden and you will find plenty of subjects worth taking a picture. Macro photography ideas are available online to help you develop the ability to find the right subject.

Nature has always been the main subject of photography and art. However, macro photography experts often take photographs of items such as stamps, coins, automobile parts, wrist watch, pen parts, and other small things and collectibles.

Macro Photography Tutorials:

Working in this field is a new experience even for those who have been involved with photography for long. Opportunities are unlimited here – new equipments and techniques are invented everyday. With the advent of digital photography, entire world has been revolutionized.

Digital photography tutorials for macro photography help photographers make full use of digital cameras and other equipments in the process. However, it is not mandatory to use digital cameras. Traditional film based cameras are still popular and will be in the market for next few decades if not centuries.

Experts prefer SLR digital cameras for macro shooting. However, compact point and shoot cameras can yield good result too. To know more about photography, take some lessons or tutorials online. Know about photography techniques and equipments; become an expert photographer.

Author:
If you would like to know more about Digital SLR Cameras, visit http://www.bestdigitalcamerasite.com a popular website with a full range of Digital Cameras.

Terms: Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live

Source: www.articledepot.co.uk

Even novice photographers can take remarkable pictures with these new cameras, which after a time are particularly user friendly. SLR cameras, the cheap entry level models included, surpass even the most expensive standard digital cameras and, as the digital world is moving extraordinarily fast, more and more models come onto the market and prices are falling.

There are some disadvantages, however to owning a digital SLR camera. Even though they are becoming more affordable they still incur higher costs than basic compacts. They are bigger, weigh more, the extra expense of purchasing lenses, and there is a learning process to enable you to become familiar with the camera. But if you want your photographs to have a more professional quality then it is worth it.

The options and features appear unlimited in the world of SLR digital cameras and personal choices will depend on what you need out of a camera. Below are listed some of the more popular models, which will hopefully give you an idea of what would match your taste. This is not in the slightest an all-inclusive record, just a casual mixture. There are countless others introduced regularly.

Nikon D40
Affordable digital SLR that is easy to use and compact with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, 6.1 mega pixel and a built-in flash and hot shoe.
A user-friendly camera packed with features that make this camera a fine introduction for the newcomer to DSLR. With all the innovative options and flexibility, which has come to be expected with SLR photography, the D40 will encourage more people into the world of digital SLR than any earlier digital SLR.

Olympus Evolt E410
A compact and well built SLR with a 2.5-inch Live View HyperCrystal LCD display, 10 mega pixel and dust-free technology.
One of the most compact DSLR cameras with 30 automatic shooting modes designed to provide the uppermost adjustments for a variety of shooting circumstances, but also with a full range of manual controls to enable you take command of your photography.

Pentax K10D
Extremely well built and affordable SLR with10.2 Mega pixels, a 2.5″ Active Matrix TFT Color LCD display screen and an SLR Optical Pentaprism Viewfinder.
The Pentax K10D is one of the more appealing SLR cameras presently available on the market. The well-designed body and very responsive features are combined with dust-proof seals and water-resistant body.

Canon Digital Rebel XT
One of the smallest and lightest digital cameras in its class with a 1.8 inch TFT color LCD monitor, 8 mega pixel and DIGIC II Image Processor, enabling fast, accurate image processing.
Despite the small LCD screen the Rebel XT is famed for its superb range of features and great value for money. With a sturdy build quality and a smaller, lighter but easy-to-handle design and rich colours and silky smooth resolution, which is to be expected from a Canon product.

Sony Alpha A200K
Powerful, versatile and simple to use with 10 mega pixel, 2.7-inch ClearPhoto LCD and 4x optical zoom.
With high-speed processing, high sensitivity, advanced noise reduction, lightweight and exceptionally easy to operate, the Sony Alpha gives you all you need to develop your photographic creativity. Excellent for those stepping up from point & shoot cameras.

There are many makes and models available for the SLR digital camera shopper and these are just a selection. no matter what you want out of a camera there will be one to fit you.

Author:
If you would like to know more about SLR Digital Camera, or other top of the range Digital Cameras, visit http://www.bestdigitalcamerasite.com

Terms: Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live

Source: www.articledepot.co.uk

Although Nikon was formed in 1917, the brand name didn’t emerge until 1946 when the company decided to concentrate on the manufacturing of cameras and the first Nikon camera, Nikon I, was developed in 1945 and released in 1948. Steady sales were ensured through developments in film advancing, picture size, and other areas. The Nikon S was released at the end of 1950, Nikon’s popularity spread even further and production steadily increased. Nikon adopted a no compromise approach to the development of their cameras and this became known as the Nikon culture, and as sales confirm, there will always be users who prefer such products.

Nikon have been prominent in photography for decades and although their digital cameras aren’t the lowest priced on the market they come with a seal of excellence. They deliver unsurpassed imaging results with faultless simplicity and technology that explains why they continue to grow in popularity.

Nikon digital cameras furnish the requirements of both professional and recreational photographers and there is a camera that will fit almost any need irrespective of your level of experience, as you will see by the following examples.

In Nikon’s Fun and Leisure range is the Coolpix 5600, which is one of the smaller digital cameras on the market with 5 mega pixels, 1.8-inch LCD display and 3x optical zoom. Easy to use and fully automatic, this digital-camera is a standard point and shoot and is for anyone who is looking for worry free picture taking. However, it is packed with features for those that want to be a little more creative with their photographs.

In the Enthusiasts and Hobbies range is the Nikon Coolpix L4, a compact and light weight camera with 4 mega pixels, 3x optical zoom and a 2.0-inch Super Bright LCD display. Stylishly designed, exceedingly well built and probably one of the most basic and straightforward digital cameras that Nikon manufacture. An ideal camera for anyone who is looking to stay within a budget, but are unwilling to sacrifice on quality.

Also within the same range is the Nikon Coolpix 8400, an extraordinary compact digital with 8 mega pixels, 3.5x ultra-wide angle optical zoom and 1.8 inch LCD monitor. The Nikon Coolpix 8400 has the feeling and appearance of a serious camera and, for those who sometimes want the simplicity of a point & shoot, but also want the features available to help improve their photography, this camera is ideal. This is a camera with impressive photo quality and is superbly built.

When you move on to the SLR range of cameras you come into the top of the range of Nikon’s products and a good example is the Nikon D80, which is a 10.2 mega pixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD display. Designed with absolute picture-taking control in mind, previous Nikon owners will not be disappointed with this camera as the intention of producing a camera with fitting features for the serious enthusiast and novice DSLR user alike has been met, combined with fantastic image quality.

Nikon have built their name by manufacturing quality products that have provided professional photographers with reliable equipment for many years and now photographers of every level are experiencing that quality.

Author:
If you would like to know more about Nikon Digital Cameras , or other top of the range Digital Cameras, visit http://www.bestdigitalcamerasite.com

Terms: Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live

Source: www.articledepot.co.uk

Have you ever wonder how do some of the photographs from postcards, travel images are able to project a very nice enchanting blue sky? How did the photographers cut down the reflections on the subjects? The solution to this lies in the use of a polarizing filter.

With the polarizing filter, you are able to cut down on the reflections and generally produce a more saturated image which creates a special touch to your photographs. Although this effect can be easily created by using some photo editing software, it is still worth the effort getting a polarizing filter for a quick and instant effect.

The polarizing filter can be attached easily to the front of your lens by screwing it in (in most cases). There is another ring (normally the outer ring of the filter) where you can rotate 360 degree. Look through the viewfinder while rotating the ring and you will be able to realize the change in effect the filter created.

You can do a simple experiment with the filter and camera. With the filter attached, point your camera to the blue sky. Look through the viewfinder and observe carefully at the blue sky as you rotate the outer ring. You will notice that the blue sky getting darker and darker as you rotate the ring, the color of sky gets lighter and even back to the original color.

Generally, the effect of the polarizing filter will be maximize when the sun is 90 angle to your subject. The filter will have minimal or no effect when the sun is directly behind your main subject. With this example, I hope that you will be able to appreciate the relationship between the polarizing effects with respect to the sun position and to your target subject.

Polarizing filter can be used when shooting clear and still water during day time as well. It can help by cutting down the reflections and you are able to see into the water. The same illustration can be applied to shooting reflective surface. For example leaves and foliage to achieve a nice saturated color.

Despite this filter is able to produce a more saturated effect on your image, do be careful not to over-do it. This will result in your photographs having unnatural color, which is not too appealing to landscape photographer (unless you want the effect purposely). Generally, what majority of the photographers do is they will rotate the ring of the filter to accomplish maximum effect, and which that, they go back slightly by a few degrees to gain the best effect.

There are mainly 2 types of polarizing filter known as liner and circular. As technology advance, most SLR today are digital in nature with auto-focus ability. Thus a circular polarizer is commonly used for cameras that has a through-the-lens metering system and/or auto-focus.

Hopefully with the explanations above, you are able to appreciate the use and the importance of having a polarizing filter. There is a old saying, “Practice Make Perfect”. Do attempt more outdoor shots and appreciate the use of a polarizing filter and you will be able to utilize this skill set naturally.

Author:
Yong Sak is a Singapore Freelance Photographer who owns a Photography Portal, sharing Beginners Photography Tips for those who are new and keen in photography. Please view his portfolio in Chin Yong Sak Gallery, where he showcase his works for sharing and comments.

Terms: Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live

Source: www.articledepot.co.uk