Coordinate Colors for a Photo Shoot

This is one of the most asked questions I get asked when scheduling a photo shoot.  If matching outfits aren't for you, there are other options you can try. Try dressing everyone different but still coordinated. Of course you wouldn't want colors to clash, so my suggestion is for you to choose colors that would come out of the same box of crayons. Keep with a color-scheme (earth tones, bolds, pastels.....) Another option is to choose a color and let individuals express themselves.



Bring Props for Your Shoot

Props are a wonderful idea to bring along for a photo shoot.  A favorite stuffed animal or blanket might be just the thing to help your child relax and have some fun.  Remember, you want those beautiful, natural expressions and smiles.

Capturing Real Expressions

When I photograph, emotions are one of the main ideas on my mind.  Real expressions from real emotions are what I am looking for.  I ask parents not to tell their children to say "cheese" because this causes a forced smile that just doesn't look real.  It is those different expressions that reflect upon the many facets of a personality and when captured, make a photo believable.

 

 

What to Wear for a Photo Shoot

Clothing style and color are two main things to consider when choosing clothing for your photo shoot.  Remember, knowing how to present yourself while choosing a style that is flattering for your body type is of the utmost importance.

Color matters for the visual appeal of a photograph.  Horizontal stripes give a person the appearance of being wider than he/she actually is, and patterns can be too busy and take over the photo.  Thin stripes or small patterns can make the photos very unusual looking when printed.

Pick colors that suit your skin tone and hair color.  Most of us know which colors look the best on us, and also the colors that just don't work.  If you are uncertain about the colors that look good on you, check some resources such as the internet or magazines and do a little research.

Try to avoid red, black, or white if possible. 

These ideas do not apply in every situation, but they are some things to keep in mind when choosing the clothing style and color for your photo shoot.

Rule of thumb - Solids and neutrals usually work best.

Little Ones

Beach Wedding

Easter 2012

Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe Easter holiday!

Shutter-Priority Mode

Hello again.  In a previous blog, I discussed switching the camera out of the Auto mode and into the (P) mode to enable more creativity in photos.  I want to continue on to another setting on the camera dial - the Shutter-Priority mode.

The Shutter-Priority mode is a semi-automatic mode that allows you to adjust the speed of the shutter while the camera automatically sets the aperture for you.




Shutter-Priority mode is represented by
the (S ) on the dial for Nikon-as shown
in the photo to the left- and Tv (Time value)
for Canon.  *For other brands please refer to your manual*






In order to learn how to use the Shutter Priority mode, it's important to understand the basics of what the camera shutter actually is.  So, imagine a curtain in front of the camera sensor.  That curtain will stay closed until the camera fires.  As the camera fires, the shutter (curtain) opens to allow light to reach the camera sensor.  When enough light is gathered, the shutter will close.  

The shutter speed or exposure time is the length of time the camera shutter (curtain) is open to allow light on the camera sensor.  A fast shutter speed helps to freeze motion completely as shown in the photo below.

A slow shutter speed can create an effect called "motion blur".  This is where movement in the photo appears blurred as shown in the photo below.

So, the shutter speed is responsible for producing dramatic effects in photos by either blurring motion or freezing action.  With practice, I'm sure you'll discover how useful these settings on your camera can be.

Maternity Photos

Program Mode

If you're interested in taking your photography a step further, play around with your photos by taking your camera out of auto mode.

  

If I have my camera set to auto, then the camera will not let me make adjustments to any of the settings.  If I set it to P mode (program mode), the camera will still automatically adjust my settings, but I can choose to override those settings. The P mode allows the photographer control over ISO, white balance, exposure, flash, and etc.  The camera might make recommendations while in P mode--like showing a flash icon in the viewfinder--but I can choose whether or not I want to use the flash.  The P mode would be ideal in places where flash photography is not allowed. 

Adjustment settings will vary from camera to camera. Always refer to the manual for details about your specific camera. Though you may feel overwhelmed by all the options that your camera may have, just take it one step at a time. 

Composing Your Photo

When composing a photo, always keep in mind the tips listed below:

 - Keep the horizon, buildings, towers, or etc level
 - Crop out extra things (which can make the photo look busy) that you are not interested in
 - Place the object where you believe it should be in the photo rather than just clicking the
   button and settling for where it happens to land in the photo
 - Snap a few sample shots until you get the best photo where all lines direct the eye to the
   main object
 - Don't forget to work with the Rule of Thirds (as discussed in previous tip)

Always pay special attention to the overall balance in your photo whether you're a professional photographer or not because everyone responds better to a picture if all elements are in balance.

Happy St Patricks Day 2012

Wishing everyone a safe and happy St Patricks Day in 2012!

Rule of Thirds

Good morning.  I'm wishing for some nice weather for today.  I don't know about you, but I love the Spring and Fall when the weather is nice and warm....not too hot and not too cold like our Summer and Winter months are.  Spring time for me is my opportunity to be outside with my camera doing what I love. 
I've been thinking about what photography tip that I should post first, and the first thing that come to my mind was the rule of thirds.  This is one of those bits and pieces I was telling you about that is used in photography and will help you achieve a better photo.  Now, the rule of thirds doesn't necessarily have to be used in every photo, but its always wise to keep it in mind when shooting photos or even cropping photos (I personally do not like to crop my photos, but there are many that do).

Photo Tip : Rule of Thirds
When composing a photo, try using the rule of thirds. Imagine horizontal and vertical lines (like a tick-tack-toe grid) and place key elements where the lines intersect. Some cameras already have these lines in the view finder or on the LCD screen.  Maybe you've seen this grid on your computer when editing photos and  thought it was for centering your photo.  Actually, this rule is the exact opposite.  See below:
 


Key elements in the photo should be placed where the lines intersect.  Aligning subjects along the horizontal and vertical lines and then placing key elements at the lines of intersection will create more interest in the composition than simply centering your subject.  I'll be delving deeper into this rule in the days ahead, and I'll post some of my photos along with each blog for a visual reference of where I've used the rule of thirds in the composition of the photo.  Remember, this rule doesn't always have to be followed, but you should always keep the rule of thirds in mind.

Hello

Welcome to R&A Photography's blog.  My name is Robert, and I'm new to blogging.  So, please have patience with me.  First of all, I love photography.  I love capturing moments in time with a photo.  I started out years ago with a camera that used film, but I love the tecnology of the digital camera that I use today and wonder what I ever did without it.  I've learned many things since my first attempts at taking photos and know I have much more to learn.  Photography is truly much more than simply pointing a camera and clicking a button.  I guess you could say there's a science behind it that's kind of like a math formula.  Now, I've never loved math, but I do love all the bits and pieces that make up the art of photography, and I want to begin sharing some of these bits and pieces that I've learned with you.  So, for those of you that love the feeling of a camera in your hand and want to get that "one good shot", follow along with me.