Photography
7 Of the Best Digital Cameras for Those on a Budget
When choosing which digital camera to buy you have to consider what you are going to use it for and ensure that you choose a model which is suitable, there are many digital cameras available on the market so ensure that you do ample research into choosing the correct model for you and your lifestyle. If you are someone looking for a camera that is robust enough for an active lifestyle then it would be a good idea to find something that has a strong casing that can protect the camera from damage.
Sony Cybershot W830
The Sony Cybershot is a great digital camera for someone just getting started in their photography journey, it has an affordable price point and for once it is nice to see a camera that offers a reasonable price without sacrificing the overall quality. This camera has a very high-quality photo capability with the opportunity to make it even better with flash and zoom attachments which are sold separately, making this camera one of the more versatile models on this list.
Canon Zoemini Pocket Size
This model is one of the newest models to enter the digital camera world and thanks to the development of smaller camera technology it is also one of the smallest devices on this list. The fact that this camera is so small makes it great for portability and those who are looking for a device they can easily carry around with them. The Canon Zoemini may be a smaller digital camera but this doesn’t mean that its quality is affected, this device offers a long battery life and high camera quality within a small package.
Go – Pro
Go – Pro digital cameras are known for their robust design and being able to take high-quality footage, this is another device that comes in a very small package making it one of the best cameras for those who lead an active lifestyle. As the Go – Pro comes fully protected with a strong plastic casing many people choose this device for things like recording exercise footage or other situations where the risk of dropping and damaging the camera is high, with a robust design, high-quality recording quality, and a reasonable price point, this device would be perfect for those who need something that is resilient without sacrificing the quality.
Kodak Pixpro
This device is great for amateur photographers, if you are in the market for a professional-grade camera but you aren’t in the position to spend a significant amount of money then this is the camera for you. One of the biggest issues faced by those who are just getting started in photography would have to be sourcing a high quality yet affordable camera, so the fact that this device is available at such a reasonable price point is truly amazing. The Kodak pixpro has a high megapixel quality and long zoom range, it is great for professional photography both in a studio and in a natural setting.
HD Protax D3000
Protax is known for their professional quality digital cameras, they offer a range of models which are all fully equipped with a strong flash and zoom lens to take the very best pictures. The pretax D3000 is the perfect camera for those looking to take studio photos, it is compatible with most camera equipment so you should find implementing this device into your normal camera studio set up a breeze. This device provides the perfect balance between affordability and having the quality of a professional-grade digital camera.
Canon EOS 4000D
The Canon EOS is a little different from the other cameras on this list, it is much larger in comparison to the more portable digital cameras that are available on the market. It is larger in size so would be more suitable for a studio environment to avoid damaging it when you are taking photos outside. This device comes equipped with a tripod and flash attachment to make sure that you can alter every photo to fit your client and the situation, this device would be great for someone looking to get started in studio photography who requires a professional-grade camera.
Canon Powershot
The final device on this list is the Canon Powershot, this device is a highly portable device with a lot of power in terms of providing high-quality photos and battery life. This camera would be perfect for someone in need of a camera for photoshoots and other professional photography situations. Thanks to the long-range zoom and high-quality flash you will be able to take some pretty good pictures with this camera that would put other photos to shame. This device would be the perfect gift for spoke just getting started in photography without breaking the bank.
How To Get Started as a Bar Mitzvah Photographer
A Bar Mitzvah is one of the most important days of a young man’s life. He steps into the spotlight and demonstrates his understanding of the Torah and his community. He makes the transition from boy to man in front of all his family and friends. It is a daunting experience. And it is a fulfilling and loving experience. Because after the ceremony there is often a huge party.
Anyone who has attended a Bar Mitzvah knows they are an exciting and joyous occasion. Filled with laughter, revelry, and tender moment between family. They bring people together and let them express their familial love for one another.
They are also one of the most lucrative events to work at if you are a photographer. Second perhaps only to red-carpet events and weddings. But how do you get started as a Bar Mitzvah photographer? And what differences do you need to be aware of?
Understanding
A big part of working any event as a photographer is understanding how these events function inside and out. You need to be aware of what moments are critically important and which aren’t. That way you can be prepared to get the best shots when the action is happening. No one wants you to completely miss the Torah reading but capture hundreds of pictures of people arriving.
So before you start working Bar Mitzvah, spend some time learning about the events, and the cultural heritage of the Jewish faith as well. Play spin the dreidel and read literature around the subject. Talk to members of the Jewish Faith and gain a stronger understanding of their culture and Bar Mitzvahs.
Make Connections
The big thing about the Jewish community is how much they communicate with each other. In any community, members of the Jewish Faith will often all attend the Bar Mitzvah of other members. This means there is a lot of shared communication about the events, and lots of shared tips when it comes to hiring staff for the event.
To that end, you will want to start making connections. Word of mouth is the best advertising tool you have at your disposal for this line of work. So start meeting members of the community and making yourself known. Let them know you are informed and reliable and you stand a better chance of securing more work.
It never hurts to try to meet some other professionals that work Bar Mitzvahs frequently. DJs, bands, magicians, or catering companies. If you get on friendly terms with these people they are likely to recommend you to potential clients.
Quality Equipment
Unlike Weddings or other events, a Bar Mitzvah is a once in a lifetime event for the young man involved. There is no redo. So the families want it to be captured and remember perfectly. So you need to make sure you can guarantee them you will provide the best service it’s possible to get.
You want to make sure your equipment is top of the line. The photo quality needs to be outstanding and your photography skills need to be refined. Spending a lot of time on your portfolio is a good idea as well to make sure you can prove to potential clients you are the right person for the job.
We hope this has been helpful. Working as a Bar Mitzvah photographer is a lucrative and rewarding experience. There is no greater pleasure than watching as a young man fully joins his community and seeing the pride on his face as he becomes a man.
Capturing Life: Breaking Into Still Life Photography
Arguably there is nothing more beautiful than capturing a moment in time. If you’re someone that is into photography, you will be more than aware of how praised still life photographers are around the world, as it takes a certain degree of patience and skill to be able to catch the essence of a moment and publish it into the world. Though it may sound simple, still life photography is a bit more than just taking candid pictures and hoping that they will get praised due to their uniqueness, as more often than not, your run of the mill still like photo will just be ignored. To really catch someone’s attention there are a number of things you can do to produce some really interesting pictures, here is how to break into still life photography.
Acquire interesting props
The props that you use in your pictures are obviously going to be the image’s main focus, because of this you want to make sure that you are using something that really stands out. This can be something beautiful or something quirky. You’re not likely to find props that meet your needs in local shops and so it is important to look a little further to find objects that you can use. One of the best places you can find these props is in nature, go on walks and keep an eye out on the floor as you may stumble across something that inspires your next big project. Travel to different locations such as beaches and woods to really acquire a variety as this will only make your pieces more unique. We also recommend visiting a local charity shop, as these always have funky little trinkets and stand out pieces that would be great to use in your pictures. Also, tell some of your friends that you are looking for new props as they may come across something great you can use.
Put the extra effort in
A lot of still life image photographers choose to use people in their work as well as any object that they want to be the focal point. Because of this, you will want to make sure that you put the effort in to make sure everything is cohesive and looks good together, this means that you should make sure that your model fits the piece. This can be done in several ways. Firstly it is important to pick out the right outfit for your model, because if the clothing they are wearing clashes with colors or other elements of your piece then the entire project could seem a bit off. You should also focus on other little details like makeup and hair. Adding splashes of color to the face of your model can really bring everything together and help with cohesion. You could also use private label products for hair from goodvara to style your model’s hair as you will want to ensure any stylings that you make stay in place for continuity sakes, so using quality products can really help with this.
Get a good quality camera
This can really be applied to all forms of photography as having a good quality camera will just make your image seem more aesthetically pleasing. Not only this, but the level of detail that you are able to capture will increase through the use of a quality camera, meaning that your pieces are more likely to get attention. Having a low-quality camera can make your pictures appear blurry and unclear, which is what you really want to avoid in this industry.
Portrait Photography: A Beginners Guide
Whether you’re hoping to expand your knowledge of the photography field or if you’re looking for an entirely new career path, there’s a reason so many people have started getting into portrait photography. Whilst there is a need for creatives, there will always be a need for portraits. An invaluable tool for any budding actor or business person, portraits are used to put a face to a name or brand. This is where you can come in. With these tips, we’ll tell you everything you’ll need to know to break into the world of portrait photography.
Get the Right Equipment
The first step to being a great photographer is by finding the perfect equipment. While it may be daunting at first, with enough research you’ll definitely be able to find the best camera and accessories for you and the types of photography you’re hoping to do. Don’t be tricked into thinking that the most expensive equipment will automatically be the best. Whilst often with technology and therefore photography you get what you pay for, there often alternatives that better fit your budget. Don’t blow all your savings on a mega-expensive and complicated camera – especially if you’re only breaking into the photography scene.
Establish a Brand
If you’re hoping to make a career out of photography, it would be worth establishing a brand. By encompassing your company, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and invite more potential clients. The best place to start is on social media. It’s a quick and easy place to base your company. It allows you to post examples of your work and advertise your services for free. When you’re looking to make more of a professional investment into your company it may be worth setting up a website. While it may seem daunting, companies like Wix make designing the perfect website for your company easy. Once you establish a brand, you’ll get more people discussing your work and will be able to grow.
Location Location Location
The next step is to decide where you’ll be doing your photoshoots. While it may add a nice flair to your shoots if you do some portrait shots on location, it’s always useful to have a backup. It may be worthwhile to set up a makeshift studio as a base for your photography. Shooting outside can lead to some gorgeous shots, but weather can be unpredictable and when you’re shooting on a schedule, you don’t want your entire shoot to be ruined by a touch of rain. Don’t worry about renting out space, if you have a shed in your backyard or a spare room in your house, it can easily and affordably be converted into a simple photography studio.
Engage With Your Subject
Before you start charging your potential clients, it may be worth building a portfolio so people can see examples of your work before deciding to hire you. Why not give your friends an opportunity to model for you. It’ll give you a chance to get some experience and you’ll also get to hang out with your friends. Once you start working with actual clients, the key to getting the best portraits is by making sure your subject is comfortable. If you’re wanting some ideas on how to get your client to loosen up, ponly has plenty of conversation starters and questions you can ask your client to make sure you get some awesome candids. Smiles and laughter look even better when they’re real.
Experiment
The best way to get started in portrait photography is just to do it. Like everything, with enough practice, you’ll be taking incredible portraits in no time at all. Experimenting with your photography will also help you discover your style and will help to set you apart from other photographers. Play around with filters and perspectives to find out what looks best. Adjust your camera settings to fit the shot you’re hoping to take. There are plenty of free resources online to show you how to get the most out of your camera and your photographs. If you’re planning a shoot with a client, make sure to communicate beforehand to find out what it is they’re wanting. Avoid experimenting with a paying client without asking their permission before the shoot.
A Guide to Photography in Paris: The City of Love
The city of love has been a popular tourist destination for some time now and thanks to this popularity there has been a large increase in tourism over the recent years. This popularity stems from the fact that Paris is such a beautiful and romantic place to visit, there’s so much to do and see which makes it not only a great place to see as a tourist but as a budding photographer also. The photo opportunities are endless with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre being the obvious choices to get some great photographs. Obviously all of the iconic landmarks are a must see, but in terms of photography you can get some great shots just on the idyllic streets alone so you can finally match the aesthetic of all the that are constantly popping up on our social media.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel tower is a compulsory visit when you are in Paris, it’s not only one of the most impressive construction feats in the world but it presents the opportunity to get some great photographs, the landmark itself is exceptionally photogenic but should you get the chance to go up to the top you are able to get some of the most breathtaking images showing a unique aerial view of this amazing city. The Eiffel Tower is a must see when it comes to Paris, you can’t visit Paris and not see it and in terms of photography it provides you with the opportunity to get some amazing photos whether it be of the architecture itself or of the views, you won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the world.
The Arc de Triomphe
Another classic tourist hot-spot would have to be the arc de Triomphe, set in the centre of Paris’ iconic roundabout the sheer amount of traffic from cars and bikes can really make for a unique photoshoot that represents the tourism and hustle and bustle of Parisian life. Much like the Eiffel Tower this is another you can’t afford to miss out on, with a lovely sunny day and a clear blue sky there is an opportunity to get some really beautiful photos here or if you prefer a night time shot you can get something a little classier to represent just how amazing the city of love is. The intricate detailing and sheer talent that has gone into creating this long standing sculpture is a crucial part of history and just shows Paris in a way that does justice to how aesthetically pleasing the city as a whole really is.
Patisseries/Bakeries
For those of you that are budding bakers and foodies here’s one for you, the sheer amount of bakeries and patisseries that are in Paris may come as a shock, with endless glass windows showcasing the most amazing pastries and desserts in a wide array of colors, decoration, flavours and constructions there is a photo opportunity that you really cannot miss. Photos like these would be great on food and travel blogs and these picturesque creations reflect how unique and versatile Parisian food culture can be.
The streets of Paris
The streets alone are cause for celebration, miles and miles of classical architecture combined with some of the more modern graffiti and street art. This combination of the old and the modern is a great cause for photography and it really is something you won’t find anywhere else. Imagine the shots you could get just from being in such a picturesque environment, the juxtaposition of the classical structure and build quality of the buildings is something that as a photographer you have to see.
Markets
Parisian markets are very unique, in such a classically beautiful city you wouldn’t expect to see markets like these, and that’s what makes them a must see. The hustle and bustle and the wide variety of things in sale make for excellent shots that you would rarely find anywhere else. All the unique little pieces that are available to purchase are not only great buys but a great opportunity to get a lovely photo to add to your repertoire.