Photography
Nature Photography: How to Properly Photograph Wild Animals
I’m sure that we can all agree that nature is beautiful. If you are someone that loves animals, you have probably had the experience of stopping in your tracks to admire an animal that has wandered into your path. Plenty of us sit at home and spend countless hours staring at compilations of animals doing funny things or wildlife photography that pops up on our newsfeeds. However, many of us don’t really think about what went into making these images possible and what lengths the photographer had to go through in order to capture the images that they were able to.
There are plenty of us that are silently appreciative of the pictures that we see, some of us so much so that we want to try and capture our own wildlife photography. For those of us that have attempted to capture pictures of animals out in the wild, it is easy to quickly fall victim to fast-moving creatures and a poor-quality camera. Now, you don’t need to invest thousands into pursuing your photography passions, but there are some techniques that you need to pick up in order to capture quality pictures of the animals.
Keep them still
One of the biggest issues that you will find yourself facing when trying to take wildlife photography is just how much animals like to run. Most animals live in constant fear of predators, so any slight shock can result in them running away as fast as they possibly can. Even the animals that are willing to be around you may not sit well for your picture, so how can you combat this?
Camouflage clothing
If you find your presence to be the reason why you can’t capture a good image of an animal, you should try techniques that will disguise yourself in the animal’s habitat. A technique that a lot of wildlife photographers use is utilizing camouflage clothing to allow them to blend themselves into their surroundings. If done correctly, then an animal will not notice that you are there and you will be able to freely take pictures of them without being noticed.
Occupy the animal
If you are dealing with an animal that is friendly enough to get close to, but quite fidgety, there are a number of techniques that you can follow to ensure that they sit still enough to photograph.
A common technique that wildlife photographers will use is luring the animals in with food. Now, before you even think about doing this you need to do some research. Animals have very different diets to humans and no two animals share the same diet. Foods that could be considered delicious to one animal could be a death sentence to another. Now of course you want to make sure that the subject of your photography is healthy, so you should take steps to ensure that you are feeding them all of the right foods. If this is something that you are struggling with, you could always seek out tips and advice at petsuppliesunlimited.
Finding the right food will mean that the animal will be preoccupied for enough time for you to get pictures, on top of this who doesn’t love capturing a picture of a cute animal munching down?
Avoid flash photography
One of the biggest mistakes that a new wildlife photographer can make is using flash photography when trying to capture an image of an animal. Flash photography is a big no-no as it can scare or even send an animal into shock. If you are smart enough, you will try and take your pictures in good natural lighting so you won’t need to use any external lighting. Photographs that are taken in natural lighting also feel a lot more authentic, so doing so could work in your favor.
Use a good lens
Now, you don’t need to buy an extremely expensive camera in order to take good pictures of wildlife, but you will need a quality lens. It is likely that you won’t be close to the animals that you will photograph, so a quality camera lens will ensure that you can get quality pictures from a distance.
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.
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.