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.
Working In Photography: How to Make it as a Wedding Photographer
Working as a private wedding photographer is a huge commitment that goes much further than just being there to take pictures, when you are so involved in a clients special day there are many things to consider to ensure you come across as a professional individual. If you are someone who is looking to turn a passion for photography into a well-paid career then there are multiple things you should ensure you work on prior to your first paid job.
Organization
Being totally organized is key for any business, if you are lacking in organization you risk coming across as though you don’t know what you are doing and reduce the chances of being booked for a job again. It may be useful for you to invest in some form of a filing system or address book so you can properly store important documents and any contacts you may have. Another risk that comes with being unorganized is not knowing where to find items essential to your work, you should also be making sure that all of your camera equipment is properly looked after and kept tidy, this helps make sure you are prepared for your job and that you know where everything that you need is stored.
Lighting
When it comes to professional standard photography it is not enough to be reliant on natural sources of light in order to be able to get the perfect picture. Every wedding photographer should be aware of situations where extra lighting will be required to improve photo quality and create different atmospheres within each set of photos. It may be expensive when you are starting out within this industry but I’m afraid it is an essential item if you wish to be taken seriously and get the most bookings. It is likely that your client will want photos taken throughout the whole day, it is your responsibility as the wedding photographer to ensure that every opportunity for a nice picture is taken and that the lighting is also appropriate.
Backgrounds
Much like how the lighting must be tailored to each photo’s specific situation, it is also the responsibility of the wedding photographer to use different backgrounds where necessary. In order to portray yourself as a true professional, you should be creative enough to come up with perfect backgrounds to really enhance the picture. You need to be able to make a decision between setting up a staged backdrop for people to stand in front of or just use the natural background depending on your environment. There is a level of trust between the photographer and their client and it is likely that your clients are going to be relying on you to set up certain shots to commemorate their big day. It is important that you are well versed in which backgrounds are best and that you are able to put together an amazing set of photographs.
Special Offers
One way that a wedding photographer can really push their business and make a successful living from their job is to offer a package deal where you help with other aspects of the wedding. This is a great way to not only make more money but to also expand your business into something bigger. Photography requires a lot of creativity in order to be able to do the job well so offering services like doing wedding invitations or decorations can be a way to branch out into new things whilst bringing in more revenue. However, I would recommend that you take something like this slowly as there can be some challenging tasks and questions ahead like when should you send out wedding invitations, and taking into account the client’s decorative preferences. If you were to consider offering extra services I would say that you would be better off ensuring that you are totally comfortable with the industry before making any big decisions.
Customer Service
Like any business photography relies upon expert communication and brilliant customer service, you need to be able to communicate well with the guests and appear as though you belong in the situation. Just because you are only the wedding photographer you should also try your best to be friendly and to make people comfortable whilst their photo is being taken. Nobody wants an awkward presence at their wedding so you should try your best to mingle and interact well with the guests, this is something that will come with experience and will definitely improve as you attend more and more jobs in the future. Customer service is vital to ensuring you maintain a professional approach and is something that is likely to increase the chances of further business from your clients, which helps to secure your business’s future and its success.
Equipment
Photography is a very technical profession to get into, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes all in the effort of getting a gorgeous photograph. Every professional standard photographer should be able to set up their kit to a good standard and with little interference to the event. The basics of what you will require include a high-quality camera, tripod, lighting system, selection of backgrounds and props, and decent editing software to touch up the pictures where necessary. As previously mentioned it is vital that your photography kit is packed up in a tidy and organized way to ensure that you can quickly leave for an event knowing that you have everything you need and that it can be set up easily with no intrusion on the event that you are working at.
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.
Pictures of the World: Making it as a Travel Photographer
Do you dream of traveling the world and getting paid for it? Well, then this may be the career path for you. Travel photography allows you the creative freedom to capture elements of foreign lands that people may not have realized exist. Many countries need fresh content for their tourism industry and this can be where many travel photographers find their niche. Whether it is the beautiful beaches of a scorching hot paradise or the vast beautiful landscape and mountains of an icy wonderland, there are an infinite number things that you can capture for the world to see all whilst taking in any number of different cultures and cuisines along the way. While it may seem like a dream job for many people, there are a number of things to consider if you’re wanting to become a successful travel photographer. Here’s our list of advice to help you make it in the world of travel photography.
Research
First things first, you should make a list of questions you need to be answered and fire up your internet browser for the clearest response. Luckily, nowadays, people have had ample time to experience things and document their successes and failures to help people. Chances are, there will be someone online, able to advise you on almost anything. Look up some message or forum boards on travel photography and they should be able to provide you with a more detailed account of what you’ll need to consider before you take the leap of making travel photography your main source of income.
Finance
You shouldn’t expect to be rolling in money from the first time you take a photo abroad. It will take a lot of time and hard work and if you’re wanting to make it your main career you’ll need to have plenty of money saved up for equipment, travel, insurance and also to live on in between jobs. Maybe don’t hand in your resignation just yet – especially if you’ve never even picked up a camera. It will initially be an investment and could be a while before you’re making a considerable profit from it. Just be patient and cautious and keep in contact with your bank and others for advice. Once you’re ready to go on your first trip (advisably just a holiday for some experience), you should look into ways of keeping your money safe abroad. Sites like plutuspocket offer in-depth reviews on a number of money transfer sites like TransferGo. There are plenty of sites online like this designed to review banks and transfer accounts that are designed for use abroad. It’s advised to do your research before you sign up, find out what works best for you.
What Next?
Well, once you have done all your research and have gotten some equipment to get you started, it’s up to you. If you need some inspiration on where to travel to first, just look online for some of the most affordable places to help get you started. You could look into some of the cheapest beach destinations in Europe and get that beach experience whilst not breaking your bank. Go somewhere that fascinates you and do your research for some of the best destinations to take some beautiful shots. Set up social media and even a website to get your brand out there.
The most important thing you can do is practice and experiment to make sure your photographs show something new and don’t just blend in with the rest. Don’t lose your passion for traveling, other cultures and photography and there’s nothing stopping you from taking the travel photography by storm.
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.
The Top 4 Tips for Getting Started in Photography
Whether you’re wanting to start a new business or even just wanting to pick up a new hobby. There are any number of reasons why so many people have decided to take up photography. The creative possibilities are endless and there will always be something out there for you to capture. Whether you want to specialize in portraits, landscapes, nature or artistic photography, the beautiful thing is that it’s all up to you. The most wonderful thing about photography is that you don’t need overly expensive equipment to take great photos, you just need to develop an eye for beauty and have a passion for capturing the world and you’re well on your way. If this all sounds like something you’d be interested in, then here are the top 4 tips for getting started in photography.
Equipment
One of the most important things you’ll need to consider when getting started in the world of photography is the equipment you’ll be using. Many phones nowadays take pretty decent photos, so it’s a great opportunity to get a feel for photography. Once you feel you’ve gotten the hang of things, it may be worth looking into some decent equipment. Sites like Camerakool offer some great deals and information on all kinds of cameras and accessories. Just be sure to do your research before buying to be sure you get the right equipment for the type of photography you’re wanting to do.
Find Your Subject
Probably the most fun part of getting started in photography is finding the subject that makes you tick. While you’re not limited to one branch of photography, many people choose to specialize in one or two aspects of photography if they’re trying to build up a business. This allows you the most freedom as you can explore every sort of photography to see if there are any forms you enjoy capturing more than others.
Practice
One of the most important aspects of developing any skill is by practicing and you’ll be glad to know that photography is no different. Practicing will help you to develop your own individual style. Everybody is different. With so many things to experiment with, there will always be more to learn. It’s worth getting in contact with other established photographers for tips and advice on things they’ve found to help and hinder their photography. The best photos are the ones that stand apart from the rest and practice will help you achieve this.
Set Up Your Brand
The final step for getting started in photography comes from if you’re considering developing it into a profession. It may be worth setting up some social media accounts to get your photography into the public eye. If people see your style and personal flair, they might be interested in collaborating for creative projects, helping to build your brand. If people see examples of your photography online and like what they see, they’re far more likely to want to reach out and hire you for photography jobs. All of this will be improved if you have followed the earlier steps and found your niche market.
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.