Capturing Candid Holiday Shots

Most people prefer to feature posed family portraits on their annual holiday greeting cards, but I like to use candid shots to spice up my Christmas correspondences. With the holiday party season in full swing, now is the prefect time to capture candid shots of your kids and other family members. Candid shots are ideal to document camera shy subjects, as there is no need for them to look directly in the lens and say, “Cheese!” Rather, your goal is to snap shots of family members and friends acting naturally, whether they are cooking, playing games, sitting by a warm … Continue reading

Capturing Shots of People Who Don’t Like to be Photographed

I think we‘ve all run into people who really don’t like to have their photo taken. You know the ones… all of the photos you’ve ever seen of them include a hand trying to cover their face or the back of their head. Of course, this never results in quality shots or flattering photos. It’s kind of like a vicious cycle. I used to be a camera-shy person. I figured that since I wasn’t photogenic I’d rather not have my picture taken. So I’d do the hand or back of the head thing. Still, I liked to see photos of … Continue reading

Capturing Kids in Action

When I look at photos that were taken of me when I was a child I notice that there were not many action shots. While I realize that it wasn’t as easy to take action photos with dated film cameras, I still wonder why there were not more candid photos taken. My old photos seem to always feature me holding something or standing beside something, and it’s obvious they were all posed. It’s too bad because some of the best photos are ones taken when the subject isn’t aware the camera is shooting him or her. I wish my family … Continue reading

Tips on Taking Landscape Shots

It stands to reason that if you’re visiting a legendary landmark (e.g. the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, etc.) you’re going to want to photograph it for prosperity sake. However, capturing the grandeur of natural wonders can be a challenge. It’s happened to me. From seascapes to rolling hills and massive mountain ranges—-the vast open spaces of each leaves me breathless, but trying to capture it on film in order to elicit the same response from others is easier said than done. I have found that in most cases landscape photos leave the viewer wondering just how sprawling these locations really … Continue reading

Capturing A Picture Perfect Autumn Landscape

If you are looking for way to improve your autumn photographs you’ve come to the right place. In my previous blog I touched on unique angles and the importance of finding the right background for your shots. In this blog we’ll discuss other key factors in capturing the perfect fall photo. Details. I’ve discussed the importance of photographing details in a previous blog. But, when you are trying to capture a picture perfect autumn landscape I think it bears repeating. When you are faced with a massive forest of oaks and maples covering an expansive swath of land you might … Continue reading

Capturing Candid Shots

Posed shots are wonderful ways to document family members and friends. However, people tend to put on a mask when they pose and by doing so you lose the raw emotion of a given moment. Don’t get me wrong; posed shots or portraits are vital to have if you want formal artifacts of an event. I just personally enjoy mixing formal shots with a few candid ones. Whereas portraits contain a more intentional composition, candid shots allow you to be more creative and you are able to capture the true essence of an event a bit better. So how do … Continue reading

Telling A Story With Your Shots

When it comes to taking pictures I have a bad habit of getting caught up in the moment and not paying attention to the little details that can make or break a frame worthy shot. I’ve always blamed it on the fact that most of the pictures I take are of my 3-year-old. Given that she is in one place for a very limited amount of time I tend to rush my shots in fear that the image I want to capture will disappear in the blink of an eye (or at least as quickly as she sees me whip … Continue reading

Snapping Frameworthy Shots Of Your Kids

We have been experiencing record high temperatures in our neck of the woods. Last week we were back in the 80s—-that’s 20 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year. Naturally, this led to all kinds of excitement around our home. My daughter and I spent the majority of the week outdoors. We grabbed our kites and headed to the park where I was able to capture more “summertime” magic on film. I love taking shot of my daughter at play, especially when she’s outdoors. Believe me; it’s much easier trying to get candid shots of 3-year-olds when they … Continue reading

Snap To It

Christmas is right around the corner, so snap to it—literally. The holidays are prime time for capturing generations of loved ones in the same place at the same time.  That’s a rare event for most clans, which is why you should take advantage of the opportunity when given the chance. Don’t let the holidays pass you by without snapping family photos that you can cherish for decades to come.  Gather your kids, their cousins, grandparents, even your four-legged family members, and document the good times.  When you are done snapping posed shots, keep your camera on you and get in … Continue reading

More Picture-Perfect Prom Photos

There’s more to prom than just pretty dresses, tuxedos and a fleet of limos. There’s also the fancy updos, half-dos and do-overs. Oh, and the flowers. For girls, a corsage can make or break a prom ensemble. However, despite its significance, it’s rare that floral arrangements worn on a giddy girl’s wrist receive the documentation they deserve. When taking photos on prom night, don’t overlook defining details such as corsages and boutonnieres. If you are planning to preserve memories of prom in a scrapbook you’ll want to snap every aspect of the occasion. In order to retell the story about … Continue reading