Capturing Nature at Its Best

I am a mom, so it stands to reason that most of the photos I take are of my kid. Unfortunately, being a semi-single subject shooter I often forget that my camera is equipped with several very handy modes, including LANDSCAPE. Whereas I have been very fortunate to visit many amazingly beautiful places, I always seem to forget that I can capture the natural charm of an outdoor space by switching modes and utilizing my camera’s featured modes. At the same time I’m kicking myself for not employing my camera’s tools, I think about how much better I could capture … Continue reading

Capturing Shots During the “Golden Hours”

Early on in my college photography class I learned about the “golden hours.” Otherwise known as the first hour after dawn and the last hour before dusk. Photographers taking shots in the great outdoors are taught to shoot during these times to capture color that is unrivaled. These days I try to time my outdoor photo shoots so they coincide with sunset. The warm glow and saturated colors this particular “golden hour” imparts can’t be captured at any other time of the day. I recognized this the first time I went to the beach to take shots of the sunset. … Continue reading

What to Shoot While on Vacation

It may seem like a no-brainer… when you are on vacation you take pictures of your family and friends in front of various local attractions, right? Yes and no. Yes, if you are traveling with your family, but for those who are taking a solo trip there are other ways you can capture the mood and culture of an exotic location without including familiar faces in every shot. I would start by taking pictures of local signs, buildings and famous landmarks. Just be mindful of the sun’s position before you press the shutter button. You’ll typically get better results if … Continue reading

Tips for Shooting Winter Landscapes

In a previous blog I mentioned that we experienced our first snowfall of the season this morning. It yielded little more than a dusting, but it sparked a flurry of activity for my 3-year-old daughter. She ran to the window to watch the fat flakes fall then ran to the closet to dig out her new winter gear. “Mama, it’s snowing. I gotta get my boots,” she told me very matter-of-factly. Regular readers of this blog also know that I made a pact with myself to get outside and capture more winter scenes this season. I didn’t start today, but … Continue reading

Ready, Set, Shoot—-in the Cold

In my previous blog I provided tips on how to protect yourself and your equipment from the elements during winter shoots. I also pledged to get out and capture Mother Nature at her frigid best a bit more this winter season and I hope that I have convinced you to do the same. So, now that you know how to keep your equipment in tip-top working condition in the snowiest conditions here are some technical points to remember before you start snapping: LIGHTING I grew up in Hawaii, where unless you had access to a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you didn’t … Continue reading

Photography Week in Review for November 4-November 10, 2007

The holidays have hit the Photography blog. If you are looking for affordable and easy projects that prominently feature your most prized photographs then you have come to the right place. The Photography Week in Review is your one-stop shopping resource to get all the photo tips you missed over the past few days, including how to prepare for winter photo shoots and how to make the most of a Thanksgiving photo op. November 5th—–Capturing Shots During the “Golden Hours.” The “golden hours,” otherwise known as the first hour after dawn and the last hour before dusk, are the perfect … Continue reading