Search Results for: blog telling a story with your shots

Spice Up Your Halloween Story

When it comes down to it, a scrapbook layout is really an adventure in storytelling. Photos, embellishments, memorabilia, captions and journaling all help recount a special memory and preserve it for years to come. With Halloween just around the corner, now is the time to start strategizing holiday layouts. Consider how you want to tell the tale of your All Hallows’ Eve festivities. For example, if you want to put an emphasis on photos rather than write out lengthy journaling blocks, consider spicing up the shots by taking them from unique angles. Experiment with some extreme close ups and or … Continue reading →

Perfecting Summer Shots

What’s your idea of the perfect summer shot? Is it a photo of your children frolicking in the whitewash during your annual trip to the shore? Maybe it’s a picture of your pup cooling off in the sprinkler. Or, perhaps, your ideal image is capturing a brilliant sunset as it dips below the horizon. For me, it’s any shot of my daughter chowing down on summer picnic food, from red, ripe watermelon to juicy mangos, a dripping ice cream cone or a super-sized hot dog. However, I’ve learned from experience that whether she is licking a Popsicle or inhaling a … Continue reading →

Money Shots

Do you ever browse through magazines, books or websites and think, “I could have snapped those pictures!” and actually have the chops to back up your claim? If so, then you might very well be successful at turning your passion for picture-taking into profit. The key is landing a break that allows you to earn cash for your frame worthy shots. So how can you profit from money shots? Some of the most popular places where photographers earn cash for their talent are Internet-based macrostock and microstock agencies. The former typically works exclusively with established professional photographers. If you are … Continue reading →

Great Grad Shots

Next week kicks off a wave of graduation ceremonies in my neck of the woods. Our city is home to seven high schools and all of them are hosting commencement exercises following the Memorial Day weekend. That means shutterbugs and their cameras will be working overtime in the coming days. While it’s tradition to snap shots of grads on commencement day, it’s also a good idea to take a few photos before the big event. This is especially true if you are planning to craft a graduation-themed scrapbook or feature pictures of your high school senior at a post-commencement party. … Continue reading →

Capturing Stunning Summer Shots

As I look back on last summer’s photos, I’ve noticed that 99% of them feature my young daughter participating in some type of water activity. Ironically, I don’t own a waterproof camera. Granted, most of the photos were taken from the safety of a dry pool deck or sandy stretch of beach, but there are instances where I waded into the water in order to capture a unique angle. Fortunately, my camera survived the water exposure. I took a risk by venturing into deep water with my camera, but it paid off. This is not to say that you have … Continue reading →

Snapping High Quality Action Shots

I realize how convenient and high-tech smartphones are these days, but I still wouldn’t use my iPhone as a primary camera. While some smartphones come equipped with some very advanced picture-taking features, if you have ever shot with a DSLR, then snapping shots with a camera phone can be a frustrating experience. This goes double if you are trying to capture motion in high action settings. Action shots require skill on the part of the photographer and some vital features on the part of the camera. For example, if you want a blurring effect to be added to your pictures … Continue reading →

Who is Your Inspiration?

Ansel Adams has long been an inspiration to me. Despite six moves in less than a decade, three of my favorite Adams’ black-and-white photos taken at California’s Yosemite Valley remain unscathed. I protected those pictures like they were the Queen’s jewels. While I don’t get many chances to experiment with natural landscape photography as much Adams did, I still try to incorporate his techniques in my everyday shooting. El Capitan, Sunrise, Moonrise over Hernandez, Winter Sunrise, and Clearing Winter Storm are some of Adams’ most popular prints. The guy was a master at what he did. What’s more, he shot … Continue reading →

Spring Break Snapshots

Tis the season for family getaways. Many schools around the nation are gearing up for spring break, and families are following suit. Now is a great time to drive or jet-off to your favorite recharging spot. For most people that means escaping to the sun, sand and surf, though any place that allows you to become one with nature is a prime choice as temperatures becomes more tolerable. If your spring break plans include visiting our nation’s natural treasures, don’t forget your camera… and your lenses. This is especially critical if you are planning a trip to major landmarks, such … Continue reading →

Posing for Love Shots

Have you identified your look of love yet? If you are planning to take self portraits to gift to your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, there are a few more tips to consider before you get snapping: Make it fun: This is especially important if you are taking couples shots. If your goal is to capture an image of you and your sweetie being yourselves, then you need to be comfortable in front of the camera. Rather than striking formal poses, loosen up a bit. Be playful and fun with each other, and then hit the remote to snap the photo. … Continue reading →

Learn From Your Mistakes

Last month my friend called to say she won tickets to a local Jingle Ball concert. It wasn’t the huge one held in New York City, but she told me that she was still going to be able to see live performances by Pitbull, Demi Lovato and The Script. Long story short, she and her husband went, danced and snapped a bunch of photos with their smartphones. I don’t even know if it was legal for them to take pictures of the acts, but at this point it doesn’t matter because none of the images were worth displaying—-in a frame, … Continue reading →