Summer weather is finally here; time to celebrate with outdoor family adventures. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a picnic at the park or a backyard barbeque with family and friends, there’s no time like the present to get your camera out of hibernation and start shooting a slew of summer memories. However, before you take aim in the great outdoors, there are a few tips to remember so that your photos don’t come back underexposed, overexposed or blurry. For starters, most digital point-and-shoot cameras have a preset white balance setting. If you are shooting on a cloudy day, … Continue reading →

A friend made fun of me for posting my previous piece about giving the gift of floral photos for Valentine’s Day. I stand by that blog. I’ll have you know that when I was a sophomore in college my then-boyfriend presented me with a framed black-white-photo of a Hawaiian sunset… on Valentine’s Day. Sure, I got dinner and some flowers too, but the photo is the only thing from that relationship that I still have today. It’s a gorgeous shot; much too pretty to part with despite the fact that we parted ways more than a decade ago. Whether or … Continue reading →

You don’t need to drain your wallet purchasing a high-end DSLR and loads of expensive accessories in order to snap photos with a soft appearance. The eye-pleasing look can be achieved by following these simple tips: Manipulate Light: When it comes to capturing images with a soft appearance, lighting is a major factor. Before you start shooting, adjust the brightness of your camera’s flash so it won’t cause harsh shadows on your subject’s face. One trick is to combine a soft flash with natural light to create a smooth, soft look. Another option is to use a light diffuser. Whether … Continue reading →

In a previous post I shared my excitement about scoring a manager’s special coupon to Sears Portrait Studio. I was told that I would be saving hundreds of dollars by booking a session to get my daughter’s photos taken—-so I did. Turns out, I didn’t save hundreds of dollars. In fact, whatever I saved, I ended up spending in order to purchase extra prints for various family members and friends. I’m pretty sure Sears planned it that way. That’s okay, though, I knew the coupon was incentive to book the session, and the employees at our local portrait studio didn’t … Continue reading →

Summer’s sweltering temps often translate into a lot less clothing worn by people who should be wearing a lot more clothing. I recently got an email from my cousin in New York City, who felt compelled to share a disturbing image he snapped at a local pool. The photo attachment revealed a woman wearing a dental floss bikini bottom, which showed off her pierced upper rump. Personally, I found the photo to be incredibly revolting, but my cousin said that some of his friends found it intriguing, which just goes to show that a picture of a woman’s pierced coin … Continue reading →

If I were graduating from high school or college this month, a Nikon D7000 would be at the top of my gift wish list. Did you know that graduates can now register for gifts at select stores much the same way expectant parents sign-up for baby shower presents? Man, do I feel old… and poor… and envious. Whining aside, graduation is fast approaching for millions of students around the world. If some are fortunate enough to score Nikon’s latest and greatest DSLR, then their post-commencement photos will likely be as stunning as a new diploma. However, I have a feeling … Continue reading →