Friday, April 28, 2017

Photographer of the Day: Sohail Karmani

How to Photograph The Milky Way: A Complete Guide

Learning how to photograph the Milky Way isn’t anywhere near as hard as you may think, and not only that, it’s one of the most rewarding and impressive types of photography that you can master. When done right, Milky Way photography produces awe-inspiring results that will impress your friends, and...

The post How to Photograph The Milky Way: A Complete Guide appeared first on Expert Photography.



source https://expertphotography.com/how-to-photograph-milky-way/

Milky Way Photography Gear: A Comprehensive Guide

When you think about Milky Way photography, you probably think you need some kind of specialised Milky Way photography gear, but the reality is that you can get some spectacular photos with even a basic dSLR camera. In this post we’ll walk you though the best gear for Milky Way photography,...

The post Milky Way Photography Gear: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Expert Photography.



source https://expertphotography.com/milky-way-photography-gear/

Post-Processing Milky Way Photography: 7 Settings You Must Use (+Free Presets)

Forget everything you know about how to process a photograph, because when it comes to post-processing Milky Way photography, nothing is the same. You’ll make adjustments to sliders that you would never dream of making when editing a regular landscape photograph, but don’t worry, with Milky Way processing, it’s 100% acceptable. The...

The post Post-Processing Milky Way Photography: 7 Settings You Must Use (+Free Presets) appeared first on Expert Photography.



source https://expertphotography.com/post-processing-milky-way-photography-settings-presets/

Where to Store Your Model Release Forms

Milky Way Photography Settings: Use These for 98% of Your Shots

Taking photos of the Milky Way requires a totally different approach than almost any other kind of photography, which is why we’ve dedicated an entire article to the Milky Way photography settings that we use for 98% of our shots. Before we get started though, I want to make one...

The post Milky Way Photography Settings: Use These for 98% of Your Shots appeared first on Expert Photography.



source https://expertphotography.com/milky-way-photography-settings/

The Best Clothing and Accessories for Milky Way Photography

When taking photos of the Milky Way, you’ll often find yourself in less-than-ideal conditions, which is why it’s important to make sure you have the right clothing and accessories. Photos taken during the day require just basic gear–that’s a stark contrast to photos taken in the middle of the night,...

The post The Best Clothing and Accessories for Milky Way Photography appeared first on Expert Photography.



source https://expertphotography.com/the-best-clothing-and-accessories-for-milky-way-photography/

How to Find The Milky Way at Night

There are a lot of misconceptions about how to find the Milky Way and where exactly it is, so this post aims to clear that up. It’s actually a lot simpler than you may think. Where is The Milky Way’s Location? Guess what? We’re in the Milky Way. The Milky...

The post How to Find The Milky Way at Night appeared first on Expert Photography.



source https://expertphotography.com/how-to-find-the-milky-way-at-night/

7 Apps for Milky Way and Night Time Photography

We recommend downloading the following seven apps for Milky Way photography, as they make life a whole lot easier when capturing the stars at night. They will help you to find the perfect weather, location, stars, time of day, and time of month for stunning Milky Way photography. We use...

The post 7 Apps for Milky Way and Night Time Photography appeared first on Expert Photography.



source https://expertphotography.com/apps-night-milky-way-photography/

24 Awe-Inspiring Photos of The Milky Way Galaxy (+Free Wallpapers)

The Milky Way is the name of the galaxy in which we live, and when captured in a photo, it produces some of the most awe-inspiring, other-worldly images you will ever see. If you’ve heard how beautiful these images can be, but spend the majority of your days living in...

The post 24 Awe-Inspiring Photos of The Milky Way Galaxy (+Free Wallpapers) appeared first on Expert Photography.



source https://expertphotography.com/24-awe-inspiring-photos-milky-way-galaxy-free-wallpapers/

Getting Creative with Unexpected Weather on Vacation

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Photographer of the Day: Carlos Quijano Jr

Portrait Tips: Free Portrait Class For Limited Time

Lightroom FAQ: Edit in Photoshop Options

Stories From The Set: Joel Grimes

Quickly Delete Apple Live Photos in Lightroom

I shoot a lot of images on my iPhone. It’s the camera that’s always with me when I stumble upon something interesting. In 2015 Apple introduced Live Photos at the iPhone 6s, which creates a video showing the moments right before and right after you take a picture. These “sidecar” video files are 2 seconds in length and…

source http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotofocusBlog/~3/8KL7plPJGJU/

A Special Object – A selection of images from our #ThursdayTheme

 

 

#ThursdayTheme was ‘A Special Object’.  We wanted to see a photograph of an object that is special to you. There was, however, one rule . . . no humans or animals! This theme was particularly extraordinary as each image has a story to tell.

 

Our #FridayFoto was all about the story told by Kathy Davis Linford.

 

 

Here’s what Julie had to say about Kathy’s image:

“I think sometimes the story is so strong that all we need is the simplest visual representation. And that’s exactly what Kathy Davis Linford has given us. A beautiful account of a very special object and a simple image of it – just exactly as it is.

Here’s the story – “My Dad built this table when I was in my early teens. I remember going out into the garage to watch him and loved the smell of the Walnut wood shavings. It is where I opened my prized Barry Manilow album on my 15th birthday. It is where I sat with a beer and a bowl of popcorn to shoot the breeze with my folks. It is where we had holiday dinners. It is where we planned both of my parents funeral services over the last three years. It is where we put together the programs for my daughter’s wedding two years ago. It is where I sit with my 15 year old daughter and catch up on her day. The dings and dents tell a story and I love every inch of this thing!”

I don’t know why this got me – but it got me.

Thank you for sharing your special object with us Kathy.”

 

Please join us… 😉

 

Alison Stewart

 

Ange Murray


Deirdre Eaglesham

 

Denise Nixon


Jennifer Law Lynch

 

Jessica LaHousse


Kristi Perley-Robertson

 

Liz Reinke


Lorraine Burke

 

Michael Carver

 

Which is your favourite?

 

Pop by and request to join – you’ll love it! 🙂

The post A Special Object – A selection of images from our #ThursdayTheme appeared first on Tea Break Tog.



source http://www.teabreaktog.com/blog/a-special-object/

Monday, April 24, 2017

Photographer of the Day: Paul Krippler

6 Tips for Protecting your Camera at the Beach

The Daguerreotype

As is often the case with history, it seems that time moves slowly until it explodes in a flurry of invention and then seemingly all at once everything changes. To me, this feels especially true in photography. In my previous articles, the sheer expanse of time from the first inklings of photographic concepts to the…

source http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotofocusBlog/~3/wA8r-6_QW4c/

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Photographer of the Day: Cecil Ramsey

Studio Tip: Feathering the Light

Mirrorless Camera Maniac: You Need One Before 8/21/17

Charging friends and family for photography – it doesn’t have to be so traumatic!

If it hasn’t happened to you yet – it will! A friend or family member approaches you to take some photographs for them and so begins the traumatic dilemma of what to charge them or whether to charge them at all! If you want some tips on charging friends and family for photography stick around and watch the video…

 

 

TRANSCRIPTION

Only when you become self employed do you truly understand the nightmare that is working with friends and family for money. It can really be a hideous and agonising experience and I’ve heard of situations where relationships have been destroyed beyond repair.

In my experience (and what I’ve heard from hundreds of others) the problems always seem to occur when you work with friends and family and give them the same experience and treatment and service as you would a real client BUT you give them a significant ‘mates rates’ discount.

Because unfortunately what happens is you work your butt off and go above and beyond for no real financial reward and then get really upset and angry when they appear to not understand or appreciate what you’ve done for them. Maybe they don’t really thank you or they don’t share or comment on social media. Or even worse, they end up expecting the earth and maybe even complain about the work you’ve done. You can’t help thinking that you could have spent that time working for a full-paying client OR on your marketing so you could GET a full-paying client.

Or what about this one – you give them a discounted price and they turn it down and go to one of your competitors instead!

Yeah, that doesn’t feel good.

And let’s face it. It’s not just photographers. Most self employed people face this challenge. The struggle is real but the secret is simply to be prepared. Most problems in life come from a lack of communication and lack of preparation and this one is no different. As long as you know what your ‘friends and family’ policy is and you communicate it loud and clear to them then you should have no problems.

So here’s how I see it. If you want to avoid any sticky situations with friends and family there are three ways to deal with this.

1. You don’t work with friends and family. Ever. If anyone asks you simply say that you wish to keep work completely separate from your relationships with friends and family but that you can recommend someone to them. You can even add some humour if you want. Some might be a bit put out but they’re not going to hate you and if they’re really offended – they’re probably not worth bothering about, let’s be honest.

2. You charge friends and family full price and treat them the same way as any other client meaning they can take it or leave it. Again, some of them are going to be a bit miffed at this and they might choose another photographer. You’ll have to be prepared to suck that up and not take it too personally.

3. You do what I do and put together a special ‘friends and family’ package and offer this to any friends and family who enquire.

So what do I mean by a ‘friends and family’ package? Well I mean something super simple. For me, I tell them:

“Look I’ve actually got a great ‘friends and family’ package for you. It’s WAY cheaper than working with me as a client but the thing is it does mean that you really don’t get the full client experience. I’ll do a quick shoot for you in a spot nearby and we can combine it with a catch up and then I’ll choose ten images to edit for you and transfer them over to you as high resolution JPEGs so you can get them printed. As long as you don’t mind being last in the queue behind my full-paying clients you could take advantage of that? It’s only ‘x’ amount!”

When you do this you are doing several great things:

You’re letting them know in a very friendly way that your time is precious and that you have other clients to look after so they are going to appreciate and value your time much more.

You’re outlining a very clear offer that is win-win for both of you.

AND you’re allowing them to pay you something (because most friends and family will WANT to pay you something).

Believe me they’ll be delighted. Because don’t forget that they feel awkward about the money side of things too – they’ll be relieved that its all so clear and they know where they stand.

When you meet you can spend 30 minutes or so taking some shots and you can have a coffee with them or a play date with the kids. Afterwards you can spend 30 – 60 minutes or so editing ten of your choice and sending them over to them. As for money – you can charge whatever you feel is appropriate for that. Whatever will ensure that you don’t feel undervalued whilst at the same time ensures they are getting a great deal.

Since doing this I’ve never had another awkward experience with a friend or family member. They’ve been so happy and appreciative and I’ve felt satisfied and rewarded.

So I think I know what you might be thinking at this point.

What about those REALLY close friends and family members? The people you love to bits. Well personally I don’t charge them anything. Why? Because I’m more than happy to take photographs for them. I love spending time with them and I see it as a privilege to be able to do this for them. I do the same thing though. Just a short shoot and a few edits. I find that these are the people who actually insist on paying me but I don’t accept it.

THAT is definitely a personal decision you have to make though. It can be hard to do something for free for one friend and then charge another, because what if they find out? I always ask those I don’t charge to keep that fact to themselves and they do. I love them for a reason you know – they’re good people!

As for acquaintances or very distant relatives? I would really recommend treating them the exact same as any other client. No discount, no friends and family package, nothing. You simply have to draw a line somewhere. You’ll know in your gut who to offer your package to and who to treat as normal.

So what about you? Do you have any stories about charging friends and family? Let me know in the comments!

The post Charging friends and family for photography – it doesn’t have to be so traumatic! appeared first on Tea Break Tog.



source http://www.teabreaktog.com/video/charging-friends-and-family-for-photography/

Dragging the Shutter Part Two: Shake, Spin and Zoom

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Photographer of the Day: Mike Turner

Portrait Tips: Practice the 3 Be’s

Stories From The Set: Robert Wicker’s Golden Hour

Photowalk: Orlando, April 21st, 5:30 pm

How Sony E-Mount Became the Universal Fullframe Lens Mount

Easter – A selection of images from our #ThursdayTheme

 

 

Our #ThursdayTheme last week was Easter. Whatever Easter means to you we wanted to see your creations and, as usual, you did not fail us – thank you!

 

#FridayFoto is this little bit of magic from Rachel Hunter!

 

 

Here’s what Julie had to say about Rachel’s image:

“Just look at this golden back light! It’s beautiful. I love that you have made the most out of it by carefully choosing your location Rachel. The trees and foliage behind your subject have allowed you that beautiful rim light without having her disappear into that white sky behind.

And the way the sunlight has picked out the feathery ends of the grass here and there is just gorgeous.

The styling is just perfect for the light and the story. That dress! It just adds so much texture and character to the image. I love that the sun can shine right through it in places.

What a little Easter treat! Thanks for sharing this with us Rachel.”

 

Please join us… 😉

 

Anna Kostochko

 

Claire Bell


Donna Green

 

Jamie Burgoyne


Jamie Eilts

 

Jenni Barclay


Jessica Boehl Clark

 

Jessica LaHousse


Karen-Karl Hook

 

Karissa Jones Matthews


Kate Walker

 

Loryn Payne


Manuel Alvarez

 

Michelle Smith


Sarai Jackson-Hauner

 

Which is your favourite?

 

Pop by and request to join – you’ll love it! 🙂

The post Easter – A selection of images from our #ThursdayTheme appeared first on Tea Break Tog.



source http://www.teabreaktog.com/blog/easter/

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Photographer of the Day: Ken Lee

Portrait Tip: Eliciting Great Expressions With Kids (And Dads)

Stories From The Set: Saving Face Saves The Day

Gear Tips for the Traveling Photographer

Studio – A selection of images from our #ThursdayTheme

 

 

Studio was our #ThursdayTheme last week. A studio setup doesn’t have to be overly complicated and you guys proved this with your beautiful images. Thanks to everyone who joined in and shared your images with us.

 

#FridayFoto was this emotional capture by Lynn Denness!

 

 

Here’s what Julie had to say about Lynn’s image:

“I love a full length portrait and this one is simple and beautiful. I think the most obvious impact it has is an emotional one. The sense of connection and love and belonging I get from this image is powerful.

But I also love the neutral tones against the brown background. It just works. The soft lighting complements the subject and the colours and it’s highlighting the mum’s hair beautifully and giving great texture to that tulle skirt.

The posing and styling here is not only emotional and powerful but flattering for mum. She looks beautiful in the most classic, understated way.

This was perfect for the ‘studio’ theme. I wish I had a photograph of me with each of my babies like this. Very special. Thanks for sharing it Lynn!”

 

Please join us… 😉

 

Agnes Moreschi

 

Ali Poulton


Amanda Perris

 

Ashley Wyatt


Catrina Cassel Willis

 

Denise Laurinaitis


Elena Garcia-Hernandez

 

Helen Murphy


Irena Kazatsker

 

Jim Davies


Julie Peart

 

Karen Wiltshire


Kate Wojdak

 

Kimberly Drennen Harripersad


Lisset Perrier


Michael Carver

 

Roskana Ulas


Sam Dorado

 

Samantha Nicol


Shirley Ayre

 

Shoney Grasso


Suebee Sheldon

 

Sujata Setia


Vanessa Braswell Seaver

 

Victoria West

 

Which is your favourite?

 

Pop by and request to join – you’ll love it! 🙂

The post Studio – A selection of images from our #ThursdayTheme appeared first on Tea Break Tog.



source http://www.teabreaktog.com/blog/studio-blog/