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Archive for March, 2008

Popularity of Black and White Photography

March 12, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

While reading some articles and blogs related to d cor, by the way all written by interior decorators, I became very angry, because the common theme was: Out with Black and White, and in with Color. I have nothing against color; however, black and white has its place, and it should by no means be ignored. Why would interior designers stress that in our color rich world Black and White has no place? Because, they are interior decorators. Well, I suppose the answer is a little more complex than that. So, let’s explore this topic.

The World is in Color

While walking down Market street in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, I am continuously impressed with the gamut of color, from white to black and everything in between. Everything is in color. All advertisements, banners, flags, everything is saturated with color. The world is color. Interior decorators and industrial designers know that bright and saturated colors, and bold images naturally draw our attention. This is a big reason why Black and White photography is being replaced. Keep in mind, interior decorators often know nothing about Photography and its influence on arts. Most decorators understand color well, and know how to match color to create themes palettes, and anything else you want to call it. I call it harmony. However, there is harmony in Black and White as well.

The Many Shades of Gray

Black and White photography has something color does not. It reproduces natural world using all possible shades of gray, all the way from white to black. Whenever I look at a Black and White photo, especially one which I have not ever seen before, I immediately begin to process the image, and paint the scene in my mind. When we cannot immediately tell color, we use our minds to reconstruct the image, as it were in real life. We pay more attention to the intricate details of a Black and White photo for this very reason. We notice very intricate details, which are otherwise lost if the same scene was captured in color. The shades of gray are a very powerful communication tool. These shades can tell us which parts of the image are cool, which are warm, which dark, and light. Shadows become much more interesting and often more intriguing when expressed in Black and White.

Tinted Black and White

Black and White photos may be reproduced using an infinite number of tints and tones. A tone of the photo communicates its mood, something that color photography, even tinted does not do nearly as well. Sepia tones communicate warmth, closeness, and of course remind us of the past. Blueish, and steel tints are great for architectural and mechanical photography. High contrast pure Black and White is excellent for Landscapes, where tonal differences are great. The options are endless, and there are no hard rules. When a photo is tinted correctly, it just feels right. A good Black and White photograph will communicate not only what has been captured, but the environment surrounding the scene.

As for interior decorators; forget about it. They set their own rules, and there is no reason why the rest of us have to follow them. Interior decorators are not necessarily experts when it comes to photography, and its selection. Appreciate Black and White, and display it where you feel it looks good.

Written by Professional Photographer, and an owner of a Photography Selling Service. To learn more about this, and many other general, as well as more specific photography related subjects, or to explore a Fine Art Photography gallery, please consider visiting WorldonPaper.com Contemporary Fine Art Gallery. Read more interesting articles in the Photography and Arts Wiki.

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

Still Life Photography In A Home Studio

March 11, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

Still life photography has a long dated history and goes back to ancient times where a camera obscuras where used. This type of still life was done by standing in a dark room and through a pinhole placed in the wall the outside world was projected onto the opposite wall, but it is given that they where shown upside down and in vivid color. So as it stands today, still life photography has the same concept and idea, but done a lot differently and much more hi tech. Still life photography in the home studio is an old and ancient form of art and very prestigious.

The beauty of having to do still life in the comfort of a home studio is that you can capture a certain mood you are looking for and express it on film. All that will be needed is any object or objects that strike you as beautiful, strange or even the most common thing found in or around your home. Add some unique lighting sources at different angles and you are well on your way to take a great still life photograph. It is easy to produce a very creative and beautiful picture because you have the control over all the elements in your studio.

The subjects of still life can convey a classic look and flowers do the perfect job for this look, they are extraordinary and very easy to photograph. This type of still life subject will always be a reminder of a simple but a powerful beauty that we see almost every day in a photo. To create a bold still life that gives off flair try placing your subjects on a white background. This will accentuate the color of the object and create a unison look overall in the photo.Remember - with still life photography - everything has a special beauty.

About the Author :

Albreht Moy offers framed fine art print collections on his website. Source: www.isnare.com

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

Wedding Photographers

March 10, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

As long as people believe in the institution of marriage, wedding photographers will always have a job to do! For a couple embarking on a new life together, choosing the right photographer becomes an important part of things to do before the wedding. No one wants fuzzy images of the ceremony or embarrassing pictures of a tipsy best man!

Wedding photographers are usually self-employed professionals who undertake everything from actual photography at the location or in a studio to mounting the pictures in an album and delivering it to the happy couple. The first step in choosing a photographer is to shortlist a few and ask friends to recommend any they ve been happy with. Don t let only the price factor determine who you choose; it s more advisable to spend a little extra to ensure quality.

It s a good idea to meet up with a few photographers to review earlier work and discuss price and other factors. Ask them everything you need to know about their method and style of working, facilities for studio portraits, type of finished product, maximum number of pictures, extra charges, cancellations, etc. Most importantly, try and gauge a photographer s personality and whether you will be comfortable working with him. A wedding day tends to get emotional, and chances are he will have to deal with a lot of tears and other drama before the day is out. Can he take it?

Before you make a decision, ask to see complete coverage of a wedding he s photographed. That will give you an idea of his style, creativity, and technical expertise. Decades down the line, photographs might be the only way you remember your special day, so you want them to last.

Usually wedding photographers will charge in the range of a thousand dollars, though rates may differ, depending on experience and reputation. Some photographers charge a set fee for all pictures taken while others charge a fixed assignment fee and charge separately for each print ordered. Remember to set aside a little extra in your budget in case you need extra shots or plan to order another set of prints.

It s your big day and maybe the only time you get married, so make sure you have some stunning pictures to record the happy event.

Online Degrees provides detailed information on Online Associate Degrees, Online Bachelors Degrees, Online Degree Programs, Online Degrees and more. Online Degrees is affiliated with Accredited Online College Degrees.

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

Travel Photography - Some Basic Resources

March 09, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

I have been experimenting for a while now with travel photography, and every time I go away I take hundreds of pictures. The most I ever took on a trip were 900+ pictures on my trip last year to Spain! After that experience I realized that almost 1000 pictures was a bit much and it took me a very long time to sort out my images.

Since then I have become more discerning, and I no longer snap away at everything that moves (or everything that’s stationary as well). But I still end up with a few hundred pictures after each and every one of my getaways. Fortunately, digital photography has made taking pictures easy, and the good thing is you can snap away and if you don’t like the picture, you just erase it. (But make sure you don’t erase the whole memory card, as my husband did after a fabulous first-time exploration of Paris….)

I am not much of a technical photographer (yet), I really rely very much on my camera’s basic all-round settings. The only thing I have experimented with recently is macro (close-up) photography with the help of my brother-in-law. I try to follow some basic photography rules, such as getting closer to my subject, adding depth to landscape shots by placing people, trees or animals in the foreground, keeping the camera steady, or putting the sun behind me. Other than that I pretty much just try to frame the shot, pull the trigger and see what happens.

Last year I even tried to experiment using people as subjects for my photos. On the island of Ibiza I saw a really interesting family of Gypsies - 3 generations including grandmother, a young couple and their grandchild - and I asked in the politest Spanish that I could muster, whether I would be able to take a picture of them. What came next totally surprised me: the older woman started cursing me out and shook her fist at me. It took me a couple of seconds to realize she was serious, and ever since that time I have become quite shy when it comes to taking pictures of strangers.

That shouldn’t deter you though. To help you improve your travel photography there are a large number of great resources on the web. Discussions cover topics such as whether to use regular film or digital photography, the types of subjects you can cover (animals, people, landscapes, architecture, plants, sports, aerial shots, underwater shots, etc.), techniques, techincal jargon and many more. In the end it doesn’t much matter, as long as you get out there and have fun while you document your travel experiences.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions(http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest(http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

“Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons”.

The interview with photos is published at Travel and Transitions - Interviews

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

Starting Your Own Photography Business Essential Elements for Success

March 08, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

You love photography. Each time you view a beautiful sunset, you start thinking about lighting, shutter speed and aperture. You re hooked! Gradually, you develop your skills until you feel certain that your talents rival those of the professional photographers in your area. You ve had enough of the monotonous corporate world where all your efforts are devoted to making more money for the monkey in the corner office. That s it you decide you will start your own photography business. Now, where do you begin?

The best way to get started is to think small, not in terms of your future goals, rather in keeping focused on building your business with minimal start up costs. While you can, of course, obtain a small business loan to launch your business, such a course of action is risky. The great thing about starting a photography business is that you can get started without having to sign a lease, build inventory or invest in excessively expensive equipment. Overhead is manageable, and the risk is controlled. Not many other small business enterprises afford budding entrepreneurs such an opportunity. Don t misunderstand me, however. Photography, whether as a hobby or a profession, is an expensive endeavor. Cameras, lenses, lighting, props and the myriad of other tools necessary to do a quality job can add up to many thousands of dollars. Yet, anyone who loves photography and has arrived at the point of considering starting his own photography business has already invested in much of the necessary equipment. All that remains, then, is good business sense and the sincere determination to convert a dream to a reality.

Good business sense, in terms of overall success, is far more important than one s photographic skills. Don t assume that building your business will be easy or that adequate preparation and education is superfluous. Utilize all resources available to you in your community. Many communities offer free or low cost small business courses through their recreation facilities. Local community colleges will likely offer a plethora of information and classes in business and economics. Contacting your regional Small Business Administration office is always a good place to start. When in doubt, consult an attorney or financial advisor to avoid serious business pitfalls.

Write an effective business plan, including a precise list of all equipment and start up expenses you expect to have initially and as your business grows. Then, add a conservative 20% to that figure. Let s face it, when is the last time you spent less than you anticipated? Know your current financial status and what you can reasonably afford to spend on your business start up.

Carefully research and choose the organizational plan that is best for your business (i.e. Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.), as there are serious tax and liability consequences on both the state and federal levels. Consider purchasing malpractice and liability insurance to insulate your business, and your personal wealth, from the sting of financial loss due to litigation expenses.

The business of photography is unique, offering photographers numerous specialties and the ability to begin as a part-time venture that, in time, blossoms into a full-time career. In fact, many professional photographers began building their photography businesses while still employed full time elsewhere. If portraiture is your primary interest, setting aside a modest area of your home as a small studio is highly recommended. In conjunction with your small home studio, offer location portraiture. Controlling lighting and environment is trickier with location work, but the benefits of numerous site options for your clients far outweigh the drawbacks. If you are interested in commercial work, a very small studio set up in a corner of a room is all that is necessary. If you are drawn to the great outdoors and prefer wildlife or landscape photography, investment in expensive studio equipment is unwarranted. Take time to explore and assess your interest in the various photographic specialties before you embark on your journey to building a lucrative photography business.

Market your business in simple ways, at first. Distribute flyers, hand out business cards, develop and maintain a simple, elegant but functional website. Remember, your reputation as a professional photographer will grow and spread principally by word of mouth. So, make sure you offer only the best services and images to your clients. Once you begin to establish a clientele, remember to reinvest into your business to keep it growing.

Following these basic steps will help you to turn your passion for photography into an income-producing business you can be proud of.

Balsman Photography, LLC

Kim Balsman is the owner of Balsman Photography, LLC, a small, professional photography studio in Longmont, Colorado. Kim s background is diverse, including formal education in communications and law at Truman State University and the University of Houston, as well as professional photography studies at the New York Institute of Photography. Kim spent over a decade working as a paralegal, practicing in numerous legal specialties at various law firms in Texas. Throughout her career, Kim has written thousands of legal documents but prefers the creativity of writing short stories, novels and journalistic pieces. Some of her work has been published in corporate magazines. Kim has lectured at entrepreneurial symposiums and educational facilities and led an initiative to help small printing franchisees compete for demanding legal document reproduction business. Kim enjoyed a brief career in real estate as a Century 21 agent in New England, grossing more than two million dollars in sales in a matter of a few months. Kim and her husband, Bob, live in Colorado with their two teenage children.

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

Still Life Photography In A Home Studio

March 07, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

Still life photography has a long dated history and goes back to ancient times where a camera obscuras where used. This type of still life was done by standing in a dark room and through a pinhole placed in the wall the outside world was projected onto the opposite wall, but it is given that they where shown upside down and in vivid color. So as it stands today, still life photography has the same concept and idea, but done a lot differently and much more hi tech. Still life photography in the home studio is an old and ancient form of art and very prestigious.

The beauty of having to do still life in the comfort of a home studio is that you can capture a certain mood you are looking for and express it on film. All that will be needed is any object or objects that strike you as beautiful, strange or even the most common thing found in or around your home. Add some unique lighting sources at different angles and you are well on your way to take a great still life photograph. It is easy to produce a very creative and beautiful picture because you have the control over all the elements in your studio.

The subjects of still life can convey a classic look and flowers do the perfect job for this look, they are extraordinary and very easy to photograph. This type of still life subject will always be a reminder of a simple but a powerful beauty that we see almost every day in a photo. To create a bold still life that gives off flair try placing your subjects on a white background. This will accentuate the color of the object and create a unison look overall in the photo.Remember - with still life photography - everything has a special beauty.

About the Author :

Albreht Moy offers framed fine art print collections on his website. Source: www.isnare.com

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

Photography Jobs That You Can Get Into

March 06, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

It is not true that there is no money in photography. For those who are truly gifted, fame and fortune is easily achieved. In fact, there are a number of photographers who have reached the top of their field. There are actually a number of jobs that a photographer can get into. Pictures and visuals are important in most media and talented lens men are very much in demand in the market especially now with the age of multimedia.

Below are just some of the areas where photographers can get into and believe it, one can earn big bucks in each!

Magazine and newspaper photographer

Although it is more lucrative to do freelance photography, it is best for photographers who are ,just starting out to first establish contacts and build a name through magazines and newspapers. This is also the best place to earn experience in photography as you will encounter different kinds as well as interact with different kinds of people.

Newspaper photography is harder and more spontaneous compared to magazine photography, which is primarily shot in locations. When working for newspapers, one must be able to develop an eye for photos that will capture the readers attention as well as tell a story with its images.

Advertising agency

Another area where a photographer can get into is to work for an advertising agency where they will be conceptualizing ads for campaigns. One can start as a photographer and then gradually climb up through the ranks. One can even become an art director or if there is talent in conceptualizing, even a supervisor for overall operations.

Fashion shoots

A photographer can also work in fashion shoots. With much experience, they can even conceptualize a shoot and be its overall director. Most fashion houses hire photographers when coming up with a new collection for the season.

Event Photographer

Events like concerts and special occasions like weddings and debuts will require photographers who will document the event. Pictures are actually a large part of the preparation for the event and is almost as essential as the food.

Freelance photographer

Although it will be harder for photographers that are just new in the field to establish a career as a freelance photographer, there are a number of markets where they can contribute their work. For instance, most international agencies like UNICEF hire photographers to document their various projects in far-flung areas. There are also some who are hired to contribute generic photographs that will be used in newsletters and brochures.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Photography, please visit http://photography.articlekeep.com

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

Photography Equipment for Beginners and Pros

March 05, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

Whether you’re a professional or an amateur photographers having the correct photography equipment to accomplish the job is a must. Whether it’s vacation shots or weddings on weekends you always want your photos to come out looking their best. Of course a pro will need more photography equipment then someone who just considers photography a hobby, how ever the more you want to accomplish with your camera the more equipment you’ll need.

We all need a camera that supplies clear, crisp photos, but not every camera suits every type of photo you might find yourself taking. A regular camera often needs some assistance when taking a close up or far away shot. It’s situations like these that the wide variety of photography equipment available can help. If you’re serious about photography then purchasing an SLR camera with a detachable lens is probably your best bet. This will allow you to purchase the lenses you need for different scenarios. The cameras will vary in price, and depending on how many features you want available in the camera body will dictate how much you spend.

Of course it’s not just accessories that attach directly to the camera that you might need. Other photography equipment such as a tripod, or steady cam are important for still shots. Also additional sources of light are a common piece of equipment as you become more advanced. Depending on what type of photographs you specialize in i.e. Landscapes or portraits there are pieces of equipment that go along with it. A good camera bag to hold all of your equipment, cleaning supplies and accessories is also a worth while purchase.

There is a photography equipment store in most cities, you may be able to find all you’ll need in a single trip. How ever if you’re a bargain hunter like so many comparison shopping on the Internet might be a better choice. Because there are so many amateur and pro photographers upgrading equipment so often, ebay is often a good place to start looking for deals. Especially if you’re only new to the world of cameras and equipment, you can acquire some wonderful startup gear for great prices. If you’re more looking for the newest available take the time to review some product review websites, and then get down to the nitty gritty of searching out the best price at a store online.

To discover more about the world of photography, and read articles about differet photo styles and equipment visit our website at All Photography Tips

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

The Art Of Glamour And Nude Photography

March 04, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

Creating nude portraits has long been an element of art - instead of capturing these portraits with the brush on canvas; today they are captured with the pixel.

Since the invention of photography the naked human body has been a natural subject for photographers and there has always been a large audience there for it.

What is glamour photography? Glamour photography covers a wide range - from the partial nude body, which you may see an a billboard advertising ladies underwear to the erotic images or the full nude body you may see on Page 3 of some papers or adult magazines.

There are no special elements to photographing glamour; all the standard photography techniques remain the same. Care should be taken when photographing models, nude or partially nude because some may find a sexual element attached to it.

Finding a market: Glamour photography remains one of the most lucrative areas of freelance photography. For a student trying to break into the glamour photography market, he would be well advised to use a film camera over digital. Film will give you warmer skin tones and give you a greater chance of being published.

When trying to find suitable markets for your glamour photography, the same principles apply as in any other photography field. You must study Glamour Photography Publications to find out what sort of material they use.

Where to shoot: If you don t have your own studio, don t worry. Most of the great glamour images are shot on location. Shooting in the natural environment will be rewarding - use the early morning light to give extra warmth to the skin. Try different places - your neighbours hay barn can make an effective setting for a glamour image or if you have an attractive garden - perfect.

Choosing a model: One of the basic elements of glamour photography is a willing model. If you are having trouble finding one try your local art classes. People with an ambition to be a model may let you do test work. But if you are serious about being a glamour photographer you should work with a professional model.

Glamour images don t always need to be sharp. Many of the great glamour photographers defuse their image with a filter to add mood to their nude portraits. The best way to get good is plenty of practise and sharpen your eye by looking at glamour publications.

There should be greater emphasis on controlling light contrast to ensure that the human body isn t lost in heavy shadows or bright highlights. Controlling exposure is very important to get the perfect body tones.

While many may find this type of photography offensive, the glamour photographer is an artist and should be respected as one. It s not for me to comment on whether the use of glamour material is good or bad, but to explain the art of this competitive and lucrative market.

TJ Tierney is an award winning Irish Landscape photographer and a freelance writer. He frequently writes for the Art site Goldprints.com and the Gift ideas site shop-4us.com

To view or buy some of his images visit his on-line gallery of - Pictures of Ireland and flower pictures

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]

Portrait Photographers

March 03, 2008 By: admin Category: photography No Comments →

Portrait photography can be honed to a fine art, but it is also the easiest way for a novice photographer to enter the profession. At the most basic level, it only requires the ability take good pictures of people, especially of the face. But, as any established photographer will tell you, to really make a mark in portrait photography, you need that extra indefinable quality that makes a truly great picture.

A photographic portrait captures not only the physical likeness of a person but also reflects something of the subject’s personality. So while a portrait photographer has to excel at lighting and composition, he also has to be able to capture a distinctive facet of the subject’s character, something that will set his face apart from the crowd. To do that, a photographer must have excellent people skills. He must be able to establish a rapport with his subjects and put them at ease so that they allow something unique about themselves to flow through into the picture.

Portrait photography can range from candid shots of family and friends to formal, posed pictures of people for newspapers and magazines. While studio portraits are most common, portraits can also be taken outdoors or in an office or home environment that reflects the subject’s personality. Studio portraits are preferred because they allow a photographer complete control over the picture and lighting. A serious portrait photographer will make it a point to learn everything there is to know about lighting and use his skills effectively.

The good portrait photographer has to have immense patience. He cannot just look through his lens and hope to get a great picture. His subjects can range from fidgety children to weary senior citizens, and he must be able to judge what aspect of the subject truly says something about him. He might have to spend considerable time just talking to the subject and watching his reactions. A fabulous shot may result in five minutes or take a couple of hours to emerge. The good photographer knows it’s not just a matter of making faces!

Photographers provides detailed information on Photographers, Nature Photographers, Portrait Photographers, Wedding Photographers and more. Photographers is affiliated with Compare Photo Printers.

[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]