Extra Photography Tips

1. Know your flash's range The number one flash mistake is taking pictures beyond the flash's range. Why is this a mistake? Because pictures taken beyond the maximum flash range will be too dark. For many cameras, the maximum flash range is less than fifteen feet—about five steps away. What is your camera's flash range? Look it up in your camera manual. Can't find it? Then don't take a chance. Position yourself so subjects are no farther than ten feet away. Film users can extend the flash range by using Kodak Max versatility or versatility plus film 2. Look your subject in the eye Direct eye contact can be as engaging in a picture as it is in real life. When taking a picture of someone, hold the camera at the person's eye level to unleash the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles. For children, that means stooping to their level. And your subject need not always stare at the camera. All by itself that eye level angle will create a personal and inviting feeling that pulls you into the picture. 3. Watch the light Next to the subject, the most important part of every picture is the light. It affects the appearance of everything you photograph. On a great-grandmother, bright sunlight from the side can enhance wrinkles. But the soft light of a cloudy day can subdue those same wrinkles. Don't like the light on your subject? Then move yourself or your subject. For landscapes, try to take pictures early or late in the day when the light is orangish and rakes across the land. 4. Take some vertical pictures Is your camera vertically challenged? It is if you never turn it sideways to take a vertical picture. All sorts of things look better in a vertical picture. From a lighthouse near a cliff to the Eiffel Tower to your four-year-old niece jumping in a puddle. So next time out, make a conscious effort to turn your camera sideways and take some vertical pictures.

Tips For Wedding Photoshoot

1. Create a ‘Shot List’

One of the most helpful tips I’ve been given about Wedding Photography is to get the couple to think ahead about the shots that they’d like you to capture on the day and compile a list so that you can check them off. This is particularly helpful in the family shots. There’s nothing worse than getting the photos back and realizing you didn’t photograph the happy couple with grandma!

2. Wedding Photography Family Photo Coordinator

I find the family photo part of the day can be quite stressful. People are going everywhere, you’re unaware of the different family dynamics at play and people are in a ‘festive spirit’ (and have often been drinking a few spirits) to the point where it can be quite chaotic. Get the couple to nominate a family member (or one for each side of the family) who can be the ‘director’ of the shoot. They can round everyone up, help get them in the shot and keep things moving so that the couple can get back to the party.

3. Scout the Location

Visit the locations of the different places that you’ll be shooting before the big day. While I’m sure most Pros don’t do this – I find it really helpful to know where we’re going, have an idea of a few positions for shots and to know how the light might come into play. On one or two weddings I even visited locations with the couples and took a few test shots (these made nice ‘engagement photos’).

4. In Wedding Photography Preparation is Key

So much can go wrong on the day – so you need to be well prepared. Have a backup plan (in case of bad weather), have batteries charged, memory cards blank, think about routes and time to get to places and get an itinerary of the full day so you know what’s happening next. If you can, attend the rehearsal of the ceremony where you’ll gather a lot of great information about possible positions to shoot from, the lighting, the order of the ceremony etc

5. Set expectations with the Couple

Show them your work/style. Find out what they are wanting to achieve, how many shots they want, what key things they want to be recorded, how the shots will be used (print etc). If you’re charging them for the event, make sure you have the agreement of price in place up front.

6. Turn off the sound on your Camera

Beeps during speeches, the kiss and vows don’t add to the event. Switch off sound before hand and keep it off.

7. Shoot the small details

Photograph rings, backs of dresses, shoes, flowers, table settings, menus etc – these help give the end album an extra dimension. Flick through a wedding magazine in a news stand for a little inspiration.

8. Use Two Cameras

Beg, borrow, hire or steal an extra camera for the day – set it up with a different lens. I try to shoot with one wide angle lens (great for candid shots and in tight spaces (particularly before the ceremony in the preparation stage of the day) and one longer lens (it can be handy to have something as large as 200mm if you can get your hands on one – I use a 70-200mm).

9. Consider a Second Wedding Photographer

Having a second backup photographer can be a great strategy. It means less moving around during ceremony and speeches, allows for one to capture the formal shots and the other to get candid shots. It also takes a little pressure off you being ‘the one’ to have to get every shot!

10. Be Bold but Not Obtrusive

Timidity won’t get you ‘the shot’ – sometimes you need to be bold to capture a moment. However timing is everything and thinking ahead to get in the right position for key moments are important so as not to disrupt the event. In a ceremony I try to move around at least 4-5 times but try to time this to coincide with songs, sermons or longer readings. During the formal shots be bold, know what you want and ask for it from the couple and their party. You’re driving the show at this point of the day and need to keep things moving.

11. Learn how to Use Diffused Light

The ability to bounce a flash or to diffuse it is key. You’ll find that in many churches that light is very low. If you’re allowed to use a flash (and some churches don’t allow it) think about whether bouncing the flash will work (remember if you bounce off a colored surface it will add a colored cast to the picture) or whether you might want to buy a flash diffuser to soften the light. If you can’t use a flash you’ll need to either use a fast lens at wide apertures and/or bump up the ISO. A lens with image stabilization might also help.

12. Shoot in RAW

I know that many readers feel that they don’t have the time for shooting in RAW (due to extra processing) but a wedding is one time that it can be particularly useful as it gives so much more flexibility to manipulate shots after taking them. Weddings can present photographers with tricky lighting which result in the need to manipulate exposure and white balance after the fact – RAW will help with this considerably.

13. Display Your Shots at the Reception

One of the great things about digital photography is the immediacy of it as a medium. One of the fun things I’ve seen more and more photographers doing recently is taking a computer to the reception, uploading shots taken earlier in the day and letting them rotate as a slideshow during the evening. This adds a fun element to the night.

14. Consider Your Backgrounds

One of the challenges of weddings is that there are often people going everywhere – including the backgrounds of your shots. Particularly with the formal shots scope out the area where they’ll be taken ahead of time looking for good backgrounds. Ideally you’ll be wanting uncluttered areas and shaded spots out of direct sunlight where there’s unlikely to be a wandering great aunt wander into the back of the shot. 

15. Don’t Discard Your ‘Mistakes’

The temptation with digital is to check images as you go and to delete those that don’t work immediately. The problem with this is that you might just be getting rid of some of the more interesting and useable images. Keep in mind that images can be cropped or manipulated later to give you some more arty/abstract looking shots that can add real interest to the end album.

16. Change Your Perspective

Get a little creative with your shots. While the majority of the images in the end album will probably be fairly ‘normal’ or formal poses – make sure you mix things up a little by taking shots from down low, up high, at wide angles etc.

17. Wedding Group Shots

One thing that I’ve done at every wedding that I’ve photographed is attempt to photograph everyone who is in attendance in the one shot. The way I’ve done this is to arrange for a place that I can get up high above everyone straight after the ceremony. This might mean getting tall ladder, using a balcony or even climbing on a roof. The beauty of getting up high is that you get everyone’s face in it and can fit a lot of people in the one shot. The key is to be able to get everyone to the place you want them to stand quickly and to be ready to get the shot without having everyone stand around for too long. I found the best way to get everyone to the spot is to get the bride and groom there and to have a couple of helpers to herd everyone in that direction. 

18. Fill Flash

When shooting outside after a ceremony or during the posed shots you’ll probably want to keep your flash attached to give a little fill in flash. I tend to dial it back a little (a stop or two) so that shots are not blown out – but particularly in backlit or midday shooting conditions where there can be a lot of shadow, fill in flash is a must. 

19. Continuous Shooting Mode

Having the ability to shoot a lot of images fast is very handy on a wedding day so switch your camera to continuous shooting mode and use it. Sometimes it’s the shot you take a second after the formal or posed shot when everyone is relaxing that really captures the moment!

20. Expect the Unexpected

One more piece of advice that someone gave me on my own wedding day. ‘Things will Go Wrong – But They Can be the Best Parts of the Day’. In every wedding that I’ve participated in something tends to go wrong with the day. The best man can’t find the ring, the rain pours down just as the ceremony ends, the groom forgets to do up his fly, the flower girl decides to sit down in the middle of the aisle or the bride can’t remember her vows….

These moments can feel a little panicky at the time – but it’s these moments that can actually make a day and give the bride and groom memories. Attempt to capture them and you could end up with some fun images that sum up the day really well.

I still remember the first wedding I photographed where the bride and grooms car crashed into a Tram on the way to the park where we were going to take photos. The bride was in tears, the groom stressed out – but after we’d all calmed down people began to see some of the funny side of the moment and we even took a couple of shots before driving on to the park. They were among everyone’s favorites.

21. Have Fun

Weddings are about celebrating – they should be fun. The more fun you have as the photographer the more relaxed those you are photographing will be. Perhaps the best way to loosen people up is to smile as the photographer (warning: I always come home from photographing weddings with sore jaws and cheeks because of of my smiling strategy).

Read more: http://digital-photography-school.com/wedding-photography-21-tips-for-for-amateur-wedding-photographers#ixzz2DW2w5ZZA

Kenapa wedding photographer mahal?

1. KOS TETAP : Perkara paling asas ialah kos untuk membeli peralatan kamera. Kalau photographer tu serius dalam kerjanya dia akan beli peralatan kamera dan lens yang berkualiti. Walaupun ramai yang cakap “Alaa kamera tak penting, tapi orang belakang kamera lebih penting“, kenyataan tu sebenarnya sesuai kepada beginner atau hobbyist. Peralatan member photographer aku kebanyakkannya dalam lingkungan RM15,000 hingga RM50,000. Itu belum kos beli komputer high-end, back-up storage, drybox, beg, kos selenggara dan sebagainya.


2. KOS MASA BEKERJA : Bagi aku ni merupakan perkara paling penting. Kalau majlis sanding hingga sesioutdoor ia meliputi 7-8 jam bekerja. Itu tak termasuk tambahan shoot majlis nikah dan malam berinai (tambah lagi 8 jam). Kalau photographer part time biasanya mereka hanya ada masa belah malam untuk buat editing. Mereka perlu pilih beribu2 keping gambar, edit serta rekabentuk album sendirian. Kadangkala kerja dari 9 malam – 12 malam hanya mampu buat 2 atau 3 page custom album. Kalau 20 page? Esoknya kena bangun awal untuk kerja seperti biasa. Hujung minggu pula tak boleh buat editing sebab ada tugasan lain pula. Cuba bayangkan dengan mengorbankan masa hujung minggu dan waktu malam bersama anak dan keluarga serta masa rehat untuk diri sendiri, berapa pula harga korang?


3. KOS ALBUM : Sebenarnya kos album ni meliputi kos perjalanan dan masa untuk menghantar serta mengambil album, re-printing kalau kualiti tak memuaskan dan harga album tu sendiri. Harga album biasa ada yang bermula dari RM300 hingga album professional yang boleh mencecah RM1500 untuk satu album. Tanpa sedar ia juga melibatkan masa bekerja seseorang photographer.


4. KOS PROFESSIONAL: Kos ni merupakan sesuatu yang subjektif tapi ia sangat penting. Kemahiran photographer berbeza dari segi kreativiti, kemahiran editing, pengalaman PR dan lain-lain. Bila anda bayar photographer secara tak sedar anda membayar untuk semua kemahiran yang ada padanya yang diperolehi bertahun-tahun melalui proses pembelajaran yang panjang. Anda membayar untuk ‘skill’ mereka menghasilkan gambar bukan harga album yang menjadi ukuran semata-mata. Sebagai perbandingan kalau aku nyanyi lagu Siti Nurhaliza orang nak bayar RM5 pun susah, tapi kalau Siti nyanyi mungkin boleh bayar RM5000 padahal lagu yang sama, haha. Mengapa? Kenapa kita mengupah tukang kayu nak renovate rumah kita sedangkan kita juga ada semua peralatan yang dia miliki. Boleh tak kita cakap alaaa peralatan buat semua ni murah je napa nak cas mahal2? Sebab apa?

Kesimpulannya, ia bukan sekadar harga album. Banyak lagi faktor lain yang menyumbang kepada kos sebenar wedding photography. Kerja photographer yang lebih sukar baru bermula selepas selesai sesuatu majlis. Bagi photographer full-time pula, mereka terpaksa bayar kos overhead seperti sewa kedai, bil utiliti, gaji pekerja, kenderaan, tax dan sebagainya. Dari mana mereka dapat duit untuk bayar semua tu? Aku harap dapat beri sedikit gambaran tentang kos yang terlibat oleh seorang photographer wedding ni. Wallahua’lam.

Dipetik dari blog acai jawe :- http://www.faisalrahim.com/blog/2010/07/kenapa-wedding-photographer-mahal/

16 Tips For Nikon/Canon Owner

1. Understand your camera well

I must have to start with a basic rule of photography which is 'You must understand how to operate your equipment'. Many people come to us and tell they would shoot better pictures but they have only "ordinary pocket camera". I have not come across an ordinary, digital camera yet. I agree certainly to shoot some kind of photos, you need better camera, but you can shoot very good photos with any camera. So, search for the camera manual that you have received with your camera and start reading it from page 1 till end. Keep your camera beside and understand how to use different controls and buttons thoroughly. If you know your equipment, you will be equipped to shoot better pictures.

2. Be at the right place at the right time

The second rule of photography is this - be at the right place at the right time. This applies very well for landscape photos. How do you predict the right place and time? You can't. If you want to shoot better pictures, take your camera with wherever you go and shoot whatever you can. Most of the best photos are ordinary because most of the photos are taken during ordinary time of the day. The photographer was at the right place at the right moment, that's all it made the difference.

3. Practise, practise and practise

I took some 500+ ordinary photos then I took a great photo. The more photos you shoot, the more good photos you will shoot. It's just practice - after all. You are practising to see better, you are practising to use your camera better. Practice alone will help you to become a master photographer.

When you are shooting, shoot in all modes - especially shooting group shots or people shots, Flash-On, Flash-off, Auto-mode, Sports mode etc. Try different things, it is OK to experiment. You may not get a good opportunity again after all. Always shoot more photos than you require.

4. Get closer to the object

This is by far the easiest tip for any aspiring photographer to practise. If you want to make your photos look great, just get close to the object and fill entire LCD screen with that object. Just try it now; your photo will immediately look great, because you have removed all the distractions out.

5. Use the preset modes

Do you always use the "Auto" or "Automatic" mode? If so, it is time to try the other preset modes or scene modes. Many of the ordinary digital cameras do not allow you to vary Exposure, Shutter Speed or Aperture size, but the preset modes will vary them for you. For instance, if you want to shoot a cityscape during sunset, use the "Night Landscape" mode and shoot the photo. Just make sure you place the camera on a sturdy platform / wall / pillar so you won't shake it. Also use the self-timer to shoot the photo so that you wont shake the camera while pressing the button.

6. Practise holding your camera

You have captured the perfect shot that's what you thought when you looked at the LCD screen on the back of your camera. Nothing is disheartening to know the photo came up with a blur when you see on the computer screen. So, learn how you can firmly grip the camera. Look at the following pictures

Some people say holding your breath while pressing the shutter button.

If your hands are shaking or if the light is not enough, then place your camera on a nearby wall / fridge or a table (tripod if you have one).

7. Change the Point of View

Just by changing the 'point of view' of the photo, you can create a good photo. When you see an object, think of alternative viewing positions and shoot as many photos as you can. Go to ground level and tilt your camera up. Or go to an elevated place and shoot your picture from above. Avoid ordinary, eye-level views.

8. Trust your camera

We think our pocket camera can shoot only ordinary photos. Yes, that's why it does shoot only ordinary photos. But, when you see a good photo taken with the same camera, you are worried as if only your camera has a defect. Often, we don't attempt to shoot a picture thinking our camera is not capable. Say, if a baby is smiling or playing, change to the Sports mode and shoot pictures. It doesn't cost anything to try, if the photos turn out badly, they can be deleted.

9. Look at great photos

I am against the so-called golden rules of photography and I don't want you to fall into the trap. As long as a photo is appealing, I don't care what rules it follows. The best way to learn about photography is to look at great photos. Where do you find great photos? If you are near a library, go and refer some photography books. If you want to see them online, visithttp://photo.net, ngm.com, flickr.com/explore,

10. Show your photos

I don't mean to say that your should show your photos to your family and friends. They would probably say that your photos are very nice and incredibly good. They are saying to please you or make you feel good. Instead, put your portfolio on the social photo-sharing websites such as flickr.com, deviantart.com. This will allow you to invite honest comments from fellow photographers. Don't be afraid to showcase your 'ordinary photos' to start with. You will improve your photographic skills anyway.

11. Understand light

If you understand light and shadows, you will see many dramatic photos even before you shoot them. If you like a location, go and shoot them during sunrise and sunset. The shadows and lights created by the rising / setting sun will be very beautiful.

12. Create some photos

You won't get a perfect photo all the time. You may need to wait for the right opportunity. But, there's a shortcut. You can create a photo to some extent. You can move or rearrange things if it is OK to do so. You can arrange things in an order to create an artistic photo out of ordinary. You can place two contrasting things in one place and create a good photo. Hey, that's not cheating - you are actually overcoming some obstacles in becoming a good photographer.

13. Use Auto-Mode

Even if you are placing your camera on a wall or a tripod for night shots, you may accidentally disturb the camera while pressing the button. To avoid this, use the Auto-Timer mode and use a 2-second or 10-second delay to shoot a picture.

14. Look at corners

See your photo on the Viewfinder or LCD screen; you will know how it will look like even before you shoot it. Many a times, we just blindly shoot without noticing many disturbances that spoil a great photo. So, look at all the corners if anything is disturbing the overall photo.

15. Use Flash wisely

Using your camera's flash is unavoidable at night when there is no light. You will end up with ghostly faces popping out of the dark. First, get used to different types of flash in your camera. You can either read the manual or experiment taking same shot with different flash settings.

During mid-noon, when the sun is directly above your head, you can use flash to avoid the shadows that fall under your eyes.

16. Set your Exposure correctly

Usually, the Auto mode/function in the camera adjusts for "technically" a good photo. You may find that on a bright sunny day, your picture might have a "dim, washed look". Decrease the Exposure. On a cloudy day,increase the exposure. Read your camera manual on how to change exposures.

100 Tips from a Professional Photographer

Here's a list of tips, advice, rules and just things to know about photography from Eric Kim, a street photographer who also holds photography workshop classes. I think the gist of it is to keep taking pictures always. by gizmodo.com

Here's the full list:

1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn't mean that they're a good photographer.
2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.
3. Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer.
4. Photo editing is an art in itself
5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
6. Macro photography isn't for everybody.
7. UV filters work just as well as lens caps.
8. Go outside & shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.
9. Capture the beauty in the mundane and you have a winning photograph.
10. Film isn't better than digital.
11. Digital isn't better than film.
12. There is no "magic" camera or lens.
13. Better lenses don't give you better photos.
14. Spend less time looking at other people's work and more time shooting your own.
15. Don't take your DSLR to parties.
16. Girls dig photographers.
17. Making your photos b/w doesn't automatically make them "artsy"
18. People will always discredit your work if you tell them you "photoshop" your images. Rather, tell them that you process them in the "digital darkroom".
19. You don't need to take a photo of everything.
20. Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.
21. Ditch the neck strap and get a handstrap.
22. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better.
23. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.
24. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting.
25. Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography.
26. Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
27. Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
28. The more photos you take, the better you get.
29. Don't be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
30. Only show your best photos.
31. A point-and-shoot is still a camera.
32. Join an online photography forum.
33. Critique the works of others.
34. Think before you shoot.
35. A good photo shouldn't require explanation (although background information often adds to an image). *
36. Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
37. Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them.
38. Grain is beautiful.
39. Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
40. Simplicity is key.
41. The definition of photography is: "painting with light." Use light in your favor.
42. Find your style of photography and stick with it.
43. Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.
44. Silver EFEX pro is the best b/w converter.
45. Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.
46. Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life.
47. Don't pamper your camera. Use and abuse it.
48. Take straight photos.
49. Shoot with confidence.
50. Photography and juxtaposition are best friends.
51. Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
52. Give your photos to friends.
53. Give them to strangers.
54. Don't forget to frame them.
55. Costco prints are cheap and look great.
56. Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s).
57. Join a photo club or start one for yourself.
58. Photos make great presents.
59. Taking photos of strangers is thrilling.
60. Candid>Posed.
61. Natural light is the best light.
62. 35mm (on full frame) is the best "walk-around" focal length.
63. Don't be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
64. You don't need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go (hell, I don't even own one).
65. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
66. Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be "artsy" is exploitation.
67. You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.
68. Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.
69. You can't "photoshop" bad images into good ones.
70. Nowadays everybody is a photographer.
71. You don't need to fly to Paris to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.
72. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.
73. Cameras as tools, not toys.
74. In terms of composition, photography and painting aren't much different.
75. Photography isn't a hobby- it's a lifestyle.
76. Make photos, not excuses.
77. Be original in your photography. Don't try to copy the style of others.
78. The best photographs tell stories that begs the viewer for more.
79. Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
80. The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
81. Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
82. Laughter always draws out peoples' true character in a photograph.
83. Don't look suspicious when taking photos- blend in with the environment.
84. Landscape photography can become dull after a while.
85. Have fun while taking photos.
86. Never delete any of your photos.
87. Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
88. When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
89. Travel and photography are the perfect pair.
90. Learn how to read a histogram.
91. A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
92. Don't be afraid to take photos in the rain.
93. Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
94. Never take photos on an empty stomach.
95. You will discover a lot about yourself through your photography.
96. Never hoard your photographic insight- share it with the world.
97. Never stop taking photos
98. Photography is more than simply taking photos, it is a philosophy of life
99. Capture the decisive moment
100. Write your own list.

::PHOTOGRAPHY TIP (HOW TO SHOOT HANDHELD) ::

Keep both elbows close to your body (tucked in) and press the camera against your face. Grip the camera firmly with your right hand, and be careful not to move the camera as you apply pressure to the shutter button. Your left hand controls the zoom and focus functions of the lens while, at the same time, giving the lens support. (NOTE: Your left hand isplaced below the lens.. many new photographers mistakenly place their focus hand on top of the camera and this means you can’t use it as a support mechanism to keep the shot steady). This is one reason pros do not use the LCD viewfinder screen to compose their shots. It is preferred to put your eye to the eyepiece viewfinder as a means of keeping the camera still.

You can also stand against a solid object (wall, pole, tree, car, etc) to keep your body steady while shooting. Lastly, inhale and then exhale before shooting. Once you exhale and your body is still… take the shot. We move a lot while breathing.

1) Hold the camera with your right hand and bring it close to your face.
2) Tuck in your elbows to your body
3) Place your left hand underneath the lens
4) Stand against a solid object (if possible)
5) Inhale then exhale before you shoot

by Mustafa Davis.