Sun-Diffuser

Trying to buy a reasonable priced diffuser screen for sunlight is very difficult. The average price for a large sun-diffuser screen ranges from $140-$400 dollars, which can put a dent into the budget. As a recent college graduate and a photographer starting out the funds for buying a product like this are nonexistent. Today as I lamented over my desire to own a sun screen I remembered that my teacher (Tim Milkie) in college had created one from scratch for our class, so I decided to take a shot at making one. After spending only $10 and a couple hours of work I ended up with my very own 4"x4" sunscreen. Keep your eye on the blog for my DIY instructions on how to create one for yourself!

#1 Rule in Photography

Over the past couple of years and especially days I have come to the great conclusion that many photographers have reached. If there is one trick, tip, or key to gaining skill in photography its to pick up your camera and start taking pictures. The more you take risks in photography, stretch outside of your comfort-zone, and simply start taking pictures, the more you learn and the more your skill will grow. So...My challenge to you this week is to pick up your camera, find a subject that is outside of your norm, and start taking pictures!!!

Question of the Week: Depth of Field

Here are two pictures I took a couple of months back. One has a shallow depth of field one has a deep depth of field.

             

What depth of field do you prefer using and why?

General Photography Tips

Here are three general photography tips to look for when taking a picture.


#1 Color:
Color is one of my favorite things to play with when taking a picture, and its one of the best ways to liven up a dull picture. Bright colors really draw the eye into the picture and create interest. Red, yellow, orange, and even a bright blue sky can really enhance a picture and bring a fun mood to the picture. One caution when incorporating bright colors into a picture is to be careful not to bring to many colors into a photograph, one or to is usually enough.

Also check out: The Importance of Color in Photography: An Interview with Mitchell Kanashkevich

#2 Texture:
Texture is a great thing to look for when taking a picture. It helps to add depth to the picture. Texture is especially usefull when you are looking for a background for a portrait. If helps to add interest to your picture. Texture can be found in stones, bricks, sand, old siding, cracking paint, and a multiple of other places. Keep your eyes open for texture and what once was a boring face shot will really pop!

Also check out: 100 Terrific Photographic Textures

#3 Lines: 
There are different types of lines to look for when taking a picture. The most common is what is called a leading lines. The picture to the right is a perfect example of this. The line draws your eyes to the subject of the picture. Leading lines are very useful to a photographer because it is one of the ways that a photographer can control where his/her audience makes the center of attention. Another good thing to remember when taking a picture with lines is if at all possible try and find an angle where the line is not in a straight line. This helps to add interest to the picture.

Also check out: A Guide To Leading Lines In Photography

Long Time No See - much has happend in my life of photography

I am ashamed at the amount of time that has past since my last post. Life has been buisy to say the least. Since my last post I have traveled to two different countries (Ireland and Turkey) photographed two weddings several engagement, senior, and all around portrait shoots as well as graduating from college with a minor in photography. It has been awesome to see the growth in my photography and I am excited to share with you what I have learned in my upcoming posts!