Lightening and sharpening eyes

As I was editing pictures of my baby sisters engagement shoot it struck me how important it is to focus on the details of a picture  In particular the eyes of a subjects. My sister has beautiful dark brown eyes but they can become lost in the photograph because they do not catch light very well. Why is it important that an eye catch light do you ask? Well the photograph bellow will answer your question. Keep in mind the only thing I changed in this photograph is her eyes. Doesn't it make a huge difference?

 

Now look at the two photographs in Black and white. Having the eyes catch light is especially important in black and white pictures because all other distractions are taken away and you will be drawn into the sharpest part of the picture.

I have included a video tutorial on how to accomplish this yourself. I hope it helps you to create wonderful portraits!

I love reading other photography blogs for inspiration and simply because I love photography. A good friend of mine has recently become interested in photography and per my advice ;-) started a photography blog about her photography journey. I thought I would share it with all of you.

http://www.cbethphoto.blogspot.com/

If any of you have a favorite blog please leave the link in the comment section have a good one! :-)



Camera Etiquette

My last semester in college I was struck with the lack of camera etiquette that was occurring around me. The first time was in a bible class when a guy from the yearbook staff randomly burst in the room and started walking around taking pictures. Lets just say this did not go over well with the professor, can't say that I blame him. It's hard enough trying to keep the attention of a class full of twenty year olds while teaching on bible translation without having to compete with some random dude trampsing around the room taking yearbook pictures. Cause lets be honest, no matter how much everyone pretends they don't want their picture taken, when it comes down to it everyone wants to see their face in the yearbook. Long story short the professor kindly told the photographer to get lost and the indecent was forever a glaring memory of what NOT to do in my head.

That brings me to camera etiquette faux pas #2...formal events. As I was sitting at one of my good friends senior piano recitals I was again hit by this idea of bad camera etiquette. The memory of a freshman photography major running around the room taking photographs with her flash on is forever imprinted in my brain. To say it was a distraction is an understatement, it was downright embarrassment to all who call themselves photographers. The flash of her camera in a darkened room created a strobe like setting for the room which I am sure my friend did not intended to be incorporated into her recital.

How could these two incidents have been avoided. Incident #1 could have been avoided by communicating with the professor before ever entering the class room. Remember if it is not a situation where they have invited you to come invade their space you need to communicate your intentions and ask for permission. Simple :-)

Incident #2...while the photographer had been invited to take photographs she was completely unaware of her surroundings. Photographers I KNOW we all have an instinct to get in the position to take the best shot, sometime you must say NO to this instinct. At recitals, or even some weddings the client may want you to blend into the walls so as to not take away from the moment, even if it means at the cost of the photographs.

How can we keep from committing camera etiquette faux pas? It is simple, communicate with those you are photographing/working for, take a look at your surroundings and asses what is fitting for the situation.

Colors in Editing Photographs

Hey blogger friends!! I just wanted to share with you a picture I took of my new nephew last weekend. While nothing can mask his undeniable cuteness I found the colors of the original image to be rather flat. With the addition of layers, tweaking of colors and some burning around the edge I managed to bring some color into the picture to further enhance his cuteness. What do you think. I am thinking about making a video tutorial to demonstrate how something like this can be accomplished. If anyone would be interested in something like that leave me a comment and let me know.    :-)   Have a great weekend my photography friends and God bless.

Question of the week: Black and White vs. Color

Black and white or color. As I edit pictures for clients I find it incredibly difficult to decide if I like the black and white or color version better. Usually I end up giving them both versions. Whats your opinion...black and white or color?

#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!!!

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!