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!

Key Photography Equipment!

This is a list of what I believe to be the five pieces of equipment every photographer must have.

#1. Every photographer needs to have a SLR camera body to equip them to take picture to his/her full potential.




#2. What is the use of an expensive camera body without a good lens to go with it. I would suggest something with a fairly wide range to avoid having to change the lens very often and risk getting dust in your camera. The Nikon 18-200mm would be a good choice.


#3. Next important item would be a tripod. There are potentially great shots that are ruined because of camera shake which is easily resolved by using a tripod. A tripod it especially useful when photographing at night.


#4. The fourth item would be an external flash. Used as a fill in flash and in many other ways. Keep in mind that these types of flashes are not inexpensive. My suggestion would be to by a name brand flash. With a lens, filters, tripod, and other items one can get away with not using name brand items, but the flash is one item I would suggest using a well known name brand.


#5. Last but not least is a camera bag for your equipment. This probably should have been at the top of the list, because without a proper bag to store your equipment all the expensive equipment is very easily damaged. I would suggest using a backpack that is specially designed for cameras. Many times they even come with a place to store your camera, which is very helpful for the digital photographer.

Tips on Photographing Weddings with Chayil Branda

The following is an interview with Chayil Marie Branda. She is a photographer who has been shooting weddings on her own for about a year. She worked with another photographer previous to that for three years, and gained valuable experience. The interview is filled with helpful tips for people who are trying to break into the photography business, specifically weddings.


Q: What got you into photographing weddings?
A: My mom was a photographer and I always enjoyed going to the studio to watch her develop film.

Q: What was the biggest challenge business wise when you first started out in photography?
A: Finances. It’s an expensive industry and in order to make money, you have to spend it.

Q: What are the three biggest challenges when photographing for a wedding?
A: 1. Time – you will always feel rushed. You have to learn to adapt.
2. “Uncle Joe’s” – close friend or family member who usually has nicer gear than me and is wanting to talk my ear off while I’m trying to work.
3. Prep time. Making sure you and all your gear is ready. There no second chances with a wedding, so you have to make sure it’s all ready before you begin.

Q: What are some tips to overcome these challenges?
A: Practice. With all of them. You’ll get better the more times you handle them.

Q: What would you say are the key pieces of equipment you need for successfully photographing a wedding?
A: Other than a camera? (: Depends on the type of photography you shoot. For me, I shoot very photo journalistically, so I need my camera, my lenses (50mm 1.4 and 70 – 200 2.8L are my most used) and a bottle of cherry coke.

Q: When photographing the reception do you set the shot up first or do you just shoot as it happens?
A: Both. I’ll set up a cake shot, then shoot during the actual “eating”. Bouquet/garter – I just let happen and shoot through.

Q: Do you have any tips for photographing during the actual ceremony?
A: Remember that as much as this is about the bride & groom, it’s also about the joining of two families. Look for the emotions from parents/ grandparents during the ceremony too. I always rapid fire the ceremony, so that I don’t miss “the money shot”.

Q: Could you describe your favorite posses that you have used in weddings?
A: I HATE to do “normal” posing. As I look through blogs, magazines, website… when I see a pose I like, I’ll sketch it out in my journal and then before a wedding, I’ll prep the wedding by looking through the journal for ideas.
Biggest goal for me here is to make the couple/bridal party look comfortable. Most people hate pictures, so getting them comfy is huge.

Q: Any tips or general information that you think would be useful to add?
A: The biggest thing that helps with wedding photography is practice. Second shoot with another photographer, until you are to the point where you would be ok, if that photographer called in sick. Also, see what’s going on in the wedding industry. Read blogs, look at websites, and be informed!




For more information on Chayil go to:
http://sv-se.facebook.com/pages/Palm-Harbor-FL/Chayil-Marie-Branda-Photography/15178503797