Monthly Archives: June 2016

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It amazes me the megapixels that come on a phone today. Every few months phone companies are coming out with something new, and what is the one thing they are always improving? The camera! To be honest, for the past couple of years I have been basing my new phone decisions off of the camera’s quality. Today iPhones can take panoramas, live shots and even time lapse videos! I use my camera everyday, and I’m a huge fan of Instagram. I have decided to go over a few tricks I swear by when taking photos and editing photos on my iPhone, so listen up!

Something you should do everyday and make a habit of is cleaning your camera lens. Now you don’t have to buy special cleaner or do anything fancy, but simply just wipe it off. I usually take my glasses lens cloth and clean off my front and back camera. This way you are assured to get a clear picture!

Secondly, lighting plays a big factor in picture quality. I always make sure that whether I’m using the front or back camera, that I’m always facing some natural light. That could mean if I’m outside then I am facing the way the sun is shining, or if I’m inside, then I’m facing a window. Everyone knows that when you have bad lighting, the picture usually turns out pretty grainy which isn’t very appealing. When you have good lighting in a photograph, you have a better chance to add some great color in there.

The first steps that I take to edit a well-lit photograph are, adjusting the brightness and contrast. This will make your photograph look more crisp and lively. Before I upload any photos through social media, I usually upload them to my VSCO account. This is a great app where you can edit photos and share them as well. I actually prefer to use the contrast and brightness settings through this app than I would through my basic camera app.

Also, something else I’d like to point out is when it’s best to transfer a photograph to black and white. The key is clarity and lighting. If your photograph is already lacking good lighting then it’s most likely going to be grainy, and those photographs look the worst when they’re black and white. So follow those steps I spoke about before. Make sure you have some good, natural lighting, then your black and white filter will give your picture a bold exterior.

If you really want to explore your editing options on your iPhone then go on and upload a few editing applications. Some of my favorites are VSCO, Instagram, PicTapGo, Afterlight and DeluxeFX. Take one photograph and play around with it on every application, save them, compare them and then chose your favorite. This is my favorite thing to do on a rainy day or if I’ve got some spare time before bed. I hope this has guided you in the right direction when in comes to getting your sharpest shots, and have fun with the color! To me, finding the perfect color for a photograph is the best part!

I have a 10 year old beagle mix who I absolutely love taking pictures of. I’m sure most pet owners can relate to my same obsession. I know it sounds silly but I take this topic sort of seriously not only because I love my dog, but because she’s a beautiful dog to photograph. Over the years I have realized there are some things I can do to improve these pictures overall. I’d like to share these tips with some of those pet obsessed owners out there, and anyone else who may find this interesting.

First off, always have a dog treat in hand. (Common sense, right?) It’s as simple as taking your pet’s favorite treat and holding it right above the camera’s lens. This way your pet is focused and looking almost directly into the camera. Also, remember that this could be very exciting for your pet, because they have a treat dangling right in front of them! A great way to make sure you capture that perfect shot of them through their excitement is to keep your camera on continuous shooting.

Secondly, use all the props you can find! Place them in baskets, (if they’re small enough) put sunglasses on them, or even use those silly costumes from Petco! (It’s where the pets go) Using props in a photoshoot always make the shot fun and unique, no matter what you’re shooting.

Finally, use window light! Pretty much anything is going to look better in a photograph if it’s enhanced with window light. It’s important to keep your flash off and use as much natural light as possible because you really want to steer away from those glowing, animal eyes! Make sure your back is to the window and your pet is facing the light. That is when you will get your clearest and most precious shot!

For some of us, our animals are our most prized possession. Getting those funny, loving and heartwarming shots of them is what means the most to us owners. Go ahead and try some of these tips, and then you’ll see how much the camera loves them!

Taking a photography course through one’s college years is something I highly recommend. Not only does it take you away from the brain cramming of Math, Science and English, but this is the time where a student gets to explore his or her creativity. When I signed up for Beginner’s Photography, I had no idea what I was in for. I have to say this class gave me some extreme drive, because I finally had the chance to be creative in a college course. For this post I would love to share my experience in the class and throw out some pointers for those taking a Beginners Photography course.

For this particular course we would have weekly assignments with a certain topic to shoot for. I can remember one of the first assignments was a macro photography assignment. Before this course I had no idea what the word “macro” entailed, but after I learned about it I realized that “macro” photography was actually my specialty. Ever since I was a kid, up close and detailed shots have been my favorite. As a college student it’s hard to be creative in a college environment, with all the hustle and bustle that surrounds you. Plus I took this course during the season of extreme snow storms, so I only really had the choice to do some shoots in doors. Lucky for me I lived in the dorms for art and theatre students and there was a grand piano right on the first floor. I had the idea to take some macro photography within the piano because, well, I mean, who else does that! I wanted to be different and show people the way I viewed things as simple as a piano. Here are the shots I came up with:

Another photograph that forced me to get super creative, was a photograph that I took of my dorm sink. Yes, my sink. Back then I didn’t own a camera with multiple shutter speeds, so I literally had to kneel at my sink and take shot after shot of my dripping faucet for about an hour. Finally I got a clear and appealing shot, and here it is!

Something I would do often that most people don’t think to do is direct my mind to a place where people would never take pictures, like a sink or inside of a piano. If you have a vision, go for it! No matter how silly or out of the ordinary you may think it will be, someone else may interpret it as art.

So I am sure you are all aware that the 4th of July is right around the corner! How exciting! Three-day weekend! I am looking forward to relaxing, watching some fireworks, filling up on good food and of course doing some fun photography! I think since the holiday is right around the corner, I will share some fun and exciting picture ideas with you! This will be helpful if you have kids who hate getting their picture taken, because these ideas are fun, and they will love them! These ideas are also beneficial for anyone attending a party who may want to get some neat shots to share with family and friends. So here you go!

Let’s go ahead and discuss kids. Some kids like getting their picture taken, but let’s face it, most don’t. In order for any kid to enjoy a photo session, there needs to be some fun involved. That includes delicious food and props! Here are some fun ideas to shoot for:

Watermelon: Kids love the taste and the mess. Try and get a big cheesy smile out of them in the midst of their enjoyment.

Burgers: While the kids are munching down on some burgers, try to focus on the messiest ones. Happy, little kids with big burgers are the cutest when you can get a sweet grin out of them (It’s even better if they’re wearing a white shirt).

Flags: If you live on a large piece of land, here is a shot for you. Have your kid put on either a white or navy blue shirt (those look best for this), and have them walk out onto your property with the sun to their backs. Hand them an American flag which can either be on a small pole or just by itself. If the flag is on a pole have them wave it in the air with the sun shining in the background. If the flag is not on a pole, tell your kid to hold the flag behind them or above their head, and run towards the sun. This makes for a great, dramatic and memorable shot. This also works great if you are on the beach. Another thing to do with a larger flag, is wrap a baby or toddler in it. This is a very popular sort of shot, but it always looks great.

Sparklers: Sparklers are everywhere during this holiday, so grab some and take some fun pics with the kids! Of course you should wait until the sun goes down in order to get some better shots. These shots should be done with the supervision of adults just to be safe.

Truck beds: If you or someone you know has a truck, and you have a cute kid, then you’re golden. Deck your kid out in 4th of July apparel and sit them on the bed of that truck! You can always hand them props as well, such as flags, or watermelon!

I hope during this holiday you get the chance to try out a few of these shots! As long as the kids are having fun, the pictures will come out great. Just remember, food and props are key! Have a fun holiday!

Here are some photos I found from Pinterest, which should help you visualize what I was describing:

Preparing for a newborn session isn’t something that should be taken lightly. The last thing you want to do is show up to a shoot this important, unprepared. A lot of work and mental preparation goes into creating a safe and clean environment for the newborn, as well as keeping the parents comfortable. So listen carefully because I am going to review every tip and trick you should follow for a smooth sailing newborn session!

The first thing you should go over with your clients are their visions and expectations for the shoot. Find out what sort of photography fits their style. If they are going for a “posed” sort of look, then this will have to be done with in the first two weeks of the newborns birth. Why, you ask? The first two weeks of a newborns life is very helpful to a photographer. This is the time where they are so sleepy it’s easy to mold them into different positions without them putting up a fuss. Now if the clients are going for more of a casual session, this is usually done in the comfort of the client’s home. Casual sessions are becoming more popular because it is easier on the clients, plus the photographers main intention is to capture natural shots in the newborns living space. In the long run, I think this sort of session means a lot more to the parents because they are only now becoming acclimated within their own household.

Next, prepare your self, prepare for the newborn, and help prepare the parents. Give yourself enough time to complete the shoot. If you think you will be holding the shoot from noon till three in the afternoon, give yourself an extra hour, just to be safe. Besides setting up each posing shot, there will be breast feeding time, numerous diaper changes and clean-ups. Now here is a checklist every photographer should go through before heading to a newborn session!

• Camera and 2 fully charged batteries
• Empty memory card
• Lenses
• Appropriate lighting equipment
• Space heater (if it is winter time)
• Water proof pads (place under blankets for posing)
• Change of clothes (for the photographer)
• Clean and soft bean bag (for newborn poses)
• Boppy pillow (also for poses)
• Step stool (very important for over head and “bird-eye-view” shots!)
• Back drop stand
• Props (baskets, football, toys)
• Blankets
• Small speaker to play some enjoyable music

Now that you have a sense of what you should bring to the session, let’s go over some things to keep an eye out for while shooting. Remember the other week when I blogged about “capturing the moment,” this is where you will use that advice! Be patient and wait for the baby to move, and yawn, those are always adorable shots. If the baby is asleep on their back, this is your chance to open their fists (slowly) and give the photograph a peaceful look. While they’re asleep this is also a great time for some macro photography! Close-ups of their hands and feet are great shots that parents absolutely love. A photograph like that really shows how small and delicate they are.

Lastly, something fun you could always consider towards the end of a shoot, is letting the mother get behind the camera. Hand the session over to her and allow her to have that special moment with her new baby. Having the access to a great digital camera is much more fun than the iPhone pics mothers take all the time.

It’s very important to be prepared for a newborn session. Besides a wedding, this is probably the most meaningful and special time for a client. Take into consideration everything that will make your client comfortable and pleased with the session. Be prepared, give yourself extra time, capture every moment, and let the parents have some fun as well!

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful things a person can experience! I know this first hand since I am in the midst of planning my own wedding. I have to say, all I want is for my guests to have a blast, and of course, I want amazing photographs to remember the evening! Now, we all know by now weddings aren’t cheap, and if you weren’t aware so are wedding photographers. I have decided to blog about the proper steps one should take when looking for their personal wedding photographer, in hopes that I can follow these steps as well.

Step one, decide on what style of photography fits you. Do you want something more classic and traditional like a portrait style album? Or do you want something more modern and sharp where your pictures have a very bold feel to them. Or like myself, do you want something more artsy? By this I mean a photographer who focuses on creating dramatic yet very natural shots from a unique point of view. After you’ve figured this out then you are ready to move on to the next step.

Step two, research, research, research! Make sure you read all the reviews from any local photographer you may be considering. Check out any social media those photographers have to offer and get a feel for their sense of style. Go on to make a list of any photographer you feel drawn to.

Step three, you can work on interviewing those candidates and make sure to review any pieces of work they have brought along! Also take a look and see if any of the venues that photographer has shot, are similar to yours. This way you have a feel for how your pictures may turn out. Ask them questions about their years of experience and how many weddings they have actually done.

Step four, make sure you have a clear understanding of what is included in the photographers package. Compare the fees and check to see what all is included in each individual package. One package could be more expensive than another and offer you less for your money, and you don’t want that!

Step five, confirm your photographer! After carefully going through the steps above, you are well on your way to receiving a great album that matches your style! Something else to consider is having more than one photographer at your wedding. I have seen this done a couple of times, and I do recommend it if it’s in your budget. This way you’ll have more coverage and possibly even two styles you love!

Last step, discuss the approximate date of your albums arrival! Discuss prints and disc versions. Many people like to order a disc version of their wedding album since it’s easier to upload to a computer and cheaper to get your own prints! Lastly, go over any retouching your photographer may do. Tell him/her what your limits are for retouching and if you want black and white versions as well.

I know it can be a lot to take in, but in the end if you feel like you have done your best to find the right photographer for you, then you should be very happy with your results! Remember, it’s okay to be picky, it’s your day!

By then end of a session with a toddler, most photographers all agree on the fact that they’re exhausted and glad for it to be over! Sadly, that’s not how any photographer should be feeling after any sort of shoot. Toddlers can be a handful, no doubt, but there are ways to get through a shoot without wanting to pull your hair out. Just listen to this!

First off, if you know there is a toddler session coming up, book it early! I’m talking 8 or 9 am. Why does the time matter, you ask? Think about it, when does a normal toddler wake up? I would say around 7 am. This gives the parent time to give them some breakfast and have them dressed without a fight. A toddler is probably the most cooperative in the morning because they have just conquered a good night’s sleep. This will help ensure you to have a smoother shoot, and not having a run-in with the terrible two’s.

Second, remember that the shutter speed on your camera could potentially be your key to a successful shoot. It’s pretty unrealistic to think that a toddler is going to show up to a session and sit there perfectly still and calm, just so you can get those perfect shots. It’s most likely the opposite. Now the child could be cooperative, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be on-the-go every chance he gets. To avoid motion blur, you need to use a high shutter speed. Personally anytime I’m photographing a kid ages, 2-10, I am always on the setting “continuous shooting,” this way I don’t miss a thing.

Lastly, become a team with the parents! I know it seems like the session is all about the toddler but it can actually fall back onto it being all about the parents. How the  parents feel about the session and how you decide to prepare the session with them, means a lot. If the parents come into the session relaxed and ready to be involved, it will make the session go much smoother. Try giving the parents a job, like getting their toddler to laugh by making funny faces or dangling their favorite toy behind the camera. Since the toddler isn’t familiar with your voice (the photographer), have the parents on stand-by constantly, so they can call the toddler’s name at the appropriate time and help you get that perfect shot. Also, having the parents in some shots makes for a great session. The photos with the whole family seem to be the most memorable ones out of all of them.

I hope that those tips and tricks help you for your future toddler sessions! Remember to get in those early shoots, keep a high shutter speed and team up with those parents! Follow that, and by the end of the session, your stress level should be next to nothing.

Growing up I can remember going over to a friend’s house and seeing family portraits line their family room. Through the years the parents got older and kids got bigger, but the angle of each photograph was exactly the same. I can even remember getting family portraits done as a kid and the photographer would do the same exact thing every time. Line the family up tallest to shortest, or place the parents in the back and have the kids in the front. Well times have changed and photographers have become much more creative just by adding a little more dimension to the shot. For this post I am going to briefly discuss a couple of my favorite, unique angles for family portraits.

If you are working with a fun or outgoing family, a “worms eye view” might be one of the best angles to go with! A worms eye view is a very different but entertaining angle for a family of any size. All you need to do to achieve this angle is simply have your camera positioned below the family, looking directly up at them. To do this you may want to gather the family in a fun sort of huddle, then lie down on the ground in the center of their huddle and begin snapping those pictures! A worms eye view angle that is used on a family makes the family look united and strong, and tightly knit! I highly recommend it! Here is a quick example I pulled from Google Images:

Another angle I find really appealing is a “ground level” angle. This particular angle I personally think looks best with a family that has small children. To create a ground level shot, all you have to do is place the family at ground level, side by side or with the kids on top of the parents, and facing the photographer. Then you (the photographer) will do the same, facing them. You don’t always have to lay on your stomach, you can try to kneel or crouch down as well. I believe a shot like this looks best with small kids in the family, just because the kids are on the same level as their parents but it’s clear to see there is a difference in age and size. In my opinion, when I see a photograph like this I find it very heartwarming because the kids still have that innocence to them, and you can almost feel how much they look up to their parents. Here is another photograph I pulled from Google Images:

The one thing to remember when photographing a family is to have fun and connect with them! If the family is enjoying themselves then you will certainly be able to get some awesome photos using those unique angles!

At some point we all aspire to travel somewhere. Whether it’s a place as bold as Rome, Paris or Australia or maybe closer to home like Philly or Ocean City, Maryland. It will be the people, the food and the scenery that draws us in. There are two places I dream to visit in this lifetime. One lies across The world and the other only a few states away. For this post I will explain to you why as a photographer these places mean so much to me and hold a special place in my heart.

Growing up, my family took a trip every year down to the beaches in North Carolina. Of course this trip was very special because it only came once a year. The beach homes in North Carolina are all gorgeous and unique in their own way. Charleston is a historic town that lies on the coast of South Carolina just below North Carolina. My visitations as a child to North Carolina have definitely influenced me to visit South Carolina, but that’s not the only reason. The homes and the mentality of the people are like no other, plus the scenery is breathtaking. Most of the Nicholas Sparks stories are filmed in the towns of South Carolina, one being Charleston. Nicholas Sparks is a romantic novelist for those who aren’t familiar with him. His highest ranked film of all time, The Notebook, was filmed in Charleston on two incredible estates. The unique town setting looks like such a fun and carefree environment. The homes that line the water are painted the most beautiful colors and almost every property has a palm tree. There is a particular home that just went up for sale in Charleston and it’s actually the oldest home in the entire town. I hope to make it down there one day and photograph that home along with the beautiful land that surrounds the town.

Growing up in Philly and basically living at my grandmother’s on the weekends, I was lucky enough to enjoy some of the greatest meals ever, but I’m not just talking the classic Philly cheesesteak. My grandmother was from Germany and anything she made was so incredible you’d be crazy to turn down seconds. She lived in a very big, very old home on the biggest property. At least it was big to me, I was just a kid. My favorite part about her yard was her raspberry bushes and the grape vines she grew for a few years during my childhood. It made me feel like I was somewhere special every time I visited. My grandmother was always reading magazines about Italy and it’s culture. She ripped out pages from those magazines and would paste them all over her kitchen wall. I still remember a photograph from a magazine page she had cut out and put on display. It was a picture of Tuscany, a region in western Italy. Tuscany is a very rustic, beautiful place. It is very well known for it’s land, historic buildings, incredible food, and of course, wine! I know if I ever visited this place it would really hit close to home. My photography over there would forever mean the world to me, as well as the memories of just being there.

I believe that photography is one of the best ways to hold onto the memories we cherish the most. There is always a reason for why we travel to the places we do. It could be as simple as googling cheap vacations, or planning a trip that holds a special place in our hearts. For whatever reason it may be, there are always memories to be made and we have the chance to hold onto these through the easy snap of one picture.