Author Archive
How to Take Better Pictures-Part Two
Posted by: | Comments#2 Look Behind Your Subject
Many times we notice after the fact that we have a tree trunk, pole, or some other line intersecting the head of our subject. Take a moment to look past your subject and see what may become a distraction. You may have to move around a bit to find a more pleasing angle.
If timing is critical, grab your shot regardless of the background first. Then with the luxury of time back on your side, reposition yourself to eliminate those unwanted lines. With children and pets, you may not get another chance to get exactly what you want so get the image now.
With this photo of George, I think it is pretty obvious that the pole is distracting. It just so happens that this was my favorite picture of George that I captured during the entire time I was dog sitting him. That expression and angle just did not happen again, so I am glad I took this anyway. Now if I had just had a reflector to fill those dark eyes in! But that is another class.
The excuse of “I’ll just fix that later in Photoshop” is for amateurs and reflects sloppy work. Fixing files also takes time and time is money. Photoshop is a great tool to assist you with challenges in images, but it is not an excuse not to do things right in the first place.
This is part one of an eight part series from an article called “Everyday Images Made Extraordinary” that I wrote for www.BarbGordonPhotoCoach.com a division of Gordon Photography & Gallery dedicated to mentoring other professional photographers who wish to learn more about the business of photography.
Custom Art Print for Wall Decor
Posted by: | CommentsFun Photo Friday
This was a treat to create for a special family. The nine “Ways to Be” by Gordon Hinckley inspired this art piece. I sized it to a 20×20 canvas gallery wrap and used colors to tie in with the family portraits we did.
And it turned out so artful, rich, and elegant looking.
I can change the colors to coordinate with any decor. So if you would like these positive “be-attitudes” in your home, please give me a call!
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Pirate Boy
Posted by: | CommentsFun Photo Friday
A pirate party was the theme for this four year old’s birthday party. A perfect way to document his favorite things at this age.
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How to Take Better Pictures-Part one
Posted by: | CommentsGet Closer-Get Lower-Get Higher
Most people I observe stand too far away from the subject they are photographing. I am sure that is because they do not want to call attention to themselves; they want to snap a fast picture and not be noticed or be in the way. But I say, “Get closer to your subject!”
Taking a moment to get closer and not have so much distracting background improves an image greatly. Cropping in post production later is okay to a point, but I am for doing it right the first time in the camera. Over cropping degrades the image quality by only using a small part of the file.
Speaking of getting right in there, I was in Las Vegas and found a crowd of people watching and taking pictures of three living statues. These beautiful girls were clothed and painted in one color and looked like real statues only they moved just a little bit just once in a while. Similar to the English guard, they will not even move to accept a tip or compliment. I carefully worked myself into the center of the crowd and took a photograph…well, okay, lots of photographs. After a few minutes I realized that the crowd had opened up for me, and I had all the elbow room I wanted.
Try not shooting everything at your standing level. Add interest to your images by getting lower and shoot at kid level. I squat, kneel, and lay on my stomach (all of which is getting harder at 40 something!). As shown in the example on the left, I often get on a ladder and shoot down on someone by two feet or more. Lay someone on the ground and shoot almost straight down on them. That is fun, too!
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This is part one of an eight part series from an article called “Everyday Images Made Extraordinary” that I wrote for www.BarbGordonPhotoCoach.com a division of Gordon Photography & Gallery dedicated to mentoring other professional photographers who wish to learn more about the business of photography.
Her name is Rio
Posted by: | CommentsFun Photo Friday
If you are a Duran Duran fan from the 80′s you know the rest of the song. Ever since a friend of mine sung that, it has been stuck in my head. Anyway…Rio is the barn name for my new seven year old, sorrel, quarter horse. Her name is Thuroly Modern Millie but I could not do Millie. She is pretty special and I hope she and Gypsy (the 18 year old quarter horse I have had a year now) get along well.
PS-I did not do a typo on Thuroly. That is her registered spelling!
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Barb Presented Portraits & Stories
Posted by: | Comments
I was a presenter Tuesday, August 24, 2010 for the “Especially for You” After Breast Cancer Support Group’s monthly meeting at the Women’s Center at Mercy Hospital. I was asked to share about the inspirational cancer survivor photo essay project I do called Portraits & Stories.
www.PortraitsAndStories.com was created to inspire, encourage, and support cancer survivors, their families, and their friends through portraits that I create to tell a story about a survivor. The participants also are encouraged to write blog posts to share their experiences with others.
It went rather well for a shy person who does not relish the lime light and public speaking. I didn’t faint or anything! KCRG (a local television station) was also there working on a segment to air in September.
Click here to get more information about this support group at Mercy Hospital.
The Best in High School Senior Portraits
Posted by: | CommentsFun Photo Friday
Boys Rock!
High school senior portrait time is here in full swing. Starting off featuring the boys this week is Jacob. We had a great time and he had awesome images. Narrowing it down to five final images was a challenge. The outdoor session landed during our intense heat wave, but we got it done a few days later.
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Tiny Ballet Dancer
Posted by: | CommentsFun Photo Friday
She was done dancing and became interested in the traffic outside. I just love the story told here. I added an artistic technique to give it a bit of a painterly feel to the image.
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Precious Sights
Posted by: | CommentsFun Photo Friday
“One of life’s most precious sights is that of a newborn baby, expecially when that newborn baby is your own. Despite our exhaustion, my husband and I made it a priority to come in and photograph all four of our children. Photographing our little bundles of joy was the best decision we ever made. No matter how quickly they may grow up, we will always have these pictures to cherish!” Jill