Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

Tilt-Shift Tips for Novice Photographers

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Most photographers are informed in the art of taking tilt-shift pictures.There are two options to achieve a professional tilt-shift image: use a 35mm lens when the picture is being taken or utilize an editing tool such as Adobe Photoshop, tiltshiftmaker.com, or an iPhone app to edit accordingly after the image has been captured.

 

Here are 4 tips for tilt-shift photography to help you produce quality work.

 

  1. Take a high-quality photo using the right positioning.

 

Most tilt-shift photographs feature cityscapes or other scenery. For the best results, you need to capture a good picture to start. Take the photo in an aerial view, but do not take it from too high above the focus. By following this tip, the point of interest in the image can be emphasized from the depth of the background. Before capturing the photo, consider the point of interest that will be emphasized with the 35mm lens or where you will edit the picture after capturing.

 

  1. Select a simplistic looking scene so it is easier and cleaner for miniature faking.

 

Miniature faking is a way of making photo looking like a scale model when compared to the real thing.

 

Capturing the perfect tilt-shift image is best done using a simplistic scene. For example, a field scene with a few trees and a house is simpler than an image of bustling Times Square in New York City. Focusing the house would be simpler and more effective than making the people in Times Square that is captured in a photo a point of interest. However, advanced photographers have achieved great success in capturing busy scenes and applying the tilt-shift effect, so this is not to limit you in your creative pursuits.

 

  1. If you are using Photoshop, utilize these tips.

 

Select a point of interest in the scene and apply certain filters for successful miniature faking. Strategically placing the blur gradient and applying then Lens Blur filter will enhance the chosen point of interest. Applying 30% master saturation level is the next step. Finally, utilize the Curves tool to give the photo contrast to complete the miniature faking look.

 

  1. Make sure the photo is at it sharpest with great lighting for an enhanced presentation.

 

This tip is especially important if the photo will be edited in Photoshop or via another editing tool. The scene must be sharp and defined with the best lighting possible so that the point of interest is well emphasized during the miniature faking process. Hence, it is also advised not to take wide shots of scenes.

Top Photography Programs

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There are many exceptional photography programs to research when applying to a school. To give a potential student a starting point for program consideration, four websites were evaluated for their top picks. The following programs are rated on the consulted sites.

 

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Santa Clarita is a private school. The goal of this program is to produce graduates who become artists working in analog and digital photography or video. Social commentary is supported as is involvement in grassroots organizations. Aside from artists, the career paths of graduates have included documentarians, educators, editorial and commercial photographers, journalists, curators, designers, and photographic entrepreneurs.

 

The University of California in Los Angeles is a program that is geared towards using photography to create art. A student’s ability to discuss the history of photography and its narrative potential is stressed while video and installation art are also explored. UCLA is a public university that was ranked first in this category by U.S. News & World Report in 2018.

 

Rhode Island School of Design is an art and design college located in Providence that has been consistently ranked as one of the top schools for art and design in the world. Its approach is to teach how symbols, metaphors, and cultural cues can be incorporated into image making. Creating photography is combined with learning how to interpret photographic images, thereby treating the venue as a craft and a language.

 

The Art Institute of Chicago‘s photography program teaches students to redefine photographic concepts. Technical and conceptual mastery are considered integral to a student’s ability to discuss their work and the work of other photographers. This independent school is located in downtown Chicago and has been rated as the most influential art school by Columbia University’s National Arts Journalism survey.

 

The University of New Mexico was found on all referenced websites, demonstrating its relevance and prominence. This program seeks to cultivate a student’s intellectual and aesthetic growth through visual literacy. Lens-based techniques are incorporated into a student’s acquired skill set. The school is a public university located in Albuquerque.

 

There are several variables to consider when choosing a photography program. Whether the school is private or public, its geographic location, and what type of career a student wants to pursue post graduation are important factors to evaluate. The programs listed in this article are all held in high regard; finding the right fit for a student’s desired qualities in a school just needs to be determined.

What Is The Best Time of Day to Take Pictures?

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The ideal time to take pictures varies for each individual because aesthetic taste differs from person to person. Apart from artistic taste, it also depends on the photographer’s artistic preference and any significance they wish to convey through lighting effects. While cloudy skies may have a melancholic effect on some, cloudy weather may bring back long cherished jocund childhood memories for others. This subjective view can influence both the photographer’s preference and the viewer’s interpretation.

 

An objective view, however, considers the photogenic significance of a particular hour of the day to determine what could be the best time of the day to take pictures. For instance, some believe that “Golden Hour,” which occurs at sunrise or sunset, is better suited to take pictures while others favor “Blue Hour,” which occurs a little after dawn before the sun is fully visible on the horizon.

 

Advocates of Golden Hour consider it best to take pictures in the golden glow of early morning and sunset when the landscapes are suffused with warm radiant colors. Obviously, the radiant sunlight makes it an ideal time to take pictures, but some of its drawbacks make people consider other options. For example, during Golden Hour, light changes swiftly and constantly which often leaves a speculative artistic mind disconcerted. Because of its short duration, the better your time management in Golden Hour, the better the shot.

 

Alternatively, Blue Hour is a favorite with many people when the colors are permeated with extra blue hue. Contrary to the bright colors of the Golden Hour, the light at this hour is relatively softer. As the light from the sun falls indirectly on the subject, this time is best suited to make some natural objects in a landscape striking and others shadowed. If you choose this hour, be assured that this is the best time to capture natural beauty but be warned that its duration is even shorter than the Golden Hour.

 

Shooting pictures during the daytime mostly needs tricky manipulation of daylight and shadows to produce the best photographic effects. Shooting on a cloudy day or in the shadow of a building will let you have even light to capture a perfect shot of your subject’s features. On the contrary, taking pictures in the broad daylight may disappoint you by creating unwanted shadows of prominent features like nose, ears, or even eyes. There are many factors that play into the best time of day for your purposes, so considering all options and making an appropriate choice can help improve your photography!

Photography Editing Tips for the Digital Age

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With smartphones, everyone has a high-quality camera in their pockets these days. Some professional photographers even use cellphones to do their work. However, even with a great camera, not all pictures look great. When it comes to professional photography, the editing process can make a world of difference.

 

Editing Apps

Rather than wait to download photos from your phone, you can edit them on the same device! From the built-in editing app (which has some great capabilities) to the multitude of third-party apps available, photo editing apps can enhance the quality of your pictures. There are limitations to the app programmed on your device, so using multiple apps can benefit you. Whether you want to touch up blemishes, adjust the contrast, or add a filter, apps are a great advanced way to edit your pictures.

 

Layers

Tools like Photoshop and Lightroom are great for editing pictures, but knowing how to use them is part of the challenge. For the best results, it’s important that you recognize the function and benefits of layers. Layers can help you make temporary changes to color, tint, contrast, and more; if you decide you don’t like the effect, it’s easy to simply delete the layer and start over. Using layer masks also enables you to make edits like color swaps to only selected areas of the image. When making multiple small edits and trying new effects, knowing how to use layers can be a lifesaver.

 

Dodge & Burn

When editing your pictures on a device, this is a great technique for adjusting the lighting to your own specifications. Based on darkroom methods, dodging and burning aids in making the subject of your picture stand out. Using this method can help even out skin tones, create a sense of depth, and balance out contrast.

 

Consistency

By using the same program(s) to edit all your pictures, you can create a standard for yourself and your customers. However, if you want to really establish yourself, consistency is key. What this means depends on the photographer. Maybe you want all your images to have a similar palette or the same temperate. It’s also important that you ensure consistency across your subjects. If you are photographing the same individual or setting multiple times, you should strive to edit them in a similar fashion; if the shade of your subject’s skin or the hue of your focal scenery varies too greatly without artistic purpose across pictures, this could reflect poorly on your editing skills.

 

Editing your pictures is much easier with the aid of digital tools, and you should learn how to best utilize them to get the best pictures for your portfolio and clientele.

Improving Your Travel Photography

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One of the best aspects of traveling is the moments you are able to capture through your photos. These memories are ones you can keep with you forever, so it is important that you are aware of the basic skills to ensure that you are getting high qualities photos. So, here are some simple tips that will help you get the most out of your travel photography and capture every single moment as they come.

 

Focus On Faces

This tip might seem a bit obvious, but it is still important to note. Whether you are looking to capture wildlife or people, you want to focus your lens on the face of your most important subject. Most people are naturally drawn to the eyes, so that is probably where you will want to focus.

 

Learn The Lingo

One great tip will be to take some time during your travels to learn some of the basic language skills pertinent to your location. Knowing how to say simple phrases like “hello, excuse me, please, thank you, sorry, yes, and no” will go a long way even in those countries where English is spoken in the tourist areas. This basic knowledge of the language can even make a difference in regards to the access you might receive and the things you can see. Language can open the doors to things that would otherwise be closed to the average tourist.

 

Hire A Translator Or Guide

Sometimes, getting access to the everyday lives of people is challenging if you do know any of the locals, especially if it is your first time at that location. So, you might want to consider hiring a guide or a translator who can communicate with the locals on a deeper level that goes beyond knowing basic phrases. This guide can help you make great friends and introduce you to unique people and places where you can catch some of your more memorable moments.

 

Shoot Fast

When taking photos in fascinating cultural settings, you will need a completely different mindset than if you are shooting landscapes. You will want to think less about the image quality and more about capturing the moment. You can be ready by relying on your autofocus and fast shutter speeds which will freeze the action. Handheld devices will be the way to go here because you will not have the time to fiddle around with a tripod.

Common Long Exposure Photography Mistakes To Avoid

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Over the last few years, long exposures have become a popular form of photography, and with the right tools along with a proper understanding of the techniques, you can create incredibly surreal and dreamlike portrait and landscape images. These images take time and preparation to capture, and the last thing you want is for something to go wrong that you could have easily avoided. So, with that said, here are some of the most common long exposure photography mistakes and how you can avoid them.

 

Not Properly Locking Down Tripod Legs

One of the simplest things that often gets overlooked is your tripod or mounting system. When shooting on tripods, typically, we do not think about how stable the legs are or whether we have locked everything tightly down. When it comes to long exposure photography shooting images for several seconds to minutes long, someone simply walking by can be enough to shift the tripod and ruin your image. Make sure you are using a sturdy tripod and ensure that every point of adjustment is locked down as tight as possible to avoid image shake. Some tripods might even come with hooks are a mounting system on their center column which would allow you to attach a sandbag and add some weight and stability to your system.

 

Leaving The Viewfinder Open

When dealing with photographs that take 30+ seconds, your viewfinder can be one of the easiest things to forget. Leaving the viewfinder open can lead to light leaks and often leave strange colored blobs in your shot. Make sure to cover your viewfinder to avoid the light leaking in from there. Some cameras will have a switch built in to close it up, but if not, place some black gaff tape or any other handy materials over the camera back.

 

Not Using Mirror Lock

When you are using a DSLR and looking through a viewfinder, what you are doing is looking into a mirror which is looking into another mirror over your camera’s sensor. So, when you take a picture, the mirror flips up, and shutter activates to take the shot, after which the mirror flips back down. This might not seem like a big deal, but when it comes to shooting long exposures, this can create some shake to the image. So, if you want to avoid this issue, set your camera, assuming it has this feature, to “M-Up” and then get ready for the two-step process for the shot.

Now, once you line up the shot, you can click the shutter release button which will lift the mirror and then you will need to click the button again to activate the shutter to take the shot. Another option is to enable “Live-View” mode if your camera supports it which will shoot your images with the mirror already lifted. For those with a mirrorless camera such as the Sony A7/A9 series of Fuji can ignore this mistake avoidance step.

10 of the Latest Photography Gadgets

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The latest innovations in photography showcase gadgets that span a wide range of useful applications, which includes both complex and simple functionality.

1. Datacolor SpyderCube

This handy addition to any photographer’s kit works by being the single point of reference for light balance within the frame of any shot, which saves post-processing steps later.

2. Tinxi Hot Shoe Two Axis Bubble Spirit Level

Rather than eye-balling whether or not a picture’s frame aligns with the chosen horizon, photographers can instantly see when their camera’s position is level for the perfect shot the first time.

3. Joby GorillaPod Hybrid Tripod for Compact System Cameras with Integrated Ballhead

Shoots that require creative angles in hard-to-reach places, the bendable and jointed legs on this tripod can give a photographer a lot of flexibility in pursuit of the perfect shot.

4. Rogue FlashBender 2 Portable Lighting Kit

With so many modification options for flashgun attachments in this kit, photographers can experiment and play with lighting effects in countless new and interesting ways.

5. Hahnel UniPal Extra

Camera accessories that serve dual-purposes like this are a photographer’s best friend, especially when it charges a battery and operates as a power bank, too.

6. Lastolite by Manfrotto Joe Mcnally Ezybox Speed-lite 2 Plus

The portable versatility of this miniature softbox, which can be used as an attachment or as a standalone, opens up the possibilities for portrait photographers who work outside of a studio.

7. Lensbaby Spark

The build on this lens lets the photographer quickly and easily choose the angle of their soft-focus shot without having to adjust minute details each time they shift the perspective.

8. Rode VideoMic Pro R

While a built-in microphone comes standard with many DSLR cameras, serious professionals know that a mounted and shockproof mic like this is the only way to get the best quality audio possible.

9. NG Mediterranean Camera Tote Bag

A tote that doesn’t advertise it carries a bunch of expensive camera equipment is the photographer’s best friend while they’re on location for shoots in busy areas or traveling with a compact kit.

10. Transcend 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive

Modern storage options need to maximize their internal space and minimize their external vulnerability, which makes this a great choice for photographers who need a durable and expansive hard drive.

Social Media Sites You Should Use If You’re a Photographer

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With social media increasing online presence and engagement, photographers are able to use social media platforms to build out portfolios, interact with clients and other photographers, and engage with the industry in ways they have previously been unable to. If you’re a photographer, using social media can be a valuable way to extend your brand and find new opportunities for you. Here are some social media sites you should use if you’re a photographer.

 

Instagram

While it may seem an obvious platform, Instagram boasts an influential reputation as a hub for all things photography. As a social media platform, it is formatted to focus on photographs, and users have the ability to like and comment on posts. As a result, Instagram proves useful for branding, as well as networking. Photographers can also link to personal websites on their profiles.

 

Facebook

Perhaps one of the largest social networking sites, Facebook has the potential to reach a global audience. In addition to posting pictures on personal accounts, photographers can also make photography-specific pages to highlight their craft and offer their services. Facebook offers a wide-reaching platform for photographers looking to establish their reputation.

 

Behance

Providing a streamlined and easily navigated site, Behance is an ideal platform to develop a portfolio and begin branding. With a creative community, as well as additional resources—such as job listings, apps, and featured works—Behance offers both exposure and opportunities.

 

Pinterest

Providing organization and simple searching options, Pinterest proves a prominent platform for visual media. With options for business back-linking and the potential to reach wide audiences, Pinterest can provide photographers with a prime platform for branding and gaining exposure.

 

Tumblr

Providing creative freedom, Tumblr provides photographers the opportunity to post their work on an aesthetically streamlined platform. As users have the ability to repost and comment, Tumblr encompasses branding, exposure, networking, and more.

 

500px

500px is the ideal platform for photographers who want to immerse themselves in the photography community. The platform displays works from photographers worldwide, allowing ultimate community exposure and engagement. As a result of this, users are able to connect with photographers and build valuable networks within the industry.

 

Freelancer

For beginning photographers looking to establish a portfolio, Freelancer provides a platform for beginners to access projects. Photographers can use the platform to find jobs to gain experience, build out their portfolio, and establish a presence for themselves. It is also a way for photographers to begin making money off of their services.

 

As social media continues to aid online engagement, photographers can utilize platforms to build out their brand and network. Though there are many options to sift through, beginning with these in mind will help increase your online presence and opportunities as a photographer.

5 Tips for Photographing Nature

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Capture Movement

 

A great way to create a stunning photograph of nature is to capture it at its most dynamic. Whether this is thinking about the way trees sway in the wind, or a river flows around a conglomeration of rocks, capturing motion will help you take an interesting and compelling photograph.

 

To do this you will likely need to look at a longer shutter speed to make sure the photograph comes out as high quality as possible.

 

Maximize the Depth of the Shot

 

It is important for a good photograph to ensure that you are capturing depth so that the photograph doesn’t appear to be flattened or one-dimensional.  By positioning the camera in a way that captures the depth of a scene you will be able to manipulate the composition of the picture and encompass many different planes and elements.

 

This will also allow you to incorporate many more colors, textures, and intensities of lighting into your photograph. It will make it a far more interesting composition, carrying the eye of the viewer along varying levels and plains.

 

Set Up a Tripod

 

You’ll need to use a longer shutter speed in order to capture the depth and motion of a landscape, and to maximize this you will also need to set up a tripod. This will ensure that the camera remains completely still, yet you can still adjust it and capture the shot that you would like.

 

Capture Different Types of Lighting

 

The lighting of a scene can make or break a shot. However, it is also entirely unreliable in that it flexes constantly in response to the time of day, geography, and weather. Do not be afraid to take photographs even when the lighting does not look optimal, as they might turn out even more striking.

 

It is hard to predict the effect that the lighting will have on a picture, so do not be afraid to experiment and capture a location at a range of times in a range of forecasts.

 

Change your Point of View

 

Don’t let yourself get bound by one point of view or focal point. Of course, when you are thinking about photographing a place, you will have that one perfect picture in mind. However, by experimenting with different positions, angles, and points of view you may come out with an unexpectedly stunning photograph. The key to a fantastic picture, even more so than the technique and equipment, is being willing to experiment and surprise yourself.

Tips for Photographing a Wedding

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For professional and amateur photographers alike, working at a wedding can be both a learning and enjoyable experience. Not only is it a chance to showcase your photography skills and get creative with new shots, it’s also a great way to build up your clientele and gain new business. The following are tips for getting the best possible shots on your clients’ most important day of their lives.

 

Meet with your client beforehand

Most weddings require weeks or months of planning and can be stressful for both the photographer and the two getting married, but it doesn’t need to be. When you meet your clients for the first time, it’s a good idea to bring along a few ideas, whether or not they’d like you to use props, and ask questions about the venue. Some couples choose to take photos with their car or will request that a classic car be sent to the venue. Knowing this beforehand will allow you to plan out creative shots prior to that day.

 

Once your clients decide to go with you for their wedding, make sure you draft a contract for them to sign. Unfortunately, couples don’t always make it to their actual wedding day, and the contract will give you peace of mind when it comes to receiving payment.

 

Ask what shots they like

Nowadays everyone is on Pinterest, and couples will probably have a good idea of what shots they’d like to see taken during their wedding. Coordinating their shot ideas and mixing some of your own will only help guide you through the day with a bit of ease. It’s a good idea to give them a form they can fill out with the different shots they’d like to see after you’ve had a chance to develop them. Shots like the kiss after the vows and photos of them cutting the cake are ones that go without saying, but for the more creative pictures, it’s a great idea to have a list so they don’t spring them on you the day of the wedding.

 

Meet the Maid of Honor and/or Best Man

The ones that get this honor in the wedding are oftentimes either relatives or close friends that have known the couple for a long time. The couple will more than likely be quite overwhelmed the day of, and these two people can be invaluable in helping corral people that need to get their pictures taken into the room with you.

 

Go to the rehearsal

Make it a point to attend the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. This allows you to really plan out your day the night before. Make sure the lighting is how you need it to be, you have space for your gear, and you have a safe place for your equipment on that day.