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Author: Hamish McLaren

Avery Arjang
Avery Arjang Shares the Complete Guide to Wedding Photography

Avery Arjang Shares the Complete Guide to Wedding Photography

Avery Arjang
A wedding day is one of the most important days to a couple. Avery Arjang knows that making sure this day’s remembered is important. Photography is crucial to this day. He takes all the things that he has learned over the years and applied them here. Now he gives you this great complete guide to wedding photography. Here you can find all the tips and pointers needed to create great photos for that special day.

A List to Go By

One thing that is important is to go into this knowing what’s expected of you. What does the couple want from you and what type of images are they looking for. Find out ahead of time what this could be. Have the couple sit down and create a list of photos they would like you to take. Then as the day progresses you can check each of those requirements off the list. This will ensure that the couple is happy. A happy couple means referrals and more business.

Know Your Surroundings

Be aware of the location before the day of the wedding. This is extremely important. You want to make sure you include the beach shots if it is a beach wedding. Also, remember the lighting and how it changes during the day. Different lighting means that you will have to be creative to create those great shots. Work with it.

Plan Ahead

It is important above all else to be prepared. Have everything you may need for the day including extra batteries and films as well. It also includes being prepared for those things that could happen. Such as, be aware of the weather and how it could change. A sunny day can turn cloudy in a blink of an eye. Use the lighting to create the best pictures possible. Make sure to get a copy of the wedding itinerary so that you aren’t surprised by anything. Being prepared can make things go a lot smoother in the end.

Sounds are not Appealing

Make sure to turn the sound completely off on the camera. There are certain times during a wedding that the occasional beep or flash of a camera is not always appropriate. During speeches and vows are the most important parts of the day. Don’t ruin it with the sounds coming from your camera.

Remember the Small Things

There are certain aspects of a wedding that some may forget. These are little details that are very important to the couple. Take photos of the tables during the reception when nobody is around. Menus and flowers are great shots. Remember to take photos of the rings and the back of dresses too for great details to capture.

One is Not Enough

Make sure to bring more than one camera. Set both of the cameras up with different lenses. This will give different dimensions and photos for the same image. This will give you the best photo you can get the image and give you a lot more to choose from. The different angles and dimensions are great to collaborate together.

Getting the Shot

It is alright to be a little bold when looking for that perfect shot. Make sure you aren’t being pushy or inconsiderate of other viewers. They want to see the couple at those perfect times as well. Make sure to set yourself up for the perfect place for certain shots. Some of these include the wedding cake and first dance. Make sure to be in the right spot but don’t ruin the moment created for the ceremony.

Take RAW Shots

Taking photos in the RAW gives photographers the ability to manipulate images. This way they can create them to look like what they want them to look like. It is not a type of image that’s taken a lot. A wedding is one of those times however when using this type of shot could be very rewarding.

Mistakes are Alright

Don’t delete any images during the day. It is hard to resist the urge to erase those photos that you don’t think are the greatest. There may be something hidden there though. Don’t delete until you have time to sit down and go through each shot. Also, remember that through cropping and manipulation an image becomes something else. You can create great images from mistakes taken throughout the day.

Enjoy Yourself

Make sure to remember that you are doing what you love. Have fun with it. Make sure to take photos of the silly things people do at weddings and photos of the children. That is always a crowd pleaser.

Avery Arjang reminds us that photography can be very complex and rewarding at the same time. Remember to take your time and have fun. Follow these tips to have a great experience and create more photos for your portfolio.

Ismail Sirdah
Six Bad Habits That Can Hurt Your Photography Career

Six Bad Habits That Can Hurt Your Photography Career

Ismail Sirdah

Bad habits happen without thinking things through. They are not done on purpose and can be hard to curb. There are ways of stopping yourself from making the same mistakes over and over. There are many habits that photographers like Ismail Sirdah try to stay away from. Here are a few habits that he agrees can kill a photography career before it even starts.

Bright shots

Detail become distorted if photographed in direct daylight. It’s something needed prior due to the brightness that photographers tried to capture. It helped to brighten the photograph up more. But, photographers have found that with the brightness also comes obscurity. Many details that were within the photograph become distorted or completely disappear. This is due to the brightness of the daylight. Photographs become brighter without distorting the photograph completely with direct daylight. This picture of Ismail Sirdah shows how you can use light to contrast a portrait and make it special. No direct daylight is being used at the time of this photograph.

Backgrounds matter

Make sure that you look at all aspects of the picture. There could be something in the background that will offset the picture completely. If it doesn’t fit then don’t take the picture. It’s as simple as that. Some things that can completely ruin a photograph are utility poles and lines. Objects like these are in bad photographs many times. Use blurring to make the background look further in the distance too.

Be different

Everyone can take a picture of a statue or building. It is how they do it that can make a photographer stand out from the rest. Try taking the photo from a different angle or use a different lens. It is the perspective that will make your photograph stand out. Be different not boring.

Be at the correct level

Not everyone is the same height. We know this. It is important to be at the correct eye level for your photographs. If the person is shorter than you or if you are photographing a child then get down to their level. It will not only make the picture must better but it will make it much easier to take the photos as well. When shooting downward you add an ugly shot of the ground or grass underneath your subject. It is much nicer to look up or straightforward for a photograph.

The correct usage of black and white photography

Black and white photography is often looked at as being something of the past. But it can be exciting and great to use in today’s age too. Many photographs that can make a bigger statement by contrasting to black and white. There are many places to learn about black and white photography. One mistake is deciding on the wrong photo to change to black and white. It is never good to change a photo with blurred images to black and white. This will make the photograph warped and faded. Blurred black and white photographs point to a photographers inexperience. It could also mean that it is time to upgrade equipment.

Distorted with watermarks

So we all know and understand that theft is real in the world. This includes everything. Yes. That means photography too. Many photographers put huge watermarks over their work. The problem with that is it takes away from the beauty of the photo. People no longer want to see your work because the only thing they can see is this watermark. It stretches across the photograph saying you don’t want anyone to take your work. I get the concept. You are trying to protect yourself and your work. The thing is that thieves can find a way around that thing you put on the front of your photograph. There are many software programs out there today that can help them erase it. So, in the end, you have not only been a victim of theft but you have ruined your photographs for nothing as well.

There are plenty of other habits that all photographers should try to break as soon as they can. There are also plenty of other common bad habits like not having charged batteries. Also, make sure to have gear prepared and ready for those spontaneous shots as well. Make sure you take the time you need for each shot and give it your best no matter what. Avoid these bad habits and take your time and you will be on your way to the next best shot.

Google’s App Experiments Push the Limits for Photography With AI

Google’s App Experiments Push the Limits for Photography With AI

Google has coined a new phrase with their new trio of photo apps. The series is called appsperiments, and is intended for dubbed photography. Some of these apps can be found either in Google Play or the App Store. This is how Google has decided to test some of their experimental features so they can see the response of the users. The announcement was explained by Google on the Google Research blog.

The Development of Googles Photo Apps

The three apps were created using several of the technologies Google currently has under development. According to Google, the focus of the apps is on technology for efficient image decoding and encoding, stylization algorithms, person segmentation and object recognition. Google is calling the three new apps Storyboard, Scrubbies, and Selfissimo!.

Storyboard

The first Google app is called Storyboard, and it takes the videos the user has stored on their devices and turns them into single-page comic layouts. Once AI had launched, the popularity of turning photographs into art inspired images dramatically increased. There is an app called Prisma, powered by artificial intelligence, and created for this reason. The focus of the company that designed Prisma has changed to b2b. Despite this, the app is still holding a ranking in the App Store’s Photo & Video category in the top 150. Since the original release, the interest in creative photography has begun to decrease. It is possible creative photography will increase in popularity again once people realize they can turn it into videos.

The Features of Storyboard

Storyboard is a more modern version of the original apps created for the effects of art inspired photos. One of the biggest difference is instead of turning the photograph into comic style art, the app selects a frame. The frame is automatically selected using a video, and they are laid out in six different types of visual styles. At this time, Storyboard can only be used with Android phones.

Selfissimo!

The second app is called Selfissimo!, and as implied by the name, it was created for selfies. In the case of Selfissimo!, the app is fully automated to enable the photographer to snap a black and white image every time the person strikes a new pose. A new photograph is automatically taken every time the individual stops moving. The idea is the individual ends up with a contact sheet of photographs. This is very similar to what is achieved with a real photoshoot. Although the app sounds like it may become popular, many people are going to want to see the photos in full color. Google has created this app for both Android and iOS.

Scrubbies

The web development used for Scrubbies was designed especially for video. This app enables the user to change the direction and speed of the video playback. This gives the person the ability to create a looping video. This is different than most of the looping apps including Boomerang on Instagram. With Scrubbies, its all hands-on for the user. The person gets to remix the video by actually swiping it. According to Googles description, the process resembles the scratching done by a D.J. Only one finger is needed to play the video, and then save and share playback feature is captured with two fingers. Scrubbies can only be used by iOS.

Googles Experimental Photography Apps

Many people are not aware Google has launched apps for experimental photography in the past. Motion Stills was developed by the researchers at Google to take some of the shakiness out of iOS’s Live Videos. They then developed a variation of the same app so Android users could experience recording new shareable clips. Once the initial testing had been completed, Google baked in the same technology for Live Photo editing. This was placed directly on Google Photos main app.

With the new technology available through AI, it is possible if Googles latest app experiments are successful they will appear in Google Photos. There has been a lot of hinting by Google that these three apps are only the beginning. Google is currently conducting a lot of testing, and these apps are expected to be just the first installment. Google has already admitted they are planning an entire series of appsperiments, and the results may be out of this world.

About The Author

David Lubbat is focusing on many of the same technologies as Google. He is also a traveling food blogger and political opinion writer living in New York City.

Noelle Neff’s Beginner Photography Tips and Guidelines

Noelle Neff’s Beginner Photography Tips and Guidelines

Embracing photography comes with a lot of thrill and zeal to explore, but few are made to understand how to pursue the specialty to become professional photographers. Many aspiring photographers quite because they lack the good organization that is needed to offer them an ample opportunity to make their dream a reality. If you are among those starting out on photography, you need to first understand the basics of the industry before you can delve into professional photography. Here are guidelines to assist you pursue the process seamlessly to become a professional photographer.

Don’t get stressed to acquire the most expensive equipment
It is the dream of every photographer to have all the equipment needed to make their photography a success, but this is not necessarily the only path you should rely on to nurture your career. You don’t need to stress over buying the most expensive equipment as you can start with DIY photography options that will complement your needs while pursuing photography. Surfing through the internet for explanatory videos will be a good way to start your career by first acquiring vital information about the basics of photography that you must embrace to succeed.

Have your camera all the time
One way to ensure you practice filming different scenes is carrying your camera with you most of the times. In different cases, amazing events happen unexpectedly and when you have a camera at such times it becomes a pleasurable moment to experiment with your skills to know how good you are at doing random pictures. Good opportunities come when you least expect, so have your tools around to ensure when such moments show up you swiftly swing to action to enjoy your skills in photography. The more you do it the highly likely you will be perfecting your skills.

Embrace free learning resources
Like Noelle Neff suggests, learning might be expensive for a beginner who is not funded well, so if you lack the funds to enroll for a course, it is advisable to take advantage of the many free resources available online. Some of the platforms that offer you good resources for learning include GIMP and Flickr, which have been free all along. Take several minutes every day to read the information provide on these platforms, and if possible get your camera and try some of the shots explained to see if you can replicate what the experts suggest.

Do photos regularly
Definitely, the only way to gain experience is by taking photos regularly and ensuring that you hone your skills at photography. The more you are able to do it you will sharpen your skills and end up as an expert in photography. Take the time to practice regularly because sitting without doing it might be trigger you to forget all what you have learned already. One of the best ways to do it is by following the weekly DPS forum assignments and comparing with what others on the platform have achieved. You can easily gauge your success with this simple process.

Also be willing to experiment with new ideas as this will help you to discover things you have never tried before. You might also end up producing something you love and admire, so to become a perfect photographer you need to constantly maintain the habit of practicing and looking for new tricks to apply.

Nationwide Debt Direct
Nationwide Debt Direct: How to Not Go Into Debt For Your Photography

Nationwide Debt Direct: How to Not Go Into Debt For Your Photography

Nationwide Debt Direct

No one wants to have a debt. This is because debts can be awfully troubling. Debts can reduce your level of creativity. Studies show that people with debts are twice likely to lose their cool compared to debt free people. Which means you can be erratic. When your photography business is in debt, you are in debt. You must do everything in your power to get out of it.

A photography business is a people-centered service. You need referrals, networks and more people appreciating your work. To achieve this, you require time and an effective marketing system. Trying to spend more or buying more items can be counterproductive. In this article, we look at how not to go into debt. To do that, try to follow this guide.

Never chase trends

There is no customer who will ask you what camera you use to shoot. Most customers look at your portfolio. If they like it, they will hire you to shoot them. It really doesn’t matter if you have the latest Leica or you simply have a $700 camera, what matters is if you have a decent portfolio.

Never chase new trends in the photography market if they will make a significant dent in your finances. Most people fall trap of trendy cameras. Though the camera gives you a boost for some time, hedonistic adaptation soon kicks in before you even recover your money.

Spend prudently on new items and work within your capability. At any level, notice there are customers. At your level, there are customers. When you grow to the next level, there are customers too.

Track your dollars

You can find spreadsheets online or even software programs that can help you track your finances. Use a simple spreadsheet. No need to buy a software. In that spreadsheet, make sure there are columns for customers, products, profits, costs, taxes, revenues, and savings. You may add more columns on demand.

Tracking your dollars gives you a clear picture of your finances. If you don’t track your finances, a client may pay $2000 and you feel like you have a windfall and be tempted to take a small vacation. If you break down the money, you might notice that the costs take 40% of the money. Remember you must restock if you have used your supplies. Tracking will make you a better spender.

Practice second thought and alternative thoughts especially on travel

Has a client ever asked you where you took a photograph and once you told him or her he is shocked? If yes, it means you have known to work within your available resources. Appreciate the resources you have. You don’t have to scale the Rockies to get inspiration. You can work in your immediate environment.

It is tempting to break your bank occasionally to go to exotic locations, but be careful. Overspending on travel or on some items can leave you scrabbling for loans. Nationwide Debt Reduction Services advices small businesses to operate within their budget. They argue that no amount of loan is ever enough for a startup if it cannot learn to exercise second thought.

Spend your money and resources learning new things

If you learn more things, it makes it easier for you to do things. For example, spending on a management seminar or class can give you plenty of insights on how to run a business. It can also help you network. Further, a class in bookkeeping can save you a small fortune that you would have otherwise spent on a tax expert.

Learn how to do online marketing, learn new tricks in the business, follow inspirational role models and keep tabs with their secrets. Remember that, photography is an experience. Always learn one thing or another and you will save a lot. It will help you cut on costly mistakes that you would otherwise make if you did not learn.

 

5 Everyday Photography Ideas

5 Everyday Photography Ideas

Rocco Basile, an expert photographer and a wonderful gentleman to get to know, offers you a bit of his very best advice in regards to simple, everyday ideas that you can incorporate into your photography – ones which can make a world of difference.

Five Basic Photography Ideas to Get You Started in the Right Direction – Let’s Get Those Creative Juices Flowing, Shall We?

1. Have You Considered H20?

No, seriously, water drop art is the concept here. It’s simple. It’s uniquely elegant. It offers a classy stroke and a beautiful finishing touch. Water-diluted paint does not stain fabrics or materials easily either, which is always an added benefit for a novice painter.

2. Indoor Splash Shots, Anyone?

A remote flash gun and a clear-sided container all that’s required here – as well as a creative mind, of course. Get that imagination to do the best work for you, and you can consider this project wrapped. Drop an object in water, and capture the moment with the best in shutter speed technology. Use your manual focus.

3. Art That Smokes

This one is often called smoking art, and that’s because still-life photographers love to use smoke trails for the elegant simplicity and natural beauty that they offer as those dark trails rise to the sky. Slow Capture is often a great tool for pinning these shots as is creating Photoshop-projected shapes to add to the visual appeal and make the final cut more enticing. Begin by practicing through taking numerous photos of smoke art at different angles, settings and in varied locations. Warp Transform settings are also available on many cameras to guide the final shape.

4. How About We Cross Polarize It Instead?

Polarized light is particularly useful in positively enhancing the appearance of numerous plastic objects or materials in a similar way to the Greenhouse Effect. Polarizing filters are included in most computer screens, iPhones and iPads as well, taking the work out of the process. You simply need to apply the filter and leave the device in a still position, or you may even manually time it yourself: It’s truly that simple, and there’s no hidden catch. You don’t even need to be a good capturer as the synchronization is not as big an issue here.

5. Landscapes with Food? Genius – Why Did I Never Think of That?

The best part, as well as the least considered, is this: You don’t need to use real food. The best way to engage in this form of project is to buy plastic food replicas or models and use them over and over again to your heart’s content. Fake fruits work especially well as their bright colors attract the camera’s best shots and appeal to the juicy appetite in every viewer. Dollar stores sell these at minimal cost. Shop today.

Other Reference Sources Used with Permission

(Retrieved Online on May 05, 2017)

-http://content.photojojo.com/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/

-http://twistedsifter.com/2014/01/creative-photos-of-everyday-objects-brock-davis/

Matthew David Parker Photography

Matthew David Parker Photography

Matthew David Parker’s brown dog.

Photographer Matthew David Parker, in the following article, shares his favorite tips for taking pictures of dogs. Fun loving creatures that have a tough time sitting still. Lock in your f-stop and settle down for this heartwarming read about photographing man’s best friend.

How to take pictures of dogs can be a fun and productive event. To ensure that you get good pictures of dogs, there are some tips that will not only make taking pictures of dogs enjoyable but will also make it a fun and memorable experience.

One tip that many have used for years is bribery. For examples, check out this photographers contact sheet. To get this process going, give your dog a few small treats. Once he or she knows you have the treats and that they are being given out freely, keep them in your hand and near your camera while you begin to photograph. Looks of expectation and happiness will be the result!

Another tip, from Parker, is to use simple and colorful blankets, toys and backgrounds. These devices make great-looking photos. By using colorful blankets, rugs and toy, you can create a fun way to brighten and lighten up the photo and will also make your puppy or dog look more engaging and cute. There is also a tip that will bring a smile to your dog and it is an easy and simple thing to do. Take your dog for a quick run around the backyard or living room. Then, bring him or her back to the area where you want to photograph. In most cases, he or she will be panting, looking up at you with a cute and toothy grin. As he gives you this look, take aim and shoot a great picture!

Matthew David Parker on How to Photograph Dogs

Keep in mind; candid photos, photos that you can take when your dog doesn’t know you’re looking, can create cute and engaging photos. There are three ways this can be done; with a sneak attack, zoom or by using a camera extender. The sneak attack is when you take your shoes off and sneak up on your dog. Keep your camera up close to your face so as not to startle him. This is hard to do because dogs have a sharp sense of hearing. For the zoom effect, stand far away from your dog and get a wonderful shot without distracting him or her. The camera-extender is an effective way to get a good shot. The camera extender can be used to peek over fences, around corners and under tables. Priceless photos can come from a camera extender.

To conclude, taking good pictures of dogs can be fun and productive. Try one or more of the above tips and take some memorable photos!

Roundup: What is the best photography tip that you’ve received?

Roundup: What is the best photography tip that you’ve received?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 bloggers weighed in on the best photography tip they’ve received and why. There are so many great tips listed here for beginners to advanced photographers.

Just take one photo! I used to obsess over getting a shot right (ok and sometimes still do), but another blogger taught me that often times, the first photo you take is the best. The other 25 of the same thing just take up space on your phone, camera, etc. Jennifer Wright @stylishlysocial

Create a Sense of Depth – When photographing landscapes it really helps to create a sense of depth, in other words, make the viewer feel like they are there. Use a wide-angle lens for a panoramic view and a small aperture of f/16 or smaller to keep the foreground and background sharp. I do alot of photography for my blogs because one of my blogs is a travel blog. This tip was a huge positive for my photos when traveling. Of course I take pictures of my family and pets. Debbie Champagne @debchampagne1

A photographer friend of mine has given me lots of great tips, but the best one was to use natural light instead of the flash whenever possible. I do, and some of my best pictures come out when taken near a window like she also suggested. Melanie Odette @Smellyann

As a food and DIY blogger, most of my photography focuses on still objects like food ingredients or finished projects. I’m rather impatient by nature, so it took me a long time to take some of the simplest and most basic pieces of advice I’d been given to improve my food and product photography: Use. A. TRIPOD. I finally invested in a really great tripod. It’s about 5 feet tall, has an adjustable arm that I can use to shoot flat-lays overhead, and a quick release camera plate that makes switching from hand-held to tripod shots a breeze. Sometimes I still groan when it comes time to set it up, but the truth is that my tripod actually makes taking great photos a whole lot easier! Mary Helen  @marymakesgood

My favorite photography tip was to always use natural lighting from the early morning or early evening. This has completely changed my photography game! I can now take good quality photos without spending hours editing the lighting or retaking later. Joyce Duboise @JoyceDuboise

Good lighting, good lighting, good lighting. It’s the key to a winning shot. Candice FCMammas

Try to use natural light. They were right – my pics in natural light look so much better! Tina Bassett @LIChevyMetsGrrl

The best camera is the one you have with you – if a cell phone is what you have, that is the best! It’s well and good to use an expensive DLSR but how often do we have that in our back pocket? Athena Nagel @stuffofsuccess

I learned that natural light is the best light. I photograph projects for my blog all the time, and the best pictures are the ones either taken outside or by the windows in my living room. The natural light from the sun makes a photograph look more realistic and genuine. Adrienne Brown @creationsbyab

“Use what you have to the best of it’s ability”. That is the best photography tip I’ve ever read. It’s not so much about the equipment as it is about how you use it, lighting, composition and editing. Use what you have right now, and master it. Take amazing photos despite what you’re using. Joanne Greco @joannegreco

Lighting Bargnhtress  @Bargnhtr

Roundup: What type of camera do you use?

Roundup: What type of camera do you use?

I asked 17 bloggers what camera they use to photograph their subjects. You’ll be surprised what the most common answer was, an iPhone! Take a look at the specific answers below. I guess what we have most available is what we most often use!

I use my iPhone. I always have it with me and the pictures are good enough for what I need to do. Arturo Alvarez Demalde, @arturoalvarezd

I use my iPhone 7 camera. Technology has advanced over time and I feel that these days many smartphone cameras are just as good as a regular camera, but they take up less space. With the right iPhone accessories I believe it is possible to take photos that are just as good as using an expensive camera. I do have a regular camera as well, but I haven’t pulled it out in ages. Victoria Heckstall, @wahmjourney91

Don’t laught, but all I use is the camera in my iPhone 6! Why? Because I always have it with me and it is easy to use. I was a film camera person up until 2011 when my house burned down with my camera in it. I’ve never owned or used a digital camera. I get many, many compliments on my photographs. I excel at nature shots especially, and also architectural and travel pictures. With some judicious filters/editing I am very happy with my pictures! Leslie Sholly, @LeslieSholly

Cannon SX160IS I use this camera because it takes amazing action shots, and is so user friendlly Christy Williams, @crw4bama

While I’d love to have an expensive SLR, I choose to use a bridge camera. The camera I use is the Nikon COOLPIX L820 16 MP Digital Camera with 30x Zoom. It is very affordable and it works great for travel when trying to save space. I can photograph the mountains, the kids, food, etc. It offers many built-in options for indoor/outdoor photography, zooming as well as auto options for those who just want to snap a quick photo. It has a built in microphone that does pretty well when videoing for vlogs. This camera is lightweight and fits inside my “go-bag” so I can always carry it with me. Crystal Martin, @CinnamonHollow

I have a Nokia Lumia 1020 with an amazing 38 MP camera, auto/manual focus, and Xenon flash. It’s what I use for all of my photography, because it’s right on my smartphone so I always have it with me. Besides, you really can’t beat the photo quality! Jamie Knupp, @cluelessmomma

I use a Nikon D5200 but I’m upgrading to a Canon. I really love my Nikon but I’m switching over to the Canon because of the ease of use. It’s a bit more user friendly for the non-photography person such as myself. I want to dig deeper into my food and family photography and feel the Canon will work better for me Debbie Tom, @HBSoulStains

“Well, interestingly enough this one question I get asked rather often – which type of camera do I use? And even though this topic has been touched on so many times, I still get asked this one question a lot.To me it’s just a matter of what works best for someone who just wants a tool to take better pictures of their children and friends without ever having to think about the settings and features. And I’ll admit for someone who loves photography, it is a very good question. Although It’s almost impossible to answer without additional context as it has a number of follow up questions – why do you use the camera? And those are really great questions to ask.

And also questions – what are you planning to photograph? Are you going to invest more into the system? What lenses would you like to own? Are you planning to take up photography professionally? And for a beginner to be able to answer all these questions in return requires a certain amount of research. But the cameras that I use to take pictures with are the DSLR cameras.The reason that I use the DSLR cameras is because they are great cameras to use to take pictures with. And that’s why I will probably continue to use these great cameras for taking pictures.” tracy collins, @tlkool3

Canon EOS Rebel T5 MICHELLE FIGUEROA, @michellemamade4

I shoot with a Nikon D7000 for digital and a Minolta for film. I am a professional photographer that doesn’t spend a fortune on equipment and these cameras suit my needs. Brandy, @stitchblade@gmail

My iPhone 6 Plus or my Samsung Galaxy S6. Why? I’m too broke paying for my cellular plan to save for a real camera. Tina Bassett, @LIChevyMetsGrrl

Samsung NX3300 its lightweight, easy to use, has interchangeable lenses if needed and has wifi capability JoAnna, @_joanna_e

Cannon Rebel T5 Jamela Porter, @reviewsbypink

I use the ipad mostly to save time Cassandra McCann, @star95011

iPhone 6s Melanie Kampman, @giveawaybandit

Nikon d300s though I’d love to upgrade to a d800! Jess Holmes, @WildishJess

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 Digital Camera Kimberly Wright, @KeystrokesByKim

How to Photograph a Mirage

How to Photograph a Mirage

A mirage is one of the most spectacular sights for travelers. Hot air bellows near the ground and produces images for people to see. Many times it will manifest as a pool of water that doesn’t exist. Photography is used to capture images of objects in the area. These water pools may appear in desert or arid locations in the country. But there are other excellent examples of the phenomenon in nature. For example, a mirage of an iceberg may appear on the ocean surface. Use the camera to photograph these examples and get more information on how it works.

Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas...wrong type of Mirage.
Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas…wrong type of Mirage.

It is important to find the mirage itself. Photographers should research the topic before they approach the subject. It could be difficult to find an example of the phenomenon itself. These images may appear on land or out on the water. Reports suggest that ships could appear out on the ocean waves in an area. There are significant challenges when it comes to capturing the image on film. Keep in mind that it is an optical phenomenon and is only rays of sunshine. That could be difficult to locate and harder to capture while taking photographs of the surroundings.

Photograph of a mirage caused by a jet.

Get creative with the project and judge the results. There are rumors that mirage ships appear over the horizon while filming an area. The sun may also reflect off the water, even before it has risen. Photograph the mirage and get more information before selecting these pictures. Use captions and crop techniques to prepare the photo as needed. That will direct attention towards the phenomenon and explain the subject. A mirage is challenging, but well worth the effort it takes to understand. Few other phenomena on Earth will compare to its unique nature. Artists have been drawn in by the subject in the past as well.

Research the topic by looking online or in books. Arturo Alvarez Demalde suggests learning from other photographers. Arturo Alvarez Demalde says, “Whenever I want to learn a new photography skill, I research online. Who are the best photographers? What did they do? I look at lighting, composition, and other parts of the photography to see what I can replicate and learn.” Publications have taken note of the mirage and published photos of their own. They are rare and make scant appearances in these books. The mirage will add character to a vibrant landscape in front of the photographer. It also attracts attention and is a popular topic among nearby people. Expect to be the center of attention whenever the mirage has taken place. An expert should be ready to explain how the mirage forms and what makes it special. That could generate interest for anyone hoping to purchase photographs.

Use high resolution images to take these pictures. That will detail all aspects of the mirage and its surroundings. Care and attention may just explain how the mirage has formed in the past. It still remains one of the more mysterious natural phenomena that appear in nature. Distant objects must be centered within the frame of the photographs. Good technique will be important while taking pictures. But timing will also be critical as the day unfolds. Not every day will a particular mirage appear for people. Look for a chance to photograph the perfect mirage during the day.