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Tag: Photography
Photography 101: Sports in the Rain
A challenge for all outside photographers: Sports in the rain.
The weather at the end of the year has always been temperamental in my experience of the northern hemisphere. What may start off as a cloudless blue sky can often morph into thick grey clouds unloading a deluge of rain, hail, or even snow. In my time as a sports photographer, I often see other photographers run and take cover during the rain and cover their equipment, while I am out there with my camera and lens facing the precipitation without so much of batting an eyelid. Of course, I know electricity and water do not mix, but surely a camera costing over a grand would withstand more than sunshine? That’s where the weatherproof, waterproof argument comes in.
Personally, I love the challenge of shooting in the rain. The amount of drama that can be captured through the motion of water, not just falling but from the splash effect of mud and puddles. Some of my favourite shots are from unexpectedly rainy days, including my last snapshot post here.
This post covers all the things I wish I knew before I started taking pictures in the rain, as well as some tips and tricks on equipment and settings!
Canon6Dii with 150-600mm Sigma lens 1/800 f/6,0 ISO 2000
What is Weatherproof?
Typically, a weatherproof camera has a number of seals around any points of dust and water incursion, which protect it against rain or splashes of water (rather than dropping it in a body of water). This means that a little fall of rain will rarely cause damage. However, continuous shooting in heavy rain can counteract weatherproofing.
The first thing is to know your gear. Some camera bodies are “weather resistant” and some are not. For example, the Canon 6D is not weatherproof, whereas the Canon 6Dii is. Lenses are also weather resistant so be aware that cheaper lenses may not be!
Be aware that using camera gear that is not weather-resistant can lead to water damage and other complications, such as fungus in the lens. To be sure this does not happen, regardless of your gear, make sure everything is dried out and cleaned thoroughly after the shoot.
Waterproof cameras are designed for total submersion, for people like scuba divers – so not a necessity for a sports photographer who sits out in the rain!
Extra Rain Equipment
Preparation for rainy shoots both expected and unexpected, I have found the best emergency rain gear for my set up is as follows:
Microfibre cloth – This is a game changer. You should have one of these anyway, but especially a life-saver in the rain. After getting rain in all the places, the screen, the viewfinder, and the lens, the best way to avoid smears from wiping the water away is with a quick rub with one of these beauts.
Plastic bag – These can be folded down really small, so great for packing in a corner spot. Plastic bags are waterproof, a cheap alternative to spending out on a designer Gortex camera poncho sleeve. I simply wrap the bag around the body and lens joint when in a pinch to ensure that the seal does not get broken. Be sure to remember that if you are working with horses some may find plastic bags the scariest thing out there so be mindful!
Duct Tape – Attach the bag to the camera in a more heavy-duty fashion. It is also just super handy to have on you encase equipment fails. Looking at you my non-trusty monopod!
A Wide-Brimmed hat – Handy on sunny days and rainy days. Personally, I find a baseball cap does the job for me providing extra cover between the sky and the viewfinder. I’ve encountered other photographers who use fishing hats or outback-style hats to the same degree.
Towel – This one is for you. Inevitably, you will be soaked to some degree. I wear a camera harness inside my main coat. This means when I shoot, the coat is open.
Gloves – Rain is cold. Cold hands are slow. This may be just my thing, but having gloves or some sort of hand protection during the rain can be a game-changer!
Canon6Dii with 70-200mm EOS lens 1/1000 f/4,0 ISO 1000
Sports in the Rain Tips and Tricks
One positive of shooting on consistent rainy days is not having to worry about what the sun is doing. Rainy, overcast days act like a giant soft box in terms of lighting so you don’t have to be rushing through settings to adjust to ever-changing cloud coverage and heady brightness. There are no harsh shadows either, meaning that everywhere your camera points are pretty much even. This works great for photographing people – a natural lightbox with soft shadows -works wonders to bring out the good side!
Want to capture the rain in all its glory? The trick is shutter speed. The higher the shutter speed, the better the rain will look frozen in mid-air for the photo.
Typically, I like to use a minimum shutter speed of 1/800 to capture the “splash” images. However, you do need to remember the exposure triangle, as I have mentioned in previous posts to make sure that the image comes out balanced.
A general overview of my rainy settings during the day are:
ISO limited 2000
f/4.0 – f/6.0
1/800-1/1250One of the biggest challenges to shooting in the rain is the focus. The auto-focus on your camera may jump around as it is picking up the rain between you and the subject. Especially if you are using the `AI-SERVO for capturing sports. Plan on having some out-of-focus images, especially if there is heavy rain – don’t be too critical either!
Keep your lens hood attached! This may seem logical to some, but having the lens hood on will add extra protection to the front element of your lens, meaning less fog and fewer unwanted droplets.
Another simple tip is to shoot out of the wind. What is worse than rain – rain blowing straight into your face and camera lens. If possible, find a spot that has some natural shelter from the wind and rain, or at least the wind!
Canon6Dii with 70-200mm EOS lens 1/1000 f/4,0 ISO 1000
After the Shoot
It may be very tempting to pack up, remove lenses and shove everything into your bag as soon as possible during a rainy shoot, but that is not the best idea. Keep the lens attached to the body, as the seal is still in place.
Probably the most important thing you can do when shooting in the rain is what you do after. If you have the luxury of being able to dry your camera and put it away properly, do it. If not it is best to leave the camera assembled until you have the chance to make sure it is dry.
When you have the chance to attend to your wet camera, if you have not done so already, take the camera apart and give it a full wipe-down. Use the aforementioned microfibre cloth to dry and clean the lens elements. Make sure to fully extend any telephoto lenses if it has a body that grows and shrinks as you zoom in and out to ensure dryness. If you are not sure it is 100% dry, place all your gear on a towel in a dry warm place. Do not place it near a heat source like a fire or a heat vent as these could cause other types of damage to your gear.
Canon6Dii with 150-600mm Sigma lens 1/800 f/6,0 ISO 2000
In my latest shoot, I had the misfortune of it being both rainy, windy, and bright. Meaning that I was constantly scrolling through my shutter and ISO to balance pictures. I did have the luxury of a warm cafe in between classes. Nothing beats warming up in front of a fire with ever-so-needed coffee! This did allow me to make sure all my equipment was still functioning properly. And not getting swamped throughout the day, unlike me. With the rain, setting up for where the best shots took me less time. This probably meant that I did not find the best places either. All being said, I did manage to get some dramatic puddle shots as well as some lovely jumping pictures.
The most important part of shooting in the rain is making sure you are waterproofed too. A good coat, and as I mentioned, a hat and gloves are essential, especially in the colder months. So wrap up warm, grab a coffee to go, and get out there!
Is there anything I missed? Let me know in the comments!
If you want to know more about the settings I use for my photography, have a look at my previous snapshot posts below:
I am currently taking bookings for shoots and competitions local to me. Feel free to get in touch for information!
Equine Photography: Why Colour Matters
In Equine Photography, Colour Matters. In photography we are guided by the three C’s; Contrast, Composition, and colour. For portrait photographers, balancing colour to compliment skin tones is one of the main aspects, so why should equine image editing be any different?
In my last post, we cover a whole range of topics to get the basic ideas of photography. In this post, we delve a little deeper into the specifics. To truly be a master of your niche, you need to have the knowledge, as well as the experience. As a human, I am always learning. As a photographer, I am always developing style and experimenting. All artists need to branch out in order to stay inspired!
In this post:
Image of Cardhu, a bay horse. On the Left we see the original balanced photo taken on a fullframe digital camera. On the Right is the edited image focusing on the golden and red colours of the horse’s coat. Horse Colour Theory
Horse colour genetics are fascinating. We still don’t know everything to do with colour genealogy, but what we do know is already incredible. Let’s go over the basics as that’s all that we really need when it comes to Equine photography.
There are three basic coat colours. Black, Bay and Red (Chestnut). All other coat colours are from dilution genes and pattern genes, which show up in conjunction with the three basic colours. Grey horses hold a dominant trait, meaning that their colour will show through bay or red coats with one dominant gene. Whereas Red, chestnut horses are recessive meaning you need two genes to show this coat colour.
With the basic coat colours, you can get a mix of a horse appearing black with red genes, meaning in summer the horse’s mane and coat will lighten to a russet brown. A chestnut may have a slight black dilution to give them a coffee chestnut or liver chestnut coat colour.
A common dilution gene is the cream gene. The cream dilution in conjunction with the red coat leads to golden colours such as Palomino. Cream and bay create the darker buckskin with blackened points and a dark mane and tail.
Knowing about the basic coat colours and how the dilution genes work can really aid your photo editing and how to make coat colours shine in the most natural way possible.
Find out a more in-depth explanation here!
Red undertones in chestnut horses make editing a breeze. Equine Photography Colour Matters
Understanding the genetic makeup of horse coat colours can really boost your editing skills. Knowing what undertones the coats carry helps enhance the colours. Coincidently, you can flatten the colours too using traditional colour theory with complimentary colours.
Black horses can appear to be dark brown, and for owners that is a problem as they know their horse is not a bay! In removing the red tones, you can make sure your portrait shoot of a black horse stays black.
The same principle works for adding a slight tint to the subject. For Palomino coats, the genetic makeup requires a chestnut, or red base, so adding a slight red hue to the horse brings the colour out stronger. Of course, it is only a slight addition of colour. For the image below I added a 8% red overlay on the pony to deepen the palomino colour.
The same principle can be applied to grey horses too. Young grey horses are often chestnut or black in appearance or lose their colour in dapples. For black bases, a cooler tint on the coat can enhance the grey and white colour, whereas a warmer tint works well on warmer roan colouring.
Easy Editing
If you are interested in this concept but have no idea where to even start in Lightroom, I have created some coat-specific bundles, exactly for this in my store.
The store is always updating so keep an eye out for more coat specific bundles!
Photography 101: The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to Photography 101, the ultimate guide and introduction to Photography. I have spent many years as a professional, writing over 100 posts on tips, and tricks, as well as sharing my own photos and experiences. To celebrate my 10th year as Briony Molly Media, I thought about sharing all the basics in one long and epic post.
Photography 101
Photography 101
Introduction
Photography is an art form that has been around for centuries. From the first daguerreotypes to modern digital cameras, photography has evolved to become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s capturing memories of special moments, documenting the beauty of the world around us, or creating works of art, photography is a powerful tool. It is used to express ourselves and connect with others.
So, what makes a good photograph? While there are many factors that contribute to a great photo, here are a few key elements to consider:
- Composition: The way elements are arranged within the frame can make or break a photo. Whether it’s following the rule of thirds, using leading lines, or experimenting with negative space. The way you compose your photo can have a huge impact on its visual impact and storytelling.
- Lighting: Light is one of the most important factors in photography. Whether it’s natural light or artificial. The way light falls on your subject can dramatically change the mood and feel of your photo. Experimenting with different lighting sources and techniques can help you achieve the look you want.
- Focus: The focus of your photo is where your viewer’s eye will naturally be drawn. By controlling the focus, you can guide your viewer’s attention. Creating a sense of depth and dimension in your photos.
- Post-processing: While it’s important to get the right shot in camera, post-processing can help you fine-tune your images and take them to the next level. From adjusting exposure and color to cropping and adding filters, there are many tools and techniques available to help you create the look you want.
Of course, these are just a few elements to consider when it comes to photography. Whether you’re just starting out or have been shooting for years. The most important thing is to keep experimenting, trying new things, and pushing yourself creatively. By doing so, you’ll not only improve your skills as a photographer. But also discover new ways to express yourself and connect with others through the power of images.
Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels.com DSLR Cameras – What to Look For
DSLR cameras have become a popular choice for amateur and professional photographers alike. They offer a wide range of features and flexibility that makes them ideal for capturing stunning images in a variety of settings. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right DSLR camera for your needs. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a DSLR camera:
- Sensor Size: One of the most important factors in a DSLR camera is the size of its sensor. A larger sensor allows for more light to be captured. Which results in higher-quality images with better dynamic range and less noise. Full-frame sensors are the largest available. However, they also tend to be more expensive. APS-C sensors are a popular choice for many photographers, offering a good balance of cost and image quality.
- Megapixels: Megapixels aren’t the most important factor in image quality. Yet they can still play a role in the sharpness and detail of your photos. More megapixels means larger image files, which can be beneficial if you plan to print your photos in larger formats.
- Lens Compatibility: Another important factor to consider when choosing a DSLR camera is lens compatibility. Many manufacturers offer their own line of lenses that are compatible with their cameras. There are also third-party options available. Make sure to research which lenses are compatible with the camera you’re considering.
- Autofocus System: DSLR cameras offer a range of autofocus options. From basic single-point autofocus to more advanced systems that can track moving subjects. Consider the types of photography you plan to do and choose a camera with an autofocus system that fits your needs.
- Video Capabilities: If you plan to shoot video with your DSLR camera, consider the resolution and frame rates it offers. Many modern DSLR cameras offer 4K video capabilities, as well as a range of frame rates for slow motion and fast action.
When choosing a DSLR camera, it’s important to find one that fits your specific needs and budget. By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find a DSLR camera that will help you capture stunning images and unleash your creativity as a photographer.
Photo by Dani Muchow on Pexels.com Settings – Photography 101
Understanding the different settings on your camera is essential to capturing great photos. Automatic modes can be convenient. But taking control of your camera’s settings can help you achieve the results you want and take your photography to the next level. Here are a few key settings to consider when shooting:
- Aperture: The aperture controls the amount of light that enters the camera and affects the depth of field in your photos. A wide aperture (low f-number) will create a shallow depth of field. Blurring the background and keeping your subject in focus. A narrow aperture (high f-number) will create a deeper depth of field, keeping more of the image in focus.
- Shutter Speed: The shutter speed determines how long the camera’s shutter stays open. Controlling the amount of light that enters the camera and how motion is captured in the image. A faster shutter speed (such as 1/1000th of a second) will freeze motion. A slower shutter speed (such as 1/30th of a second) will create motion blur.
- ISO: ISO controls the camera’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO setting can help you capture photos in low-light situations, but it can also introduce digital noise into the image. Lower ISO settings are ideal for bright conditions and can produce cleaner images.
- White Balance: White balance controls the color temperature of the image, ensuring that whites appear white and colors are accurate. Different light sources (such as sunlight or fluorescent bulbs) can have different color temperatures, so adjusting the white balance can help you achieve the desired look for your photo.
- Exposure Compensation: Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the overall brightness of your image. By increasing or decreasing the exposure, you can brighten or darken the image to better capture the mood and tone of the scene.
Experimenting with different combinations of these settings can help you achieve the look you want and capture stunning photos. Don’t be afraid to try new things and push your creativity as a photographer!
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Composition
Next in Photography 101 is Composition. Composition is one of the most important elements of photography. It involves arranging the various elements of a photo in a way that is visually appealing and helps to communicate the message or story you want to convey. Whether you’re taking photos of landscapes, people, or still life, understanding the principles of composition can help you create powerful and impactful images. Here are a few key elements to consider when composing your photos:
- Rule of Thirds: One of the most well-known principles of composition is the Rule of Thirds. This involves dividing your image into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and placing your subject at one of the intersecting points. This creates a more dynamic and visually interesting image than placing the subject directly in the center.
- Lines and Shapes: Paying attention to the lines and shapes in your photos can help you create a sense of movement and flow. Diagonal lines, for example, can create a sense of motion and energy, while curves can add a sense of grace and fluidity.
- Depth: Creating a sense of depth in your photos can add a greater sense of realism and immersion. This can be achieved through techniques. A shallow depth of field blurs the background. Or placing objects at varying distances from the camera to create a sense of foreground and background.
- Framing: Using natural or man-made elements to frame your subject can add interest and context to your photos. This could be a tree branch framing a sunset, or a doorway framing a person.
- Balance: Creating balance in your images can help to create a sense of harmony and stability. This can be achieved through techniques such as using symmetry or balancing the visual weight of different elements in the photo.
By paying attention to these principles of composition, you can create more engaging and impactful photos. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your particular subject and style.
Photo by Amar Preciado on Pexels.com Lighting
Lighting can drastically affect the mood and tone of your images. Whether you’re shooting in natural light or using artificial lighting sources, understanding different lighting techniques can help you achieve the results you want. Here are a few key lighting techniques to consider:
- Natural Light: Shooting in natural light can produce stunning results, but it’s important to be mindful of the quality of light. The golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) is often the best time to shoot, as the light is soft and warm. Shooting in direct sunlight can be challenging, but using a reflector or diffuser can help soften the light and create more even lighting across the subject.
- Artificial Light: Using artificial lighting sources such as studio lights, speedlights, or even household lamps can give you greater control over the lighting in your photos. One common technique is the use of a key light, which is the main light source used to illuminate the subject. Fill lights can be used to fill in any shadows, while backlighting can create a dramatic effect by highlighting the subject’s silhouette.
- High Key Lighting: High key lighting involves using bright, even lighting to create a light and airy feel. This technique is often used in portraits, fashion photography, and product photography to create a clean, bright image.
- Low Key Lighting: Low key lighting involves using darker, more dramatic lighting to create a moody or mysterious feel. This technique is often used in portrait and still life photography to create a sense of drama or depth.
- Rembrandt Lighting: Named after the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt lighting involves using a key light to create a triangle of light on one side of the subject’s face. This technique can create a sense of depth and dimensionality, and is often used in portrait photography.
By understanding different lighting techniques and how they can be used to achieve different effects, you can take your photography to the next level and create stunning, professional-looking images.
Photo by Jessica Lewis ? thepaintedsquare on Pexels.com Photo Editing
Photo editing is an essential part of modern photography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, photo editing can help you enhance your images and create the exact look and feel you’re after. Here are a few key tips for effective photo editing:
- Use the Right Tools: There are many photo editing software options available, from free options like GIMP to more advanced programs like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Choose the software that works best for you and your needs, and take the time to learn how to use it effectively.
- Adjust Exposure: Exposure is one of the most important elements of a great photo, and adjusting it can help you bring out detail and make your images more vibrant. Use tools like brightness, contrast, and highlights/shadows to adjust exposure and bring out the best in your images.
- Crop and Straighten: Cropping and straightening can help you improve the composition of your images and remove any distracting elements. Use the crop tool to trim the edges of your photos and the straighten tool to align any crooked lines or horizons.
- Colour Correction: Adjusting the colours in your images can help you achieve a specific look or feel. Use tools like saturation, hue, and temperature to adjust the colour balance and make your images more vibrant or subdued.
- Sharpening: Sharpening can help you bring out detail and make your images look more crisp and clear. Use the sharpening tool to enhance edges and make your images more visually appealing.
- Experiment with Filters and Effects: Filters and effects can add a creative touch to your images and help you achieve a specific style or mood. Experiment with different filters and effects to find the ones that work best for your images and personal style.
Remember, photo editing is a creative process and there are no hard and fast rules. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you and your images.
Overall
With practice and patience, you can create stunning, professional-looking photos that truly capture the essence of your subject. Take time to find your niche, and what you enjoy. Don’t beat yourself up that your images aren’t wonderful first time round!
What do you feel is the best tip for a beginner? Let me know in the comments!
What is Focal Length in Photography: Understand Your Lenses
Understanding camera terminology can be intimidating. When learning about photography for the first time as a fresh 16-year-old, the whole terminology behind the camera, and sitting in a lecture about how the camera works, did nothing for me. I wanted to be out there with my DSLR taking a photo and learning on the go. Not sitting learning the intricacies of what glass was first used for lenses and how it was made! So I have taken it upon myself to keep things a bit simpler when sharing the art of photography. Onto something that baffled me for a while, focal length – what is it?
What is it?
Focal length is the basic description of a lens. It is not a measurement of the actual length of a lens, instead, it represents a calculation (in mm) of an optical distance from the point where light rays converge to form a sharp image of an object to the sensor at the focal plane in the camera. The length calculation is determined when the lens is focused at “infinity.” That’s the scientific explanation of what focal length is. But what does that mean?
Lens length tells us how much of the scene will be captured (angle of view), and how large individual elements will be (magnification):
The human eye has an equivalent focal length of 45mm.
The longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view and the higher the magnification.
The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view and the lower the magnification.
Using Focal Length
It’s all well knowing what it is, but how do you use it in a practical application?
Wide Angle Lenses
Usually any lens under 50mm. These are practical for landscape photography, as well as interiors.Prime 50mm Lenses
A prime lens refers to a non-zoom/telephoto lens. It has a fixed focal length. 50mm is the closest to our eyesight. It is what most photographers use for portraits.
This image has a length of 50mm at f/1.8.
Telephoto 70-200mm Lenses
Telephoto or zoom lenses refer to lenses that can move between two focal points. A popular one is 70-200mm or 70-300mm.Super Telephoto 150-600mm
A length over the 300mm mark is popular for nature photography or sports. Personally, I used the Sigma 150-600mm for bird photography, as well as sports photography.
Finding The Focal Length
The length of your lens is marked on the front of the glass, as well as on the side of telephoto lenses. The information is stored within the metadata of your photos and available to see in editing programs, and the raw file itself.
What is it? (in Numbers)
If you want to get into the details of angles, here is a conversion of focal length to the angle of view:
Focal Length Angle of View 12mm 122° 16mm 107° 24mm 84° 35mm 63° 50mm 47° 70mm 34° 90mm 27° 100mm 24° 200mm 12° 400mm 6° It is important to remember that the angle of view can cause distortion of an image. This is why using the lens correction function is so important in editing, especially with images of people!
Now if you have any questions – feel free to comment or contact me.
For more photography posts look here.
How To Build A Photography Portfolio And Attract Clients
Are you wondering how you can build a photography portfolio when you haven’t had any shooting time? Then keep reading and learn how to build a photography portfolio and attract paying clients.
Starting your new photography business can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember success is not an overnight thing, patience and kind words are key! That of course mixed with hard work and remembering to breathe.
Perfection may not exist, but progress certainly does. This is made with practice, which is the topic we will be covering today!
This article includes affiliate links.
How To Build A Photography Portfolio And Attract Clients
Whether it’s an online gallery, interactive PDF or an Instagram account, having a place to showcase your abilities in the art world is imperative to success. Getting a portfolio in the first place is a daunting task, but not impossible! Below are my tips to success:
Practice Makes Perfect
It’s time to put what you’ve learned into practice. All the photography basics learned from the internet, a course or friends: angles, lighting, location, communication, and posing etc. There are many things to consider as a photographer when you’re doing a photoshoot with a client.
Start off with friends and family. They know you and usually put you at ease. If you are looking to take more niche activities such as sport or wildlife, reach out to the local photographers and ask to shadow them for a day. This may be assisting on the sidelines, holding equipment such as lighting, but it is all experience and understanding on how certain shoots work.
After you’ve done a few test shoots, it’s time to practice with the public. Through this you’ll gain the experience of working with clientel, exprience the customer side of the business and also have a more varied portfolio. To get started on this, offer your services in local social media groups, or ask around!
You want a portfolio that showcases that you know what you’re doing – and the more galleries and photos you have, the better. However, it is important to remember that quality is better than quantity in this case. Only showcase work you are proud of.
Draw Inspiration From Others
Remember art class? Looking at great artists and copying works, objects and techniques? Photography is no different. There are so many fantastic photographers out there, both celebrated in art galleries and famous on instagram, but also not. Take time to scroll on Instagram, Pintrest, or your places of choice to see what works.
Here is a board of inspirational photographers I created to keep myself creative:
There are artists out there who say don’t copy others as it will stunt your individual aesthetic growth, so if you feel like that is not the route for you, don’t do it! It is your art, so do what you feel is best.
Develop Your Own Style
This is where studying other artists help. What do you like from others and what do you feel you can improve upon, or just make different. What feels like you in an image? Are you the kind of person who wants a warm cosy aesthetic? Crisp clean lines and sharp images? Intimate black and white blur?
What makes you stand out from all the other photographers? Your style, your personality, and the way you capture people and moments. Try to step outside the box of your photography comfort zone and try new settings and techniques! You may suprise yourself! By developing your own style, technique, aesthetic, and voice, you set yourself apart. People have something to remember you by, instead of being “just another photographer with pretty pictures”.
To have a consistent style once you have settled, try to use the same editing technique on the photos to keep your portfolio uniform.
Find Your Niche
Nowadays, everything is about specialising. Photography is no different. People look for specialists in their area: weddings, family portrait, sport, wildlife… you name it there is a speciality for it. Find what side you are most passionate about and hone your niche to this particular event.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t branch out into different areas of photography. Take myself for instance. My passion is animals – in particular horses, so I focus my work on Equine photography and competitions. But I also enjoy other aspects and take bookings for portraits, product shoots, as well as enjoying taking my camera around for events.
“Your enjoyment and passion comes out int he quality of photos you take!“
Promote What You Love
If you find out you really enjoy doing sessions with couples onsite, guess what your portfolio should be based around? Couples in situe. Your enjoyment and passion comes out int he quality of photos you take!
When someone who’s looking for a couples photographer sees your portfolio, they clearly see right away what kind of photographer you are, and what you’re really good at. This allows the customer to imagine what it would be like to work with you and what product they can take away from it.
The customer really likes your style, and your work leads them to want to work with you. Or maybe they take a look at your portfolio and decide you’re not the photographer for them. In both scenarios, this is ok, because you want to attract your ideal clients and turn away the wrong ones.
Website Hosting
To get started with an online portfolio, you can use social media, or you can have a website. To help you get started WebHostUk is offering 25% off WordPress hosting. Use code NYW25 to get your discount or click the image below.
Get started on your web portfolio today with 24/7 customer support. WHUK is Fast, reliable, and affordable website hosting, perfect for European and UK-based individuals.
The most important advice I can part with is this:
Trust in your abilities, take time, and don’t expect immediate success overnight. Make sure that you continue to have fun and stay passionate about your work, even if this means taking extra time or asking for help.
Did you find this post on how to build a portfolio when helpful? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!
Photography A-Z
Let’s see how much camera vocabulary I can fit into the alphabet. Photography A-Z is a fun exercise and post to test knowledge, feel free to do your own and tag me! The answer is way too much so I have cut it down to the basic words and their meanings. I do reach a little with X and Y, fall flat at Q and make interesting choices all over.
What words would you have chosen in your photog alphabet? Leave me a comment below!
Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels.com A
Aperture
The opening in the camera lens, that controls how much light enters the camera and how much of your image will be in focus.Aspect Ratio
The proportional difference between width and height. Typically 35mm film is 3:2.Av
Aperture Priority setting on a DSLR, sometimes written as AB
Bokeh
This is a technique using the aperture setting to create deliberate out-of-focus parts. Known to describe the quality of the out-of-focus parts. Learn how to do it here!Bracketing
This is where several shots are taken in short succession with various settings of the same subject. Usually, this is different shutters or apertures to create dynamic images.C
Crop Sensor
If you have a crop sensor camera, it means that the digital sensor is smaller than a full frame. The photos will be more zoomed in than images taken at the same focal length in a full frame.Canon
A brand that makes camera apparel.D
Depth of Field
Relates to the focus of the aperture.DSLR
Digital Single Lens Reflex. What most digital cameras with a mirror in are referred to as.Dynamic Range
The ratio between the largest and smallest values that a certain quantity can assume, such as light and dark, white and black.E
Exposure
How bright or dark an image is, refers to the combination of Aperture, Shutterspeed, and ISO.F
Filters
Used on the end of a lens to add effects or help with certain photography techniques.Flash
An external light source is used to add fullness and depth to a subject or assist in lighting.Focal Length
The distance is measured in millimeters (mm) between the optical centre of the lens and the sensor of the camera when it is focused at infinity.F-stop
This is what Aperture is measured inFull frame
Digital equivalent of the standard film size of 35mm.G
Grain
Originally grain was added during the developing process of the film with the silver solution, now an effect that can be added in editing.Golden Ratio
Refers to a composition guide to make a picture desirable. It is a mathematical ratio – two quantities are in the golden ratio if their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities.H
HDR
High Dynamic Range. This can be achieved when using bracketing high and low values together.Histogram
A graph tool that shows tonal and exposure distrubution of pixels in an image.I
ISO
The sensitivity of the digital sensorJ
JPEG
A file format of high compression that can be used to store images.K
Kelvin
The temperature measurement light is measured within the White Balance.L
Leica
A brand of lenses that are perfect for mirrorless 4:3.Lumix
A brand under Panasonic that creates camera apparel.M
Macro
Close-up photography of subjects that make them larger than life-size.Half way there of the Photography A-Z!
N
Nikon
A brand that makes camera apparel.Noise
Distortions in an image made up of small dotsND
Neutral Density filters can be used in long-exposure photography, as well as in HDR bracketing.O
Optical body
This is what a camera lens is.P
Prime Lens
A lens with a fixed focal length. Common Prime lenses are 50mm, 85mm, and 400mm.Q
The Impossible letter – I have nothing for this one sorry!
R
RAW files
A file type that most photographers shoot in. It allows a large storage of data without losing quality in compression.Rule of Thirds
Read more about this rule here!S
Shutterspeed
How fast the shutter of the camera opens and closes to capture an image. This is measured in fractions of seconds.T
Telephoto
The name for a lens with a longer focal length.Tripod
An essential piece of kit for photographers who want to avoid hand shake in long exposure or portraits.Tv
The short setting for shutter speed priority is also written as S on some cameras.U
UV filter
A filter used to protect lenses from the sun. This doesn’t change an image at all, just protects your lens!V
Videography
Not photography… A recording of moving visual images, it uses the same base principles as photography with addition of movement and sound.W
White Balance
White balance is the camera setting that adjusts how colors are rendered in an image. This is measured in Kelvin (K). A camera has inbuilt presets for white balance. Represented by clouds, shade, sunshine, and interior light.X
X-offset
This one is reaching. When editing an image in post-production, you can use the vertical and horizontal axis of the image to fix distortion. The X-offset refers to the horizontal rotation of the x-axis.Y
Y – offset
Like the X-offset the Y-offset refers to the rotation axis to fix the distortion of an image in post-production.
Z
Zoom lens
The name some people call a telephoto lens with variable focal lengths.26 letters later and we made it! If you want to read more about basic photography, feel free to browse my photography tips here!
The Importance of Colour Harmony
Elegance, style and balance. When looking at a well-designed piece, whether it is a logo, a website or a painting, it is all about the colours. In designing, picking colours for a piece is not necessarily just about what the designer thinks looks good. Countless amounts of research have shown that people are affected by exposure to colours. Whether it’s behavioural or emotional. It takes around 90 seconds for an individual to make a subconscious judgement on an item or person. 60-80% of the judgement is made up of colours perceived. This is the Importance of Colour Harmony.
The Importance of Colour Harmony
To really understand colour harmony, you need to look at the basics of colour theory. I remember back in High School when I took Art GCSE we looked at certain colour properties especially the colour wheel and saturation. Anyone who has had art classes or studied design already know the principles behind colour properties and in particular, the colour wheel.
Formed in the 1660s by Issac Newton, the colour wheel is built of the primary, secondary and tertiary colours, in a pragmatic way.
This colour wheel shows shades of pastels, midtones and brights as well as the pragmatic order of colour. It is split into different colour schematics. From simple monotone, warm and cold, and complimentary.
Colour Temperature
It’s easier to separate the colours into temperature and saturation. This is to describe their psychological effects so here are some of the emotions portrayed:
Hot – Aggressive and attention-grabbing. Normally seen on news-based websites, check out BBC, CNN, Reuters etc. They all lean towards warmer colours, whether it is their logos or web design.
Warm – Softer reds, oranges and yellows are more welcoming to us. Warmer tones are associated with inviting and welcoming designs, usually accent colours in waiting areas.
Cool– Purples, softer blues and greens give a meditative effect. Usually brings us back to nature with the association of relaxing flowers such as lavender.
Cold – Blues are associated with ice, water and freshness. Think of a combination of blue, turquoise and green. Cool colours are fresh. These colours are often used in packaging for laundry detergent and air fresheners.
Hues and Vibrancy
Pastels – Used to reflect the white space they are in. Often offices or hospitals will be painted in pastel shades to make the space look larger and more refreshing.
Pale – These colours are tints with a lot of white giving a faded effect. We often associate these colours with youth and innocence. Think to products for young children such as baby clothing and products. These colours are often associated with femininity. Most female products being pastel shades.
Brights – Usually the Primary colours or bold brights of secondary colours, think the use of these combinations by artists such as Mondrian or Andy Warhol. These are attention-grabbers and great for stand out products and websites.
Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com Psychology of Colour
Now we have the basis of temperatures, it is also good to know the break-down of individual colours:
Red – relates to energetic, passionate, action, ambition, love, anger, aggressive and determination. In some Asian cultures the colour red is lucky. In India, it is the colour of purity.
Orange – relates to adventurous, social, communicative, optimistic, enthusiasm, falsity, superficial and pessimism. Orange is also a sacred colour in many cultures. With the meaning of eternal happiness.
Yellow – relates to cheerfulness, fun, good-humored, confidence, originality, creativity, challenging, academic , wisdom, judgmental, impatient, impulsive, spiteful, cowardly and deceitful. In the middle east, yellow represents happiness and good fortune.
Green – relates to growth and vitality, renewal and restoration, self-reliance, nature, balance, possessive and materialistic, indifferent, envious, selfish, greedy, inconsiderate and calm. In western cultures, it is perceived as lucky. Whereas in Indonesia it is a forbidden colour. In the middle east, green represents youth, fertility and wealth.
Blue – relates to loyalty, trust, reliability, responsibility, conservatism, caring, contemplation, peaceful, depressed, passive, superstitious, predictable, aloof and frigid. It also promotes healing and safeguarding from evil in a lot of cultures.
Purple – relates to individual, creative and inventive, psychic and intuitive, humanitarian, mystery, fantasy, royalty, cynicism, arrogance, fraudulence.
Purple is traditionally associated with royalty. And by association, wealth. In Brazil and Thailand, purple is associated with mourning and honouring the dead.Pink – relates to romantic love, compassion and understanding, nurturing, romance, warmth, hope, calming, sweetness, naiveté, femininity, physically weak, over-emotional, over-cautious.
Brown – represents the down-to-earth, wholesome, practical, approachable, friendly, stable, structured, supportive, comforting, reliable, protective, dull, boring, frugal, materialistic, lack of humor, lack of sophistication, predictable and cheap.
Neutrals
Black – relates to comfort, strong, contained, formal, sophisticated, seductive, mysterious, pessimistic, secretive and withholding, conservative, serious and powerful. It represents masculinity in some African cultures and represents rebirth and mourning in the middle east.
White – represents innocence, purity, cleanliness, equality, complete, simplicity, immaculate, self-sufficient, pristine, sterile, stark, fastidious, empty, isolated, cautious, plain, distant and unimaginative. In Western cultures, the colour white symbolizes purity, peace, and cleanliness.
In Asian cultures, such as China and Korea, white represents death, mourning. This can mean bad luck. It is traditionally worn at funerals.
Colour Schematics
Let’s move on to the basic colour schematics. These aren’t necessarily all the colour schematics there are, just the most frequently used ones with examples. Furthermore, you can use Adobe colour to create your own!
Monochromatic
One colour on the wheel with multiple shade gradients from dark to light.
Photo by OVAN on Pexels.com Primary
The primary colours: yellow, blue and red.
Photo by Jonathan Cooper on Pexels.com Secondary
The secondary colours: green, purple and orange.
Photo by Al d’Vilas Complementary
Directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. Red and Green, Blue and Orange, Yellow and Purple.
Kelvin Valerio 
VictoriaStrelka_ph Achromatic
No saturation just shades.
Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com Analogous
Any three hues next to each other on the colour wheel.
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com More Information
Now you have a general overview of colour harmony, it’s time to expand your design horizons.
Additionally, posts on design and photography, like The Importance of Colour Harmony, can be found here:
References for further additional reading:
Research on psychology and colour theory:
https://www.colorcom.com/research/why-color-mattersUseful colour scheme tool:
https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel/Briony-Molly
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