Stone Field Reverie

5 Common Mistakes Photographers Make When Taking Group Pictures

1.   Where did everyone go? You’re attending a family gathering or casual event, or even being paid to shoot a wedding, and someone asks you to take a group photo, but various people are missing that should be in the photo. You can avoid this mistake by learning how to manage group photos; and this starts before the event.

Assume that family gatherings will always include group photos, so call or email everyone that you will be taking group photos during a specific period of time and ask that they all gather at the appointed time. You may want to designate a younger family member to be a coordinator to find and gather everyone wherever you’re taking group photos. Make sure you select a location at the party in advance with enough room for everyone, a good background and lighting, etc. Read more »

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotographytalkcomPhotographyArticles/~3/jeQDLhWnG8o/2042-5-common-mistakes-photographers-make-when-taking-group-pictures

Many photographers decide to operate a photography business because they want the freedom to work for themselves. If you’re a young adult pursuing a career as a freelance photographer or if you are already working full-time in your photography business, then it’s understandable that you’re thinking about today, and not tomorrow. Tomorrow, however, has a way of arriving faster than expected; so it also deserves, even requires, some of your time regardless of where you happen to be today in your career.

On some day in the future, you will want to retire from your business (but hopefully not photography). To do this successfully, you need an exit strategy. Dr. Stephen Covey, the famous business consultant/author, stated in his best-selling book, [amazon_link id="0743269519" target="_blank" ]The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People[/amazon_link], that you must begin every goal process with the end in mind. It only makes sense to know where you’re going, before you start. If you’ve already started, then developing an exit strategy should be put at the top of your to-do list. Read more »

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotographytalkcomPhotographyArticles/~3/uPv9cZivi5k/2043-why-your-photography-business-should-have-an-exit-strategy

1.   Regardless of skill level and experience, every photographer is on a quest, in fact, multiple quests, to find as close to perfect conditions as possible to capture magical images. They are looking for photos that don’t just reflect reality, but transcend it, revealing subtle qualities of their subject matter that can’t be seen with the eye or mind until they’re recorded photographically.

2.   The period of sundown through the various stages of twilight is the one time of the day when you can truly become a magician with your camera. Shooting during these few hours is very convenient for many photographers because it is at the end of the workday, and beneficial because it’s an opportunity to relax and relieve the stress of work. Read more »

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotographytalkcomPhotographyArticles/~3/ix9vs5sVDSU/2006-6-ways-to-sundowntwilightand-better-photography

Does your spouse give you the “evil eye” every time you try to sneak from the house with your camera for a bit of photography on your own? Have you’re kids forgotten your name because you spend more time with your camera and editing photos on your computer than with them? These are all sure signs that photography is more of a priority than quality family time…and those signs are bright red with warning. You can improve your skills and spend more time with your family when you combine photography and family activities.

You may already be photographing the birthday parties, holidays and vacations; they could be some of the major reasons you bought a digital camera. This PhotographyTalk.com article, however, refers to the evenings and weekends when your family wants your attention even though nothing specific is planned. More importantly, these are also opportunities to try new techniques and types of photography that include your family members, without them becoming just more “snapshot” sessions. Read more »

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotographytalkcomPhotographyArticles/~3/5BojEB2lZ3Q/2030-6-opportunities-to-combine-digital-photography-and-quality-family-time

1.   An interesting characteristic of color is that it likes to dominate real life and your photos. Digital photography technology is so excellent that it contributes to color’s domination. Color wants to dazzle your eye and mind so much that it tries, and often succeeds, to steal the stage from other important image elements, such as contrast, light, perspective, etc. The color in a well-shot photograph seems to scream, “Look at me!” “I alone make your photos look great!”

Relying on color to tell the entire story in a photo is a mistake of many amateurs. You will become a more complete photographer and better understand the synergy of all the elements that make a great photo if you learn how to go color-blind and shoot images in black and white. Read more »

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotographytalkcomPhotographyArticles/~3/evlDBaW6YlI/2032-6-compelling-arguments-for-becoming-a-color-blind-photographer

You’re a busy professional photographer, who is focused on client projects, their intricate details and, often, impossible deadlines. It’s understandable, therefore, that you haven’t had the time, or taken the time, to develop the correct mindset and business-structure strategies to protect you and your business from lawsuits. Undoubtedly, you are passionate about your photography and proud of the business you’ve grown and the income it generates. It could all disappear, including your personal assets, however, if you were successfully sued and had to pay a court judgment.

Although all business entities are susceptible to litigation, shooting photos for a living can lead to a number of lawsuit scenarios. Someone trips over a light stand or is burned by a hot light. You accidentally spill a beverage on the front of a bride’s dress before taking some of the pictures she absolutely wants. Photographers are vulnerable to what is called “errors and omissions,” which is why there is specific insurance for those kinds of mistakes.

Read more »

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotographytalkcomPhotographyArticles/~3/F2EyzkKKEJE/2028-the-abcs-of-protecting-your-photography-business-and-personal-assets-from-lawsuits

“OK, digital photography recruits, listen carefully because I don’t like to repeat myself (but you can refer to this PhotographyTalk.com article if you need to review). Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, sergeant!”

“Today, I expect you photography mama boys and girls to learn how to keep your lines straight as well as to use lines to create better compositions. If you follow my commands, then you just might become lean, routine photographing machines!”

1.   “Lock your eyes on the horizon line in your photo and make sure it’s level before you pull the trigger, I mean, push the shutter. Sometimes, you have the actual horizon of the Earth in your photo to use as a guide, or other natural elements, such as a shoreline. Don’t just look at the subject because you can be fooled that he or she is aligned correctly in the photo. Look for a parallel line behind your subject as a more reliable level reference than lines on the subject’s face or body.” Read more »

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotographytalkcomPhotographyArticles/~3/XdnTF2qbcmU/2017-8-important-commands-from-the-digital-drill-sergeant-to-keep-photography-recruits-in-line

A commendable attribute of professionals, photographers or otherwise, is that they have the discipline to be “on their game” whatever the challenging assignment…or client. A professional is defined by his or her ability to give 100%, finish work on time and satisfy every client expectation, often exceeding them. That high level of dedication and discipline almost always leads to success. It can also lead to an accumulation of stress and worry that, if not relieved regularly, could result in reducing one’s ability to deliver professional-quality work everyday, and negatively affecting one’s health.

A regular exercise program and vacations are excellent methods to relieve professional stress and revitalize your attitude and outlook. An equally useful method that is often overlooked or even shunned by adults is adding more laughter and play to one’s life. Either can be effective with only the expenditure of a relatively small amount of time. For example, research has revealed that a 5-year-old laughs 300 times a day and an adult only 17 or less. A major reason is that adults think play is only for children. Throwing a ball with another person, skipping rope or flying through the air on a swing seems undignified, or brands you as a frivolous, less-than-serious adult.

Read more »

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhotographytalkcomPhotographyArticles/~3/U4EA2GItMm8/2018-9-regular-opportunities-to-use-laughter-and-play-to-relieve-the-stress-of-being-a-professional-photographeror-a-human