Scott Smith Lighting Seminar

September 10 - 12, 2010

November 12 - 14, 2010

Master of Photography, Scott Smith, will be training photographers to see the light in plain, easy to understand terms. No matter your experience, Scott will teach you how to take control of your lights and how to pose for better portraits. Visit his website for more information.

www.LightingMagic.com

1-800-853-1190

Photographing Pets

For many people, pets are an important part of the family.  They provide companionship, affection, protection and a healthy dose of laughter.  However, capturing your pet’s personality—or even getting him to sit still—can be a real challenge, but with a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll find that photo that truly captures your furry friend’s fun disposition. 

Keep it Natural:  When it comes to lighting, try to shoot using available light even if you’re indoors.  Perhaps you can use the light coming in from a nearby window.  If possible, forgo using your camera’s flash.  In addition to possibly startling your pet and hindering his cooperation, the flash can also keep you from capturing your pet’s coat color accurately. However, if your pet has an all-black coat, a flash or direct outdoor sunlight can be an advantage because it will help bring out subtle shadings and variations that make your pet unique.

Follow Your Pet:  When it comes to posing your pet, it’s best to meet him where he is at that moment.  If he’s resting, consider taking a few shots from a distance first.  Move in slowly and deliberately.

Frame Shots Tight:  When it comes to taking pictures of pets, a great zoom lens can work wonders. Whenever possible, fill the frame with your shot and shoot a bit tighter than you’re used to as it will create a more intimate and personal pet portrait.  If you’re looking for a new lens, we have a number of PROMASTER models designed to deliver high quality at a competitive price:  http://www.promaster.com/digital

Include Your Kids:  If you have children, this is a wonderful family project and a great way to spend time after school one afternoon.   Enlist your child to help with posing and using toys or other enticements to get your pet to look in a certain direction or to create an ‘action’ shot of him retrieving a toy.  You can capture some great interaction between your kids and your pet; just let the events unfold and shoot away.  Trying to control the interaction may end up stifling the images and losing the lightness you’d hoped to capture.

Let it Go:  Photographing pets can be challenging at times, and if your pet isn’t cooperating, put the camera away and try another time.  After a nice long walk or a game of catch, your pet may feel more cooperative and you can try again.

Spring Break Photography Tips

You can almost hear the squeals of glee coming from kids and adults alike when Spring Break arrives.  After plodding through winter weather, school, work and family commitments, the promise of a few days of freedom is enough to boost anyone’s spirits.  If you’re one of those lucky souls with a getaway planned during Spring Break week, here are a few tips to help you prepare to return with some fantastic photographs:

Pack the Right Gear:  Make sure you’ve got the right equipment for your trip.  If you want to travel light, you may find it best to choose your compact camera in lieu of your DSLR; however, if your destination includes some amazing scenery and landscapes, you may find it’s well worth taking your DSLR to ensure you are prepared to capture the grandeur of your location.  And remember to pack the battery charger, a lens cleaning cloth and an extra memory card.  It will only take a few minutes to properly prepare and it will be time very well spent.  If you need to pick up a memory card for your trip, we carry some of the best on the market:  http://www.promaster.com/memory

See the Signs:  While on your travels, make sure to photograph any interesting signs that display the uniqueness for your location.  Clever street names, signs displaying unusual warnings (Javalina crossings, anyone?) and mile markers can add a very local and interesting element to your vacation library of photographs. 

Define the Essence:  Each location has its own personality, its own attributes and distinctive markers.  While on vacation, think about what words you’d use to describe your vacation spot.  Having that clarity will help you with your storytelling and assist in identifying those sights that articulate your vision.

A New Twist on Famous Landmarks:   If you’re traveling to a well-known landmark, park or destination, take the opportunity to photograph it in a new and interesting way.  Look at corresponding architecture, foliage and surroundings to see how to take a familiar sight and uncover a new way of viewing it.  Experiment with zoom, distance, angle and lighting to unearth an interesting new perspective.