THIIPS: Photography tips:: CAMERA JARGON

I often see people with beautiful DSLR cameras that think because their camera was expensive they will produce better images. There is something to be said about today’s DSLR cameras, but if you aren’t shooting in manual you are wasting a beautiful thing. Think about it. You wouldn’t buy a race car to drive your child to school in every day. Yes, it gets the job done (and you look awesome doing it) but are you using that car to its potential? Are you using your camera to its potential!?

What is a  DSLR?

A DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) Are digital cameras combining a digital camera back (replacing film) with the parts of a single-lens reflex camera. These cameras use a mirror to direct light from a camera's lens to its viewfinder.

All this camera jargon, what does it all mean?  

• Aperture -- how wide open the lens is. The wider your opening the more light hits the sensor.
• Shutter speed -- how quickly the camera closes. The higher the shutter speed, the faster it closes.
•  ISO -- the camera's light sensitivity. In the past this was associated with film speed. Now it is associated with your lighting. In open sun and ISO of 100 will be sufficient. In shade or in doors 400 would work best
• Exposure -- whether you have too little, too much or just enough light. The exposure compensation scale you see in your camera's viewfinder indicates your lighting exposure levels so you should adjust your aperture, shutter speeds and ISO accordingly.
• White balance -- removes colors casts for truer whites. Most cameras have adjustments based on the type of lighting your camera is experiencing. Tungsten and florescent are common white balances used when indoors.

Once you have all the technical terms figured out PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. You will see your photography improve immensely over time! Reading your cameras manual may seem tedious but well worth it. Know your camera, and it will show in your images.

I do not by any means feel that I know EVERYTHING about cameras or photography. I just hope that the images above will inspire you! I am proud of where I have been, where I am now, and where I will one day be. We all start somewhere! I hope you will join me next week for more THIPS::Photography tips! If you missed last weeks you can find it here:

http://silverlanephotographyblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/thips-photography-tips-composition.html

If you have any questions or would like to suggest a THIP subject email me at silverlanephotography@yahoo.com or comment below!

Join me next Thursday for more THIPS!

THIPS: Photography tips:: Composition

Composition

Rules are meant to be broken? Isn’t it true that one must understand the rule, before they can break it? Today I will be discussing a basic image composition rule. Once you understand it feel free to break it. Every image is YOUR art! I do however want to help you understand what makes an image visually appealing.

The most common rule of composition is the “rule of thirds”. You will find this rule amongst a broad spectrum of art- to include paintings and drawings. The rule of thirds is basically a division of an image to show the most interesting points. Imagine that your image is divided into 9 equal segments by 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. The cross sections of these lines is where you should position the subject of your image. In the example below I have placed my subject in two cross sections. It is okay if the subject is in only one.  If you are taking a landscape picture having the horizon follow one of the lines will add visual appeal.

By following the rule of thirds you will add balance and interest to every image. Keep in mind that there is always an exception to the rule. Just because an image doesn’t follow the rule does not make it a bad one!  So get out there and try it out! I’d love to see your photos e-mail them to me at silverlanephotography@yahoo.com

See my two examples below to show how an image can become a bit dull without following the rule. 

I've marked both cross sections with A Red X- this image follows the rule of thirds. It also incorporates one of my tips from last week!  Get low and to your subjects level. I find this image very intriguing.

This image does NOT follow the rule. While it is still a decent image it doesn't draw you in as the example above does. Had the image been moved to the left or right (into a cross section) it would have caught your eye more. 

The image above is also taken from above the subject. Read last weeks thip at http://silverlanephotographyblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/thips-photography-tips-kids.html
that talks about getting low and at the subjects level!

Thank you for reading today!I hope the examples help to show why the rule of thirds can be an important part of your photography.

Join me next Thursday for more THIPS! ;)

Model Attire Monday's:: What to WEAR

Model Attire MONDAY!

Sometimes I can be a little handicap when it comes to how to dress! I need a little visual aid action, so I thought you might enjoy some too. I have decided to make the first Monday of the month Model Attire Monday!

Let’s get to it! A very important tip to remember when dressing your family for portraits is texture. Yes, denim is a texture;) I happen to be a sucker for red white and blue (I’m a military wife REMEMBER?!) So here is a little visual of an eye appealing attire collection for a family of 5. Notice how each outfit is not exactly the same. Yet the outfits go nicely together! 

If you need any help selecting outfits you know who to call!

THIPS:: Photography Tips:: KIDS

Thursdays’s are now THIPS on the Silver Lane Photography blog! What are THIPS…they are photography tips! ;) This is of course new, so your feedback and comments will be much appreciated.

Today's THIPS are for parents and will be 5 easy to apply tips for better images of your baby/toddler! I have a now 9 month old…I know what a challenge getting his picture can be.

1. No poses-The best advice I can give is DO NOT try and pose your little one.  Fidgety babies and toddlers are not going to sit still long enough for you to get that picture you’re envisioning. At this age candid images will be more meaningful. Now I am not against, and actually recommend, taking your baby outside and giving him some “props” or toys of your choice.   The natural lighting will produce better images anyway!

2. Temperament- don’t forget that your baby or toddler is a “little person” with his own feelings and emotions. It is quite possible that your child won’t want their picture taken. Don’t push it! Besides you won’t be too happy about the pouty face image you get anyway.  As a parent we know our child’s schedule, and when they are more likely to cooperate. I doubt you will get a smile before nap time. So keep this in mind.

3. Cheese? - Why do we need cheese to take a picture? You’re right, we don’t! I cannot stress enough the crazy faces you will get by telling your toddler to say “cheese” for a picture. Think about it…do you think you would look good if you were talking in a picture? I mean unless you are just “ridiculously good looking” like Zoolander I bet NOT! So save the cheese for snack time…and inspire a natural smile.

4. Drop it Drop it Drop it low! - To really capture your child and life as they see it, get low. Kneel down and view the world from their level. Images from this perspective are great! So kneel, lay, drop it...whatever you need to do to GET LOW!

5. Pay attentions to your surroundings! – I have seen some amazing images of a child ruined by a pile of clothes in the background. Use your super-mom or super-dad skills to quickly scan the area and remove things in the background that might later be undesirable.

Below are examples of the THIPS above. They were taken in a backyard! Seriously! I'd love to see the pictures you take using the THIPS above;) e-mail them to me at SilverLanePhotography@yahoo.com

If that picture doesn't make you smile- I don't know what will;)

He was afraid of the grass....

...so he was put in a chair.... ahhh! much better!

Next Tuesday I will write about image composition! So check back for more THIPS! Hope to see you then!

A time for change

WARNING: Change is coming:)

Catch-up!

SO my little dear-ies it has been quite some time since I have posted. I feel like that is the first sentence to all my posts. My poor little blog seems to get neglected. I see it like this, do I blog about things or do I give my attention to my clients. Clients, always win! SO take from that what you will my virtual friends. I will do my best to make a presence here on the blog. Instead of giving you empty promises you will just have to come back every week and see what it is I doJ

This week I will be playing catch up!!

what's a post without a picture!?
Here is an image from the snowstorm we had- i'm hoping we get some sun soon!!

Baby, its cold outside! {glimpses 52 project}

On my first post of the New Year- I talked about wanting my clients to know the REAL me. So, I've decided to join in on the "glimpses 52 project" held by Chic Critique  This is my first submission! 

A little about me, and the picture:

You may have heard on the news that Washington State was hit by some snow. Its interesting experiencing snow in Washington- having moved here from Colorado- it was even funny at times. Washington isn't close to being prepared for snow storms, not even just a little bit. But i'll cut the state some slack considering  it's not a common occurrence to see snow in this beautiful state. So having that said, my kids were crazy excited to go outside and have some fun! It was one of those moments where you just say "YES" because you have been asked the same question more times than you can count within a 2min period. SO They bundled up and headed out! I stayed inside and watched as they slid down hills, made snowmen, and had a snowball fight (baby is still too small to venture out in all that) As they headed home trying to catch snowflakes on their tongue, I was able to catch these two images: 

Here you can see my youngest girl, and my biggest kid- the hubby:) 

Kj exhausted after playing, but still trying to get one last snow flake

They came in to a warm fire, and hot chocolate WITH MARSHMALLOWS- marshmallows are very important we can't forget those:) 

Check back next week for week 2 of  "glimpses 52 project"

**hugs**

Silver