Today’s topic: Switch it up!!!! Shoot in the dark! Keep your flash OFF!
Play around with new sources of light, like a truck light!
…or flash lights!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Archive for the ‘photo tips’ Category
Photography 101
October 29, 2009Photography 101
October 22, 2009
Today’s topic: Halloween!
It’s almost time for Halloween—costumes, trick or treating, all kinds of fun!
Every mom needs 100 pictures of their children in their adorable costumes, right? My advice- dress them up for a “trial run” and use that time to get your photos. You will have more access to natural light- so turn off your flash. The flash will create red eyes and will cause funky glares on their masks, pumpkins, etc!
You may have a better chance at getting your little one to sit still (ha!) since they are not itching to run out the door to get some CANDY!
What will your children be dressing up as this year?
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Photography 101
October 15, 2009
Today’s topic: Be inspired
Take a look around you, fall is in full swing. The nippy air, the crisp leaves, and the beautifully colored veggies are all around us!
Where are your favorite fall spots? One of mine is at Peace Valley Park in Chalfont (Bucks County). I grew up going there, got engaged there, and we took our wedding photos there! I tend to visit a lot with my family, and also with photography clients.
Be inspired this weekend. Take the family (and your camera, of course!) and explore somewhere new!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Photography 101
October 8, 2009
Today’s topic: The WORLD WIDE WEB
Talk to [most] old ladies and they DO NOT “get” the internet, nor do they want to. They do not understand WHY we email instead of calling, why we share pictures on facebook, and why oh why we tweet! My husband has an aunt who likes to say to his cousin, “DO NOT put that on the WORLD WIDE WEB!” It could be about a recent bout of illness, or a photo taken at the beach, she is not having it.
While this is mostly in jest, I wanted to focus on being careful. On thinking twice before you share, and by remembering who your audience is. If you have a blog, you can password protect it and only allow friends and family access. If you have facebook, you can make sure only “friends” can see your images (look at the security/privacy settings menu). Don’t forget that if you join a network (ie: Philadelphia, PA network), then EVERYBODY in your “network” can see your page, including your photos.
This is something I struggle with a lot. As a photographer, I LOVE taking pictures and I love sharing pictures- with family, friends, and the world!
Is it wrong to share online? No, just always remain vigilant about WHAT you are sharing with WHOM!
How do you decide what to share? How have you protected yourself?
I can’t wait to hear!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Photography 101
October 1, 2009
Today’s topic: Capture a moment in time
This week’s assignment is to look at your child, baby, puppy, (okay fine, or husband!)….what object really defines them at this moment in their lives? Is it their wooby, their monster truck, their barbie doll?
This is a client photo and one of my recent favorites. Little D is on the verge of becoming a big boy. This was taken one week before his first day at preschool! He was feeling shy and nervous (and wary of me!!), but once he got his buddy George in his hands, he began to warm up.
[Update~ According to mom he did REALLY well on his first day! Go D!!!!]
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Photography 101
September 24, 2009Today’s topic: Watermarks
The internet is an amazing invention. It allows you to connect and share effortlessly with family and friends across the globe. If you are sharing pictures on facebook or a blog, you may want to consider watermarking your photos to help prevent others from taking your images without permission.
For my photography business, I use png files in photoshop, so I can drag my pre-loaded logo onto my image. For family-related images that I put on blogs, facebook, or in a web album, I throw a simple watermark on the photo.
In picasa:
1. Click Basic Fixes.
2. Click Add Text.
3. Click anywhere to add text.
4. Click apply.
5. Remember to click Save Changes.
iphoto does not seem to have a text option.
Post your progress and link back in a comment!!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Photography 101
September 17, 2009
Today’s topic: Vignettes…how-to!
Last week we discussed how important it is to keep your photo natural looking. As I later explored iphoto and picasa, I realized there is really no good vignette option. I do all of mine in photoshop which I know is not available to everybody (though if you know a student or a teacher, you can get a sweet discounted version!).
Here’s what I shared last week from photoshop:
Original (straight out of the camera)
DO:
Slight vignette (added in Photoshop CS4)
DON’T:
No no no!!!!
Not natural, distracting, halppppp!
As I said above, in Picasa, there is no “vignette” option.
To gain a similar effect:
1. Click Effects.
2. Click Soft Focus.
3. Move the Size slider all the way to the right, so most of your photo does not have blur on it.
4. Move the Amount slider all the way to the left, so that it’s very minimal.
iphoto does have a vignette option, though it’s very dark and very harsh.
1. Click Edit.
2. Click Effects.
3. Click Vignette. It will automatically put a thick, dark vignette around your photo.
Instead, try edge blur-
1. Click Edit.
2. Click Effects.
3. Click Edge Blur.
How do you keep it natural? What are your goals for future pictures?
Post your progress and link back in a comment!!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Photography 101
September 10, 2009
Today’s topic: Keep it simple
Editing is really really fun. You can do amazing things with your pictures and enhance them to a professional level. Unless you are trying to create a surreal image, keep in mind, you must take care to edit lightly. Keep it simple. Get a second opinion and ask, “Does this look natural?”
I love using vignettes- they draw the eye in to the subject, but often times, if used the wrong way, you can take away from the picture entirely.
Original (straight out of the camera)
Slight vignette (added in Photoshop CS4)
No no no!!!!
Not natural, distracting, halppppp!
How do you keep it natural? What are your goals for future pictures?
Post your progress and link back in a comment!!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Photography 101 With Caitlin Domanico
August 27, 2009
Today’s topic: Dare to be DIFFERENT!
I love doing photo sessions of all types- whether they be at a house, at a park, of a newly engaged couple, a newborn, or a family, I truly love them all.
I SUPER love when people do something different….it might be in the location, or maybe in their dress, but I love it! It gives everybody a chance to let go and get crazy!!!
What have you done in the past?
How do you keep it fresh? What are your goals for future pictures?
Post your progress and link back in a comment!!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Photography 101 With Caitlin Domanico
August 20, 2009
Today’s topic: Change your Angle
Ever find yourself in a photo rut? When I do, I try to let go of all inhibitions and take photos from different angles. Get away from the “Look at me and say cheese” shots. Get creative, have fun. Think high, think low, shoot under, shoot over, shoot through….
Take a baby in a crib for instance. Sure she’s cute, sure she’s tiny, but how many pictures can you take from up above? They lack excitement and definition. Try shooting THROUGH the crib!
Check it out–
I call this: “Ava vs. The Bumper”
We want to see what you do!!! Show us your best “out of the box” shots!
Post your progress and link back in a comment!!
Check out Caitlin’s website here: http://www.caitlindomanico.com
Until next week, happy shooting!!!
Philaburban Mom 