Reflecting on this 2016 Christmas Day, I am nothing but thankful. In short, my family is happy and healthy which is all you can ask for. Moreover, I am so fulfilled with my photography career. Over this year as I have noted, there have been new projects, new clients, and thousands of new photos.
All in all, making new photos is the best part about this career. You challenge yourself to make something unique, and to get into new events. Especially since I do not consider myself the most aggressive marketer, I am thankful that people have found me. Moreover, I appreciate my current clients that come back for repeat business.
Even if I were to say that I am content with my scheduled clients, I am still looking to do even more next year. I’ll keep myself available, and continue to be a presence in the Tysons, Virginia area for assignments. In any case, I am so thankful for you blog readers that follow along. Please reach out if you have any ideas for photo projects in the new year!
This was a nice gift my wife received this Christmas. From the moment I saw this, I knew it would be a nice subject for a product photography shoot, but it would be a challenge. This was my first attempt at it while the tree is still up. I think it is a good attempt, but looking at the images on the computer now, there are a few things that I will try next time. Here is my first exposure using no flash, and using the Aperture Priority metering in camera using a 105mm macro lens:
Because of the automatic metering, the camera makes the background lights the basis for the exposure. The lights are about right, but the glass with the ice is underexposed. With this result, I knew that I needed to add flash from a speedlight to bring a little life and sparkle to the subject. This should also darken the background, and make the lights separated, and a little more saturated.
This is a little closer to what I was going for, but what I noticed first was the bokeh. In the blurred background of the tree lights, there was such a distance between the subject and the background, that the lights are no longer circular, and are taking on a strange oblong shape. To make them a little rounder, I moved the camera away from the subject, so lessen the difference between the subject and the background with respect to the lens:
Now the lights are back to being round, and you can see more of their colors. On the plus side, the flash is not too overpowering on the subject. I decided that I still want to have the lights a little larger, so I moved halfway between my previous position and this one.
This was the best that I could get with this setup – the macro lens and one flash with the diffuser as the only modifier. Looking at the images now, I think I have one more idea to try. I think the background could be even darker. I’ll give it a try and post my results. Let me know if you have any ideas as to how to make this image any better.
A shiny new camera was a popular item in the back of Santa’s sleigh this year! If you were like my mom, it was an exciting gift to get, but one that will definitely be giving out goodies for more than just the next year. After unboxing, and making sure everything turn on, it can be overwhelming to think about what to do next. Do I read the manual from cover to cover? Almost never. Do I need to buy more accessories and things to add to the body? Usually. Do I change any of the settings on the camera before using it? Absolutely. Why would I do any of these things?
I would do what most kids do with their new toys. I would go out and play with it first! Take LOTS of photos with the new camera. If you had a previous model that was similar in type, you will be very comfortable with most of the layout of the control and the symbols printed on the camera. There may be some new buttons on there, but if you didn’t have them on your last camera, you will likely not need them on your new camera if you have not read about it yet. Most functions on cameras have not changed in decades. So it is likely that if you are used to a particular brand and how it displays functions, it will continue to do so on your new model.
Taking lots of photos with your new camera will also get you comfortable with how it responds. If you left the settings exactly how it came out of the box, it will likely give you perfectly fine results. They may not look much different as images from a point and shoot, or smartphone camera, but they will be viewable, and will give you a starting point to play with the settings later. There is probably a lot of family, friends, and other holiday things going on right away, so don’t worry so much about the details with your new gear. Just start enjoying it by using it!
You have a lot of time to tinker with all the other fun that a camera can make when you are not stressed about the season. Just be sure to register the camera with the manufacturer before your lose the registration card, of the serial number rubs off the outside! That will ensure you get all the warranty and repair rights if something breaks along the way.
