Things I’ve learnt

 

I’m often asked about the basics about aperture, shutter speed, dof etc. etc. Recently I’ve explained how to turn a grey background into a white one, and this made me realise that in the last couple of years I’ve learnt a lot. This is just a list of the stuff I’ve learnt for when I feel the photography gods have forsaken me.

• It’s really simple to get a flash off a camera – This is perhaps the one thing I’ve learnt, that’s had the largest impact on my photography. This is in terms of the effect it’s had on my photos, the direction I’m taking and my view on photography in general.
• The word “strobist” – The word has lead me to some great websites, and a great group of people & a fabulous photo-shoot.
• Using my camera in manual - Understanding how shutter speed affects the ambient light & the aperture affects the flash.
• How to use a flash to over power the colour of a background. – Still haven’t mastered this technique, but it’s getting close.
• How dof is dependent on how far the initial focal point is – Focusing up close will give you a reduced dof compared with focusing further away (Assuming the same aperture)
• Selling pictures is really difficult – Just because I think they’re great, doesn’t mean everyone does.
• Selling pictures is really easy – The right photo will sell, strangers do appear out of no where and offer to buy your photos.
• Copyright – ALWAYS, ALWAYS protect your photos.
• Always check your kit a couple of days before a shoot – Make sure there’s enough time to order a replacement if needed.
• On a shoot, the room is always smaller than you thought it would be.
• How shooting in RAW can save the picture. – I’ve recovered photos (when the flash has failed), that I still can’t believe.

Tips for a shoot

 

I’m always trying to learn, so here a few tips I’ve learnt the hard way.

• Always have poses prepared. It’s worth having a plan for the first 10-15 mins. This comes in handy when the brain suddenly decides to stop working, or something happens just as you arrive at the shot.
• Don’t have your models too close to background – They can often cast shadows onto the background and if shooting high key, the lit background acts as huge light source lighting the subject, like a rim light.
• Consider trying to get the kids on your own, away from their parents – You may get more from kids.
• A small seat might be useful on a shot, a stool is even better as it’s got no back.
• Teach your assistance how to put up/pack away the the kit.
• Have a check list of your kit, which you can go through when you’re leaving.
• Bottle of water, and maybe snacks if a long shoot.

Growing the Acorn . . .

 

With my first paid shoot in some time just around the corner, I decided I should increase my online presence.

Firstly, I’ve decided on having two blogs,one on Wordpress and a new one on blogspot, which is owned by Google, so I image its indexed quite often. The content will be the same, I’m just trying to cover all the bases.

I’ve also signed as a business on Google, so should appear in their online directory for Littlehampton based photographers.

I’m planning on submitting my url to a load of online directories and I’m even thinking about redesigning my website.

www.tinyacornphotography.com – The Littlehampton Photographer who brings the studio to you.