Photographing children can be a very challenging task for any photographer. I’ve never been comfortable with handling small children or newborn babies. Kids love to move around and explore their surroundings. This is one of the things that make photographing kids really challenging. Little ones operate in concrete thought. So it might be hard to get them to cooperate during a shoot.

My children are my kid models, they are used to being around the camera. Even though they are around the camera very often, cooperation is still a challenge. I didn’t have a lot of photographs done when I was a kid. My kids are lucky to have a photographer for a dad, I guess. I make sure I photograph them as much as I can. They will always be able to look back on their childhood moments. I will always continue to make these moments memorable for them.

Posing Kids

Child in motion

The best pose I’ve found that works for my kids is to not posing them at all. Catching them in their own environment is an art in itself. I would usually have my camera with me when I’m at the park with them. The playground ends up being my studio on the go. Most of the time I use available light because of how much they move around. It’s just easier to follow them around without flash. When I can catch them being fairly still, I grab my Nikon SB-900 to add some drama. I try to make sure that they are looking in my direction or being active. Also, I like to be at their level must of the time. We all see kids from the standing position. So, a picture standing over a child is nothing new. If possible, get down to their level. The best poses for young kids are not posed in their environment.

Behavior

If your kids are anything like mine, behavior can be a problem when photographing them. Sometimes when photographing my daughter, she doesn’t want to cooperate at all. When she knows I’m photographing her, she will look away. I guess it’s a little game she likes to play because daddy is always pointing that camera. The best way I have found to handle this is to be discreet or be invisible to her. If she doesn’t see me I am usually able to catch her in her environment. My son likes to make faces when the camera is aimed at him. The best way to handle this is to offer him something. Yes, I bribe my son…lol

The many faces of a child

The Finished Product

Photographs of kids are made to share with others, and shown to the kids when they are older. A picture is worth a thousand words, a thousand pictures tell stories that are amazing. Share these stories on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Making prints for family members are great gifts for the holidays or anytime. A photo book is my favorite product to create when creating images of my kids. A photo book is a lasting memory. Strategically placed photos in a book make a great book.

If you have a camera and kids, you should have thousand of images of them. This is great practice for photographers and memories for everyone. Make photographing your kids a lasting memory.

I hope this post was helpful to you! Please share and comment!

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Today’s top ten is full of tips for the new year. We should all be looking at this new year as a new beginning. A new creative mind gives you new creative ideas. A new beginning for ideas can help you learn and make you better at your craft. If you are looking for New Years resolutions, you may find a few to add below in todays Top Ten.

• Buy good glass! I had to learn the hard way that glass matters to your camera. Buying a good lens can help the performance of your camera (tool). I always say, “A better tool makes your job easier.”
• Learn about your camera. Read the book. Know your camera like the back of your hand. The more you know about your camera, the less you are trying to figure out during a shoot. I have noticed when you look like you know what you’re doing, the more comfortable your subject will be.
• Don’t trust your LCD! Use your LCD as a guide for your exposure. The LCD will also give you an idea of what your image might look like. The image will probably look different once you get it to your computer.
• The background matters a lot to your image. Pay close attention to what’s in the background when photographing your subject. The background can make or break your image. Anything distracting can take away from your photo.
• Stay positive! Staying positive is key to everything we do. Your positive attitude will show in the results.
• Shoot to please yourself and no one else. Shoot whatever pleases you. If you enjoy insects, then shoot insects. If you enjoy the outdoors, then shoot landscape. Shoot what ever makes you happy.
• Lighting matters. Do not buy those cheap lighting starter kits, save your pennies and invest in a lighting line that can grow with you.
• Learn to give good critiques. It will help you learn what to look for in your own work.
• Love your work! You have to love what you do in order to stay creative. If you don’t love your work, how can you expect others to love it?
• Join a photography forum or community. Sometimes, it’s easier to learn in groups. Some people may have the same problems that you have. Reading or talking about your craft on a regular basis keeps it fresh. There are many forums or communities online that can be beneficial to your craft. The Digital Photography Era is a new growing community. Check it out… Also on Google+

Give me the ball!

Do you have any tips that helped you in 2012? Please share…

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As we all know… Light is the key to photography. The Exposure Triangle is how we control the available light for an image. The elements are ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. These settings are adjusted to get the image to look the way you want.

ISO

ISO is the numerical exposure index of a photographic film under the system adopted by the International Standardization Organization, used to indicate the light sensitivity of the film’s emulsion (Formally known as ASA, American Standards Association). In the Digital Photography Era, ISO is the measurement of how sensitive the camera’s image sensor is.

Shutter Speed

Now shutter speed… There is a shutter in front of the sensor that opens and closes, when the shutter release button is pressed. The duration of the shutter opening is the shutter speed. This is the amount of time that the sensor is exposed to light. I like to think of shutter speed as one of the creative controls on my camera. You can creatively freeze action or blur action.

Aperture

Aperture is the opening in the lens that allows light into the camera and to the sensor. You adjust the aperture to determine the amount of light to allow in. I also think of aperture as a creative control. The wider the aperture is opened, the shallower depth of field in your image. The smaller your aperture, the more depth of field.

The Sink!

Here’s a very creative explanation of the triangle. This is how it was explained to me. Okay… Think of a faucet. The spicket is the shutter speed. The opening of the faucet is the aperture. The sink area with little tiny workers represent the ISO. So, you turn the spicket (I wonder does everyone know what a spicket is) to start the water. The opening of the faucet is set. Let’s say the faucet (aperture) is wide open. For the duration of the spicket being turned (shutter speed), water (light) enters the sink (sensor). The workers (ISO) paint the image. But because of the wide opening, the workers only have time to paint the important parts of the image (the part of the image that is focused on). This leaves the rest of the image blurred or out of focus. If the faucet opening (aperture) was small, the workers (ISO) would have an easier time painting the whole frame (sink). I hope this makes sense. It was easier for me to see it this way.

The Sink!

Do you have a creative way to explain exposure? Do you shoot in Aperture Priority mode or Shutter Priority mode from time to time?

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As a photographer, you will learn that critiques can be really harsh. Having thick skin is a must. I view critiques as a learning tool. I think they are as important as reading a book on photography. You can learn a lot from what someone says about your images. Some people take critiques the wrong way. The biggest reason critiques are taken the wrong way is because they are delivered the wrong way. Of course, some people are just naturally rude when giving critiques. And, there are always haters giving critiques.

Delivery is very important when giving a critique. You want to always be constructive and polite. Sometimes it’s hard to sound polite when being critical. If you are talking to a friend, you are honest when providing advice. When critiquing a photo, you should always be honest. If your intentions are to be helpful, your honesty is very valuable. Critiques are meant to be positive. Many people make them harsh and negative. Think of how you would want someone to critique your work before giving a critique.

How you receive a critique is seriously important to your work, as well. You should always look at them as advice. The choice to take the advice or disregard it is yours. Sometimes hearing the truth about what you create is hard. When you hear the truth it is critical that you take it the right way. Try to see what the person giving the critique is seeing in your work. Never lash out after a critique. It may be valuable information that you need. If someone is rude, they are probably hating on your work. You give haters power by reacting, because this is what they want. They want to tear you down. Don’t let that happen.

I have three simple rules I follow when giving a critique. This will help you remain polite and respectable. These three simple rules are as follows:

1. Find something to compliment. I know that sometimes it may be hard to find a positive in an image. Starting with a compliment encourages the photographer you are critiquing. This compliment is to let them know they are doing something right.
2. Comment on something that you find to be wrong with the image. This can be the hard part, because there may be many things wrong in the image. This is the critical part of the critique. Be gentle but be truthful! Be gentle because you don’t want to destroy confidence. Be truthful in giving advice to help someone else excel at their craft.
3. Finish up with encouraging comments. Okay… After you tear them down, you must pick them back up! This part can be done with more compliments. Try to trigger confidence by encouraging the photographer to never stop shooting.

These are rules that I use when I give critiques. You may use different rules or guidelines. What are some of your critique techniques?

Just sharing a recent photo of my son. Critique if you like…

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Google+ Communities

Do you use Google+? Google+ is becoming a dominate force in social media. If you use social media to network or self-promote, you should be using Google+. It has become as important or maybe more important than Facebook and Twitter. I am definitely keeping a presence in Google+. (Period looks weird coming after the word Google+)

Last week, Google released a significant addition to Google+. Google+ now has communities. Much like Facebook’s groups, communities for Google+ are places where people with similar interest can get together. In my opinion, Google+ communities have a different feel than Facebook groups. There is sort of a forum feel to it. You are able to set up categories in which to have discussions. I think this is great for organizing conversations. The ability to manage your members and discussion really reminds me of a forums. By definition, it is a forum.

Later last week, an updated Google+ app for iOS and Android was released. The experience I’ve had on my iPad with Google+ makes me want to use it more. Now that Google+ communities have come to the iPad, I’m constantly on it. I spend more time on the iPad app than I do on the website. The different categories are there. You can add photos and videos to your communities. You can view members but you have to go to the web to manage members. The app brings a nice experience to Google+.

Being able to pull up all the Google+ communities, that you are a part of, is a huge plus. You can control your notifications as well. Turn notifications on for the important communities. In my opinion, Google+ communities is a great addition. My time on Google+ will probably be spent in communities. Here’s the Digital Photography Era community to get you started. See you there.

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The Wrong Way

Some of you might be holding your camera wrong without knowing it. If your back is bent when you’re take a picture, then you’re holding your camera wrong. This is wrong because it strains your back. There are some photo shoots that can last a few hours. A few hours of straining your back can do some real damage. You would be in for some serious back pain during a wedding, if you are bent over all day. That’s the wrong way to hold your camera.

The Right Way

To prevent back pain, you have to have good posture. I struggle with this myself. Good posture is always best, even if you are not taking pictures. I don’t use a tripod as much as I used to. When I’m not using a tripod, I try to think of myself as the tripod. I have to support the camera as best as I can to get the best results. A tripod has a straight posture. Try to keep this in mind when shooting at all time. This is the right way to hold your camera.

The Wrong Way

Holding your camera by the lens for support is also wrong. Actually, this can cause damage to some smaller, less sturdy lenses. If the lens is resting in your hand, the body will seem heavier. This is because all the weight is being supported by the lens. I would never want to cause damage to my photographic tools. This is the wrong way to hold your camera.

The Right Way

You should always support your camera by holding the bottom of the body. I support my camera by using my right hand to hold the body next to the release button. Then, I use my left hand to support the bottom of the body. This is where a tripod would support your camera. Remember you are the tripod, when you are not using one. This is the right way to hold your camera.

The Wrong Way

Elbow stability, yes it’s a thing now. I just made it up, but it helps your support of the camera. Elbow stability will keep your camera still while shooting. In order to get the sharpest image possible, you have to be completely still. An unsupported left elbow can cause movement that you don’t want.

The Right Way

Position your elbow at your waist and sort of support it there to get better stability. You waist will act as support to keep the camera from moving. If you are not in a situation where you can stand straight up, you can lean on something to support your elbow. Your left elbow is the main camera support. So, you want to be able to support your elbow.

How do you hold your camera? What do you do to be still?

The post Holding Your Camera appeared first on Digital Photography Era.

For Apple users, photo sharing has become easier than ever. Apple has recently added the ability to share Photo Streams on iOS devices and Mac OS X. With this new feature in iOS 6, your kids photos can easily be shared with family. Once someone is subscribed to your Shared Photo Stream, they will receive all photos you share to that stream. The iCloud makes all your photos available from anywhere.

Features

The features of Shared Photo Stream are slightly different from any other photo sharing sites. The ability to share groups of photos in Photo Stream is very useful to photographers. The features of this sharing option makes Photo Stream more than just a backup for your images.

Like Button

Feedback is one of the best ways to gauge how much your viewers like your photographs. The “Like” button has been great for Facebook. The Facebook “Like” button is everywhere. It provides feedback for what you post on Facebook. Photo Stream has it’s own version of the “Like” button. The “Like” button is a key tool to get feedback for what you decide to share.

My Boy on my Photo Stream

Comments

Comments has always been a great way to receive feedback for what you post. With your Shared Photo Stream, your audience is allowed to leave comments. You can monitor and delete comments that you don’t want posted. A comment can be left on a photo that describes the photo. It is also easier for family to leave comment of the photos that you share. Family photo sharing has gotten much easier.

Web Link

If you want to share with someone that doesn’t have an iOS or Apple device, a web link makes it simple to share with them. You are able to copy and email a web link provided on your iOS device or by iPhoto. The web version of your Photo Stream has a great layout. The photos are listed by date and grouped as they are shared. Photo Stream creates it’s own photo sharing website that’s to the point and looks decent. Having an option to share without an iOS device is very useful.

My Photo Streams

Devices

Your Photo Streams can be viewed on all Apple products. This is one of the thing that draws me to Apple. The Apple ecosystem just works. Because your images are in the iCloud, they are always available for viewing.

iOS Devices

iPhone, iPod, and iPad are devices that can control your stream. You can edit your share lists by adding people to it or deleting them from it. You can also edit your comments on these devices. Any photographs taken with these devices are automatically uploaded to your Photo Stream but you add them to your Shared Photo Stream. iOS devices are key in sharing your images across the iCloud.

Mac

iMac, MacBook Pro, etc. are useful for controlling what’s in your stream at your desk. Using iPhoto or Aperture to upload and share is simple. I have Photo Streams that I add from photo shoots using Aperture. The great part about this is you can edit your images in Photoshop or whatever editing software you use, then load them to your Photo Stream right from your Mac.

Apple TV

It’s always exciting to see your images in high definition on the big screen. Using your Apple ID, log into your Photo Stream to view or show off your work. Viewing your portfolio on an HDTV is made easy using Photo Stream.

I think Photo Stream hasn’t received much attention since Shared Photo Streams were added. I think it has been overlooked or overshadowed by other features and complaints. It’s a feature of iOS and Mac OS X that I haven’t taken for granted. I use it to share images with my mother, my wife, coworker, friends; and I’ve just started to look into showing portfolio type work. There’s nothing like always having a portfolio ready to show. Take a look at your Photo Stream and start sharing!

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I know that everyone’s top photography books will be different depending on the person you ask. Well, let’s pretend I’m the one you’ve asked. These are books that have helped me along my photographic journey. Every photographer needs some sort of guidance in there creative adventures. What better way to educate yourself in your craft than reading books from some of the best.

• The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally
  is a great book to learn small flash from one of the best. Joe McNally displays his work and talks about the equipment used and how he got the shot. This is an excellent way to learn.
• Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition by Bryan Peterson
  in my opinion, is a must read for anyone starting to learn the art of photography. I read this book and it was well worth the time and money. Understanding how exposure works is essential!
• ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography
  is like the ultimate reference book for running your photography business.
• VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography by David duChemin
  is a must read because making a life and a living in photography is tough. David talks about vision, passion, and your calling as a photographer.
• The Moment It Clicks: Photography Secrets from One of the World’s Top Shooters
  Joe McNally, again, takes some of his own work and guides you through how it gets the shot. Advice from a speedlight master like Joe, is something that I’m glad I read and followed.
• Beyond Portraiture: Creative People Photography
  Bryan gives his advice on portraiture using his own colorful images. Bryan Peterson is still one of my favorite photographers.
• The Fast Track Photographer Business Plan by Dane Sanders
  is a guide to creating a business plan that suits your personality. This is very creative way to start or make your existing business better.
• The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers
  always makes me laugh a little because of how I discovered it. This book was actually recommended to me by a photographer that I look up to. I was asking questions in a forum that I used to spend a lot of time in. My question concerned management of my files or images. I was told to “read the DAM book.” I was wondering why I was being spoken to in this manner. After thinking about it, I asked, “what book.” The DAM Book by Peter Krogh. This is a great guideline for managing your digital assets. I say guideline because workflow differs with every photographer. Read the DAM book!
• The Life “Guide to Digital Photography, Everything You Need to Shoot Like the Pros”
  is a great guide for learning about photography. Joe provides more of his images with information and instruction on how he got the shot.
• The Digital Photography Book, Part 4
  is the fourth book in Scott Kelby’s series of instructional photography books. I have read part 1-3, which are great books. I just purchased part 4 and I’m looking forward to Scott’s style of teaching. I recommend this one because the other 3 in this series were great.

There are many books and videos that helped me on my photographic journey. I highly recommend educating yourself and always look to learn more.

What books helped you in your photographic journey?

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