Wedding Photography

What is Wedding Photography?

For most couples, this may sound an odd question to ask, most would answer that wedding photography is the kind of photography done during weddings. That is partly correct. But that over simplifies the meaning of wedding photography. The art of wedding photography has change tremendously in the past twenty years. Today it may even have a different meaning for each couple.

In the past, wedding photographers are technicians behind a black box almost mystical that very few would even try to operate it. Back then, wedding couples are hiring wedding photographers to produce wedding pictures of their big day. It is to simply record the event. And the one they chose might be doing six weddings a day.

In 2010, almost all wedding guests have their own digital camera that could produce well-exposed pictures at very minimal cost. What it means is that the professional wedding photographers must have something more to offer to their wedding couples. At the same time, the digital revolution also allowed wedding photographers the new technologies to offer something different. This is one of the reasons why wedding photography has improved compared to what it was years ago. It also attracted people who would never venture into wedding photography if not for the new technology of digital photography. Wedding photographers who at their prime offer beautiful and stunning photos that record the wedding in an artistic and narrative, sometimes evocative and most of the time in a flattering manner.

But it also means that being a wedding photographer today; one has to be able to offer something not seen before. True to the complexities of wedding photography today, it would not be true anymore that all wedding photographers are the same and that all wedding couples desire the same kind of photography.

Family Photography

Probably the hardest picture to set up and pull off is the group family photograph. These pictures only really work when everyone is on the same page, looking at the camera and smiling at the same time. Synchronizing by getting everyone to say "cheese" is the typical way to get everyone smiling. But it doesn't always work.

Here are some things to think about when trying to snap that lovely family portrait to make everyone happy:

Put the Group at Ease - It is essential that all participants in the photo are at ease and comfortable with each other as well as the photographer. If the photographer also happens to be a family member then being at ease should not be a problem. With no strangers in the midst, relaxing before the camera is not a problem.

Move into Scene - Don't be afraid to move into the scene, cutting out the background and focusing just on the people. Crop off the top of the head of the taller people, in order to emphasize a connection among family members. Allow the drama of kinship and love to play out before the camera. Let the family members interact before snapping the picture. Saying "cheese" while always listed as one of the most important family photography tips, is not always a good one, and will make people go rigid and become less candid, so sit them down and let them get comfortable. The good shot will follow as you watch.

Blur the Background - Blurring out the background makes the people aspect more dramatic. It makes the family the focus of attention, because, after all, the family unit is what you're shooting.

Candid within the Group - There is always someone in the family at a gathering who doesn't want to sit for a picture. Today's small compact cameras make it simple to get candid shots without have to pose everyone. Keep the camera in your pocket as you work the room. Find your shot and compose it and shoot quickly. It takes practice, but grab-shots do come out well with a little thought and focus.

Taking Multiple Shots - When trying to capture everyone in one group, the only real successful way to do it is to take many shots, and quickly. Shooting in rapid bursts of three or four shots at a time will get the good shot for which you're looking. The first shot is usually a throwaway shot. However, the second or third will probably be the keeper. Shoot some shots before everyone is ready. Some of the best pictures are of the actual organizing to sit part of the activity.

Timing is Everything - Choosing your timing carefully will make or break the shot. However, true timing can only be learned with practice. Another of the suggestions that tops the list of family photography tips is that the quicker you learn to compose or to know what you want in composition the better will be your timing. Try to work taking of the picture within the natural flow of events, when the family is naturally together rather than artificially posed making them more rigid.

Lighting - No matter what type of photography, lighting is probably the most important element. In most instances a small flash will be sufficient. However, bigger family groups may require more lighting. Taking the photograph outside in natural light makes for an easier, less stressful shot.

Taking Control - It is paramount for the photographer to maintain control of the situation and communication is the key. Keep talking to your subjects making them understand what you want to do and need for them to do to make for a happy situation. If you have a really large group to photograph, then use a tripod and have someone act as your assistant.

Smile - Finally, there is nothing worse than a grumpy old photographer, so smile. That will put everyone else who has to take part, at ease. Have fun, act like you're enjoying the process. It's okay to crack a joke or two in order to get everyone to loosen up. And don't be afraid to be creative. Think outside the box. The group can be a group without sitting down next to one another with another row standing at attention behind. Emphasize other items of "family-ness." Play with it. Enjoy!

I hope you have found these family photography tips useful.

Love Photography

There is no simple answer to why  love photography. What can be captured in a picture goes well beyond what could ever be captured with words. While aiming through the viewfinder and searching for the perfect angle, the perfect flicker of light, and the perfect smile, grimace, scream, or flock of hair, there is a sense of calmness and peace that comes.

I believe that people who love photography have a certain passion and curiosity for life. They are not content to let the smallest, most mundane things that occur in the world go unnoticed. They are excited at the mere thought of discovering the unknown and getting up close and personal with every aspect of this world.

Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photography is all about capturing your essence. It is similar to the environmental portrait but it takes it a step further. Wikipedia defines lifestyle photography as "re-creating real life situations in a controlled setting."

Lifestyle photography is very different from the traditional studio portrait session where the subject is posed (chin-up, tilt your head, hands on the lap etc.), photographed and ushered out of the studio. The majority of lifestyle photography shoots take place outdoors or on-location, such as in your home or some other place that is significant to you. Lifestyle sessions usually last from one hour to three hours and include a few formal or posed shots and lots of informal, candid photographs that capture doing what you do best. If it is a family lifestyle photo shoot, be prepared to run after your kids, roll around with them, take them for a piggyback ride or simply enjoy sharing an ice-cream with them - anything that you would normally do on a Sunday afternoon with your children.

In Hawaii, where I live, lifestyle photography sessions often center around the ocean or the great outdoors where people spend a lot of their time. If you are a paddler or a surfer, the photographer will ask you to come to the shoot in your board shorts with your paddle or your favorite surfboard. A typical session will include a few posed shots on your favorite beach and then the fun begins ... its off to the water to do what you love. Some photographers will get in the water with you while others will shoot from the shore. 

This is not to say that lifestyle photography can't take place in a studio - it can, but a studio can be limiting. There are photographers who specialize in studio lifestyle photography, and if the outdoors is not for you, this is a good alternative.

Preparing for a lifestyle photography session is easy after you find the right photographer. Wear what you normally wear to do what you love, then show up for the session with a good attitude!

Bali Photography

Photo is an important medium to express mood, happiness, and beautiful memories that will never recur. Photo will be more meaningful if it is taken on the right moment and on the right photographic calculation via the expertise of a photographer.

The Bali Photography is a team of professional photographers that will assist you in realizing your wishes. We have the latest digital photography equipments and advanced photo editing software that will surely enhanced your photo quality. Most importantly, we are domiciled in Bali-the island that famous for its beautiful landscape.

Please contact us for more information about shooting product, advertisement and architectural services for any variety of events, anniversaries, parties and promotion, product catalog photos, interior, and exterior. We also create and offer for sale Balinese art photography.

Food Photography

Photographing food and products is one of those large-scale projects that a person never fully appreciates unless they have witnessed it firsthand! Effective food photography is team effort between many people. The chef, photographer, food stylist all work together to create a photo specifically designed to sell the product.

Any business that depends on food sales should utilize food photography in their advertising campaigns. It is a proven fact that restaurants sell more food when their menus contain photographs. That is why food photography is so prevalent in advertising today. It is only effective advertising, however, if the photography truly whets the appetite of the viewers. Following these tips can ensure a successful food photography session:

Food Stylist Tricks

Photographing food and products is much more than just placing a plate on the table and picking up the camera. If the food doesn't look appetizing in the picture, no one will want to try it. An experienced food stylist knows how to choose the right items to photograph. When taking a photo of a tomato, for instance, the stylist might have a case of tomatoes and only use two. Glycerin can be added to the tomato to or lettuce can be iced to make them look fresh and juicy. A food stylist might have the chef cook five or six steaks just so they can choose the one that photographs best. A propane torch and a wire can be used to create grill marks on a steak.

Accessorizing With Props

Props play an important role when photographing food and products. A food stylist accessorizes the main food by including items to compliment it. In food photography, a plain bowl of ice cream might look okay. Place that same ice cream next to small bowls of cherries, whipped cream, nuts and hot fudge sauce and you have a picture that can make the viewer's mouth water. The food stylist and the photographer work together and plan out the photo before the food ever hits the table.

Creating The Mood Using Lighting

The lighting can make all the difference when photographing food and products. It's important to get the lighting right using stand-ins instead of the actual food the photographer is using. This ensures that the food being photographed is as fresh as possible. Textures can also be created using specialized lighting techniques. The right lighting can make colors pop, making the food look more appetizing.

Food Photography Timing

Timing is critical in food photography. A good photographer will take the photos on-site instead of in a studio. Doing this ensures the food is as fresh as possible. While the chef is cooking, the photographer and food stylist can use stand-ins to make sure the lighting is right for the photo. This means that the food will be fresh when it's time for the picture instead of dried out from the strong lighting. If using cut fruit, wait until the last possible minute to cut it and then the stylist can use glycerin or ice to make it look even better in the photo.

Food photography is much more than just taking a picture of a dish. It's a team effort between the chef, photographer and food stylist. When choosing a photographer for your food advertising materials, you'll want one that is experienced in photographing food and products.

Event Photography

Often people relate the word 'event photography' to more formal corporate events or weddings, proms etc. however event photography can cover any event! Whether it is the covering of a local football team or a fundraiser, all you need is a gathering of people, the right equipment and the right attitude.

So what makes a good event photographer?

A successful event photographer will need a real 'can-do' attitude. Enthusiasm and flexibility are essential as they ensure you can get any sort of event covered. Although experience in photography is obviously a bonus it can also be helpful to have a background in marketing or customer service to ensure the job is done quickly and effectively. Event photography should be considered very much in the service industry.