Tag Archives: photo tips

Black and White Photography Basics

Everything is new again and such is the case with black and white photography. A few short decades ago black and white photos were considered old and unpopular, but in recent years the power of classic black and white stills has returned and now many avid photographers are embracing the purity of these beautiful photographs. But before you run to the store to purchase black and white film or click on every digital image to mute its color there are some factors you should consider: SUBJECT It’s important to choose your subjects carefully when you are shooting in black and … Continue reading →

Photography Week in Review for June 16-22, 2008

Are you wondering what to do with all those wedding pictures you snapped earlier this month… or the ones you took at your son’s graduation… or the photos you took a few weeks ago at your family reunion? And speaking of snap happy photo events are you ready to point and shoot the blazing night sky on the Fourth of July? This week the photography blog covered ways to preserve your prized shots and provided tips on how you can capture many more in the days leading up to our country’s birthday. Take a look at what you missed: June … Continue reading →

New Trends in Digital Photography

Are you looking to purchase a new digital camera in time for your Fourth of July BBQ? Or perhaps you want a new camera to shoot some frameworthy shots at your family reunion this summer. Whatever your reason now is a great time to snap up the latest and greatest digital cameras and accessories for a decent price. Most stores are trying to get their current stock off the shelves so they can make room for new models to be unveiled in time for the holiday season. The following digital cameras have been given the thumbs up by Consumer Reports: … Continue reading →

Shooting Fourth of July Fireworks

Now that you know what images to snap at your Fourth of July parades, picnics and parties let’s turn our attention to the main event of any Independence Day celebration—-the fireworks displays. Here are some tips to keep in mind before the sparks start flying on the Fourth: Snapping Sparklers Last year I tried unsuccessfully to capture my 3-year-old using her sparklers to draw pictures in the night sky. However, during a Chinese New Year celebration a few months ago, I learned a trick from a photo expert. First, to best capture sparkler sky writing you should place your camera … Continue reading →

Getting Ready to Shoot the Fourth

It doesn’t get more American than a Fourth of July BBQ with friends, family and fireworks. The ultimate summertime holiday is teeming with amazing photo ops from flags to family reunions, parades to pie eating contests. It would be a shame not to make the most of these Independence Day events. So grab your camera, charge up those batteries, go out and splurge on a new memory card (or extra rolls of film) and get ready to snap your loved ones in action as they proudly celebrate our country’s 232nd birthday. Fourth of July Parade I addressed the challenges involved … Continue reading →

Getting Ready for Graduation

Whereas my daughter is far from graduating from school, she is quite familiar with “Pomp and Circumstance” (she uses the tune and inserts her own words: “Peanut butter and jelly… always sticks to my belly…”). She’s counting down the days to her friend’s kindergarten graduation. In addition, we have also been invited to my friend’s daughter’s 8th grade commencement. Even though it’s not my child marching toward her diploma I will still be bringing my camera along to the ceremonies. Millions of snap happy parents around the world will be aiming their cameras at their proud grads in the weeks … Continue reading →

Photography Week in Review for April 22-27, 2008

Have you picked out your Mother’s Day gift yet? It’s not too late to choose a unique photo gift to present to the special lady in your life. If you are desperate for ideas you’ve come to the right place. This week the PHOTOGRAPHY blog provided a slew of incredible, one-of-kind photo gift ideas that any mom would cherish. Take a look: April 23rd—–Mother’s Day Photo Accessory Gift Ideas. From bejeweled camera neck straps to quirky tripods and international camera kits this blog lists some of my favorite photo accessories. April 24th—–SNAP! Making Mother’s Day Memories. This blog was inspired … Continue reading →

SNAP! Making Mother’s Day Memories

If you are a mom and the official family photographer then getting a photo gift of your children for Mother’s Day is probably not in your future. Unless it’s a framed shot you took yourself. I’ve had a few of those over the years. Don’t get me wrong. I am very appreciative of the thought that went into the gifts. For example, a couple of years ago my mom got me a beautiful sterling silver frame for Mother’s Day. Naturally, she didn’t want to present me with an empty frame (or worse, leave the sepia shot of a random mother … Continue reading →

Photography Week in Review for April 15-21, 2008

How can you snap a prize-winning photo of your child during her soccer game? What company is the leader in the production of indestructible cameras? And where do you begin to sort a pile of pictures the size of a small child? The answers to those questions and more are included in this edition of the Photography Week in Review. April 15th—Have Camera Will Travel. With the busy summer travel season just a few weeks away I thought it would be a good time to review some basic tips on how to make the most of photo ops while you … Continue reading →

Learning More About Shooting Constellations

As I continue my series on astrophotography I thought it might be helpful to discuss some of the places that are available for you to receive hands on lessons in the subject. I got my first taste of astrophotography at Chicago’s Alder Planetarium. Located along the banks of Lake Michigan, the center is a premier public resource for learning about astronomy. It is also staffed by some of the nation’s best astrophotographers. If you live in the area or are planning a trip to Chicago sometime in the near future I would highly recommend attending Alder’s Planetarium’s “Far Out Fridays.” … Continue reading →