This weblog is about getting back to the basics.
The basics of photography.
Striving to take better photos is a lifelong endeavour, and regardless of how fast new technologies develop, we can only create a good image if we understand and apply the fundamentals of light, composition, and posing. It was true for Rembrandt, it is true for you and I. The tools we use change, but the fundamentals remain the same.
Striving to take better photos is a lifelong endeavour, and regardless of how fast new technologies develop, we can only create a good image if we understand and apply the fundamentals of light, composition, and posing. It was true for Rembrandt, it is true for you and I. The tools we use change, but the fundamentals remain the same.
I happen to be a wedding and portrait photographer. Therefore, most images here are of people, and occasionally some commercial products, and landscaping.
There are thousands of sites about photography, and an incredible amount of information. But to the professional photographer, or on the way to becoming one, this site covers the basics, and are updated and enriched with examples of day to day assignments taken by other photographers.
There are thousands of sites about photography, and an incredible amount of information. But to the professional photographer, or on the way to becoming one, this site covers the basics, and are updated and enriched with examples of day to day assignments taken by other photographers.
Regardless of your level of knowledge and experience with photography, I know you will profit from the experience and knowledge found here.
The digital age has made it harder to differentiate professionals from the aspiring ones. We see an image posted on the Internet that pleases us, and we can't tell if the photographer behind that camera has consistent quality results under any circumstances, or if that one was the lucky one taken under all automatic mode. As a wedding photographer, I am often approached by what we call "orphan brides", who has been deluded by uncle Bob and his new digital camera, a hacker, or a predatory out of town studio. There is nothing like referrals to fix this shame. If you are a bride to be, and do not understand what an "orphan bride" is, read more here.
Before you embark in the journey of becoming a better photographer, I want to share a word of encouragement with you who see yourself as an amateur photographer. Through the years, I have heard many definitions trying to explain the difference between a professional and an amateur. Some see the difference by those who make money, and those who spend it. My first mentor Berry Boyer used to say that what made the difference was the use of a tripod. As silly as that may sound, I must agree that a tripod is a big plus, even with today's image stabilized lenses. But professionals are mainly known by their ability to reproduce predictable and consistent quality results, with little acceptance for errors. We sure don’t want our doctors to fail, but particularly in art, amateurs seem to be free from that responsibility. Yet, these amateurs want to take great images too. It is instructional then to know that the word amateur comes from the Latin "amator", which means “lover”. That prompts me to question: How fast can a lover learn? Faster than a professional I would say. Although we ought to only charge as photographers, when we can consistently produce quality images under any circumstances, we "professionals" also need to be careful to not stop learning, taking risks, and creating, which amateurs, or "lovers", will naturally do. Professionals in any area, by definition are inclined to be "safe". For you " the amateur", this should give you some encouragement.
The digital age has made it harder to differentiate professionals from the aspiring ones. We see an image posted on the Internet that pleases us, and we can't tell if the photographer behind that camera has consistent quality results under any circumstances, or if that one was the lucky one taken under all automatic mode. As a wedding photographer, I am often approached by what we call "orphan brides", who has been deluded by uncle Bob and his new digital camera, a hacker, or a predatory out of town studio. There is nothing like referrals to fix this shame. If you are a bride to be, and do not understand what an "orphan bride" is, read more here.
Before you embark in the journey of becoming a better photographer, I want to share a word of encouragement with you who see yourself as an amateur photographer. Through the years, I have heard many definitions trying to explain the difference between a professional and an amateur. Some see the difference by those who make money, and those who spend it. My first mentor Berry Boyer used to say that what made the difference was the use of a tripod. As silly as that may sound, I must agree that a tripod is a big plus, even with today's image stabilized lenses. But professionals are mainly known by their ability to reproduce predictable and consistent quality results, with little acceptance for errors. We sure don’t want our doctors to fail, but particularly in art, amateurs seem to be free from that responsibility. Yet, these amateurs want to take great images too. It is instructional then to know that the word amateur comes from the Latin "amator", which means “lover”. That prompts me to question: How fast can a lover learn? Faster than a professional I would say. Although we ought to only charge as photographers, when we can consistently produce quality images under any circumstances, we "professionals" also need to be careful to not stop learning, taking risks, and creating, which amateurs, or "lovers", will naturally do. Professionals in any area, by definition are inclined to be "safe". For you " the amateur", this should give you some encouragement.
I went to school in the early 90's to learn about photography. It was in the darkroom smelling chemicals under the red light, but I have met many great photographers that did not have "formal" education. These excellent photographers are self-taught. They have all adopted one or more mentors, even if they never met them in person. With the speed in which information travels today, it is easier than ever to learn at our own pace from mentors of around the world.
The world needs more and better photographers. The need for better images is greater than ever before. The business across the street needs a better image of his product. The family next door needs a large portrait for their wall, regardless of whether than can afford one or not.
Use the links to immerse yourself at the level you believe best suits your present situation. Relax, practice, learn and have fun. But, above all give generously. Teach! It is by teaching that we really learn.
Use the links to immerse yourself at the level you believe best suits your present situation. Relax, practice, learn and have fun. But, above all give generously. Teach! It is by teaching that we really learn.
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