Proud Photography Blog

Photography is not so much about taking pictures as it is about creating art from within the known universe. Unlike traditional forms of expression where an artist works with a variety of abstract emotions and ideas to produce media, photographic art captures a real-world entity to produce abstract emotions and ideas. One could say that photography is the negative exposure of other forms of art. With this abstract thought in mind it is only fitting to explore silhouette photography.

Before setting up the shot, let’s take a moment to review our understanding between front light and back light. Most often, photographs have a majority of the available light to be dedicated to front lighting, this is to say we want to reflect light off the front of the subject to expose details that render the subject recognizable. This is generally why we use camera-mounted flash, or have the subject face the light source. Back lighting a subject means the light source is projected directly toward the camera and is sourced from behind the subject. When there is a higher ratio of available light dedicated to back light, the subject becomes dark as highlights are overcome by shadows. Read the rest of this entry »

A good photographer should already know how to keep his tools as clean as possible with regular home and professional maintenance.  But have you ever thought about how important it is to make sure your images are clean – free from distractions, free from dust and dirt and anything what makes your image look unpolished?

If you are submitting images to clients and to an image library then you need to be extremely careful that your images are as clean and clutter free as they can be.  The better the image library, the fussier they are with what images they will include.

As a photographer it’s your job to notice everything that’s in the shot.  Make sure that what appears in your photo is supposed to be there.
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Sometimes when you need a low cost way to create photographs, you need to look no further than your own home.  With the things you can find around the house, you could find a new subject matter or create a new effect without spending lots of money.

Here are 5 ideas that you can try.

1.    Using fabric with lights

Whether you are using studio lights or natural light, it’s quite easy to create interesting patterns in your photographs.  Fabric which is interesting, for example, has an unusual pattern or weave can be placed over a light to create a shadow.  This looks especially good in black and white moody portraits, where the shapes are thrown onto the models face or body.
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Working with models on boudoir photography can be a challenge.  You could be presented with a seasoned model who is confident nude or someone who has never posed before but wants to give it a go. This means that you have to be able to deal with anything that is thrown at you.

As a male photographer, it must be noted that some women will just not want a man photographing them in their underwear or nude.  This is just something you will have to deal with but even if someone is happy to go ahead you have to be extra careful to be professional and respectful at all times.

Giving a model clear directions is one of the best ways to make them feel confident in your abilities.  A model without any directions will struggle unless they are trained professionals.  Here are some tips on working with your model on boudoir photography.

1.    Hair & Make Up
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If you have investigated boudoir photography and have decided it’s something you want to do, the next thing is to practice then plan what you will need.  You can certainly take boudoir style images in a studio, but working mobile cuts down the costs for you and provides the model with an easier environment to relax in because they are at home.

It means they can also change clothing as and when necessary!

Some equipment you will want to have:
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Boudoir Photography is becoming more and more popular with women all over the world and it’s something that photographers who love portraiture can do.

Boudoir Photography can mean a few things – it can be nude, semi nude or clothed, it’s about women feeling confident and “sexy”, it’s about creating images that have a sensual feel to them.  In a sense, boudoir photography is linked to the tradition of burlesque – the woman can be covered up but there is a sensual feel to the look.  For another hint on how this sort of photography should be approached, investigate the pin up girl style and also images of modern day burlesque dancers, like Dita Von Teese.
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The final part of photographing bubbles looks specifically at photographing the patterns made by soap bubbles – a popular type of photography that creates a unique photograph every time.

This kind of photography is Macro photography – it’s the kind of photographs that would work well as fine art or for uses in the greetings card industry therefore make sure these images are pin sharp and look incredible.

You will need:

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Photographing bubbles isn’t always the easiest thing but once you get the hang of it you will be able to get some interesting shots.  The way you choose to light the bubbles is key and it’s important that the fine little bubble shows up – therefore, keep your backgrounds simple, but make sure the bubbles stand out.  Remember that larger bubbles are also more likely to float in the air, meaning you have more time to photograph them!

Here are more tips to guide you:

1.    Backdrops
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Taking photographs of bubbles may sound like an obscure thing to do, but you can create an interesting set of shots built around the theme of all things bubbly!  There are different kinds of ideas and things you can look at, all inexpensive and once you have had some practice – relatively low on preparation.  Let’s look at some ideas for bubble shots.

1.    Photographing actual bubbles

Bubbles can appear at various times – it can be the bubbles that appear in water when you drop something in it, it can be the bubbles created by soap suds, the bubbles in the foam on your coffee or the bubbles that are created when water freezes into ice.  There are many ways to create bubbles – can you think of any others?

2.    Being Patient

The thing about bubbles is that you can’t control how long they will last, what size they will be and how they will look in your photographs – it really depends on the bubble that is produced. To this effect it’s quite a unique and special image you are creating – no two bubbles are the same.
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So you have your kit ready for graduation photographs and you have decided what you want to do. When you run any kind of business there’s always a business element which demands your attention. Here are some key things to remember, and – as always, seek professional help from those who can advise you on legal and financial matters.

Administration

When doing graduation photography you need to be highly organized.  When you take the photograph of a graduation you need a system in place so you know exactly who you photographed, what university, what faculty, what degree, and what their address is.
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