Creating Interesting Photographs

Just recently, I taught a photography class to a group of kids from the ages of 10 to 12 years old for the Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition, of which I am a member. The assignment was to teach them how to be photojournalists and capture pedestrian dangers, those they experience everyday walking to school, in an interesting way. Now, I don't know about you, but making sidewalk cracks, potholes, low lying tree branches, and other similar hazards interesting, is not my idea of a fascinating day of photo taking. However, because this was a national campaign through the Safe Kids Coalition, we had to make them interesting.

No doubt you've experienced this same situation during family events, vacations, or taking business photos. In this blog, are a few general photography tips that I taught to the kids to help them photograph subjects that are sometimes less than exciting.

• Everyone loves the view of an American flag; however, no one enjoys having the pole that holds it up, sticking out of your head. Make sure you are aware of EVERYTHING that is in the picture and its relation to your subject.
• Don't be afraid to angle your photo to make it more interesting. A straight photo with the subject in the middle all of the time can make your photos boring.
• Get down low and get up high. Try laying on the ground to show a different perspective. Conversely, take photos from the top of a ladder.
• Most importantly, tell or create an interesting story that people want to view.
  

One thing to remember..."there are no bad photos; there are only more interesting photos."

Choosing the Best Photographer for Your Taste

As you read the heading of this section of my blog, you might wonder, "why would he want to do anything but market his own photography?" Better yet, your thought may be, "here comes an advertisement for his services." You would be wrong on both counts. Let me explain...

First, I must say that I hope that my skills as a photographer wins over those who visit my site in search of such services. However, I also understand that hiring the right photographer for your taste is often the most important part of your event planning (wedding, class reunion, quince, etc.). The one question I ask potential clients is, "have you checked out other photographers and viewed their photos." If not, I highly recommend that they do so. Not because I want to loose a sale, but because I want those who hire me to be perfectly sure that I produce the style of photographs that they'll always be happy with throughout their lifetime.

Before you choose your photographer, it is important to note that while each of our goals are to capture traditional, photojournalistic, artistic etc. photos, each and every photographer has their own style. Every photographer is different. We like different lighting styles, poses, and effects. Personally, I prefer the black and white landscapes, capturing hands during a wedding, and getting down low to take group photographs. I also like to try new and different things. Take caution when meeting a photographer who says they can handle any type of photograph you want. Most likely, that is not the case.

Another cautionary note: As I was perusing Craig's List (an online classified web site) the other day looking for individuals searching for wedding photographers, I noticed a common theme among other photographers offering their services. Often, an ad would read: "Wedding Photographer Available. Will take up to 500 photos and place on a disk for your use. All for the low price of $150." That may sounds like a great deal. Let me explain why it is not. First and most likely, the photographer will shoot photographs without any thought to their shots. Second, the photo CD will probably be filled with large, unedited and unorganized file sizes. A "real photographer" takes pride in his or her work and is willing to take more personal time with each photo and with every client. For that, the price is usually higher, but the quality is remarkably better. For example, if I shoot 1200 digital images (typical for a wedding), I go through EACH and EVERY ONE and pick out the very best shots. I then go back through, checking for color balance, photo density correction, etc. I have complete control over the output of my clients' photos which leads to happy clients.

All of that said, I would love for you to use my services, however, before you sign on the dotted line, it's important to make sure that the photographer has the "eye" that you are looking for.

Which Style of Photography?

Just recently, I met with newly signed clients and they asked a question that I, and I imagine many other photographers don't really think about. That questions was, "What are the different styles of photography? What is photojournalism? What is traditional photography?" As a photographer, I know the answer as it pertains to my style of photography. For that reason, let me attempt to explain the two different styles that I shoot based on my own preference.

What is Traditional Photography?
Traditional photography is simply that...traditional. They are your typical posed shots that include photos of the rings, bouquet within the bride's hands, shoes, family photos, etc. Generally, these types of photos, although great memories, do not evoke immediate strong emotions. For examples, take a look at the photo to the left. It may bring back detailed memories of the day, which is very important to a couple, however, individual situations require a different type of photographic style.

What is Photojournalism?
Photojournalism is a completely different type of photography. In my opinion, it brings back specific feelings of a time and place. Photojournalism photos are those that create the question "when did he/she take that photograph?" They immediately take the viewer to the place in time at which the photo was originally captured. For example, the couple to the right may look at this photo and remember the statements that were made during their very first dance together as husband and wife. Many times, photojournalism photos bring tears to a bride's eyes as she re-lives the day, the actions, and the feelings.

When you are choosing a photographer, it is important to realize that each has their own style and definition of traditional and photojournalism type photos. Visit many web sites, make many calls, and meet face to face with the photographer, so that you can get their definition of each type of photography. Your reward for choosing a photographer (hopefully me) for your wedding, will be a lifetime of wonderful Photographic Memories (sorry, I just couldn't resist inserting the subliminal message).

Florida Event and Wedding Photographer's Assoc. Meetup Group

I attended my first Wedding and Event Photographer's Association Meetup group this evening. It was great to meet other talented photographers and share some tips and tricks of the trade. Another perk was that I won an Event Photography Award for the Spring 2008 Photo Contest. I received a classy certificate which I will be placing on my wall. The photograph that won the prestigious award is to the right. Feel free to let me know what you think.