Inside or outside?

Should we do the photos inside or outside?  This is a popular question clients have!  And rightfully so!  There are pros and cons to either location.  First of all, as a client, ask your photographer if they have studio lighting.  If they don't, chances are you should play it safe and choose an outdoor location... or seek a photographer with the proper equipment.  Not all photographers own studio flash, this certainly doesn't make them less talented!  Unless the lighting is bright and there is a window offering lots of indirect light, your indoor photos will fall flat, dark and full of shadows that are far from flattering.

Outdoor locations are prefered for many reasons by some photographers.  The great outdoors offers more room for moving around, composition, fantastic lighting and a wide variety of backdrops, just to name a few.  BUT!  When the weather doesn't cooperate, you have an issue on your hands.  The cons of outdoor locations include, but not limited to, travelling to the location, weather, "background distractions"; and elements that are out of the photographer and clients hands (such as choosing a park but having it full of people).

Photos done in studio look significantly different than those done outdoors.  This is something you must take into account when making your decisions.  A good photographer can still capture beautiful shots indoors!  Studio flash is a necessity to get good, quality images.  If studio flash is not used, the images are dark, lack detail and are very flat looking.

The moral of the story is to ask your photographer lots of questions!  If you ask if they have flash, be sure to ask what type as the on camera flash isn't enough for indoor photos!  Be sure to look through your potential photographers sample of photos as well.  If you don't like what you see, move on to someone else!

Me? In a photo?

I came across an article today written by a fellow photographer that discussed the fact that she does not get in front of the camera, but rather stays behind it.  I read the article and thought to myself that it seemed a shame she didn't get in the shots with her children more often, or with friends.  Then, it occured to me that I do the exact same thing.  I'm not sure what the reasons are, I guess the main one is because it is usually myself with the camera and lens in front of my face rather than myself being in front of the camera!  There have been many moments I should have set the self timer or asked someone else to take the photo, but the opportunities have passed and all I can do is learn from this error.

With this in mind, I do have to share a story!  During the summer, I took my son to Sherbrooke Village for the day, kind of a mommy and son day to get away and have fun together.  We toured the historic village and took many memorable photos.  On the way home, I came across an abandoned church and decided to stop and photographed it.  I also decided to utilize my self timer and grab a few photos of myself.  So... I took my tripod piece off the bottom of the camera and placed it on the trunk (as the thought "knowing me I will forget it here" crossed my mind)  I took some photos, rather good ones considering I didn't have a tripod to set up on, packed up and drove away.  Then it occured to me, the tripod piece was still on the trunk.  Well, it wasn't, as you can imagine, since I already drove 1km by then.  I back tracked and searched, but of course it was long gone. 

In all honesty, that tripod was junk, very cheap and low quality.  I have upgraded my tripod to a professional grade piece, and I love it!!  I couldn't be happier!  And I assure you, leaving the attachment piece to the tripod of a trunk of a car will NEVER happen again!!  I have also purchased a wireless shutter release so those self portraits will be easy as pie! 

Moral of the story?  No excuses to not get in the photo with family and friends from  now on!

~Happy Friday!

Ready.... Set..... Go!

Well, here I am, writing my first entry!  To be honest, a year ago I had to look up the definition of a "blog", I had no idea what people were talking about when refering to a blog!  So here I am, attempting my own!  I aspire to become an interesting blogger, much like those entries I have previously read, but I think I should first aim to be, quite simply, a blogger!

I hope to blog about many aspects happening in my life, and in the lives around me.  My main subject will be photography and I hope to share a little "know how" with you.  I also hope to help people out in regards to photo sessions... picking out the perfect wardrobe is not as easy as one would think!

And while I'm on the topic, I am going to cover this subject so we all walk away having gained something from this entry. 

What do you wear for that family photo shoot?  You want to wear something that is timeless, memorable, and something you LOVE!  However, wearing that trendy shirt full of patterns and bold design is not going to hold up well in your photo.  Follow the simple guidelines below and you will have a wardrobe that will not fail you!

-keep your outfit simple and the color solid.  Blues, blacks and pastels are best. 
-make sure your outfit fits you properly.  An outfit that is a little too big or too small will show that way in your photo.  If you don't feel comfortable in your outfit, the photo won't feel comfortable!
-when doing family photos, it is best to have everyone wear colors from the same color group.  You don't necessarily have to all wear the exact same color, rather have members wear a variety of shades of blue, for instance.  And don't dismiss denim!!!  It is a very photographic item to wear and will always be in style!
-don't wear highly reflective items, such as watches.  You will find yourself checking out the bright spot on the photo rather than grandma's beautiful eyes!

There you have it, a very brief, yet informative, set of guidelines to hopefully help you out when picking the perfect outfit for your photos. 

Till the next time.....