Life as a creative requires consistent inspiration. Sometimes we can find that inspiration within, but other times it is necessary to look outside of ourselves. These 5 photographers who inspire offer unique viewpoints and evocative imagery- a combination that never fails to ignite my own creativity. Photographers Who Inspire | Nisian Hughes Starting out with […]
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So you’re in the process of choosing new photography gear. How do you make sure that you purchase the best piece of equipment possible, and that you’ll fall in love with using it? Choosing New Photography Gear: Know Why You Need It New gear is fun. The rush of buying it. The bliss of using
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A few days ago I shared my most recent Day in the Life session. Here are some tips to help you complete your own DITL: Do pre-plan Although I do try to capture a day as authentically as possible, the fact that I have to be both Mom and photographer in one day means that
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Continuing with the theme of the ‘behind the scenes’ peek into my editing process, here is a 6.5 minute video of 1 image, start to finish in Lightroom. The video includes a pullback, the SOOC image and my full editing steps. Scroll down below the video if you’d prefer to pick up some quick tips via reading.
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I’ve been photographing my kids, frequently, since my oldest was about 1 and 1/2 years old. That means he has been a constant subject for 8 years, now. His brothers have known no other life besides one with Mom’s face frequently covered with a camera. Over the years I’ve figured out that there are certain
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Sometimes I wish that all of the important moments of life happened in beautiful light. Lovely, warm, light afternoon light, or moody deep inside light on an overcast day would be fantastic, but more often, memorable events take place when the light is less than wonderful. There is always the option to add light deliberately
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I’m not someone who likes to draw a lot of attention to myself. Blending in, being part of the crowd, keeping my behavior and the presentation of myself as neutral and unobtrusive as possible is the way that I typically prefer to function. Thus, making public self portraits runs counter to my natural tendencies. However,
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It is Spring, but I know some parts of the Northern Hemisphere are still dealing with snow! Here are a few tips to make shooting outside in snowy conditions as productive as possible: 1- Meter Carefully When Shooting Outside in Snowy Conditions Any scene that includes a large amount of information that has a tonal
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Using leading lines is one very effective method of harnessing compositional technique to create more impactful imagery. Leading lines can either be very bold and easy to follow, or they can be quite subtle and almost subconsciously guide a viewer through the frame. The goal of using leading lines is to create a path through
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Light is almost everything in photography. Literally, photography means “light writing,” but more applicable to the act of creating imagery is the fact that studying and understanding light will immediately increase your skill as a photographer. One easy to grasp distinction to understand is the difference between directional and flat light. Purposefully choosing which type to
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One of my favorite little indulgences in life is to purchase a $5-6 bouquet of flowers at Trader Joes. I feel particularly blissful when it is Ranunculus season, but full Roses, pale tulips and delicate Hydrangea is satisfying, as well. My goal when bringing these bouquets home is two fold; I want to both 1-
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It is actually quite uncommon for me to deem a given scene “badly” lit. However, it does sometimes happen that I have deal with what I have and end up photographing in bad light. Generally, the light is bad because I do not have the option to modify it. If I can move subjects, add
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I’m currently working through a weekly self portrait project over on Instagram, called #portraitsofme. My good friend Courtney, of clickitupanotch.com, and I would love to have you join in with us. Today, to go along with the images that I created in February, I’m going to share tips for 3 types of Self Portraits that you
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Arlington Cemetery is one of the most important tourist sites in the greater Washington DC area. It is beautifully maintained, integral to our national identity and worthy of a few hours of time if a visit to DC is in your plans. Here are five photo prompts to help you most fully capture the experience
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The Rule of Thirds is one of the most used compositional approaches in photography. According to MoMA.org, composition is: The arrangement of the individual elements within a work of art so as to form a unified whole; also used to refer to a work of art, music, or literature, or its structure or organization. The
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Using framing elements is a quick and easy way to add depth and interest to your photographs. Here are 3 (and 1/2) ways to utilize framing elements. Foreground Only Find, or create, a frame between your subject and the camera. You can utilize architecture, objects, other people, fabrics or even deep shadows. Anything that creates
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What can sometimes be the most chaotic morning of a family’s year also contains some of the most memorable moments. Emotions running high, the potential for magic in the eyes of the children is palpable and there are color, textures and lights galore. Need a few strategies and tips to photograph Christmas morning (or any other holiday
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When I first started out with photography, I did 2 years of 365s, back to back. That daily practice of shooting, editing and sharing made a huge difference in my initial growth. If you’re considering taking on a 365, here are some of my best tips: 1. Find your tribe Like most aspirations, photography is
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Winter is coming. (But not soon enough… for Game of Thrones fans. Ha) And with winter, many of us experience a drop in motivation to shoot. With that in mind I’ve compiled a short list of some of my favorite easily accessible resources for you to peruse when you need a creativity pick-me-up and some
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As we dive into the holiday season, opportunities for photos of kids engaged in easily recognizable activities abound. But how to add variety and interest while photographing the holidays instead of creating images that can easily look the same year after year? Here are a few quick tips: Cut Off the Heads Frame your
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1- Be kind to your back. Use a backpack, if possible. While out shooting travel photography it really isn’t the time to carry a cute bag. You’re on your feet all day, the beds you sleep on at night probably aren’t all that restorative and situations are perfect for creating back, neck and shoulder pain if you
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Beauty noun The quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest). (dictionary.com) What jumps out at you when you
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There is a lot of love floating around in February. As you find yourself drowning in Valentines and candy hearts, here are a few tips for capturing love between people, that are useful all throughout the year. Capturing Love: Siblings Shared Activities: Sometimes, during the day to day, it can be a little difficult to see
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As we are poised at the beginning of February, a month traditionally dedicated (at least partially) to romance and warm emotions, I thought it appropriate to spend some time examining reasons why I love photography, and why you may, as well. It can be tedious down in the trenches, as you are working through learning the
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