Focus techniques and getting sharp images in street photography rightly concerns many street photographers. This article discusses various manual focusing techniques including zone focusing/ hyperfocal distance, explaining how they work and when they are best for. Autofocus is also a powerful complement where manual abilities are limited. With the latest autofocus technology available today, photographers should take advantage of it.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Is Film Photography Worth it (vs Digital)? Costs, Image Quality, Film stocks
Film photography has been a subject of heated debate - is it work it to shoot film in an era in which digital photography is so convenient and cost-effective? This article breaks it down to you and addresses the question of whether film photography is worth it in today’s age, speaking from the point of view of costs, image quality, and how film stocks functions.
Read More[Pho.Snap] Ultimate Disposable Film Camera Guide & FAQ
This guide contains all essential information on using a disposable film camera. It covers basic information on its operation, camera settings and other common questions regarding more specific aspects of the disposable, the purpose of shooting on a disposable, and example of images taken using a disposable for your reference.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Ultimate Film Photography Troubleshoot Guide: Storage Time, Accidents & Hacks
This troubleshoot guide covers niche troubles people commonly run into when picking up or inheriting second hand, old film cameras. You will find a wealth of information in relation to storing film, key points in time of a roll of film’s lifetime, operational tips in using a film camera, how to deal with accidents, and disposable film cameras.
[Pho.Talk] Street Photography Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts, Blending In & Confidence
This article will address head-on one of the most common issues in street photography, that is how to overcome fear, how to blend in when shooting street photography, and how to navigate difficult situations.
Read More[Pho.Talk] How to Build an Editorial Fashion Concept: ND Award-Winning Example
Coming up with the concept is usually the collective work of a team, though the photographer and stylist typically play a larger role. The entire team communicates concepts using a moodboard, which consists of any images relevant to the discussion, including previous magazine covers, brand assets, or past work with a photographer with a similar style. The moodboard can be targeted at a certain fashion magazine, or at a brand’s message behind the collection to be shot. The moodboard also contains images singling out specific parts of the hairdo, makeup and props (if any).
Read More[Pho.Snap] TLR Cameras: Load, Shoot, Advance and Unload Film
This is the complete start pack for anyone looking to start shooting on a TLR film camera.
Read More[Pho.Snap] Candid Street Photography: Purpose, Obtrusiveness, Gear
Many questions in relation to street photography remain unanswered, which I will try to address in this article so that you could gain clarity on what the purpose is in shooting streets, be more confident in what you are doing, and also prepare with the most suitable gear for a street shoot.
Read More[Pho.Snap] Tripods for Photo & Video FAQ: Do you Need one, and When?
In general, you should buy a tripod if you want to start shooting commercially as many photography genres involve using a tripod, such as product and food. This is a worthwhile upgrade as it increases your production quality as a professional. In photography, tripods are typically used for stacking shots, long exposures and difficult shooting angles. In video, tripods are widely used to film yourself and to eliminate camera shake in footages, especially where fast motion is intended. For modern digital cameras, all cameras come with the same mount, thus any tripod would fit any camera.
Read More[Pho.Snap] When and Why to Buy an External Flash: Decision Guide!
A good time to seriously consider getting a flash is when you are starting to get booked for paid photography gigs. Flash lights are often used by professional photographers because it is highly portable for on-location or outdoor shoots, in which the lighting conditions are often not ideal. Even where there is enough daylight, flash lights can be used to create artistic effects.
Read More[Pho.Snap] Camera Flash Zoom Explained: Why Use it, What Focal Length
The zoom function is built to save flash power when shooting close-up frames, to maintain a higher level of flash performance overall. It also makes possible creative decisions that result in dramatic lighting with high contrast. Under most circumstances, you should keep your flash zoomed to the same focal length as your lens, except in creative photography in which you have more room for experimentation.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Is Street Photography Creepy?
Firstly, street shots with an architectural focus are seldom creepy. Secondly, general streetscape shots that happen to include some people can be regarded as creepy. These are usually taken at a distance, which are considerably less creepy than the third, street portraits, in which the photographer isolates individuals or groups on streets to make a close-up capture. To overcome this uneasiness, the key is to stop caring about people’s reactions, time your shot, and be familiar with manual shooting.
Read More[Pho.Snap] Photographing Books: Techniques and Styles
To avoid glare in photographing books, change up the angles and planes in your setup, or use polarising filters and diffusers to modify the light entering the lens. To keep a book open while photographing, fold the book harder, tuck one side beneath the other, or incorporate styling materials and the hand into the frame.
Read More[Pho.Snap] Shutter Sound Explained: DSLR vs Mirrorless, Silent Shooting Modes
DSLRs make a clicking noise because they operate using a mechanical shutter; the mirror claps twice and back to its original position after every shot. It is not possible to get rid of it entirely, but manufacturers like Canon have come up with ‘soft-shooting’ modes. These modes make it possible to dampen or delay the clicking sound. Mirrorless cameras make a softer noise because of they don’t have mirrors and only run on electronic shutters.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Dress Code for Photographers: Events, Outdoor vs Studio Shoots
For event photography, it depends on whether you adopt a documentary or interactive approach; for the former, wearing neutral tones is essential in reducing intrusion to the candid moments. For outdoor shoots, pay attention to temperature, sunlight intensity, your working environment and pick clothes that allow you to stay dry and flexible throughout the shoot. For studio shoot, you can go for outfits that has more of your personality and also look professional.
Read More[Pho.Talk] The Definitive Guide to Starting the Photography Hobby
Photography is a fun hobby for many because it speaks to our innermost desire for beauty in this world we live in; the photography process can be very therapeutic to our dull daily routines. Photography does not have to be expensive although it can if you wish. Photography is not hard to pick up because it has something to offer to any skill level; the fact that many photographers are self-taught testifies to this. To start photography, you will need to find inspiration, get a camera, and start clicking. DSLRs are generally a good place to start the hobby.
Read More[Pho.Talk] The Art of Promoting and Selling for Photographers
It is key to understand the ability to sell stems from within. In order to be effective in promoting your photography services, you must first put yourself in the appropriate state of mind, which does the selling for you. This state of mind manifests itself both before a potential client comes into contact and after. Once you are in this state of mind, all selling strategies and techniques subsequently falls into place.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Start Charging for your Photos when the Market does THIS!
The single most reliable sign that you should start charging is when the market asks for your rates after seeing your work. Whether or not your photos are good enough is not the central issue - there is no objective way to assess this. Focus on putting yourself in a state of mind that enables you to convert every enquiry into a booking.
Read More[Pho.Talk] Photography Payment Norms: Methods, Deposits, When to Pay
Usually, photographers accept both cash and bank transfers, taking a 50% retainer due before the shoot. Exact due date for retainer and the balance is mostly up to the photographer. Up-front payments are taken to close a time slot from further advertisement and cover gear rental costs.
Read More[Pho.Edits] Professional Photographer’s Guide to Organising Photos
The best, safest and cheapest way to store a large amount of digital files is using an external hard drive. This involves only a one-off investment that gives you total, physical control of your files. The most effective way of organising your folders is to adopt a folder structure with consistent naming conventions, further enhanced by the use of keywords or tags.
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