Many people think that summer is traditionally a slow time for photo studios. However, this is not the case. In fact, many professional studios see summer as a huge money maker, especially with the surge in senior photos, family reunions and other seasonal events to document. If you are an avid shutterbug looking for summer employment, check out chain photo studios for opportunities. Sears, Kmart and the Picture People accept applications year-round for staff photographers. If you land a summer gig at one of these chain studios, you can earn a decent paycheck taking portraits while adding fresh images to … Continue reading →

When you are first starting out in photography, it’s best to concentrate on the basics. After all, there’s no sense in trying to memorize all the nuances of advanced picture-taking if you can’t remember how to work something as simple as your camera’s zoom feature. Getting to know your camera is the first step to snapping keepers. Resist the temptation to pitch your instruction manual just because you think you can work your camera by following the nifty icons plastered near the LCD screen. Granted, there are many features you can set on auto mode and still take decent photos, … Continue reading →

Regardless of whether you are photographing your favorite four-legged friend or you’re taking aim at your four kids, preparation is key to a successful shoot. Factors, such as lighting, background and camera angles should be considered before you start pressing the shutter button. Another factor to consider is attire. These days, outfit choice is an issue that is not exclusive to humans only. Dogs and cats have access to a variety of adorable ensembles, from sweaters to slickers, ponchos to pretty dresses. Whether you are taking a picture of your newborn or your fur baby, you want to select clothing … Continue reading →

Thousands of schools across the country, from California to Michigan, New York to Georgia, are closed this week. Some districts call the break “winter recess,” others refer to it as “ski week” while others combined President’s Day with furlough days and simply told students to stay home. Here in Wisconsin, it’s business as usual (much to my 7-year-old’s chagrin); however, our friends, who live in Michigan, are enjoying a lovely pre-spring break in the tropics. Since they took off on Sunday, I’ve received no less than six links to their online photo gallery—-the clearinghouse for all their fab vacation images. … Continue reading →

Valentine’s Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean you should stop snapping sweet shots of loved ones. Nothing brings a smile to my face faster than catching a glimpse of a framed photo of my young daughter smiling brightly on our favorite beach in Hawaii with the sun setting behind her. The photo is nearly two years old, but it still puts me in a good mood each time I see it. Snapping a frame worthy picture of an unpredictable child can be challenging, but if you go into the session remembering a few key tips, you should be … Continue reading →

Now that you know how to snap shots of waterfalls to make them look as though cascades of cottony streaks are flowing over rocks, let’s turn our attention to techniques that allow you to achieve other abstract images. As I mentioned in a previous blog, long shutter speeds allow for intentional blurring, which in most cases, help to enhance images. The same blurring technique can also be used to experiment with more abstract photos, provided you make a few minor modifications. Rather than simply increasing the shutter speed, consider adjusting your camera’s zoom as well. By using a long shutter … Continue reading →

High school football is a huge deal in our small city, and with Homecoming week festivities kicking off today, I expect snap happy parents will be working overtime this weekend. In addition, to the big dance and big game, the local high school is hosting a massive pep rally where cheerleaders will take center stage. Our neighbor is beside herself right now as her daughter is the captain of the cheerleading squad and is on the Homecoming court. Basically, my friend will be living with a camera attached to her face the entire weekend. I don’t think she has to … Continue reading →

We’re only in the second week of the new school year, though you’d never know it looking around our small town. Store marquees are already counting down to the big Homecoming football game and Halloween candy has made its way into sack lunches. Forget about pool parties and late night picnics, folks in these parts have their cameras focused squarely on the football field. Like many tiny towns across the country, high school pigskin is king around these parts. Players’ parents, siblings, friends and classmates arrive early to stake out prime picture-taking spots around the field. Fortunately, this time of … Continue reading →

I have a guilty pleasure: I like to find bad photography and chuckle at it. Is that terrible? (One of my favorite sites to do this is AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com) Usually, what makes these photos so hilarious is their poor composition. A photo is only a slice of reality; therefore how you frame your subject can either portray reality, improve it, or create a silly or awkward illusion. Silly props and goofy outfits aside, here are a few tips for composing your pictures: 1. Avoid limb chops. Try not to “cut off” fingertips, elbows and toes. Acceptable places to crop include the … Continue reading →