I often get asked to help others pick out a camera. With all the choices out there and new models coming out all the time it can be a daunting task. Famous photographer Annie Leibovitz recently stated on a TV interview that her favorite point and shoot was her phone. This makes sense, it’s convenient and the newer phones are offering very good resolution. If you’re wanting more, some of the things to consider are price, size, and of course options and accessories. Price is pretty easy, how much can you afford to spend? I am generally a believer in the phrase “you get what you pay for” therefore I tend to recommend that you spend as much as you comfortably can when buying a camera. Size: Depending on your uses you may need something small and lightweight that will fit in a pocket or in your purse or you may need something with a lot of zoom which will inevitably require a larger camera. If you’re serious about getting into photography as a hobby or even a career you may want to look into a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera as these have the best image quality and the most available options. For several years there was sort of a “megapixel war” between camera manufacturers. While it used to be “the more pixels the better” it’s really not that much of an issue anymore. Any of the current cameras are going to be 10mp or more and that is PLENTY of resolution for your everyday snapshots and even prints up to 11×14. FYI: just because 2 cameras are both 10mp but have a great difference in price, there will probably be a quality difference in the chip that receives the image. If you find yourself wanting to make big prints and posters you may want more resolution but again that is not the major deciding factor. To make great enlargements you need a great photograph which also means it must be well focused and well exposed. If you’re in the market for a new camera and don’t know which way to go, feel free to email us and we’ll be glad to help you decide what best suits you! Be forewarned, the cost of accessories (flash, tripod, bag, strap, memory cards, etc) can add up quickly.
Month: January 2013
Vacation Photo Tips
Taking Better Vacation Pictures
Vacations are a great time to capture memories. Here are a few tips to help you get better pictures. First, get closer to your subject, especially when photographing the kids! Close shots tend to have more impact because they show more detail. Another tip when photographing kids at play is to get down on their level. Rather than shooting from a standing position looking down on them, kneel down or even lay down in the grass with them, you’ll be surpassed what a difference this can make. Use your flash outdoors and not indoors (all the time)! WHAT!? Yea, you heard me right. Available light indoors is much more pleasing than that harsh flash coming straight from your camera. There are many settings on today’s cameras that will help you get good photos indoors without a flash. Check your owner’s manual for how to raise the ISO (sensitivity) of your camera and how to set the white balance (color correction) for proper color (there are exceptions to every rule with indoor situations with extreme low light). When outdoors, go ahead and set your flash to “on” so that it can help fill in shadows created by the bright sunlight, this really only helps when you’re fairly close to your subject but again it will make a difference. If you’re going somewhere scenic, consider purchasing a polarizer filter. It’s like polarized sunglasses for your camera. It can really help you get better color in a blue sky or help reduce the glare on the water.
Cover Photo of 2NJoy Magazine
We’re honored to be on the cover of the Jan-Feb issue of 2Njoy magazine again this month. The photo was of Cedar Crest lodge, you can see many other of the images on pages 30-37 of the magazine in addition to several on our web site. This house was absolutely beautiful and the owners were super nice people. I spent the better part of 2 days there photographing and could have easily spent another day. The home was very comfortable and inviting, included a recreation room downstairs (I called the man-cave) along with six bedrooms. Upstairs had a master bedroom
attached to a nice relaxing office and bathroom and the kitchen/breakfast nook/Living room were all in one huge area with an incredable view of the lake. Words alone don’t do the home justice, go to the web site and check it out!
Commercial photography is not something we’re known for, but we have been doing for many years and love it!! We can do the small to the large, check out our web site to see more photos.
BRANCH PHOTOGRAPHY 