Archive for the ‘Field Instructional’ Category
Quick Tips for Event Photography
Coffee Common NYC , An event I recently shot
In my time as an event photographer, I have come up with some things that always seem to work. They are simple and clean methods that never fail. It requires something that goes beyond just having great gear. A little preparation can go long way.
So let’s get right into it.
7 Things I Do To Prepare for a Long Day of Photography
First image from a ~7 Hour photo walk I recently did
Being a photographer is like playing a game of chess, you must think first before you move. No matter which style of photography I am doing, I have to prepare myself. This can make a long day easier because it allows me to focus on the creation of images. Read the rest of this entry »
The Beginner’s Guide to Travel Photography: Capturing the Spirit
So you’ve finally landed in (insert destination of your choice here) and you’re ready to give your camera a workout (in my case, a Canon Rebel XSi). Shooting in far-flung locations can be an inspiring and invigorating experience – but it also comes with some unique challenges. You have to keep the photographic in mind all the while attempting to get your bearings in check, which can range from which direction to go to converting currency to staying safe as both a foreigner and a photographer. This challenge is compounded when you want to get shots of people. This is, however, arguably the most compelling and telling way to capture the spirit of a place.
Read the rest of this entry »
Some Tips for Cosplayer Photography (Pictures Taken at New York Comic Con )
One of my favorite things to do at any Comic book or Anime Convention or combination of the two like New York Comic con is to photo walk around the show and take cosplayer portraits. These folks are all dressed up and had a place to go. I consider it the performance art of these shows and thing the images should be captured for all to see. Cosplayers put a lot of time and effort into their costumes and accessories. I give them my respect by putting a little thought into how I take their photos. There are large amounts of tips that can be given, but here are the ones I think are the most important.
Three Quick Uses for a Reflector at a Convention Event (Besides Reflecting Light)
“Man, you’re not kidding around.” That’s what Matt, my Lighting Tech, told me when he stepped into the Press Room and looked at all the gear I had laid out on the table—which included a collapsed 32 inch reflector. At this year’s Comic Con, I wanted to get the best photos I possibly could. While that means not only having knowledge of how to pose my subjects, it also meant bringing everything that was needed. After having shot the convention for the past four years, I finally learned from my mistakes enough to also know what gear to bring along. While I didn’t want to lug a reflector around with me, it was totally worth it in the end. Here’s why:
Setting Your White Balance Correctly Using a White Coffee Cup Lid
While hunched over a coffee cup and mentally composing an image, I realize the light is weird. I am seeing multiple light bulbs casting different colors of light. I realize the best image result will come from my setting the white balance, but I do not have an Expodisc or a grey card available. Not all is lost however. I do have a coffee cup lid. With that, white balance can be set. I usually keep my camera on auto white balance and make note of the light to adjust things later. That way, I can get a decent white balance setting. There are many ways to set the white balance. Here are some examples.
