The need for portrait photography has a massive global market. Considering that there could scarcely be a household which does not need a portrait done at some point. For example the growing children would need to have a portrait produced every year. Photographs of the whole family through the generations are also extremely popular.
The Portrait Photography business is amongst one of the most viable options for the Photographer. The Portrait option is one big money making alternative provided that the Photographer is competent and committed to taking quality portraits.
The venture is simple to initiate and can be begun from home in a spare room. Or even a garage, to keep the costs down whilst you build the business.
The start up needs are modest considering that all it would require to start up a Portrait Photography business would be buying a tripod, the camera, a few lights and some backdrops.
The success in making money from Portrait Photography would depend on being in possession of a high level of self confidence, considering that the photographer would need to guide and direct the group and individuals alike for an effective creation of Portraits. So it would help if the Photographer was a people person and made the experience fun for the customers.
Money can be made from selling the Photographs in a wide range of formats and presented in different ways.
A background can do many things to a photograph. It can change the mood of your photograph, make it look as if the subject is in a variety of situations ranging from a tropical backdrop through to a ambient lighting set up.
Using the background to contrast and bring out the best coloring in your subject, can be done by using solid colours as backdrops. The colours will depend on the lighting, the clothes the subject is wearing, and their actual coloring of the subject.
The background can also bring out the personality of your subject. Fun backgrounds can bring out their humor. It is up to you to bring out these important factors in your subject. To use your creativity and technical knowledge.
It is good to discuss with your clients what sort of backgrounds you should be using for their photographs and give them a choice and involve them in the process. Think about atmosphere, colouring and places that a background can bring to the picture.
Have fun and enjoy the experience. Also work in your own personality and style into the final Photography.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/mastering-portrait-photography-445912.html
Friday, 23 January 2009
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Thursday, 22 January 2009
Make Friends With Your Digital Camera
When a brand new SLR (single lens reflex) model digital camera is put into
your hands, whether it is a purchase or a gift, you are holding an exquisitely crafted instrument designed to deliver sharp, crisp, brilliantly colored photos. If you spend the time to acquaint yourself with its technical aspects, a whole new world of photography can open up to you.
I admit that the typical manual for digital cameras can be intimidating. I have two manuals for a small digital camera that I bought two years ago. The camera can be used in automatic (point-and-shoot) or manual mode and the basic guide is 32 pages, the advanced guide is 144 pages.
Fortunately, camera manufacturers now have show and tell instructions in the form of DVDs and that should help. But sometimes technical terms discourage new owners from getting up close and personal with their new cameras.
With computer access it is really easy to search Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, to investigate many technical terms like, for instance, mega pixels (tiny, tiny dots of color). When you see that the more mega pixels a camera has, (like 10.1mp or 12.1mp), the sharper the image is going to be because there is more pixel information being recorded when you shoot.
This means that you will be able to have your photos blown up to, say, poster or mural size because there is a greater density of pixel information and the image will keep its clarity at large sizes. Photos taken with less mega pixel data appear grainy because there are fewer recorded dots of color information.
Perhaps you remember with fondness the user-friendly cameras preceding the latest addition to your collection of memory makers.
With the stalwart (if slightly boxy and heavy) 35mm film camera, inserting a roll of film was sometimes a little tricky, lining up the film edge holes on the sprockets, and being careful to shield the camera from too much light when inserting the film.
But then once that was done, your automatic film camera was good to go. Just point, shoot and no worries. Of course, you really had no idea if you actually got the photos of what you were shooting until the film was developed days or weeks later.
Stepping into the 21st century, that scenario has changed dramatically with the advent of the digital camera. You know what you have right away.
(I was amused recently while watching a TV show where an irate actor snatched a camera from a paparazzi photographer to destroy unwanted photos. A scene like this done ten years ago would have been super dramatic with the person pulling out yards of exposed film. Now it is merely a matter of snapping out a tiny memory card!)
Here are a few of the basic things to learn about your camera.
Controlling the amount of light perceived in a scenePut very simply, the aperture (opening) of the camera lens is like the iris of the eye, enlarging to let in more light in low light situations and narrowing in brightly lit scenes like snow or water-reflecting scenes. In automatic mode, when there is too much or too little light coming through the aperture, the camera computer corrects for this.
You can manually control the amount of light by adjusting the f-stops on your camera lens. Basic f-stops range from f-1.2 to f-22. The lower number setting indicates a low light situation where the camera aperture is opened to its widest diameter to allow in more light. The high number setting shows an extremely brightly lit situation where the aperture needs to be closed down, letting in less light so that the image will not be over-exposed and washed out.
Setting the speed (ISO) at which the camera shutter opens and closes
You can control the speed (ISO) at which the photo will be taken. In film cameras, the only way to change speed was to change rolls of film, sometimes wasting much of a roll. With your digital camera, you simply switch by dialing the speed you desire.
This is important if you are, for instance, shooting sports photos where the shutter is open a tiny fraction of a second so you can capture action without blurring. Or, you may want the shutter open for long periods if you are shooting night scenes or fireworks
Selecting the focal distance
The part of your camera that is governing how far away from your subject you are shooting is the lens. If your new digital camera is an SLR (single lens reflex) model, you are a very fortunate person. The SLR model is very versatile because with the flip of a button, you can change lenses quickly and easily. You can instantly change from shooting panoramic shots to intimate portraits or switch to a macro mode of ECUs (extreme close-ups).
Even if you start out with a basic lens of 18-55mm, the time you spend learning about the effects of using different focal length lenses will reward you with the knowledge to take spectacular photos.
Your digital camera is capable of taking stunning and memorable photos if you take a little time to really get acquainted.
(If you are thinking about upgrading from a digital point-and-shoot camera, take a look at the EOS Canon Rebel XTi SLR 10.1mp digital, the camera I love. With the professional level of this camera, your photographs can exhibit a whole new level of clarity and brilliance.)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/make-friends-with-your-digital-camera-445808.html
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Matting a Picture
Matting is the initial step in any framing project, and involves the use of a thin piece of specially treated cardboard known as mat board. The picture frame mat is a decorative touch to be sure; however, matting serves several practical and protective functions as well when it comes to archival preservation. These include protecting the photograph from acidity and temperature fluctuations as well as separating the surface of the photo from the glazing material. When shopping for picture matting supplies, it’s a good idea to buy the best you can afford. Low-quality mat board is often worse than using nothing at all.
Often, picture framing supplies can be purchased as a comprehensive kit that includes custom picture frames as well. These are fine to use, and can be purchased online or from a real-world art supply store; the only disadvantage is that the photo frames that are often included are for a specific size of photo or other image; therefore, if your artifact is not of a standard size, you may have to have a frame specially made, or create one yourself.
It’s important to understand that the matting process requires some patience, and a fairly high degree of skill. If you make even one small mistake, the mat board will be wasted and you’ll have to start all over again. It’s best to use a metal straight edge with some kind of measurement markings on it, a metal “T-square” and a fine cutting tool such as an “X-Acto” knife in order to obtain the best results. Even better, spend a little extra and get a professional mat cutter if you plan on doing a great many projects like this; they’re easier to use and make it a simple matter to achieve clean, straight, beveled cuts.
Among the other picture matting supplies you’ll need to gather are a pencil and eraser, fine-grade sandpaper and a perfectly flat surface to protect the surface on which you’ll be cutting the mat board.
The choice of mat board, like that of custom picture frames, should be based on not only your own personal preferences but also the colors and tones of the photo or other image as well as the type and color of photo frames used and not least of all, the area in which the image will be displayed. Picture matting supplies come in many different colors; try to choose muted, neutral colors that do not distract from the artifact itself.
It’s also smart to buy enough mat board to allow for errors. Chances are if you have not done picture matting before, you’ll wind up going through a couple of mat boards before you’re finished.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/matting-a-picture-443362.html
Often, picture framing supplies can be purchased as a comprehensive kit that includes custom picture frames as well. These are fine to use, and can be purchased online or from a real-world art supply store; the only disadvantage is that the photo frames that are often included are for a specific size of photo or other image; therefore, if your artifact is not of a standard size, you may have to have a frame specially made, or create one yourself.
It’s important to understand that the matting process requires some patience, and a fairly high degree of skill. If you make even one small mistake, the mat board will be wasted and you’ll have to start all over again. It’s best to use a metal straight edge with some kind of measurement markings on it, a metal “T-square” and a fine cutting tool such as an “X-Acto” knife in order to obtain the best results. Even better, spend a little extra and get a professional mat cutter if you plan on doing a great many projects like this; they’re easier to use and make it a simple matter to achieve clean, straight, beveled cuts.
Among the other picture matting supplies you’ll need to gather are a pencil and eraser, fine-grade sandpaper and a perfectly flat surface to protect the surface on which you’ll be cutting the mat board.
The choice of mat board, like that of custom picture frames, should be based on not only your own personal preferences but also the colors and tones of the photo or other image as well as the type and color of photo frames used and not least of all, the area in which the image will be displayed. Picture matting supplies come in many different colors; try to choose muted, neutral colors that do not distract from the artifact itself.
It’s also smart to buy enough mat board to allow for errors. Chances are if you have not done picture matting before, you’ll wind up going through a couple of mat boards before you’re finished.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/matting-a-picture-443362.html
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Unique Family Portrait Ideas
Unique Family Portrait Ideas
Sometimes it can be difficult to create a family portrait that is unique or different. The standard portrait with the family standing in front of some fake, fabricated scene can feel drab and boring. Taking the photo yourself may be impossible, and you probably don’t have a professional photographer in the family. The following are a few ideas for some unique and meaningful family portraits that could easily become a family heirloom for many years to come.Add a Pet Portrait to the Family Photo Wall
When putting together a family portrait wall filled with individual photos of members of the family, don’t forget to include the member of the family who often goes overlooked – the family pet! While taking a photo yourself, framing it, and putting it up on the wall will do the trick – nothing is quite as eye-catching as a painted portrait created of your much-loved family pet. This is becoming a very popular method of capturing the character and personality of the family pet in a format that is often breathtaking.
You can find the best style of pet portraits from Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. The great thing about these pet portraits is that they can be done from a photograph – so it is possible to purchase artwork like this from skilled artists like Nikky regardless of distance.
Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school. Her art is soft and romantic – with a dreamy quality to them. They are lifelike and impressive representations of everything that makes a pet beautiful in the eyes of its owner. The aspect of her paintings that truly make Nikky’s art stand out from the crowd is the setting in which she places the animals. The surroundings are sometimes whimsical, other times wonderfully surreal, but always intriguing. Nikky’s art represents the work of a rising artist, so purchasing one of these portraits would be an excellent investment, and a wonderful addition to your home décor.
Make a Video Family Portrait
If you, or someone in the family, are somewhat savvy with the digital camcorder – creating a family video may be an option. Digital recording technology has advanced to the point where regular folks can generate some impressive movie content. Additionally, video editing software has made it so that anyone with even general computer knowledge can create some of the most intricate movies – complete with video, audio, and voiceover streams that would impress even amateur movie-makers.
There are also a number of video professionals, such as teleportraits.com who can capture memories and testimonials from your family that can become a timeless record of the personalities and memories for many years. A professional videographer will typically record all of the raw video, edit all of the video and produce a high quality DVD for you that you can enjoy anytime you choose, or at events such as family gatherings. Using video is one of the most fascinating and non-conventional ways to create a family portrait.
Have an Outdoor Portrait Done
If you are going to have a standard photo portrait done of the family, the best option to create an authentic and inspirational photo is to use a natural background outdoors. If you don’t live in a place where there is a large backyard, then have the photo taken at a park where a beautiful backdrop of a field, lake, or if you are lucky enough, a mountain. Sometimes other outdoor settings can work very well, such as a city skyline or the large span of an architecturally beautiful bridge. The possibilities are endless, but if standard photo portraits are preferred, natural backdrops can turn a boring photo into an exciting one.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/unique-family-portrait-ideas-442815.html
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