Virtual and On-Location Photography

With the Arizona heat on the rise I thought a quick list of tips to avoid the blistering sun would be in order. My first suggestion is to plan and arrange for any photoshoot that you want to happen in particular outside today. The type of photo sessions you may be considering include: Senior portraits: What kid doesn't want to have a unique series of photos to show off and look back on. Today's senior portraits are a far cry from the typical studio headshot in color and black and white!  Family Reunion: I once did a reunion of 30 family members in August, in the sun at high noon, no shade whatsoever and had everyone keep their eyes closed until I said 'smile.' Ultimately it worked out but it was HOT. Families don't often together in the same place at the same time so you'll want the best experience possible. Family reunion portraits are such a wonderful remembrance for the years to come.  "The family is one of natures masterpieces." ...

😓😢🙈🚂 I typically start out an article or post with as much an upbeat tone as possible. This email, however, has an entirely different tone.   A l ittle glum but useful.   Never, ever, ever stand or have your photo subject stand on railroad tracks. Most of the time the train will be way past you before you ever hear it. You know what that means! It's happened more that just a few times that the client or photographer have been killed as a result of getting that 'fabulous' shot down the middle of the tracks. Seniors particularly like this setting.   Same concept as in 1 above. Don't stand in the middle of the street. You do not have right of way just because you're doing something like taking a perspective photo of the Empire State building.   Stop texting when you're walking. It's just plain rude and selfish to think that others have to watch out for you rather than you watching out where you're going. PS I know this because I've done it....

Composition is one of the most important aspects of photography and also, probably one of the most taken for granted. How you frame your subject and compose your shot ultimately determines how memorable and interesting it is. A lot of times, we see something that we want to take a picture of and take 15 images of the exact same thing from the exact same spot. Moving a few feet to the right or to the left, getting higher and getting lower can totally change an image and give you a series of unique and interesting images instead of dozens that are almost identical. Changing your perspective can also help eliminate distracting background elements like cars and other people. It’s important to pay attention to the whole scene. Nothing ruins a portrait faster than a lamp post or street sign coming out of the top of your subjects head! A few steps to the right or left or getting a little higher or lower is all you have to do to get rid of distracting background elements. Try This:...