Photo Of The Week

This week's photo of the week is of a bee taking a break from collecting pollen resting on a rose stem that was taken by Rachelle Louisseize with LouisXVI Photography.  

To see more of Rachelle's work, visit her website at www.louisxviphotography.com. You can also check her out on Instagram @louisxvi.photography. 

We Want To Feature Your Work!

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to contact@cameragiveaways.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

4 Important Engagement Session Tips To Remember

If you are a wedding or portrait photographer, you probably do many engagement sessions as well. Engagement photos are so important to the couple... it is the memorable photos that they will remember forever before they said 'I do.' 

Today, we want to focus on 4 engagement session tips that are less-obvious and that are often overlooked when working with a couple. Follow these tips below and they can help you improve your photos overall and could help you to avoid things going wrong while you are out during your shoots.

Photo credit: Courtney Hizey Photography via SnapKnot

#1 Always Be Sure To Have a Backup Plan

In general, as well as with photography, we all know that things hardly ever go as we planned for them to go. You can plan ahead but sometimes things just do not work out. If you show up for your favorite location and it’s closed for whatever reason, what do you do? Having that backup plan is very important and will help to avoid the panic of having to find a new location quickly. There is always a possibility of getting kicked out of a location due to an event taking place, or having inclement weather right during the exact time of your session. You even want to plan for things like traffic backups and road closures that can mess up your schedule.

#2 Visit Fewer Locations During The Session

Many clients want so many different location for their engagement sessions so they have a variety. They may want beach shots, city shots, night shots, and nature shots all in one session but while you want to keep your client happy, rushing through tons of different locations within the time of the session is not the best idea. It is important to take your time with each location; being rushed increases the risk of something going wrong. Taking your time and focusing on the right expressions, ideal backgrounds, and perfect settings in one or two locations creates a better product and a more enjoyable overall experience than cramming in multiple locations in a few hours. Discuss this with your client before the day of the session so you are all prepared for those top locations and have a plan in place. 

Photo credit: KetaNuva Studios via SnapKnot

#3 Ensure Proper Client Preparation

Having your clients happy and relaxed makes for a smoother session. You want to make sure that as their photographer, you take the appropriate steps needed to help your clients stay happy. I your session is scheduled to go through a typical meal time, suggest that they eat prior to the shoot and it may even be helpful to pack a snack in case someone gets hungry. If there’s even the slightest chance of it being cold, make sure they bring a jacket and maybe even have a backup in your car just in case. You would hate for your session to end early because the clients get too cold. It is so important to anticipate all the possible dilemmas that can come up and plan accordingly.

#4 Stay Flexible And Keep An Open Mind

Ideas for different photos can stem from anything. Sometimes the client brings an idea that may be awesome or it could be cheesy or just plain bad. No matter the idea, it’s your job as the photographer to accommodate, modify, and improve their ideas to capture shots that match their personalities and their style. This will ensure that you keep your clients happy! 

We hope these tips are helpful. Here are a few other posts you may be interested in: 

• 2 Ways To Make Couples Feel Comfortable While Taking Portraits
• 2 Great Ways To Pose Couples

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If you are a wedding or portrait photographer, you need to check out the Posing Guide For Couple Portraits! this 209 page guide, you will get tons of pose ideas as well as tips on finding the perfect location, keeping the couple comfortable, pricing and even post processing.  For only $9.99 (regularly $129.99) you can get this awesome guide today! 

GET THE POSING GUIDE FOR COUPLE PORTRAITS TODAY!

 

 

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Amazing Weather Photography By Kylie Gee

The weather can be a pretty amazing thing. Storms that create lighting strikes, various cloud patterns and colors are a unique thing to photograph. Kylie Gee, a weather photographer, captures some of nature’s greatest performances from across Western Australia and we are excited to show you some of her great photos today.

Gee started Indigo Storm Photography as a hobby, but has since morphed into a passionate business venture that earned her a spot as one of only 12 Australian photographers featured in the 2017 Bureau of Meteorology calendar.

We hope you enjoy a few of her awesome photos as much as we do! 

Southern Cross. Common in the far eastern Wheatbelt during the summer months are these massive and spectacular dust storms. Picture: Kylie Gee - Indigo Storm Photography

Lightning, captured from Marshall Rock Rd near Bencubbin as a fast moving cell tracked over Welbungin early evening. Picture: Kylie Gee - Indigo Storm Photography

Horrocks Beach in the early afternoon as severe storms tracked south from Port Gregory over Horrocks and south towards Geraldton. Picture: Kylie Gee - Indigo Storm Photography

This storm cell tracked straight over Southern Cross right on sunset with a frequent and intense display of cloud to ground lightning. Picture: Kylie Gee - Indigo Storm Photography

Captured on Mandiga Road between Koorda and Bencubbin. it passed over right on sunset creating this gorgeous backlit virga rain. Picture: Kylie Gee - Indigo Storm Photography

Be sure to check out more of Kylie Gee's work at www.indigostormphotography.com. If you love these storm photos, here are a few more photos you may enjoy:

• Awesome Rainy Day Wedding Photos And 4 Tips To Be Prepared For Bad Weather
• Great Weather Photography From 2016

We originally saw these photos on the Sydney Times. 

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Photo Of The Week

This week's photo of the week was taken by Erik Piro and is of the Linda Mar State Beach in Pacifica, California. 

You can see more photo from Erik by following him on Facebook. 

We Want To Feature Your Work!

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to contact@cameragiveaways.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

Summer 2017 Camera Giveaway Announcement

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***UPDATE*** 
It's time to announce our NEW winner! 

Thousands of entries but only one can claim a free camera! And the winner of a new NIKON D810 or CANON 5DS R is....

Emily A.

Emil*****@gmail.com

EVEN IF YOU DIDN'T WIN THIS TIME,
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN STILL DO...

1) Please help support our next big giveaway by visiting (clicking) one of our sponsors below:

2) Many thanks to our fantastic sponsor 17Hats! 17hats is a business management solution for busy entrepreneurs and freelancers who are short on time, but big on passion. Simply put, we take the chaos out of entrepreneurship and streamline your business admin so you can get back to doing what you love. Click here to learn more! 

3) Thanks also to our sponsor Essential Edit Visit Essential Edit for great editing and design services perfect for all photographers!  

4) Check out these AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALS that are offered to you by BP4U Photographer Resources: 

CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING

WHETHER YOU ARE A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER OR A HOBBYIST, LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER OR LANDSCAPE, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR YOU AT BP4U PHOTOGRAPHER RESOURCES.

A FEW OF THE PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

• Photoshop Action Sets
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• Overlays
• Posing Guides
• Photographer Marketing Templates
• Welcome Packet Templates
• Photographer Email Templates
• Photographer Blog Post Templates
• Photographer Contracts and Forms
• and so much more! 

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE AWESOME PRODUCTS!

5) Check out some of the great photography classes that CreativeLive is offering. Click here to RSVP and watch for FREE! 

5) Thank you to our sponsor Cole's Classroom! Check them out at www.colesclassroom.com.  

10 Awesome Long Exposure Shots

Long exposure photography creates an image that highlights the effect of passing time. The inclusion of motion, which is mostly shown through light, is the main factor that adds that uniqueness to this types of images.

We found these awesome long exposure shots on Bored Panda that we wanted to share with you today. From a ferris wheel to the milkyway in the sky, the photographers behind these shots did an amazing job showcasing these objects with the long exposure. We hope you enjoy these photos as much as we do! 

Departing Tram

Photo credit: Viktor Varga

Milky Way That Looks Like Fractal Geometry

Photo credit: Christian Sasse

Ferris Wheel Looks Like It Has Stained Glass

Photo credit: Ayako Huzikawa

Long Exposure Traffic Light

Photo credit: Lucas Zimmerman

Fireflies In A Forest, Japan

Photo credit: spicedpumpkins

The Motions Of Canoers And Kayakers Revealed With LEDS In Long Exposure Photography

Photo credit: Stephen Orlando

Long Exposure Photo Of A Plane Taking Off

Photo credit: hilltopchill

Zoomed Out While Taking A Picture Of Christmas Tree

Photo credit: bryce901

Long Exposure of Fireworks

Photo credit: Proteon

Long Exposure Of Bugs Under A Streetlamp

Photo credit: Tnargkiller

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Tips For Newborn Photography From Celebrity Family Photographer Julia Boggio

Newborn photography is so special.... you are creating memories for two parents that their family will remember for a lifetime. Documenting those special newborn moments is wonderful but can be tricky! Celebrity family photographer Julia Boggio has been photographing babies and families for over 12 years. Her work in the photography industry has helped her to become the photographer of choice in the London luxury market. 

HELLO! Magazine did an interview with Julia to discuss baby photography, and get her top tips for doing your own baby shoot at home and we thought it would be perfect to share some of her tips with you here today! 

What's the perfect age (weeks) to do a shoot with a newborn?

"Newborn photography ideally needs to happen within the first 10 days of life. After this time, they start spending more time awake, which makes them harder to pose. With twins or babies that have come a little early, this time frame can usually be extended."

How do you keep a baby calm/sleep and not crying during the shoot?

"Timing the shoot to begin after feeds is a good place to start. Keeping the room warm, almost uncomfortably so for you, can help the baby relax, especially if you want to get shots where their clothes are off. It’s also a good idea to play some white noise or heartbeats on your phone as the sound is comforting to babies (after all, it was all they really heard for nine months)."

How long should a shoot last?

"There is no perfect amount of time for a newborn shoot to last. I've had shoots go anywhere from two hours to eight hours. It all depends on the baby's temperament. There are often long breaks for feeding and lulling the baby to sleep – this can't be rushed."

What essentials do you need to create a 'photo studio' in your own home?

"The most important ingredient is light. You don't need to have professional flash, but you do need a window with good light. If the light is too bright (like direct sun), have some white plastic shower curtains on hand to tape up on the glass to help make the light a bit softer. If you want to take pictures in the baby's crib, move it next to a window. You can also use pillows or layer lots of blankets on the floor in the window light to make a nice comfortable spot for baby."

Is it possible to do a baby shoot at home like a pro?

"Yes and no. You can get simple, natural-style images at home, but the more complicated, artistic portraits require an advanced knowledge of lighting, posing and, most importantly, safe handling of newborn babies."

What shoots are the most popular with parents and why do you think they are so popular?

"In the first year, most parents will see me three times (four if you include a pregnancy shoot). Newborn shoots are special because the baby is so new and beautiful. However, the baby will quickly change and soon will look nothing like that cuddly bundle you brought home from the hospital. My favourite time to photograph babies is between 6-8 months in a studio setting. The key is to do it when they are sitting up steadily, but not yet crawling. You can have lots of fun dressing them up or photographing them with their rolls of fat (which also disappear way too soon). Finally, there is the first birthday shoot, which sometimes involves baby's first taste of cake (also known as a Cake Smash Shoot). Some babies absolutely love it and some act like you are feeding them cow pats. It's always hilarious and always yields great photographs."

How did you get into photography?

"Both my great-grandfather and my grandfather in Italy were photographers, so it's always been in my blood. I didn't discover my own passion for it until a trip to South America in 2000. When I returned, I enrolled on a course in photography on weekends while I worked as an advertising copywriter. Eventually, I decided to turn it into my career and now I've been a full-time professional photographer for 12 years."

Are there any memorable images or shoots you can share with us? What made them so special?

"Proud parent alert – I really adore photographing my own children. They are my muses. In fact, ideas I have for them are often the ones that I then turn into shoots for my wider client base. Earlier this year, I won Children's Portrait Photographer of the Year at an international photography conference for a Fine Art photograph of my daughter hugging a giraffe (I'm holding a Menagerie Fine Art Shoot Day on September 16, where I can capture images like this for clients). The feeling I get every time I look at that portrait of her gives me shivers. It's timeless and beautiful. I want my clients to get the same feeling when they look at my photographs of their own children."

What are the best/most popular props for baby shoots?

"Trends in newborn photography are always changing. Right now, using flowers and greenery in newborn shoots is popular. However, cute hats and outfits will never go out of style. The first thing to decide is whether you like things neutral or bright and then shop for blankets and hats accordingly. If you love shots of the baby with cute hats on, then you can purchase them on places like Etsy (just make sure to do it in plenty of time in case you want things shipped from other countries)."

For more adorable baby pictures and to find out more about family shoots visit boggiostudios.com.

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If you have an interest in birth photography and fresh 48 sessions but do not know where to start, you have got to check out this new video course "Birth Photography & Fresh 48 Workshop" by celebrity birth photographer Heather Mohr. In over 188 minutes of video, you will learn everything you need to know about photographing in a hospital setting including shooting, lighting, editing, client interactions, pricing and more. Get this guide today for $29.99 (a $129.99 value)! 

GET THE "BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY & FRESH 48 WORKSHOP"
VIDEO COURSE NOW! 

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Photo Of The Week

Today's photo of the week was taken by Josiane Derzaph with Les Creations JD Photography.

Here is what Josiane had to say about her photograph: "I took this photo of the Bow River in Banff, Alberta, Canada on August 11, 2017.  The spot I am standing at when I took the photo is the exact spot my husband and I got married, 5 years prior, at the same time."

To see more photography from Josiane, check out her website at www.lescreationsjd.com. 

We Want To Feature Your Work!

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to contact@cameragiveaways.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

Photo Of The Week

Today's photo of the week was taken by Glenn Perrow from Hancock, Michigan. He captured this gorgeous landscape along the Upper Michigan Portage Canal. 

We Want To Feature Your Work!

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to contact@cameragiveaways.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

How To Photograph A Solar Eclipse

Most of you have already heard that on August 21, 2017, the Great American Eclipse will be visible across much of the country when the moon completely obscures the sun. If you’re one of the lucky ones in the total eclipse’s path, here is some great tips from Consumer Reports that explains what you need to know in order to photograph the event.

Photo credit: National Geographic

Plan Ahead

If you live outside the 70-mile-wide path where you will be able to see the total eclipse that angles across the country from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina, you'll need to plan a roadtrip to catch the total eclipse or simply settle for simply seeing a partial one. If you are not sure, check out this NASA map to help show where the eclipse can be seen. 

Be sure you think ahead of time about the ideal backdrop for your photo, because you won't have much time for location scouting on the day of the event. At best, the total eclipse will last 2 minutes and 40 seconds, depending on your location. Try finding a spot flanked by a mountain range, a lake, a stand of trees, or even a great old barn—anything that will add context and character to the snapshot.

Be Prepared To Not Look Directly At The Sun

It is dangerous to look directly at the sun, so in order to view the solar eclipse safely, you'll need special tinted glasses. If you still do not have your safety glasses, you can get your own on Amazon here. According to NASA, they should be certified to meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard and include the manufacturer's name and address somewhere on the product.

You also need a special solar filter designed to block infrared and UV radiation to safeguard your camera. According to the article on Consumer Reports, "The intense magnification through a lens creates a concentration of heat and energy similar to burning a leaf with a magnifying glass," says pro photographer Ken Sklute, who co-authors Canon's eclipse blog. "So choosing to photograph without a solar filter can harm your image stabilization and aperture mechanism, damage the sensor and shutter, and cause permanent eye damage.”

Even with a filter on the lens, be sure that you do not view the solar eclipse through a camera's viewfinder... use the device's LCD screen to compose the shot instead.

The Consumer Reports article also states that the one time when it's okay to remove the solar glasses and the solar filter is during totality, when the moon completely blocks the sunlight. Before attempting to do that, though, make sure you know and understand the stages that lead up to that phase, said Artur Pietruch, who handles the digital camera testing in the Consumer Reports labs.

Photo credit: Los Angeles Times

Use The Right Equipment

It is best to use a an interchangeable lens camera, something like the Canon EOS Rebel T5i or the more advanced Nikon D7200 just to name a few. You also want to make sure you have a tripod with you so you can be sure to not have any camera movement while snapping your shots. Remember that you are not going to have a second change so you want the shots you take to be the best you possibly can. 

Find The Right Exposure Settings

Since the eclipse happens so fast, be sure to take some time beforehand to experiment with exposure settings so you can capture the perfect shot. 

Photojournalist Babak Tafreshi says, "Since there is not a bright light source for a digital camera to focus on, you can't use auto focus so you should turn on the manual focus instead, and set it to infinity. Now turn off the camera's flash. It won't help you."

As the sky darkens, be sure to test various exposure combinations to find the right balance between aperture and shutter speed so you save yourself from a frantic guessing your settings during the actual eclipse. For a solar eclipse, a setting between f/8 and f/16 is ideal, depending on the shutter speed you've selected.

If you take photos of the eclipse, be sure to show us your great work! If you have one that stands out from the rest, submit it to us so it can be considered as one of our photos of the week. You can read more about the submissions guidelines in this post here.  

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Are you tired of wasting tons of time editing photos? Now you can with The Ultimate Season Action Bundle from BP4U! Get yours today for only $19.99 (a $199.99 value)!

BUY THE ULTIMATE SEASON ACTION BUNDLE NOW!  

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