Children and snap shots

I always focus on the eyes. It's important that if nothing else in the photo is in focus that the eyes are. I also try to get on eye level with anyone I'm photographing. When you are on eye level with a child you'll find that they tend to relax and their expressions are more natural. Parents can get some of the best shots of their own kids when the children don't realize they are being photographed. When you photograph your own kids take your camera to the park or a swing set and let them play. Once they are having a good time pull out your camera and snap away. Use a zoom lens to capture just their faces, you'll get some fun smiles. When you are on vacation don't forget to capture a few shots of everyone just having a good time. And if you are like me, remember to get the family in front of the beautiful landscape, from time to time.

Bending the rules is fun too.   The best shots happen when everyone is having a good time.

 

Wedding pictures

Believe it or not, I have been the guest at the party. My friends would laugh at that comment, they know I'd still have a camera in hand. As a guest I try to capture the fun moments that the bride and groom might not have seen. The cousins going crazy on the dance floor. The best man skipping out to decorate the car. The moments that everyone says, hey when did that happen? I also enjoy getting the stars of the show too, you can't have too many photos of them. Resist the urge to snap shots during meal time. And don't be afraid to say, hey can I get a photo of you with so-and-so.

Wedding Poses (shotlist)

Try to keep your formal poses to a short list. Otherwise everyone will remember getting those photos taken instead of the rest of the event. My rule of thumb is that if the bride and groom are not both in the photo, then maybe it's a photo best snapped sometime during the wedding or party. Here is a sample shot list that I typically use at the weddings I photograph.

What kind of camera should I buy?

Oh, yes. The techy, gadget question. I love talking cameras. Email me if you want specifics. Here's a few guidelines to get you started. Get a camera that you know you will enjoy using. That's the most important part! If you want a little pocket camera don't let someone talk you out of it. A fancy high dollar camera does not take great photos if it's in the closet all the time. Don't buy a camera you won't have fun using. If the buttons are too hard to read or use, then you won't use them. And if you don't have fun playing with it in the store, will you really enjoy playing with it when you get home? That said, it's very hard to buy a camera online, when you can't play with it. Go into a camera store and get some good advice and then buy it from the person that helped you make the choice.

Key features to keep in mind. As a general rule of thumb the larger the lens is on the front of the camera, the better the picture quality. When I say that I mean there has to be a noticeable difference in lens size, that you can spot from a distance away.

Buy an external flash for your SLR and use it.

Large viewfinder and large screens are important, but only if they will help you to take a better picture. If your eye sight is pretty good to start with don't nit pick over screen size. In the end you can't tell if you've really taken a good shot until you see the print. That's right, I said print, not computer screen.

Links

Experts in their field.

Luminescent Photography is now on myspace.

Candles for any occassion, organic, great fragrance, www.eggheadcandlecompany.com.

Keith Karlick, excellent graphic artist and web designer, www.opaquepixel.com

Parker Williams with Remax, highly motivated real estate agent, he'll take good care of you, www.845condos.com

Amanda Freeman, when you book me to photograph your wedding you'll also be getting her... portfolio

Steven Bisig Photography, specializes in 4x4 and offroad photography, check out his blog and website.

Wedding Arrangements.

Preferred Vendor in the Seattle, Washington Photographers Directory at Marketingtool.com.

Preferred Vendor in the Seattle, Washington Wedding Photography Business at BigDaySmallWorld.com.

Preferred Vendor in WeddingPhotoUsa.

Find a DJ for your wedding or special event

Member of Onewed.com - Wedding planning guide. Find local wedding photographers, wedding dresses, and so much more!

New ideas?

Did I miss something? Send me your ideas for other pages you'd like to see added to this web site. If you have any photography questions just click my email address on any page. I love feedback and look forward to hearing from you soon.