Turn off your flash
The pros think most point-and-shoot flashes are lousy. Turn it off and pump up the ISO setting (the amount of light the lens allows in). Set it between 1,600 and 3,200; play around to see what works best in your environment.
Stuck inside? Get to a window
You'll get your best shots outside. But, if you're indoors, try to situate everyone next to a window for a soft, natural light. Beware of lamps: They often create yellow "hot spots" in photos.
"Yes" is the new "cheese"
It's more of a natural word for kids to shout, and it's a surefire way to get big smiles.
Embrace the chaos
Capture the unfiltered moments. They'll be better reminders of this time in your life than a perfectly styled portrait. The most compelling photos usually have an element of unvarnished truth-even if that means a cranky, crying, pantsless three-year-old. (That image will make everyone smile one day.)
Fill up the frame
Resist the urge to put that little face in the exact center, leaving an empty expanse above it. Let your child fill the frame so the focus stays on him.
Photograph them doing what they love to do
Or eating what they love to eat. Toy trucks and mac and cheese can be the greatest photo props ever.
The sun is your enemy
Unless you want to see a bunch of squinty eyes, head for shade. Cloudy days are actually the best; the filtered light makes everyone look good. A bright sun is never flattering.
Turn them to face the light
If may sound counterintuitive, but if you're going to take a photo in the full sun, have your kids try to face it. Try to keep the sun over one of your shoulders. This position will cast light across your subjects; faces in a more pleasing way.
Take inspiration from old photos
Think of memorable shots from your own childhood. You know that beloved one of you and your siblings at the lake? Re-create the moment with your own kids and frame the two side by side on a shelf.
Quit zooming
Move in closer, getting down to the kid's eye level. Your photos will feel more intimate.
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2016
Monday, October 26, 2015
How to Collect Photography via Allure
Interview with James Danziger, founder of Danziger Projects, a Manhatten-based photography gallery
Expose yourself
Take the time to visit museums, galleries, and auction houses. Gallery owners often have the time, knowledge, and inclination to talk to a potential client about the work they're showing.
Ask the right questions
If you're interested in a photographer's work, ask about print runs, books published, and which museums own the artist's work. In the no-so-distant past--the 1970's--traditional photographers might do large or even unlimited editions. Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ansel Adams sold thousands of prints of their best-known images, but because of the quality of their work, it never saturated the market. Art photographers such as Cindy Sherman and Richard Prince, and other contemporary photographers, typically sell their work in much smaller editions.
Trust your instincts
Allow yourself to discover what really appeals to you. Whenever we do a show, the crowd favorite is usually the best photograph. Don't be afraid to be adventurous. Beginning collectors often fall into the trap of assembling a greatest-hits collection--acquiring only iconic images. Look for photography in which the artists somehow furthered the medium. Some young photographers to watch are Idris Khan, Beate Gutschow, Tanyth Berkeley, and An-My Le.
Pick a genre
As you build a collection, stick to a broad theme rather than a specific one or none at all. Fashion photography, for example, is definitely a booming area, but don't limit yourself to shots of models on beaches. Building up a range of fashion photographs from the midtwentieth century to the present might be smarter. Works from countries outside of America and Europe are also worth exploring, as are contemporary color pictures. There used to be a prejudice against color photography, but now it's as hot as black-and-white.
Expose yourself
Take the time to visit museums, galleries, and auction houses. Gallery owners often have the time, knowledge, and inclination to talk to a potential client about the work they're showing.
Ask the right questions
If you're interested in a photographer's work, ask about print runs, books published, and which museums own the artist's work. In the no-so-distant past--the 1970's--traditional photographers might do large or even unlimited editions. Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ansel Adams sold thousands of prints of their best-known images, but because of the quality of their work, it never saturated the market. Art photographers such as Cindy Sherman and Richard Prince, and other contemporary photographers, typically sell their work in much smaller editions.
Trust your instincts
Allow yourself to discover what really appeals to you. Whenever we do a show, the crowd favorite is usually the best photograph. Don't be afraid to be adventurous. Beginning collectors often fall into the trap of assembling a greatest-hits collection--acquiring only iconic images. Look for photography in which the artists somehow furthered the medium. Some young photographers to watch are Idris Khan, Beate Gutschow, Tanyth Berkeley, and An-My Le.
Pick a genre
As you build a collection, stick to a broad theme rather than a specific one or none at all. Fashion photography, for example, is definitely a booming area, but don't limit yourself to shots of models on beaches. Building up a range of fashion photographs from the midtwentieth century to the present might be smarter. Works from countries outside of America and Europe are also worth exploring, as are contemporary color pictures. There used to be a prejudice against color photography, but now it's as hot as black-and-white.
How to Arrange Your Books via Allure
Interview with Miles Redd, creative director of Oscar de le Renta Home
1. Mix it up
No one needs to see your old textbooks, but I actually like the way paperbacks look, blended in with hardcovers. Removing a dust jacket is also a brilliant idea if it's bright or ugly.
2. Push forward
Slide your book sup so they almost touch the front edge of the shelf. They spines will read as a solid facade, and it will help make the bookcase look like a strong piece of furniture, rather than a jumbled mess.
3. Edit yourself
Tchotchkes look best in front of books or sandwiched in the middle of a row. Objects floating on the sides just look like random bookends.
4. Don't overthink
I'm not organized enough to divide by books by genre or color, which sounds tedious anyway. I arrange them by height. Small books, such as novels, go on the upper shelves, large design books go on the lower shelves so they're easier to reach.
5. Use photos sparingly
People have a tendancy to see empty shelves and put tons and tons of pictures on them, which never looks good. Bookshelves really are meant for books.
1. Mix it up
No one needs to see your old textbooks, but I actually like the way paperbacks look, blended in with hardcovers. Removing a dust jacket is also a brilliant idea if it's bright or ugly.
2. Push forward
Slide your book sup so they almost touch the front edge of the shelf. They spines will read as a solid facade, and it will help make the bookcase look like a strong piece of furniture, rather than a jumbled mess.
3. Edit yourself
Tchotchkes look best in front of books or sandwiched in the middle of a row. Objects floating on the sides just look like random bookends.
4. Don't overthink
I'm not organized enough to divide by books by genre or color, which sounds tedious anyway. I arrange them by height. Small books, such as novels, go on the upper shelves, large design books go on the lower shelves so they're easier to reach.
5. Use photos sparingly
People have a tendancy to see empty shelves and put tons and tons of pictures on them, which never looks good. Bookshelves really are meant for books.
Pictures of Happiness via Good Housekeeping
With cameras and smartphones more ubiquitous than ever, we've never taken so many pictures before. Here are the important roles they play in a happy life:
- Happy families display a large number of photos.
- Photos tilt your memories toward the good experiences you've had, simply because you're more likely to take photos of joyful times. Having snapshots keep them vivid in our memories, crowding out the bad memories of our "negativity biases."
- Photos can help you declutter. Services like plumprint.com can help you downsize on the amount of artwork you have lying around from your children. They get to keep the memories, and you get to retain your space.
- When you see something beautiful, it's natural to feel a desire to claim it in some way. Photos give us that opportunity, without having to shell out the money.
- Snapping photos fosters creativity. If you have a reason to be on the hunt for a beautiful scene to capture, you find yourself looking at your world a little differently.
- I like to remind myself how easy it is to forget. I'm always trying to figure out ways to hold on to memories. One thing I do is keep a daily one-sentence journal. I don't have the time or energy to write much every day, but I can manage to joy down one sentence. Photographs are another easy way to record little moments that are precious but easily forgotten. I wish I could tell my younger self not to take photos of special occasions, but of everyday life. That's what will interest you later.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Five Ways to Look Great in Photos via Good Housekeeping
1. Hide the tired eyes
Don't forget the concealer. Use a peach-toned one to counteract the blue tones in under-eye circles.
2. Consider camera flash
Shimmery blushes, shadows, and highlighters catch camera flashes and create splotches. Mineral foundations have the same effect. Opt for matte products.
3. Smooth strands/flyaways
Spray a brush with hairspray, then quickly run it through your hair.
4. Pump up the volume
Hair always look flatter in photos than in real life, so go for a voluminous look.
5. Smile genuinely
To keep your smile natural and not forced, pretend you are looking at someone you love instead of the camera lens. Aiming your gaze just above the lends, rather than straight on, will also make the end result look less staged.
Don't forget the concealer. Use a peach-toned one to counteract the blue tones in under-eye circles.
2. Consider camera flash
Shimmery blushes, shadows, and highlighters catch camera flashes and create splotches. Mineral foundations have the same effect. Opt for matte products.
3. Smooth strands/flyaways
Spray a brush with hairspray, then quickly run it through your hair.
4. Pump up the volume
Hair always look flatter in photos than in real life, so go for a voluminous look.
5. Smile genuinely
To keep your smile natural and not forced, pretend you are looking at someone you love instead of the camera lens. Aiming your gaze just above the lends, rather than straight on, will also make the end result look less staged.
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