by Gavin Seim updated 10.18.09:
I like quick bursts of information and chat frequently as @gavinseim
on twitter. I’ve made this list of my favorite tips and ideas. I plan to update it throughout the year. You can add your favorite photo tweets and tips in the comments with your twitter name. I might even RT them myself.
I give credit when I can, using names in parenthesis. Some of these are my own little musings based on what I’ve learned, so I’ve indicated myself with an (S). If there’s no name then I probably don’t know the source. Remember that these are not always exact quotes, but ideas I’ve re-formed to fit in under 140 characters. Feel free to tweet them yourself. You can RT @gavinseim or link to this post with http://bit.ly/phototip.
Things to think on:
- Don’t wait for the photography establishment to try and stand out, because if you do, you won’t (S)
- I’m not afraid to change my opinion, but I am afraid of not having one. (S)
- It seems that by giving away knowledge we only get more of it. (S)
- Competition. A powerful tool that makes you stronger. Complaints about it are often cop outs from photographers not motivated enough to excel (S)
- Art is not about money. But it really really helps. (S)
- In photography rules mean conformity, and to conform is the opposite of creativity. (Whitmire)
- I’m tired of the industry telling photographers what a standard size is. My print size will be what I decide to make it. (S)
- Photography is painting with light. So if light is paint, why do we spend more time pressing buttons than mixing our paint? (S)
- Be Positive. It’s not just a blood type. (S)
- Each time I think I’m really good, I learn that I’m not as great as I thought. Then I actually start getting really good (S)
- Always do the best you can with what you have, but always push yourself to the next level. (S)
- A unique style is no longer unique once everyone is using it. (S)
- As photographers we often overlook the power of just practicing. It’s like giving ourselves our own workshop for free. (S)
- If a “picture” is worth a thousand words. A “photograph” is worth ten thousand. (S)
- Photography is painting with light. So if light is paint, why do we spend more time pressing buttons than mixing our paint? (S)
- It’s not the location you take your photos in. It’s the photos you take in your location. Anything can be a good background. (S)
Posing n more:
- Portraits. Guys tilt the head towards the low shoulder = macho. Girls tilt head towards high shoulder = pretty (Celentano)
- Bridal Portraits, Hold that bouquet on the hip to look thinner. Hands (and bouquets) held in front from make the bride look bigger. (Celentano)
- Group portrait. Just before the shot have everyone lift up their shoulders and lean towards the center. (Celentano)
- Portrait Tip: Look for triangles in your group poses. Use bodies, sitting, head position etc to form triangles. (Celentano)
- If posture pose and light is correct it does not matter where the camera sits. The pose is still set. (Gardener)
- Posing tip: If it bends, bend it. Play around with joints, elbows, fingers, everything.
- Posing tip: Leave some open space between those bent elbows and the waist. Helps make your subject slim n trim. (S)
: Nick Brandt
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So, you’re going shoot your first wedding. Maybe you’ve been hired, or maybe your doing it for a friend on a budget. Either way you want to get great results, have good referrals for the future, and make the clients super happy!
