With this untitled shot, Shiv captured an entire life story, and was well deserving of the win.

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Lighting

Ultimately, the lighting of surreal photography should not mimic natural light in a simplistic way.  By having light focused in an unnatural way, the photos take on the imaginative look that the artist is trying to accomplish. One way of doing this is by having multiple lighting focuses, each with a different type of lighting. Some natural light may be used, in addition to filtered lighting such as yellow gel lighting.  Another technique is to light multiple subjects within the photo, and some of them not necessarily what you would expect.  You may shine special lighting on an interesting background prop, for example.

Angles and Levels

Another way to achieve a surreal and imaginative effect in surreal photography is through the creative use of angles and levels which create a warped effect on the subjects. This is called perspective distortion. Using creative angles and levels can make the subject appear larger, smaller or of much different proportions than it normally would. This adds a surreal level to the photograph and enhances the effects.

Shadows

Shadows are often used in surreal photography to create unique and thought provoking imagery. The shadows are often treated as subject matter themselves. The subjects and their shadows can create interesting dual mirror images. This technique is usually done with black and white exposures.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on at the links cited below.

http://kaz-d.deviantart.com/journal/What-is-Surreal-Photography-214230945

http://petapixel.com/2013/08/17/tutorial-creating-a-surreal-conceptual-photo-using-zone-lighting/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspective_distortion_%28photography%29

http://www.ufunk.net/en/photos/alexey-bednij-shadows/

Though making a professional studio space may be expensive, it is perfectly reasonable and possible to make a low cost, home-made photography studio that can do everything you need. The trick is in knowing what you need. To help solve that problem, and hopefully turn a room of your house into a studio space, below is a short guide on what you should focus on in order to make your own DIY studio.

Space

No matter what, you are going to need some space. However, it doesn’t have to be a large, cavernous room. In fact, it could be a hallway, living room, and even bedroom. Look for a space 5 feet wide by 15 feet deep. At the bare minimum, this should provide the space you need to shoot.*2

Lighting

The second most important thing when creating a DIY studio is lighting. Lighting can be tricky.  Natural light from outside is best, but not every room will have an ample amount of it or even have the lighting facing the right direction.  To solve this problem, there is a wide range of specially made portrait lights. The problem with these are that they can cost a great deal of money.*1

Instead of focusing on fancy lights, consider what these lights are supposed to do. For good photography, you want to remove any extra or unnecessary shadows.*1 This means having a number of light sources. Work lights, sold at a number of home improvement stores, are perfect for removing shadows.  They come with a highly reflective metal cone that helps distribute light.*1  In addition, these lights can sell for as little as 9 dollars, and can be clamped to a number of surfaces, making them easy to use.*3

Background

Now with the lighting and space solved, we can turn to the backgrounds of your photography studio.  Backgrounds ensure that the subject of the picture is stands out. A background can be a large roll of paper *2, or even a green screen.*1  With no shadow lighting, both make changing the background via photo-editing a breeze, allowing for any number of possibilities.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on at the links cited below.

1* http://voices.yahoo.com/yes-own-homemade-photography-studio-2212485.html

2* http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/so-you-think-you-cant-have-a-studio/

3.  http://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrical-Electrical-Tools-Accessories-Work-Lights/N-5yc1vZbm8p

How the Industry Works

Many amateur photographers strive to land a position as a staff photographer for a newspaper or magazine. But the reality of this profession is that most photographers are freelancers. They don’t have a steady salary and a list of assignments.

Instead, they attend events and take pictures that they later pitch to potential buyers in hopes of convincing them to purchase their work and publish it. Jobs are not steady and your next assignment depends on something as simple as a phone call.

Step One: Take Great Pictures

This is obvious, but worth stating anyway. Don’t go out and trying to get a job as a professional staff photographer if you take lousy pictures. There’s lots of competition for these types of jobs. You can’t just be good with your camera, you have to be outstanding, because if you’re not, you can be sure that your competition is.

Step Two:  Network

Having talent is great, in fact it’s essential. But having solid contacts is just as essential. Chances are that you’ve heard the old adage, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” That truism is definitely applicable to the photography industry.

That’s what professional freelance photographer Michael Le Brecht II says. He puts it this way, “Talent keeps you in the game, but who you know gets you in the game [in the first place].”¹

If you want to land a job as a staff photographer then you have to get an interview. Call the magazine or newspaper where you’re trying to work and ask for the name of the hiring manager. Get yourself scheduled for an interview and then be prepared to impress him or her.

Step Three:  Be Available

A lot depends on whether you get the job of your dreams. Being “Johnny on the spot” is a big help. You may start out as a freelancer and eventually become staff photographer after you’ve demonstrated your talent and ability to “fit in” with the members of the rest of the organization.

You should respond to every call no matter how inconvenient it may be at the time. If a publication sees you as reliable you stand a better chance of joining the team.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on at the links cited below.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/01/27/so-you-want-my-job-professional-photographer/

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-As-a-Photographer-for-a-Newspaper

http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2013/06/14/how-to-become-a-nat-geo-photographer/

1 Long Exposure Photography

This technique can produce dramatic effects but is usually used for shooting in low light or for capturing a motion blur. With a longer exposure, the shutter will stay open longer, allowing more light to enter. In a low-light setting this will help when capturing still images, as the longer exposure will compensate for a lack of light. Moving subjects however, will become blurred, and any bright areas can become overexposed.

2 Light Painting

This technique is less basic, and expands on the effects created by the long-exposure photography described above. The method gives limitless possibilities and creates stunning arts photos if it is done correctly. By leaving the shutter open long enough, you can capture motion in a single shot. This is usually done in low light settings to allow the subject (usually a light source) and its motion to stand out from the background. The result is the capability to draw images with the light.

3 HDR Photography

With modern cameras, HDR photography became not only possible, but a highly popular type of photography. HDR shots are finished through post-production, by combining multiple exposures of the same image. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range referring to the wide range of exposure you get from the dark to the light areas.

4 Panoramic Photos

A panoramic photo is a great trick for any photographer to be able to pull off. By combining multiple photographs seamlessly end-to-end, you can create an image that shows a much greater field of view than a standard lens could create. With the panoramic feature being available on many smartphone cameras these days it is quite easy to produce an amateur version, but learning how to create them by yourself will help you to understand post-production and photo editing.

5 Composition and the ‘Rule of Thirds’

One of the most important aspects of photography, even at a basic level, is framing. Positioning your subject is your best asset in showing its place in its environment. The most popular guideline for composition is the rule of thirds, which states that pictures should be framed as if divided into nine equal sections or into thirds both vertically and horizontally. The lines that divide these sections are then used as placement markers for the different aspects of your photo, with the subject and background relating to each other based on them.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on at the links cited below.

http://photodoto.com/popular-photography-techniques/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-photography/

http://lightpaintingphotography.com/

Bay Bridge with San Francisco

The beautiful Bay Bridge in San Francisco provides a perfect image for a cityscape photo. Just as the sun is going down and the bridge lights up, the amazing juxtaposition of nature and human achievement is plain to see.

Berlin

While the Brandenburg Gate is one of the most photographed metropolitan features, aerial and elevated views of the city are widely known for their photographic beauty. From these elevated positions many yellow and purple hues draw attention to the varying architecture and vibrant colors of the city.

Frankfurt

The varied topographical features and skyscrapers in Frankfurt, Germany lend themselves perfectly to being photographed. The old architecture is common photographic fodder but the most stunning images come from the city’s skyline set against a clear sky.

Night Scene of Hong Kong

While many cityscape photos are taken during the day, Hong Kong really shines at night. Colors bounce and reflect off everything from shimmering skyscrapers to the adjacent water. The contrasting colors are what really make this cityscape unique.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

This cityscape features many of the different aspects that Monte Carlo has to offer, including the ocean, trees and beautiful architecture that is prevalent in the city. Viewing this image gives one a great idea of what it would feel like to live in this area, near such beautiful, crystal-clear water.

These are just a view of the variety of famous cityscape that can be found. Cityscapes are a great way to truly imagine what it would be like to live in one of these beautiful areas.

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1. 1.       Get the Equipment

A basic digital camera is not going to be good enough for a freelance photographer, even if you’ve been able to get amazing photos of your own. You need a professional grade camera, and it probably will not be cheap. You can look for a pre-owned camera or a refurbished one sold by the manufacturer online to save money, but expect to spend several hundred dollars, if not more than 1,000. You will also need to get a computer because most clients today will want their photos burned to a disk for them. You will also need a good printer and quality photo paper or a printing company that you can order from online for when your clients want quality prints.

1. 2.       Take a Class

Even if you’re a natural talent at photography, that still doesn’t mean you have the skills you’ll need as a freelance photographer. You will also need to be able to do quality photo editing on software like Photoshop, and classes also often cover the necessary business skills required. Be sure that you understand how this is done because your clients will demand it.

1. 3.       Consider A Studio

As a freelance photographer, you will very likely be able to get by without needing a studio at all. A lot of clients are keen to have their photos taken outside when doing family and personal portrait photo shoots. However you may experience more steady year-round business if you can offer a studio space. This could be a converted area of your home and a garage is usually perfect.  If you do get a studio, you’ll need additional equipment to achieve the proper lighting, in addition to backdrops and props. You can buy props yourself and they don’t have to be expensive.  They could be as simple as an old chair with peeling paint, some latex balloons or toys for children shoots, some blankets or rugs with beautiful textures and some seasonal props such as a large pumpkin or sled.

1. 4.       Learn your Area

Whether or not you’re going to be offering a studio space right away as a freelance photographer you need to know your area and where you can take great outdoor photos.  These locations can include parks, bridges, telephone booths, interesting natural features or works of art like sculptures. Possible areas that work well include public park areas, college or school campuses and empty fields. However you do need to be sure to get permission to shoot your clients in these areas. You can talk to your towns’ parks and recreations department to get more information, and they might be able to give you some great suggestions about where else you can go.

1. 5.       Create a Website

There are websites available online that are geared towards freelance photographer endeavors.  Create a website that will allow you to have photo galleries that your clients can access with a password. This may be expensive, so it’s okay to forego this in the beginning and focus on social media alone, but once you start doing a lot of large events like weddings, your clients will likely demand online gallery viewing.  In the beginning you can probably get by with a free website.

1. 6.       Get Involved in Social Media

The next important step for a would-be freelance photographer is to establish a social media presence. This includes Facebook, blogging, Instagram, and especially Twitter.  You can also use Craigslist to advertise and promote yourself to get jobs.

1. 7.       Don’t Forget the Legal Stuff

Be sure to look into all of the national and local laws. You may need to get a business license and file gross receipts taxes for your state. If you aren’t sure and you’re already beginning to take jobs then it’s a good idea to put aside about 30% of your earnings, perhaps by putting them into a savings account where you won’t use them. You may need those funds for taxes next year, depending on how much you make as a freelance photographer.

1. 8.       Remember Your Reputation

A freelance photographer should always be focused on maintain a solid reputation. This is because a lot of your business will come from word of mouth or recommendations. Therefore you need to do your best to make each client happy.  Do not overbook yourself so that you’re rushed or forced and be sure to give each client individual attention.  If you want to improve your services, you could ask you clients to do a survey after you’ve finished and allow them to mail the survey anonymously to you if they would like.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

Having your camera broken can be a stressful thing and can cause anxiety just thinking about the costs. Depending on the problem, some cameras – digital or film cameras can be used without seeking out camera repair. If your camera is digital and has a lens issue or an operational issue that prevents you from using the camera for its intended purpose, you may need to consider the following:

v  Contact the camera manufacturer

If you managed to purchase your camera with a warranty you may be in luck. Many companies offer a warranty for incidences where you may need camera repair in a short space of time. Depending on the duration of the warranty, you can contact the manufacturer, who may give you the opportunity to replace or repair your camera. An important thing to consider is not attempting to fix the camera yourself as this will make the warranty invalid. Having a warranty may not guarantee you camera repair as they will assess if the camera damage is due to the users misuse or if it was a production problem or issue. If the manufacturer does think or consider that you may have misused the camera for other than its intended use, you may be stuck with a broken camera regardless if you are within your warranty time frame. Service and support offered by some manufactures are Nikon Repair Service, and Canon Service.*

If you do end up in a situation where your warranty has expired or if your camera manufacturer has denied fixing your camera lens for free or at all you will have to outsource other options. Another option for you to go get your camera repaired would be:

v  Calling a camera repair shop or a professional gadget repair shop.

This is your best option for those in a situation where your warranty has already expired. It is best to seek out professional help if you are not confident or trained in camera repair. You do not want to start fiddling with functions that you are not familiar with. Trying to fix the situation can end up costing you more as you may damage the camera even further. If you bought the camera at a third party camera shop and not directly from the manufacturer, you should take it in there for repairs. If you may have bought your camera outside of your current location, you can look up a local camera repair shop.*

Other options can include finding another camera shop that sells cameras of the same brand as the camera you own. They may be able to recommend or actually put you in touch with a professional that services camera repair and fixes their client cameras. A key thing to remember is making sure that whatever camera repair shop you visit must possess licensing or accreditation to sell and fix your camera brand. Some good repair shops that may be local to your area are the Geek Squad, available in store at Best Buy, and Radio Shack.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, check out the links cited below.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Service-And-Support/Service-And-Repair.page

http://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Lens-Problems-on-Your-Digital-Camera

Understanding Needs of Photojournalists

In the beginning days of photography, equipment was bulky and difficult to transport. With many of National Geographic’s photographers being on assignment, a more compact and lightweight camera was needed.* Luis Marden, a writer and photographer for the magazine, recognized this. He convinced the magazine in the 1930s to let photographers carry cameras that were loaded with light Kodachrome film. Mostly, they used 35 mm cameras. This allowed photographers to take pictures in much more isolated locations. Slowly, people began to recognize photos like these as an art form in and of themselves. In the 1950s, these photos started to appear on the cover of National Geographic.

The Red Shirt School

From the very beginning, photographers working for National Geographic recognized that images of beauty were much more appealing than photos that simply captured a scene. Often times, they chose subjects because of their bright garb*. These sorts of photos began to appear in the magazine in the 1920s. In the 1950s and 1960s, this trend with photojournalists in the magazine reached its height. Eventually, these photographers were deemed part of The Red Shirt School. The Red Shirt School marks one place in history where Nat Geo had a real influence on the world of photography.

Contests and Books

Today, National Geographic continues to influence the photographic world. Many of their photos have become instantly recognizable. Through contests held annually, National Geographic still influences and inspires up and coming photographers, as well as photojournalists trying to gain more recognition.* They have also published a wide range of books featuring photos from their magazine.* Books and contests mean that they are constantly uncovering more and more interesting and cutting edge photo techniques. Promising artists may want to study these books or try to mimic techniques used in these pictures. They may also want to enter these contests regularly.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on in the links cited below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Geographic_%28magazine%29#Photography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Shirt_School_of_Photography

http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/photo-gallery-traveler-photo-contest

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/siteindex/careers-faqs/

When you look at a photo taken with a fisheye lens, you are going to realize that this lens was used immediately. It is an unmistakable and remarkable effect that creates a unique image, making it feel as if you are looking at something through a fish bowl. It is like a bubble, and it is something that can be manipulated to create astonishing images. It is able to do this by bending the light.* The shape of the lens causes the light to bend and to curve the image, resulting in what you have once the photo is taken.* This is very different from the straighter lines of light that you normally have with your basic photographs.

This effect can change the way that you take photographs. You need to look at photography in a new light and you need to change how you set up a photograph. While something may look good in your basic rectangular, simple image, it may not have the same appeal when using a fisheye lens. You have to use shapes and space to your advantage here, composing an image that creates a flow and that works with the lens. This is a challenge at first for any photographer, but the results will allow you to develop more skills and grow.

If you do this successfully, the opportunities are truly astounding. Any photographer will be able to make more of every moment because of this, and it is possible to change the mood and the appeal of an image with this simple effect. It can help you to send a different message and it can help you to change the way that people view something. A fisheye lens is able to manipulate a view in multiple ways because of this.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

If you would like more information, read on at the link below.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cameras-photography/tips/fisheye-lens-photography.htm