‘Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened’ ~ Anatole France
They say, the experience of loving and caring for an animal awakens a deep and essential part of our being, enriching our lives in ways that are difficult to describe. I didn’t realise this until I met my friend’s pet, the cute kitten ‘Cheeku’!
Pets are great companions with whom we can converse and share our feelings – they love us unconditionally, don’t judge us, teach us life skills like empathy & responsibility, engage us in their playful activities, forming a special bond that lasts forever.
Let’s understand the pet photography tips & tricks and camera settings that’ll help you capture great photos of your cat!
Give Your Pet Space and Time
While cats appreciate attention, they also value their personal space, showcasing a charming mix of independence and warmth. It’s a good idea to feed the cat before the photoshoot so that they feel energetic. Let the owner of the pet be present during the photoshoot which’ll boost the pet’s mood. Befriend them so that they feel comfortable being photographed.
Use Props and Toys
Engage the cat with toys and props. This way, they won’t be aware that they’re being photographed and will help you capture their mood, personality and interests.
Camera Settings – Aperture: F5, Shutter Speed: 1/100s, ISO 6400, Focal length: 116mm
Go for Natural Light and Focus on the Eyes to Take Good Close-ups
While photographing indoors at day time, keep your windows open to allow natural light in which’ll help in capturing the cat’s fur and colors. Get down to the cat’s eye level for more intimate and engaging photos. Ensure sharp focus on the cat’s eyes for a captivating and expressive photograph. And use zoom lens/telephoto lens as it’ll allow you to take great close-ups from far, without disturbing the cat.
Camera Settings – Aperture: F5, Shutter Speed: 1/80s, ISO 6400, Focal length: 135mm
Be Patient and Capture Playful Shots
Let someone play with the cat as it’ll help you capture their playful behavior and add character to your photos. Be patient to photograph moments that’ll allow the cat’s personality to shine. And use fast shutter speed to freeze the action of the cat.
Camera Settings – Aperture: F4, Shutter Speed: 1/100s, ISO 6400, Focal length: 55mm
Use Simple Backgrounds and Composition Techniques
Go for a simple background to keep the focus on the cat and minimize distractions. Use composition techniques to capture better cat photos. In this photo, I’ve used Centred Composition to capture the cat’s reflection on the floor.
Camera Settings – Aperture: F4.5, Shutter Speed: 1/60s, ISO 6400, Focal length: 74mm
Capture Candid Moments
Try and document candid moments when the cat is at ease for genuine and heartwarming shots.
Camera Settings – Aperture: F4.5, Shutter Speed: 1/60s, ISO 6400, Focal length: 84mm
Once you’re done with the photoshoot of the cat, you can do post-processing using Lightroom to enhance the photos with subtle edits for a polished and professional look.
When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer.
Do Share the Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!
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Passionate about photography? Thinking of ways to make money with photography? Well, by enhancing your artistic/composition, technical, communication and networking skills, you can increase your earning potential.
Wedding Photography
To start with, create a portfolio by practising at your friends or family weddings. You can also start as an assistant wedding photographer which will help you gain experience. Promote yourself – word of mouth, tell friends/family to recommend you, if they come to know of any requirement for a wedding photographer in their circle. Create a business account/page on social media – Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest etc. and showcase your best work to get wedding bookings.
A pre wedding photoshoot is a great way to know a couple; you get to know them – the poses they are comfortable with (open pose, V pose, closed pose, stacked on, the swing etc.), which helps you to create a photograph that reflects a mood: romantic, playful and so on. As you gain their trust and confidence; they may even ask you to shoot their wedding.
Some of the wedding styles you can incorporate in your wedding shoots:
Formal
You set up the photograph by giving poses/directions to the couple and ask them to look into the camera before taking the shot.
Candid
You do not give any directions instead observe and take shots that depict beautiful emotions/moments of the bride, groom or the couple.
Romantic
You use soft lighting to create a romantic mood in the photo; if outdoors you can photograph the couple during the golden hour for soft light wherein the couple can be shown embracing, looking at each other etc. You can also try capturing silhouette photosof the couple.
Photojournalistic
You document the day with Black & White photographs capturing the moments, the couple may not be a part of, which they can see later in their wedding album. People shouldn’t be aware of being shot, so use long/telephoto lens, do not use flash instead go for a high ISO, use wide angle lens and capture the different moments of the day as they unfold.
Pro tips:
Carry extra memory cards and batteries
Take informal/candid shots, formal portraits and detail shots
Try different angles, vantage points and variations in your images
If you have an assistant photographer, you can ask them to move around the venue and take candid shots of the guests while you capture formal shots of the couple and their family
For family shots – give directions, arrange everyone in a line and ensure there is balance & consistency in their heights
The wedding photos should tell a story – it should cover the moments prior to the wedding ceremony (haldi ceremony photos), wedding preparation, wedding venue – the exterior and the interior, wedding ceremony & couple shots, group shots of the guests and evening shots of the reception (formal & informal shots)
Recommended settings for group shots: apertureof f/8 to f/11 to keep everyone in focus, ISO 100 – 800, shutter speed of 1/125 sec depending on the lighting conditions (to avoid motion blur – do not use shutter speed slower than 1/60 sec)
In group shots, people may blink – so take multiple shots
Take detail shots which include photographs of the wedding rings, mehndi on the bride’s hands, betel nut used in 7 pheras, flowers at the venue, wedding cake etc. using shallow depth of field
With the fairy lights in the background, set the focus on the couple in front using the widest aperture to create a beautiful bokeh effect
Evening shots: To photograph the couple dance, take shots from different angles; recommended settings include wide angle lens, wide aperture, ISO 1600 – 3200 depending on the lighting conditions, shutter speed – not slower than 1/60 sec
Photos by Omkar Kadam, a professional wedding and fashion photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/pixelerphotography/
We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to an aspiring photographer named Jo.
Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Wedding Photography with the help of practical examples.
Newborn Photography / Baby Photography
As a parent, getting your baby photoshoot done is a great way to capture and preserve the best and precious moments of your life. As they say – it’s not possible to travel back in time, but in the future, these beautiful photographs of your newborn can certainly help you relive those amazing moments!
Photo by Shamiya Khan – Photographer: Newborn-Baby-Mamma-Family. For more such amazing images, do check her Instagram profile here instagram.com/stockbylovephotography/
Baby photoshoot includes taking photographs of babies from birth till they are 1 year old.
Pro tips:
Good time to photograph the newborn is just after they have been fed; they are sleepy which makes it easy for you to capture some amazing shots
Go for a wide aperture to create shallow depth of field that will give a dreamy look to the image
Use fast shutter speed of 1/125 sec or 1/200 sec to avoid motion blur
Avoid using flash, it can upset the newborn; carry your studio lights to the client’s place and set up a studio there
Use lots of props like soft toys, cushion, wraps, headbands, baskets, etc. to add another element the baby can interact with
Photo by Nancy Bindal – Photographer: Baby whisperer | Memory maker. For more such amazing images, do check her Instagram profile here instagram.com/nancy_bindal_photography/
Fashion Photography / Portrait Photography
Fashion photography
It is used to sell a product/lifestyle; it is a glamorous, fast-paced industry. A very creative field, it requires good communication skills to give directions & explain different poses to the model. Good understanding of lighting is needed –knowledge of how to use natural lighting, operate studio lights and how to use reflectors to create visually appealing photos. Technical skills are also required for post-production.
Portrait photography
Portraits can be for weddings, for family, or to capture the personality of a person.
Photo by Omkar Kadam, a professional wedding and fashion photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/pixelerphotography/
Pro tips for Portrait Photography:
Make your subject/model feel comfortable and communicate/suggest different poses for the shoot
Go for a wide aperture/opening (small f/number) to create a Shallow Depth of Field that will keep the subject in sharp focus and make them stand out and blur the background (you can also use aperture priority mode)
Your subject can blink/move, so use fast shutter speed of 1/125 sec depending on the lighting conditions, try to use a low ISO of 100 – 200
Use props to add some visual interest and context
Natural daylight is the best light for a portrait photography or else you can create light with flash or use studio lighting
Focus on the eyes of the subject; the eye contact between the subject and the viewer makes for an engaging and powerful photograph that could tell a story about your subject or reveal your subjects’ mood or personality
Crop above any joints (avoid cropping through neck, elbow, knees)
Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Fashion/Portrait Photography with the help of practical examples.
Product Photography/ Food Photography
Product photography is used to attract customers to buy a product by showcasing great photos that give important information of the product – its shape, colour, size and so on. Product photography could be for a hotel that can be displayed on their website, it could be for real estate or food of a restaurant etc.
Pro tips for Food Photography:
Depending on the height, size & shape of the food, you can either photograph it from the front or from the top that best highlights its qualities
Use cooking utensils, tableware, ingredients, sauces, herbs, spices, spoons, jars, glasses, pepper grinder & other related props in the foreground or background to add depth to your photograph
Colour Theorywill help you decide on what background to use to make the food photo visually appealing
Go macro, go close
As per your comfort, use natural light or club it with studio light and reflectors to avoid shadows that hide the details of the food
Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Product/Food Photography with the help of practical examples.
Few more ways to earn money in photography:
Sell your photos on stock websites like iStock (Getty Images), Shutterstock, EyeEm etc.
Enter photography competitions/contests and stand a chance to win prizes
Be a photography tutor on any online course platforms or design your own photography courses with/without photography tours, conduct photography workshops
Place ads in your photography blogs – get paid every time a visitor clicks on these ads or place sponsored links within your blog content – get paid every time a visitor clicks on these links or makes a purchase through these links
If you have good amount of followers onInstagram, you can collaborate with brands and take pictures of their products and sell/advertise them through your Instagram account
Some wedding photographers do need help in post-processing of the wedding photos – if you have good post-processing skills in Lightroom or Photoshop you can offer your services
Become a photojournalist or a freelance photographer for a travel magazine/portal etc.
When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer.
Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!
Have you found your photography niche, yet? Do let us know in the comment box below.
Did this blog help you with some ideas to improve your photography skills? For more useful photography tips, examples, ideas & inspiration, please subscribe below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email. Thank you!
As photographers, we have the power to capture the beauty of our universe and share it with the world!
Astrophotography is the photography of astronomical objects, celestial events, and areas of the night sky which includes Moon Photography, Star Trails Photography, Milky Way Photography, Northern Lights Photography and more. We’ve already covered Sun Photography in our earlier blog, now let’s dive into Moon Photography.
Moon is beautiful and mysterious in all its phases – be it the Full Moon, Crescent Moon, isn’t it? Well, if you’re a night owl – you’ll love photographing the moon.
How to photograph the moon? (Pro tips for Moon Photography)
Use your longest lens 300mm or more (you can also try with 200mm or 250mm) to click the photograph of the moon
Depending on your creative vision – how do you want to composethe photograph, what elements of the scene you want in the frame, you can choose to go for Wide-angle lens or Zoom lens
If you’re using Manual Mode, you can use the ‘Looney 11 Rule’: Set Apertureto f/11 and Shutter Speed to the reciprocal of the ISO you’ve set.
For instance, set aperture to f/11, if you’re using ISO 400, then set shutter speed to 1/400 secs; if ISO 1600 then shutter speed of 1/1600 sec and so on
If you’re using either Aperture Priority mode or Shutter Priority mode, then to avoid the moon in your photograph to look like a white disc (without its craters), dial down Exposure Compensation to -2, -3, -4 or -5 so that the resulting image looks natural and depicts the craters on the moon’s surface (Remember: Exposure Compensation doesn’t work in Manual Mode)
You can experiment with settings like for ISO begin from 400 till 1600 and go for mid-range aperture: f/8 – f/11
If the exposure you’ve set is low, then adjust the camera settings
For instance, your settings are aperture: f/11, ISO 800, Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec, then try a different setting by increasing the exposure, maybe you can use f/11, ISO 1600, Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec or less
Tripod is highly recommended to avoid a blur photograph and give you a sharp image of the moon
If you don’t have a tripod, you can increase the ISO but remember a higher ISO will produce a more grainy image; so set your ISO accordingly
Use Self-timer mode to eliminate the possibility of camera shake when you release the shutter button to take the shot
You can either use single focus point in autofocus mode or infinity focus in manual mode (you will find the infinity symbol ∞ on your camera lens). See which option gives you a better picture – use that one
Try both the possibilities to shoot the moon – Live View mode and through the Viewfinder to check what works best for you in the given lighting conditions
How to focus to infinity without indicator
If you don’t have the infinity symbol ∞ on your camera, then you can find the infinity focus and mark it on your camera. Here’s how:
Turn your AF (Autofocus) mode on
Go for Single Focus Pointand select center focus point
During daytime, point your camera (preferably mounted on a tripod) with the Single Focus Point on the top of a pillar, lighthouse, tree, mountain or a tower that is set against the skyline (Keep the top of the pillar in the center of the frame)
The AF mode will try to find focus on the top of the pillar
Through the viewfinder/Live View Shoot Mode, when you see your subject/pillar appearing sharp, halfway press the shutter button to lock the focus (the focus has been set to infinity)
Now, quickly mark that point on the focus ring with a marker or a tape (you’ve marked your infinity focus)
Turn AF (Autofocus) mode to MF (Manual Focus) mode
When doing moon photography, use MF (Manual Focus) mode, move your focus ring manually and stop at the marked infinity focus to capture a sharp image
How to focus to infinity without indicator
Note: After I marked the infinity focus on my focus ring (Canon 1500D) – I found out that when I move my focus ring to the extreme left (hard stop of the camera’s focus ring which is the place at which the focus ring will turn no further) and then move it back by a centimeter to the right, there lies my infinity focus.
(Always try to get sharp images coz if your images aren’t sharp, even post-processing in Lightroom won’t help to correct/enhance your image)
Take a look at the below pictures and Camera Settings that were used to photograph the moon:
Phase of the Moon: First Quarter
(It is a primary Moon phase when we can see exactly half of the Moon’s visible surface illuminated)
(It is the intermediate phase, Waxing means moon is getting bigger; Gibbous refers to the shape, which is less than the full circle of a Full Moon, but larger than the semicircle shape of the Moon at the Third Quarter)
Camera Settings – (Looney 11 Rule was used) Aperture: f/11, Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec, ISO: 1600, Focal length: 250mm
Photograph of the White Desert of Kutch (India) using Wide-angle lens
We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.
Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Moon Photography with the help of practical examples.
When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer.
Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!
So, have you photographed the moon yet? If yes – do share your moon photographs and the settings you used to photograph it, in the comment box below.
Did this blog help you with some ideas to improve your photography skills? For more useful photography tips, examples, ideas & inspiration, please subscribe below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email. Thank you!
Looking for photography inspiration? Well, our world is full of inspiration – sometimes we find it within, sometimes in nature, wildlife, people and so on.
To sharpen your photography skills, you visit photography tutorials websites and check out famous photographers’ works on the internet and social media.
One of the best places to get inspired is ‘Movies’; you get entertained while learning composition skills from their excellent cinematography, isn’t it? Talking about sunrise photography, I fell in love with the opening scene of a beautiful lake at sunrise in the popular Hollywood movie ‘The Notebook’.
You can capture the beauty of the Blue Hour which occurs before sunrise and after sunset; it lasts between 20 – 40 mins before sunrise and between 20 – 40 mins after sunset before it gets too dark. Sometimes, you may also see orange, yellow, pink colours near the horizon.
The Golden Hour aka Magic Hour is also a great photo op that occurs after sunrise and before sunset; it lasts for about 40 mins after sunrise and 40 mins before sunset.
Take a look at the below photographs and Camera Settings that were used to capture them:
If you’re travelling to a new place, check the sunrise and sunset timings beforehand so that you can reach the place early and plan your composition for the photograph
Go for Wide angle lens/Zoom lens depending on your creative vision or what visual story you want to convey to the viewers
We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.
Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Sunrise and Sunset Photography with the help of practical examples.
When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express.
Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!
So, what’s your favourite time to be out amidst nature and photograph it – is it Blue Hour, Golden Hour, Sunrise or Sunset?
Did this blog help you with some ideas to improve your photography skills? For more useful photography tips, examples, ideas & inspiration, please subscribe below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email. Thank you!
