How-To’s

How-to guides: people, pets, and food

Brief guides on common photo subject matter People photos

Historically, photographs are used as a tool of documentation for the purposes of research, artwork, or keeping a visual record. With the evolution of human technology and capability, photography was allowed to grow dramatically, with advances in understanding lens and light physics, better and improved camera ergonomics, digital technology, and many more. However, one of the main subjects of pictures throughout history always remained to be other people. Whether it’d be mugshots, taking selfies with friends, or in your studio with a model, portraiture photography is one of the oldest subjects in the history of photography.

The phrase which states that a single picture can tell such an in-depth story is always true, even if audiences may misinterpret the intention of the photographer and sitter. Whenever I take portrait photos, I love to talk to the subject to get to know them a little. The purpose of knowing who they are and how they act is to best interpret through my camera their personality. Serious subjects may prefer to be posed with more structure and harder lighting, capturing a sense of maturity and drama. People with more energy tend to lean to brighter, energizing colors and settings. Posing these subjects is best candid, to visually capture their movement and looser personality. Professionals looking for headshots generally want to be dressed nicely, with even lighting around their face, and against a solid background. Additionally, when talking to other people, looking into their eye is only natural, so maintaining focus on their eyes is crucial to portraiture.

Understanding your subjects is my key to taking successful portrait photographs, and communicating with them regarding their needs and your ability as a photographer will help any shoot you do run smoothly.

Pet pics

Social media and overall love and admiration for our animal companions makes us instinctively become paparazzi to these innocent pets, as they’re confused

why their owners keep pointing their phones at them. Many pet owners would even create social media accounts for their cats, dogs, or whatever and document cute moments or their less-than-normal personalities. Some owners would even take their pets along as travel companions, having their Chihuahua pose gracefully overlooking the Grand Canyon or something. Nevertheless, our pets have become an increasingly popular subject for our cameras, and taking pictures of them is a sign of our love.

The same concepts of capturing your subjects’ personalities in human portraiture applies directly to animal pictures as well. Most breeds and individual pets would have their own personalities, and keeping into account their uniqueness will help with good pictures. Small dogs like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians may be more suited in a household setting, seen comfy in their sheltered lap-dog life. Cats are seen more as freespirited, and lately, many cat owners are seen depicting their cats outdoors to feed their curiosity. Depending on how your pets are and what their instincts display of their personality, be sure to capture their essence of them being your pets.

Food for the SNS

Color and lighting are keys to create appetizinglooking food photographs. Keep in mind color psychology where bland colors will translate into blander plates. Sure, steak and fries are in itself a delicious combination, yet yellows and browns aren’t that great looking together. To improve this look, chefs themselves would add garnish with greens, brightening up the appearance with just a few sprigs of rosemary or whatever they so choose. Even adding a side of a salad with vibrant tomatoes and assortment of lettuce and cucumbers will add that needed variety of color.