Photography

Top 7 Photography Books

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If you love a photographer, then you’ll want to print a copy of this list. These are the most wished for books on Amazon. This means there is probably a book or two on this list your photographer would love. Save yourself some time by using this list as a shopping list. Your photographer will love you for it.

1. National Geographic Image Collection by National Geographic, Michelle Anne Delaney, Maura Mulvihill (5.0 out of 5 stars)

Behind National Geographic’s worldwide reputation as a powerhouse of photography lies one of the finest, most extensive, and most unique graphic resources on Earth: the National Geographic Image Collection. For the first time ever, readers will plumb the fascinating depths of this immense archive from the earliest photographs collected in the late 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today.

2. The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3 by Scott Kelby (4.3 out of 5 stars)

This book truly has a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: “If you and I were out on a shoot and you asked me, ‘Hey Scott, I want the light for this portrait to look really soft and flattering. How far back should I put this softbox?’ I wouldn’t give you a lecture about lighting ratios, or flash modifiers. In real life, I’d just turn to you and say, ‘Move it in as close to your subject as you possibly can, without it actually showing up in the shot.’

3. VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography by David duChemin (4.9 out of 5 stars)

A book for any photographer who’s ever felt compelled to combine their craft with the world of commerce and make the transition to becoming a vocational photographer. More like a sketchbook of ideas and wisdom than it is a system to get rich quick on photography, VisionMongers takes a look at the changing landscape of professional photography and the various journeys that can be taken to get there.

4. Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision by David duChemin (4.8 out of 5 stars)

A book about finding and expressing your photographic vision, specifically where people, places, and cultures are concerned. A personal book full of real-world wisdom and incredible images, author David duChemin (of pixelatedimage.com) shows you both the how and the why of finding, chasing, and expressing your vision with a camera to your eye.

5. The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman (4.6 out of 5 stars)

Design is the single most important factor in creating a successful photograph. The ability to see the potential for a strong picture and then organize the graphic elements into an effective, compelling composition has always been one of the key skills in making photographs.

6. The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2 by Scott Kelby (4.6 out of 5 stars)

In Volume 2, Scott adds entirely new chapters packed with Plain English tips on using flash, shooting close up photography, travel photography, shooting people, and even how to build a studio from scratch, where he demystifies the process so anyone can start taking pro-quality portraits today! Plus, he’s got full chapters on his most requested topics.

7. The Moment It Clicks: Photography Secrets From One of the World’s Top Shooters by Joe McNally (4.2 out of 5 stars)

Joe McNally, one of the world’s top pro digital photographers, breaks new ground by doing something no photography book has ever done-blending the rich, stunning images and elegant layout of a coffee-table book with the invaluable training, no-nonsense insights, and photography secrets usually found only in those rare, best-of-breed educational books.

You don’t want to miss out on the rest of the list. Check out 10 Best Photography Books. I’m sure you’ll find something your photographer will love. And guess who gets the credit….you.

“I just love it. How did you know?”

Choosing A Photography Career

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As with any career where the path is a tricky one, the most important attribute you will need to have is determination to succeed. If you think it might be nice to be a professional photographer, but there are other careers you would also be happy in, don’t choose photography!

So, given that this is the career path you absolutely have to follow, which path is for you?

Portrait photography

The portrait photographer will either work out of a studio, or have the occasional location job; school photographs, or headshots for actors, singers, and dancers. They will need excellent organisational skills, as they will most likely be doing their own diary-management, as well as keeping themselves fully apprised of the latest developments both in digital photography and post-production. Although no formal qualifications are required, a reasonably high level of training and professional competence are essential.

Family photography

The family photographer will be almost entirely-studio based. Frequently dealing with fractious small children, their people skills are as important as their skills as a photographer. The family photographic shoot requires diplomacy, and an ability to keep people focussed yet relaxed. Like the portrait photographer, formal qualifications are desirable rather than essential.

Fashion photography

Breaking into this glamorous side of the industry is incredibly difficult. The fashion photographer will require an extensive physical portfolio of their work, and also an excellent personal website to serve as a gallery. Their digital manipulation skill of the images they shoot should be exceptional. Unlike most other fields of professional photography, the fashion photographer should have an agent, who will negotiate the sale of their work on their behalf.

Photojournalism

The photo journalist is essentially a storyteller, presenting the truth, with images seldom doctored before they find their way into print. Formal training could be more important here than in other fields, as a degree will present challenges and theoretical scenarios for the student to tackle. A graduate course will also provide vital contacts.

Wildlife photography

Again, the wildlife photographer will need a stand-out portfolio, and a keen interest in the natural world. With stock agencies overflowing with images, the budding wildlife photographer will need extreme levels of persistence, patience, and the ability to see the long game. Requiring excellent business and marketing skills, they will need to charm their way into good relationships with animal parks, enabling access to restricted areas.

Wedding photography

One for the adrenaline junkies of the photography world, wedding photographers need nerves of steel to be master of the perfect shot. Dealing with the preservation of people’s treasured memories, their people, and indeed crowd-management skills should be exceptional. Their editing skills should also be top-notch, as a little subtle photoshopping can make the difference between a good photograph, and a perfect one.

Your path within the profession depends as much upon your personality as your skill – if you tailor your career progression to who you are, you will find developing your skills extremely rewarding.

How to make an everyday birthday cake evolve into a cool birthday cake!

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Are you bored with the same birthday cakes year after year, do you envy your colleagues who come up with unique birthday cakes delivered to their loved ones every year. Well birthdays do come only once a year, and there is no harm in celebrating each birthday with a special touch. With various varieties available in the market you can never run out of ideas. But of course the best would be a homemade cake made with love, this also gives you the opportunity to go crazy with some wild ideas you can getter from various cake stores and online.

For example if you want to make your special someone have a royal celebration you can try out a cookie crown cake. With frosting and candy to add the rich look, you can be sure that the birthday celebrant is going to feel like a prince or princess on the special day.

Is the birthday boy or girl crazy over any specific animal or cartoon figure? Then why not turn the cake to resemble the same. Once you get the cake shape template, the rest is simple. After baking the cake to that template, you can use any colour frosting and different candies and cookies to get the desired look for the cake. This can even be done to resemble a large ice cream cone, or a favourite flower. This can even be done to resemble the trade they work in whether its a doctor still a student (maybe a book) or a writer (a large pen) you can create the cake in any shape you can set your mind on.

Photo cakes is the latest trend. With a simple square or circle baked cake, once a photo is pictured on top of the cake, nothing will make the cake more unique than that. Many bakeries simply scan the image and change it into an edible image on top of the cake. While you are at it why stick to one photograph? You can get many photographs merged together through photoshop or any image editing tool before you run off to the bakers. Through this method, you can show a history of details or a bunch of different friends all on the same cake top.

Let your mind run crazy set no limits as now anything you desire can be achieved in a cake to celebrate that special someones special day.

All You Need To Know About Boudoir Photography

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What Is Boudoir Photography?

Historically, the term Boudoir was used to describe a ladys dressing room. In the early 1980s Boudoir photography was first used to refer to a type of intimate photography. Nowadays, its quite popular for women to have Boudoir photographs done, usually to surprise that special someone in their life. Boudoir photography sessions can be as varied as each individual. Each person has their unique opinion of what is sensual and beautiful and each photography session and resulting photos reflect that beauty.

What if I dont feel comfortable making Nude Photos?

A Boudoir Photography session should be fun! If youre uncomfortable posing for Nude photographs then dont do them. Every woman is beautiful and sexy. You dont have to take your clothes off to take gorgeous sensual photographs. Working in collaboration with an experienced photographer you can create amazing images clothed, partially clothed or implied nude (when the photographer sets the scene so that you appear to be nude but nothing is showing). Communication is key make sure that you have talked in detail with the photographer about your comfort levels and what your vision is of the finished product and trust that he or she will keep everything hidden that you want hidden. Thanks to modern digital technology it is not difficult to add in extra shadows or use blurring effects to make sure that the finished product is exactly what you want. Keep in mind also that some photographers may not shoot nude photographs, so if you are looking for nude photos ask!

But Im too old! Im too overweight! Im not pretty enough!

Every woman is beautiful and sexy! Ignore the overly skinny supermodels that you see everyday in advertisements! Real women are all around you and they are all beautiful. Be confident in yourself and your sensual nature. And be confident that your photographer is experienced and can arrange lighting and posing in order to capture your best side.

What do I wear?

Wear what you feel sexy in! A Boudoir Photography session has ample time for several wardrobe changes so bring any outfits you think you might want to wear and any accessories that go with it. Examples include a mans white dress shirt; a baseball jersey and ball cap; lacy nightie; a French maids costume (great use of old Halloween costumes) and feather duster; plaid mini skirt and white button down shirt and anything else you can imagine! Bring along a suitcase full of outfits. Dont forget high heeled shoes, necklaces, bracelets and other accessories hats, feather boas, etc. This is a good time to play dress up! Plan out your outfits ahead of time and try them on with different jewelry to see how they look. The photographer may also bring some additional accessories but you should ask about props ahead of time.

What about my Make-up?

Many ladies can do their own make-up but there are other options. Salons and department store make-up counters can be good resources or you can ask your photographer if they have someone they recommend. In most cases the photography studio can contract a make up artist for an additional fee. Dont feel compelled to wear a lot of make-up if it simply isnt your style.

Where should I have Boudoir Photographs taken?

These are not the kind of images that are on a check list at a mall portrait studio, they need to be personal and intimate. Many women choose a photographer who will come to their home and take photographs in their bedroom. Other women choose to go to the photographers studio and have their Boudoir session there. These days, though, Boudoir isnt limited to a bedroom setting and lingerie. A number of my own customers have come to me because they were intrigued by my Retro Pinup work. This is yet another option in Boudoir photography.

Nervous? What about a Group Photo Session?

You and three or four of your best girlfriends can get together and do your sessions at the same time. These can be done at the studio, your home or on location and should be approached with a party atmosphere. Each of you will be photographed individually as you are dressed (or undressed) based on each persons comfort level.
Some photographers (but not all) offer couples sessions. These sessions are romantic, sensual, playful, fun and always tasteful. If you are interested in this type of session make it part of a weekend away at a local hotel. This leaves you free from distractions and you will have some extra memories of the event.

Retouching

Many photographers include retouching with their portrait prints and albums but be sure to ask how much is included with your session. Most photographers will include minor retouching and color correction as part of their service after all they want their work to be well represented.

Protecting your privacy

Privacy should be a major concern during your boudoir sessions. All boudoir images are kept in strict confidence and no images will be shown without permission from the client in writing. Make sure your photographer has a privacy policy as well as any professional printers they may use.

Preparing for a Boudoir Photo Session

Wear loose fitting clothing. Avoid tight fitting undergarments as they are the most likely to leave elastic pressure lines on your skin. If you are not doing the session at your home bring as many accessories, outfits and ideas as you can. If you decide to not use everything then it is just a little extra to carry around but its far better then to wish you had brought something.

Las Vegas – Grand Canyon by Airplane Tour

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The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is only 120 miles from Las Vegas, but it’s a six-hour trip from Sin City to the South Rim. That’s why most Vegas-based travelers wind up going to the West Rim. Other people simply prefer the West Rim, or maybe they don’t know they can get to the South Rim quickly. People staying in Vegas can arrive at the South Rim in under an hour by taking a short, direct plane flight.

Las Vegas air tours fly out of several airfields in the Vegas metro area, including Boulder City and Henderson, NV. Flights for aerial tours leave at different times of the day, and the last one leaves in the afternoon and lets you see magnificent sunset views on your trip back.

Grand Canyon air tours are very scenic and you get to fly over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Most Vegas-based South Rim airplane tours fly south of the Colorado River and then bear east until landing at Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Before you arrive you get to see about three-fourths of the Grand Canyon from your plane windows.

The most popular South Rim airplane tour includes a 2-hour motor coach tour in the National Park. The bus tour takes you to Yaki Point, Mather Point, and Grand Canyon Village where you can visit museums, shops, restaurants, and even hotels.

You could also choose a thirty-minute helicopter flight that takes you to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and back. You will be treated to a spectacular view of the Dragoon Corridor which is the deepest and widest part of the canyon, as well as flyovers of Grand Canyon Village and Kaibab National Forest. You’ll get a great perspective on the National Park during the flight.

The airplanes used for the South Rim tours hold nineteen people. What’s really great is they are designed for the ultimate sightseeing experience. They have huge windows for spectacular scenic vistas and the cabins have plenty of room. You are provided with a personal headset so you can listen to information about the landmarks you see out the windows during the tour.

Las Vegas air tours use safety-certified airplanes and they’re required to meet all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations applicable to cargo planes. Plus, they’re all fitted with state-of-the-art communications equipment and navigational instrumentation. The planes are manned by FAA licensed pilots and co-pilots who have to pass tough yearly physical exams.

The helicopters and buses used in Grand Canyon tours are just as classy. The choppers offer headsets so you can talk to passengers and the pilot, and they are very comfortable and provide panoramic views of the canyon below. The buses are luxurious too and offer oversized windows, restrooms, climate controls, and plasma TVs.

Vegas-based South Rim airplane tours are popular and often sell out. Plan on booking your trip at least a week ahead of time. If you wait, your choices are more limited and you may not get a seat at all. Make the mistake of buying your tickets the day of the flight and you’ll pay through the nose. If you are traveling with a family or group, you may have to split up to find enough available seats if you don’t secure them in advance.

You get the best deal on your tickets when you buy them online. There’s no need to spend hours searching, though. Just go to the tour operator’s site and you can buy your tickets there. You will always find the lowest prices on the tour operator’s website and you have the added safety of a 24-hour cancellation policy.