Digital Photography Business Tips | Helpful Techniques, Methods And Strategies For Starting A Photography Business

After I posted the Summer Lemonade portrait idea, I received a lot of emails saying it really helped. As photographers we need to be inspired and sometimes pushed to think outside the box. That’s my job I guess.

So…I decided to share another unique portrait idea that anyone can use and start creating with very little equipment. We created a Digital version for our NPB Digital Creations Club called “Gone Golfing“. I know…pretty unique name. LOL

Watch the video and I’ll go over all the components you’ll need to get started.

As always…leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

If you want to check out our NPB club…Click Here!

In this post I wanted to share a portrait that one of our NPB students (Carol) created and posted on our forum. I thought it was a great example of how you can create a beautiful portrait with some basic tools.  I think you’ll see after you watch the video

Click Here to check out our NPB Digital Creations Club.

Here’s an example of the finished portrait. Great Job Carol!

Whether you are wanting to get a treasured photo your own family pet or you would like to photograph pets as a part of your photography business, there are a few things you should know before you just show up with your camera and expecting award winning pet photos. Here are a five tips to help you get the photos you’re looking for.

Tip #1 – Patience

First and foremost we must realize that stunning photos of pets involve a lot of patience. Waiting for that right pose or expression that represents the character of the pet may take a little time. Sometimes we get lucky and it happens very quickly, then there are the other times when it feels like we will never get THE shot! It can be frustrating but extremely rewarding.

Tip # 2 – Shoot Often

Shooting continuously can accomplish a couple of things. First it gets the pet used to the sound of the camera, second it allows you to capture candid shots in between formal poses. You might be surprised at some of the images you captured when you review them.

Tip #3 – Use Different Angles

The eyes are the most important part of the photograph. The character and soul of the pet can be more dramatically captured by getting down to their eye level. Shooting down from above by standing on a chair or something solid can also product effective and unique photos. Be adventurous! Experimenting with different angles may also generate exceptional portraits. Remember, the eyes must be in perfect focus.

Tip # 4 – Toys & Treats

There tends to be some controversy on the use of pet toys and treats to stimulate the pet in order to make a more appealing shot. On the one hand, the toys and treats can help you get more intense and striking images but on the other hand, some animals will become over-stimulated and become difficult to work with. Talking with the owner and observing the animal under both circumstances before the shoot can help you decide whether or not to use the props.

Tip # 5 – Composition

We can get so busy trying to get that perfect expression or interesting shot that we forget what is around us and in the background. Make a visual check through the viewfinder to see if you are using the rules of good composition. Are you using your thirds? Is the background uncluttered? Does the background complement the subject?

For example; it may not be wise to shoot a black dog with a dark background. If you find your location is not working, move around to the other side or change locations completely. It can make the difference between an ordinary shot and a stunning portrait.

There are a lot of things to remember in a very short space of time when you are working with animals. Taking pet portraits is challenging to say the least but is extremely rewarding. Capturing for the owner the essence and character of their much loved family pet turns that stunning portrait into a priceless memory for them.

Happy shooting!

Taking family portraits presents a wonderful opportunity to capture the intimate relationships between all the family members.

What we will focus on here is mostly the immediate family that usually consists of between two and six people. Here are a few Digital Photography Tips For Great Family Portraits to remember when working with families:

Tip #1 Make them Comfortable

It is difficult to get great expressions on faces when people are straining to maintain a certain pose. It’s important to make every effort to pose the family in a way that will give you the best opportunity to capture their best ’side.’

Tip # 2 Watch your Composition

Part of the challenge of family portraits is to compose your shot in a way that will draw the viewer into and around the photograph in a pleasing way. Pose family members in triangles. The natural flow of the portrait will then allow the viewer to see each family member in an easy and progressive manner.

Tip # 3 Using Props

Using a big wing-backed chair with mom or dad sitting in the chair and the rest of the family members posed around it always makes a great shot. Using park benches, trees, rocks, fireplaces, stools and even the ground or floor are all good ideas to help you capture that unique shot. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination and creativity!

Tip # 4 Dressing Similar

This should be discussed before the family shoot is to take place. It will save you a lot of headache if all the family members are dressed in complimenting styles and colors. Strips, polka dots, clashing colors and printed clothing can give you a disconcerting and uneasy feel to a photo. We want to produce a photo that will convey the harmony and love between family members and draw the viewer to the faces; not be distracted by clothing that is outlandish or clashing.

Tip # 5 Watch the Lighting

If you are shooting in a studio, make sure you have your lights set up to enable every person’s face to be clearly seen. Although shadows can add intensity and interest, make sure it is balanced properly. Taking family photos outside can present a whole new set of  challenges.

Shooting at the golden hour of the day (one hour before the sun goes down) is an option that will give you wonderful lighting conditions. Once again, it is of prime importance that all family member’s faces can be clearly seen.

Taking family portraits can present some very interesting challenges. You, as the photographer, have the opportunity to capture the very character and intimacy of the family unit. It takes planning and practice to create a stunning portrait that will become a  treasured family memory for years to come.

Happy shooting!

We all know that photographing a newborn can be  somewhat challenging and unpredictable. Here are some useful Baby Photography Tips For Infants And Newborns that can make your sittings go as smoothly as possible.

Tips #1 Learning The Location

If this is a location shoot, you will probably want to visit the home first, so you can check out the windows and be sure that you will have adequate light.  If this is not possible,  ask the parents what the lighting is like for the particular  time of day that your sitting is scheduled.

Tips #2 Discuss The Wardrobe

Discuss with the parents prior to the sitting how they feel about the baby’s  wardrobe. You should consider photographing their wrinkly, soft-skinned bodies, so try to encourage the parents to forego  the clothing.

They  are only an infant  for  such  a short period of time and we want to capture every little part of them!  Make sure to  remind parents to remove clothes or anything that may leave marks on the baby’s delicate skin approximately 1 hour prior to the sitting.  This really helps in post-editing so you won’t be spending all of your time getting rid of sock marks,  etc.

Tips #3 Room Temperature

Before the sitting, make sure that the room or location is very warm.  Newborns can be very uncooperative when they are cold. I  sometimes use a heating pad underneath the backdrop or material that the baby is laying on for extra warmth.

Tips #4  Be Prepared

Be sure to have any props, baby posers, backdrops, etc. ready prior to the  sitting.  Keep hand sanitizer, clean blankets, paper towels, disinfectant cleaner, baby wipes and tissues handy.  Trust me, you will need these things!

Tips #5 Natural Posing

Pose infants in their natural position.  It looks awkward and unnatural to see  them sitting upright .  A beanbag poser is an easy way to pose a baby because it naturally molds around the baby’s body.  Not to mention that it is  very safe and  comfortable  for the infant.

Tips #6 Choose The Right Height  And Angles

Get down to their level.  When you shoot down low at the baby’s level, you are bringing the viewer into the baby’s world vs. standing over the baby and looking  down on it.  Very often, I lay on the floor on my stomach for some great captures.

Although, most of my time is spent at the baby’s level, it is a good idea to consider other angles.  You can also try shooting from a bird’s eye view or from down below the baby’s level to show other interesting perspectives.

Photographing newborns and infants requires a lot of patience.  I always allow extra time for these sessions because they can be so unpredictable.  Follow these tips and you will be on your way to nailing your next newborn session.

Happy Shooting!