This article is based on concepts from Creating Beautiful Background Blur if you want to dig deeper for further training. Here is a portrait that uses background blur to make the model pop from the background. Background blur is an excellent composition tool to set your subject apart from their surrounding areas. It’s another way […]
This article is based on concepts from the The Complete Guide to Long Exposure Photography if you want to dig deeper for further training. In long-exposure photography, what is the one decision that can make or break your photograph? The answer to that question surprised me when I started in long-exposure photography. Quick Tip My […]
This article is based on concepts from Effective Storytelling with Photography if you want to dig deeper for further training. Remember the lyrics from the famous Carly Simon song: “Anticipation. It’s making me wait.” Remember: Anticipation is a skill common among experienced photographers and generally lacking in newer photographers. Let’s discuss the photographic expertise of […]
Diagonal lines are used by photographers to lead a viewer’s eyes to a particular spot in the composition. This spot is often the subject or very near the subject. Create Visual Tension Visual tension is created by a diagonal line. This tension is heightened when it intersects with other lines or other vital elements in […]
Leading lines are a “first try” composition tool for many photographers when they attempt to consciously compose a photograph. The reason for this is that they’re often easily spotted within a scene. Leading lines can be comprised of physical objects, colors, and/or areas of contrast. There are two common mistakes and one common misconception when […]
This article is based on concepts from The Advanced Composition Guide which is currently 78% off if you want to dig deeper for further training. In the physical world, it’s pretty easy to understand the concept of balance. In the photography world, the concept of balance is a bit more muddled. Balance within photography is […]
What is a ‘low key’ photographic image? There seems to be a lot of confusion about this. So, let’s start with a definition. ‘Low-Key Lighting’ is where the term originates. The concept of low-key composition dates back to the earliest painters of Europe. However, the term ‘Low-Key Lighting’ was popularized by the American television and […]
This article is based on concepts from The Advanced Photography Action Cards which are currently 71% off if you want to check them out. Creative burnout happens to everyone. If you’re feeling like your photo efforts are getting repetitive, I invite you to strap on your creativity cap and climb onto the playground of mixed […]
This article is based on concepts from The Photography Action Cards if you want to dig deeper for further training. Do you remember the children’s game, Barrel of Monkeys? The one where you would hook their curved arms into a chain until you dropped one? I did a little research on the phrase “barrel of […]
This article is based on concepts from The Photography Action Cards if you want to dig deeper for further training. The key to great maternity portraits is to share the sense of caring and intimacy of the moment. Some mothers will wish to be alone in their picture; others will include one or more family […]
