Image is courtesy of Shannon Squires Photography – Edited using the Butterfly Whispers – Overlay and Photoshop Action Collection

Locations

There are several different outdoor locations and activities available in the springtime. One thing to note before shooting, is to always make sure the property you’re on is public or that you have permission to shoot on the premises. Also always make sure to note any allergies your clients may have to pollens and plants.

• Fields- What says “spring” more than flower fields?! Fields of bluebonnets, daisies, tulips and other spring flowers make for gorgeous scenes in photos that surround your subject(s) with color and provide many options for photos. You can take shots zoomed out with the whole field and your clients and also shots close up with flowers framing them. If you are photographing children, having them pick flowers not only is a great photo opportunity but it makes an awesome icebreaker and warms them up nicely for more photos.
• Trees- Trees such as the Cherry blossom tree and other blooming trees are wonderful to shoot with in the springtime. You can have your subject lean against the tree or simply use the tree(s) as a backdrop. You can even have your subject ‘play’ with the petals by tossing them in the air or spinning around in them (such as in a dress with a flowy skirt).
• Swing- Whether it is an old wooden swing, a park swing, or a tire swing, they can make a wonderful spring location/prop for kids, seniors, couples and more. You can even wrap flowers around the ropes of the swing to give it fresh garden look. If you are taking couples photos (or parents with kids) you can have one push the other on the swing to make for a playful picture. *This is a great icebreaker for kids that might be a little more shy or difficult to pose for photos. They just might have so much fun that they forget you are photographing them!*
• Archway- Arches are amazing locations/props because they create a framed look around your subject which automatically draws the viewers’ attention. Like the swing I mentioned, you can place flowers into the actual arch itself (if it doesn’t already have them growing on it). You can take couples photos under a floral archway to create a lovely romantic look with a sort of ‘secret garden’ feel.
• Tea Party- Have your younger clients dress up and play ‘tea party’ outdoors! Use an antique tea set, dolls/stuffed animals, dress hats, fancy dresses, a blanket to sit on or clothed table with chairs, and flowers as props.
• Puddles/Rain- If you find yourself having a rainy day, don’t fret… you can still capture some super fun photos. This location/activity is another crazy good ice breaker, especially with those little kids who love to just get down and dirty! Have your subject(s) dress up in rain gear and then you can have them jump in the puddles, or just get a few photos walking along in the rain and observing the puddles (if puddle jumping isn’t their ‘cup of tea’). If you’re photographing with couples, rainy photos can be extremely romantic. You can have your subject(s) walk and hold hands under an umbrella, or have them run together in the rain. Kissing and dancing in the rain are two other romantic gestures that make for great photographs. Do remember to try to keep your camera dry (some protective gear might be handy), but most of all, remember to have fun with it.

Props

When you think of spring, the most obvious prop that comes to mind are flowers. But there are many other items out there that can be used as props for spring photos both in an outside your studio. Some of these you might find you have sitting around in your home and backyard!

• Colorful Umbrellas- Add splash of color and keep your subject(s) dry.
• Rain Boots- Just for looks, walking in rain, or puddle jumping!
• Flowers- To pick, to hold, have in vases/jars/other containers around your client(s). You may also try decorating a wall, fence, etc. with flowers to make your own bright backdrop. If you tend to have a late Spring, don’t be afraid to use fake flowers or to purchase fresh flowers from your local florist.
• Floral Crown Either real or faux flowers. You can find many affordable faux crowns or sometimes have a local florist make one. There are also many DIY tutorials available online!
• Dandelions- Who doesn’t love blowing dandelions and making wishes?
• Watering can- Place the can next to your subject(s), have them hold it, or use it to water flowers (or just pretend). You can even have a little girl wear ‘mom’s shoes’ while watering to really create some adorable photos (plus she would love getting to wear mom’s shoes).
• Bubbles- Everyone loves bubbles! Bubbles work great for achieving genuine smiles and they let your subject(s) have fun! They also really help to bring a group together and make for amazing candid photos of families and friends.
• Pinwheel- Always a hit with the kiddos and they bring a little extra color and movement to your images!
• Bikes- Create a unique nostalgic feel to your photos with an old-fashioned bike. They look really cute posed in a field or with some flowers in a basket.
• Colored backdrops- Think colors like robin egg blue, canary yellow, peach, and bubble-gum pink. These colors scream spring!
• Paper/tissue flowers- You can make flowers out of tissue or paper and place them against a background to create a whimsical backdrop.
• Streamers- Place streamers in multiple different colors over/against your background (pastel streamers look the most “springy”) to create a simple and cute backdrop!
• Lace tablecloth- You can use a lace tablecloth as a backdrop! Simply hang and clip over a backdrop stand or tree branch to create a soft, elegant background.
• Banners- Print out or purchase a banner with a spring message such as “Happy Easter” or “I <3 Spring” and hang it on a backdrop to bring a basic backdrop into the spring season! If the banner is small enough, you can also use it as a prop for your clients to hold between with both their hands or if you have multiple people you’re working with, you can have them all hold it up.

We hope this list inspires you to go out and capture some wonderful spring photos full of life and fun memories! Are there any props and/or locations you think are a MUST to capture during the spring? Post them in the comments!

The post 20 Props and Locations You Need to Photograph This Spring appeared first on SUMMERANA.

1. Faces: Photography and the Art of Portraiture by Paul Fuqua & Steven Biver

One of my favorite books on the topic of photography—more specifically, Portraiture—is Faces: Photography and the Art of Portraiture by Paul Fuqua & Steven Biver. I really enjoyed this book because when I was first starting out, I found it not to be very overwhelming. It gets right down to the root of portraiture; the actual PEOPLE in the photos you are taking. Throughout the book there is also a lot of talk about focusing on the face and the eyes of your subjects to make truly memorable images that show their unique personalities. Another thing I like about this book is it’s not only informative about portraiture, but also has many stunning images in it! There are also lighting diagrams & descriptions, tips for setting up, and a detailed post production process to apply the finishing touches. The “voice” of the authors & their narration is the icing on the cake. It’s a very informative, but fun read and I would recommend it to any portrait photographer!

2. The Portrait Photography Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques: the essential guide for Student Photographers by Mark Jenkinson

This book is great because it is extremely informative for those who are serious about getting into portrait photography. It is a valuable read because it guides you like an actual course would, taking you from the beginning to end; varying in skill level and gradually moving up to more challenging material. I found the course to be very complete—covering equipment, lighting styles, composition, and technique in a fairly detailed way. So if you are looking to get fantastic information and learn a lot about portraiture, this is your read!

3. The Photographer’s Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business by Vik Orenstein

This book is an excellent resource, full of practical advice to successfully start and/or maintain your photography business. I enjoyed it because it is a good read for business and non-business minded people alike; whether you are looking to start out or boost your existing business, you will learn to make the most your time and creativity. It breaks it down for you—starting with finding your niche, crafting a business plan and networking. The latter part of the book delves into showcasing your work, hiring accountants, and other support professionals such as lawyers to give your contracts a once over. It is a great resource in that it will take you through each step chronologically; making sense out of creating a business from scratch. I would recommend this to any photographer wanting to be a bit more business savvy or successfully start up their own business!

4. Inspiration in Photography: Training Your Mind to Make Great Art a Habit by Brooke Shaden

I recently had an opportunity to check this book out at my local library, and let me tell you, it’s definitely on my list of books I need to purchase! This book will show you how to teach or “train” your brain to see inspiration in any situation! For many photographers this may come natural, but some of us need a little help once in a while and this book can be a handy tool for that. Brooke Shaden reveals different techniques and exercises you can conduct to be more aware of and inspired by your environment and all the beautiful things around you every day. Not only that, but you will learn to plan, compose, and shoot beautiful atmospheric photography; applying her techniques to your own photography style. To me, this book is the perfect balance between instruction and insight, and it’s a marvelous source of inspiration!

What are your favorite books to read on a cozy day?

The post 4 Photography Books to Read on a Cozy Day appeared first on SUMMERANA.

Locations

The woods – if it snows in your area, finding some beautiful woods are a great way to take advantage of the beautiful snowfall. Find somewhere secluded where others don’t go to get a blanket of unmarked snow. The darker lines of the trees in the background will provide a great contrast for the shot.

Image is courtesy of Shannon Squires Photography

Edited using the Arctic Dreamscapes winter digital background collection

An ice skating rink or lake: double points if you get permission to go in while it’s closed, giving you and your clients a private session. Your clients will love skating around together, and you can create some truly unique photos.

Image is courtesy of Shannon Squires Photography

Edited using the Moonstruck moon overlay & Photoshop action collection

A snowball fight: alright, so strictly speaking this isn’t a location, but it’s something you can create. Get your couple into a snowball fight, or have the kids playing against one another. You’ll get a natural healthy glow into their cheeks, lots of genuine smiles and laughs, and plenty of candid moments.

Christmas tree farm: this is a classic location to choose for holiday cards, clients eat this location up mainly because it features the main event of Christmas day.. the Christmas tree!

Image is courtesy of Stephanie Ratto Photography

Edited using the Winter Lights Bokeh Overlay and Photoshop Action Collection

The wedding venue: if they are having a summer wedding but want to shoot engagement photos in winter, then a shoot at their wedding location could be perfect. It’s best if the location is somewhere snowy, as the look will change really dramatically. This will tie their engagement and wedding photos together in such a sweet way.

A balcony or bridge: when the snow has fallen, you can create a really dramatic effect by finding a balcony or bridge where your clients can stand with the snow in the background. The snow will create a subtle effect, especially when your depth of field is right, and your clients will stand out against it.

Image is courtesy of Shannon Squires Photography

Edited using the December Lights bokeh overlay & Photoshop action collection and the Luminosity Lights overlay and Photoshop action collection

A wood cabin: this can give the perfect wintry vibe, especially if you have your clients wrapped up warm on the porch or sitting by the fire. If you are struggling to find one you can use, try a service like AirBnB to hire one as cheaply as possible in your area. You can also fake it with a wooden backdrop made by hand, with cheap materials picked up from craft stores.

Their home: your clients probably have a wonderful home, and it certainly gives you a lot of information about their personalities and lives. Shooting somewhere personal to your clients has the added advantage of keeping you out of the cold weather.

Downtown: taking a stroll downtown during the holiday months can guarantee a array of gorgeous backdrops. This includes capturing gorgeous bokeh using the holiday lights to your advantage.

Image is courtesy of Allie Borba Photography

Edited using the Winter Lights bokeh overlay & Photoshop action collection

Props

A patchwork quilt: especially if your clients happen to have one that is handed down in their family, a big quilt can make for a great photo. Have your subjects cuddled up together under the quilt to share their warmth to really capture the wintry theme!

Mugs of hot cocoa: warm up your clients and share a sweet moment with mugs of hot drinks. Get yourself a matching pair with hearts on or the word ‘love’, for example, and your engagement or couples shoots will have an instant touch of romance.

Pine cones and stockings: it’s always a great idea to get some Christmas props in the shot, as it allows your clients to work with something that looks perfect on Christmas cards. You don’t have to go over the top – a simple string of pine cones hung as a garland in the background could work for both a seasonal shot and a perennial portrait.

Wooden crates: crates are a very versatile prop that can be used literally every season, and can be especially useful for in the winter to help keep your clients off the cold and wet snow!

Image is courtesy of Shannon Squires Photography

Edited using the Arctic Dreamscapes winter digital background collection

Warm knits: knitted hats, jumpers, and scarves always look so cosy! Ask your clients to dress up or supply a wardrobe of your own. This will serve the double purpose of looking great and also keeping them warm.

Fake snow: no snow in your area of the world, or still a bit too early? Fake it! You can buy fake snow as well as snow machines, and create a winter wonderland in your studio. You can also take the fake snow outdoors. The other alternative, of course, is to fake it in Photoshop with the Summerana WinterizeMe Photoshop action and brush collection or the Winter Play – snow overlay and Photoshop action collection!

Image is courtesy of Daniel Venter

Edited using the Winter Play snow overlay and Photoshop action collection

String and ornaments: when shooting outdoors, bring along some brightly colored ornaments – preferably red or green – and hang them from branches of trees to create a magical effect. Your clients can stand or sit underneath them to have their very own Christmas scene.

String Lights: string lights are a great way to add a little extra magic to your image. They can be hung in the background to create jaw dropping bokeh in your images.

Image is courtesy of Shannon Squires Photography

Edited using the December Lights bokeh overlay & Photoshop action collection

Hanging lanterns: as the days draw in and get darker, why not illuminate your scene? Just like with the ornaments, hang some beautiful lanterns around your scene. This gives a great contrast to the image too, with extra light from the lanterns to illuminate your subjects. Be sure to set your white balance correctly before you start, and think about finding battery or solar-powered lanterns rather than candle or oil lanterns.

Reindeer: this one might be a bit of a stretch, but your clients will love it! You can find out if there are going to be any reindeer in your neck of the woods during the winter, perhaps for a Santa’s Grotto or a display. You might be able to book a day spent with these beautiful animals, which are often tame enough to make great photoshoot companions. Just be sure of any health and safety concerns, and ask a trainer to be on set with you.

Image is courtesy of Stephanie Ratto Photography

Edited using Summerana’s reindeer overlay and Photoshop action collection

Don’t be afraid to shoot in the snow. Since the early days of film, photographers have known that snowfall can create some of the most beautiful natural lighting! What are your favorite winter props and locations?

The post Locations and Props to Shoot in Winter appeared first on SUMMERANA.

What exactly is a catchlight?

A catchlight is that little “gleam” that you see in your subject’s eyes in photographs. It is the highlight that can often be found on the edge of the pupils. Catchlights are usually preferred in portraits because they add contrast to your subject’s eyes, and they generally brighten the whites of the eyes as well as bring out the color. This immediately brings more interest to the subject’s eyes, draws the viewer’s attention, and makes the subject in your image look more “full of life” as their eyes are not as flat or dull.

How can I create catchlights?

Catchlights can be created in several different ways. You can create them in natural light settings, by using studio lighting, and you can even create them in post production in editing programs!

• Natural Lighting: You can achieve catchlights in a natural setting by simply facing your subject towards the natural source of light. For example, if you have a room with a window you could have your subject point their face towards the window at an angle so that when you look through your viewfinder you will see a light reflection in their eyes. If you are shooting outdoors, you will find that shooting with the sun behind you, with the sun from the side, and shooting in open shade will be most promising for catchlights. You may have to move yourself (the camera) and/or your subject around slightly until you notice the reflection in their eyes. Bring along a reflector (and perhaps an assistant) to help get more control of your light. By using a reflector you will have the ability to bounce the light source’s reflection around (be careful as this light can sometimes be really bright!). There is even a reflector specifically made just for catching catchlights! If you cannot bring a reflector (or an assistant to hold it for you), you can try wearing a white shirt, which will help reflect some of that light back. Read our 6 tips for shooting in the sun here.

• Studio Lighting: This is usually the most common way to achieve catch lights as you can be more precise and specific about the exact spot where you want your catchlights. One of the most common ways (but not the only way) to achieve this with lighting equipment is to use a snoot (a tube/funnel shaped light modifier that controls the radius and direction of a light beam) on a light slightly off axis from your camera (this helps to avoid red eye and unwanted glare) and pointed in the direction of your subjects face. You will want to have your light dialed in to be a couple stops under your key light so that your catchlights do not overpower your main lighting source and make that region of the face look over highlighted. A second method that is popular is to use a ring flash (a circular tube flash that is usually used around the lens of your camera but can also be used off camera to create different effects and lighting angles).  The tube of light creates a circular highlight in your subject’s eyes which creates a lot more drama and contrast to your subject’s eyes and therefore naturally draws the viewer into the subject. Some lighting equipment brands even offer softboxes and different templates for the softboxes to make a variety of shapes such as stars and clouds in the reflection in your subject’s eyes! When using a ring flash a lot of times you will find that you need to be closer to your subject for the light to actually appear in their eyes and to get the lighting effect you want. This is one reason why ring flashes are ideal in close to mid-range shots. If you are shooting something a little further away or you are going for a full body shot, a snoot would be ideal in this situation because you could always turn the power of your light up to still achieve the catchlight (if you did this with a ring flash you wouldn’t be able to achieve much of an effect from a distance). If you have your subject tilt their head up slightly it is much easier to find and place a catchlight in their eyes. The reason for this is because most people’s eyelids droop a little bit when they look down. Having them tilt upwards widens their eyes slightly and gives the light more eye to reflect off of, giving your subject a more “awake” appearance.

• Post Shoot Editing: A third option to achieve catchlights is to use effects in Photoshop. With products like The Summerana Eye Essentials Photoshop Action Collection, you can add light and catchlights if you didn’t get any in the original photo (or perhaps you caught one in one eye, but would like to add one to the other eye as well), or you can use the actions to boost the ones you did capture. This is also a good option if you do not have the assistance of the above noted lighting equipment or a natural lighting source.

Lear how to edit eyes in Photoshop using Photoshop actions here:

All in all, there isn’t really a “right” or “wrong” way to achieve catchlights. A lot of it really comes down to what equipment you have available to you (or if you are shooting outside, the location of the sun), the needs of the specific shoot you’re working on, and which styles and/or methods suit you best as a photographer. But if you are looking to add more of a “pop” to your images, we hope these tips will help you add that extra zest of life!

What is your favorite method for adding catchlights to your images? Tell us in the comments!

The post How to Add Life to Eyes with Catchlights while Shooting and in Photoshop appeared first on SUMMERANA.

1. Pay attention to the time of the day – The time of day that you shoot is one of the most important factors when planning your sessions. Unless it is an overcast day, It is best to try to not shoot mid-day (close to noon) when the sun is its highest because this can cause harsh shadows on your subjects or cause overblown highlights. If you shoot closer to sunrise or sunset (or just earlier or later in the day) you can get softer lighting and cooler temperatures and avoid some of those harsh shadows. Shooting within an hour before the sunset is called the “Golden hour” and this is a wonderful time to take portraits because of the warm lighting from the setting/rising of the sun creates a beautiful soft glow.

2. Note the sunlight direction – The direction that the sun is coming from ultimately affects how the shadows are cast on your subject and how the light is framed around them:

• Shooting with the sun behind you: With the sun behind you and facing your subject you get the most even illumination across the scene. Note that with this lighting, shadows are hidden so form, detail, and texture can be lost. Also, having the sun directly on your subject can cause them to have to squint which can be very uncomfortable, not to mention it won’t be very pretty! However, color and vibrancy of the sky and scene are usually the best with frontal lighting.
• Shooting into sun: With the sun behind your subject, you will be creating a backlight and/or rim light effect on your subject (and no more squinting yay!). This lighting does put a good part of the image in the shadows. If you expose your camera for the brightest part of the scene, you will end up with a silhouette effect. If you expose for the shadows and darker tones then you will get a softer, more brightly lit image. You can also use a flash or a reflector to fill the shadows in this light setting so that the sun will create a glow around your subject while still being evenly lit in the shadow areas.
• Shooting with sun from side: Side lighting can create unique, dramatic results while illuminating some areas and shadowing others. This gives more definition, form, and texture of the landscape and your subject. In the best lit areas, the color is crisp and vibrant. With side lighting, neither you nor your subject is forced to squint or look into the sun. You may need to, however, fill in the opposite side with a reflector to avoid harsh shadows.

3. Bring along a reflector for diffusion and light direction – If you end up having to shoot mid-day on with bright sunshine, bringing a multi-surfaced reflector along can be helpful! There are some you can purchase that have silver, gold, white, black, and transparent/diffused surfaces. You may even use just a large white board. If you place your subject with the sun behind them or to the side and then use one of the gold/silver/white surfaces of the reflector at a 45 degree angle (or play with it a little) you can fill the harsh shadows that may be coming down from the sun and create a more evenly lit image of your subject. The gold side creates more of a warm glow where the silver is cooler. The white is neutral and it isn’t as reflective and high contrast as the silver or gold. Some reflectors also have a diffusion panel which allows you to let the sunlight go through the diffuser and create a softer glow on your subject. You can place the reflector on a light stand or have an assistant hold it to get it in the ideal location to light your subject.

4. Use flash to balance shadows – I have heard time and time again “Why would I need to use lights outside if it’s light out?!” And I can tell you that it can make a HUGE difference! When you use strobes (with a generator or wall power) or speed-lights in a sunny location, you can balance the dark shadows out and use your light(s) as a key and/or fill to create balance and color vibrancy in the image. You can shoot into the sun but also use a light on your subject as a key light so that the sun creates a rim/backlighting effect around your subject and their skin tones and clothing are still all evenly lit. Using lights outdoors makes it so you can get rid of blown out backgrounds and/or overly shadowed subjects.

5. Find open shade – When you get to your location, look for any open shade your subject(s) can stand in. Open shade can be produced by trees, buildings, an umbrella, etc. and can produce the most stunning, vibrant, and sharpest images. You may even start training yourself to choose your locations based on just that if the golden hour is not doable. The best part of open shade is that you can avoid any harsh effects of the sun all together, while still getting many of it’s gorgeous benefits. Just be sure your subjects are not standing in any light spots leaking through tree’s for example, as this may create hot spots.

6. Protect yourself and your gear – We all know its common sense to wear sunscreen to protect ourselves and our skin on a sunny day. It’s also very important to stay hydrated (and remind your clients to do so too!) If you plan to be shooting in the sun for a while, try to also hydrate 24 hrs before the shoot to make sure you are up to your best! As a photographer, it is also important to protect your livelihood… YOUR GEAR! Several different cleaning kits and tools are available, and some are small and simple enough to take with you “just in in case” that water, sand, mud, or whatever other outdoor substance comes across your lens. I personally carry a little brush/pen that I use to gently wipe off any dust and dirt, and cloth in my pocket to get any moisture off. Another thing to keep in mind when caring for your camera is the condensation that can build up. One way to avoid this is to move your camera into an in-between temperature area like a garage, sun room, den, or entryway for a little while before moving it fully inside. Even setting your camera near a sunny window area (but make sure it’s safe from falls!) can cool it off a little (but not too quickly) before it goes into cooler temperatures inside.

Are there any tips you find tried and true for taking photos in the sun? We’d LOVE to hear from you!

The post 6 Tips for Shooting in the Sun appeared first on SUMMERANA.

1. Make a checklist – Create a list of all the equipment you will need for your shoot. This way, you can go over your list on the day of as you pack your things up to go (or as you set them up in your studio) to make sure you actually have everything. Nothing is worse than getting everyone and everything ready to go only to realize you’re missing something small like your memory cards! This list can also include things like your client contract and any other important forms that you don’t want to forget.
2. Prepare equipment and camera – Charge your batteries, get extra bulbs for your lights if needed, and change whatever settings you may need to in your camera. I find that it is always good to clear up any memory cards I am using to allow the full amount of space to be available for the photo shoot. Another thing you can do is to go through and make sure all your equipment is clean. Clean your lenses and also make sure your lens caps are clean. I also go through and “neutralize” the settings on my camera to make sure that nothing is set to where I wouldn’t want it (such as ISO to 32000, exposure compensation of +2, etc.). To me, it’s always important to start your camera out with a clean slate!

3. Stretch and work your body out – See our post, Funny Behind the Camera Photographer Poses + Tips on How to Avoid that Cramp! for awesome stretching ideas to avoid any cramps. We also recommend checking out pilates, yoga, etc. to strengthen your back, arms, core, and more to avoid any injuries while shooting.

4. Dress accordingly – We all know to follow a dress code for a wedding event, but it is also important to not only think about the occasion, but the temperature and your comfort level as well. For instance, if you are going to be photographing a 10-hour wedding event, you wouldn’t want to be wearing stilettos. It would make much more sense to wear something dressy but also comfortable that you can take photos in without the distraction of the pain in your back and feet! Another thing to think about is the practicality of your outfit. If you have a long skirt or pants that drag on the floor, chances are likely that you could trip while taking a photo, and this is a big safety hazard! If you have a low-cut shirt, you might end up self-conscious the entire time and end up worried about your shirt rather than which angle is best to shoot from. Think about all the positions you may be putting yourself into with the clothes you are in and think, “Will this cause any malfunctions if I wear this?”

5. Check directions and plan ahead – No matter the physical form of directions (MapQuest, a hand-held GPS, etc.) you are using, make sure that it is all prepared and ready to go the next day. This may seem silly and monotonous, but so many things can come up the day of a shoot that it’s best to be prepared with all the little things to try and avoid any surprises if possible! Plan ahead, know how much time it will take to get to your destination, make sure you are set on gas or leave earlier if you know you will need to stop for some.

6. Arrive early – It is wise to plan to arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to a shoot to allow for setup of equipment based on the lighting and surroundings of the location.  You should allow even more time if you need to park or if the location is new and you need to have a quick run-through.
7. Run through your mental checklist – When driving to your location to meet your client (or waiting for them to arrive to your studio), do a run-through in your head of all your clients’ notes and details (names, ages, hobbies and interests, etc.). These can all be important and useful things to remember while on a shoot, and remembering them can help things to run much more efficiently. Don’t be afraid to make a physical list if you need to!
8. Listen to some music – When listening to music before a shoot, I like to also keep in mind the type of shoot I am doing and listen to music that helps me get into the right mood for that type of scenario. For instance, if I am photographing an engagement or a wedding, I may listen to something more calm and romantic to help my mind stay focused and feel inspired. If I am doing some senior portraits or a crazy fashion shoot, I may listen to something more fast-paced and upbeat to get me pumped and energetic! Music can really help clear your head, and spark your creativity.
9. Eat and stay hydrated – We’ve all done it before: went on a shoot without eating anything and then ended up going through the entire shoot without a bite. The next thing you know, your stomach is growling like crazy and you remember that you didn’t eat all day! Our bodies run on food for energy, so it’s no wonder that when you don’t have any, you start to get weak and tired. I find that it really helps to have some snacks that are higher in protein and/or vitamins to keep your body fueled and energized throughout the shoot. A couple of my favorites are granola bars, mixed nuts, trail mix, wasabi peas, dried fruit pieces and beef jerky.  It is also very important to stay hydrated on a photo shoot! If you want to avoid constant bathroom trips, drink a jug of water the night before your shoot. Then, make sure to drink at least one big cup before your shoot and always make sure to have a water bottle, or an available source of water at the location. Drinking up the day before instead of guzzling down like crazy the day of helps to hydrate the body without resulting in constant bathroom trips.
10. Mental preparation – Do whatever it is that YOU need to do in order to get yourself into a creative mindset! Whether it’s dancing, painting, baking, following step 8, watching your favorite TV show or talking to a good friend, GO DO IT! If it makes you feel confident and it gets those creative juices flowing, then go for it! Just make sure you allow enough time for your actual shoot, of course, and that everything else is prepared and ready.

These are all some ways to help you get prepared and pumped for your next photo shoot! If you are looking for some more ways to get refreshed and inspired in the mornings (or any time of day, really), check out the article, “6 ways for Photographers to Be Awake and Inspired by 10AM.”

What are some ways that you use to get yourself ready before a photo shoot? We’d love to hear your ideas!

The post Ten Ways to Prepare your Mind and Body for a Photo Shoot appeared first on SUMMERANA.

1. Warm Up – One easy way to warm up is to do some light cardio (walk, jog or bike) for just 10 minutes! Especially if the weather is colder, this can really help to warm up your muscles and get your muscles ready to be stretched and worked. Stretching is good because it signals to your body that you are going to do some physical activity, and it prepares the body and allows the joints and muscles to function more properly and move more freely and smoothly. This, in the end, will help you to last longer in your shoot and may help to avoid any injuries.

2. Ankle rotations – This stretch helps improve circulation in the legs and calves. Lift one foot off the floor and rotate the foot and ankle clockwise 10 times and then counterclockwise 10 times. Place that foot down and switch to the opposite foot and repeat. If necessary, hold on to a chair or wall nearby for balance.

3. Quad stretch – Bend your knee towards your buttocks and with the opposite hand, grab the top of your foot. Hold this pose for 10-15 seconds. Switch and repeat on the opposite leg. If you feel a strain in your knees, use the same hand instead of the opposite hand to hold the foot in order to create a little less tension. This stretch is not only great for stretching out your quads, but it also improves balance, which is very important to capture those super sharp images!
4. Inner thigh stretch – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your right knee slightly and shift your weight to that right side. You should feel a slight stretch in the inner groin area of the opposite left leg. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds and return to a standing position. Repeat the full stretch on the opposite side. This stretch is useful for those muscles that get really tight after all those squatting positions to get low-angle shots!

5. Shoulder stretch – This one is great to help prevent a little bit of the soreness that can come from holding our heavy cameras and lenses around our necks all day! Start out standing with your arms relaxed at your sides. Shrug your shoulders up as high as possible without bending at the elbows. This should create a slight tension in your neck and shoulders.  Hold this for 5-8 seconds and then release and relax your shoulders back down. Repeat 2-3 times.
6. Hand and wrist stretch – Holding your powerful camera and positioning it over and over can do a lot of wear and tear on your hands! This exercise can help ease some of that tension. Place both hands directly parallel in front of you. Close your hands to create fists. Lower both fists downward and hold 3-5 seconds. Raise both fists upward and then open your hand to stretch all fingers outwards. Repeat.

These stretches can all be repeated throughout the course of your shoot any time you feel a muscle getting tense in one of these areas. It is also good to do some final stretches after you do a shoot in order to reduce soreness and recovery time. Also, “warming down” your body helps to reduce the body’s production of lactic acid.

Ever found yourself in a funny pose while shooting? Share your pictures with us here or on our Facebook wall, we’d LOVE to see them! Also, come see Lisa’s amazing photography on her Facebook page, she is one talented lady in both her photography and posing *wink wink*!

The post Funny Behind the Camera Photographer Poses + Tips on How to Avoid that Cramp! appeared first on SUMMERANA.

1. Identify Improvements through Self-Reflection. 

   Honesty is always an important priority to have with yourself and your business. While looking at your work and what you have achieved over the past year, it takes meticulous observations to notice aspects of your business that you can improve upon. For instance, do you find yourself to be talented at capturing amazing photos, but your final images are not turning out the way you’d like them to? This could mean you need to improve your post production skills. Luckily, there are lots of resources to help you grow! Summerana’s Membership is our our favorite resource to help you spruce up those production chops. You could fix blown out skies add in a new gorgeous one in seconds with the Summerana Skies Overlay and Action Collection, add bokeh and texture for more of a pop, or even use the Glamourana Hair and Makeup Essentials Collection to flawlessly fix those hair roots, add makeup, fix oily skin and more.

   However, if you find that you have your editing down to a science, but you sometimes struggle coming up with poses for your clients, there are many books and digital guides available out there that offer awesome posing techniques! We love Michelle Moore’s posing guides! Even just making small improvements a little at a time can make a huge difference in the long run for you and your business!

2. Learn a New Technique.

   Do you feel like your work may be getting stale and you’re stuck in a “photographer’s rut?” This may be a sign that it’s time for you to learn some new techniques! The most important thing about your business is YOUR WORK. If you are starting to feel bored, your work will probably start to look boring too. One of the best teachers you can ever have is experience, so get out there and explore this amazing world around you (with your camera in hand, of course!). Do you think Picasso would have been a famous artist or Mozart would have been a famous composer if they had just done the same old thing all the time? No way! Photography is the same; you have to experiment with new angles, apertures and focal lengths. Not only are there many books available, there are many online resources available for photographers to improve your skills. Besides the websites listed above, creativeLIVE.com is one of our favorite training resources; they offer many different free live and pre-recorded workshops that are taught by top-notch photography industry professionals. When it comes down to learning new techniques, practice makes perfect, so get out there and create!

3. Get Organized.

   To keep your business running smoothly and to keep the cash flowing efficiently it is important to make sure you are organized! Being organized can help you keep track of the small things but also get a grasp on the big picture. One way to organize your space is by simply mounting a bulletin board in your studio/home office. There are so many cute options available for you to choose from besides the classic cork board; you can even do a little DIY project with some fun fabric to personalize it! Just use spray adhesive to attach the fabric to your board, hot glue the edges around the back, and you’ll have a custom fabric board to organize all of your dates, business cards, phone numbers, or whatever doo-dads you may have lying around! Another way we keep things neat and tidy is to stack small tubs or transparent drawers to organize office essentials. We love these affordable and stylish fabric drawer containers from the Martha Stewart Living Collection. They are durable, come in many sizes and colors and have a cute handle to boot! Although, our favorite way of organizing is by tidying up our computers with the Summerana Desktop Organizer. This desktop organizer has a sleek modern design, is fully customizable and very user friendly!

4. Re-brand/Change your Product Offering.

   Are you happy with your products? Are you satisfied with your prints and albums? Do you think you may be offering too much or not enough to your clients? These are all important things to ask yourself, and the new year is a great time to do so. Changing up your product line is a way to show clients that you have their interests in mind while offering them something fresh, exciting, and unexpected! Also, this gives you an opportunity to reevaluate and adjust your prices and investments accordingly. If you are saving up for better camera or lighting equipment, or have new business related expenses, adjusting your prices will give you the little extra bump your business may need! Eliminating products that aren’t selling as well as you had hoped can make room for successful or different products. You could also rebrand your business by completely changing your logo, stationery design and website, or just simply switching out fonts and colors on your documents can give you a fresh new look for the brand new year. Whatever you decide on, refreshing your business is a way to keep clients on their toes and wanting more!

5. Upgrade/Create a New Website.

   With the digital photography world growing faster every day, you’ll have to keep your business and your clients up to speed by having an easy-to-navigate business website. We’re not saying that Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter aren’t all exceptional methods of promoting your business, but in order to be the professional that you know you are, you have to have your own professional website. It is also an opportunity for you to personally showcase your work in a way that can’t be presented on social media alone. All social media sites have cookie cutter layouts these days, so your personality, skills and unique styles aren’t able to shine! Take some time and search out the perfect design for your business; there are endless possibilities out there that are customizable to your taste. WordPress.org, Themeforest.net and TemplateMonster.com are 3 great places to start.

6. Take a Vacation.

   We all need a little R&R once in a while and what better way to get it than to take a vacation! I know that some of you may be thinking, “I don’t have the kind of money to go on an exotic vacation.” Well, a vacation doesn’t necessarily have to be a trip to the Bahamas, but maybe going out for a night on the town with your friends or taking an extended weekend trip somewhere local with the people you love. For those of you who are fortunate to live near the water, a stroll along the shore a couple hours a month can do wonders. The whole point of a vacation is to take a breather, break free from your daily routine and clear your mind. After all, the mind works much more efficiently when you’re working with a clean slate—so get outside, turn your phone and computers off, and smell the roses. Your business, your loved ones and your body will thank you!

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU, A NEW BUSINESS! What improvements are YOU going to make with YOUR photography business this year? We would LOVE to hear them!

The post 6 Ways to Renew and Revive your Photography Business for the New Year appeared first on SUMMERANA.

To refresh your memory depth of field is:

• Depth of Field (DOF): Depth of field is the amount of subject matter that is in the foreground and background of your plane of focus that appears to be in focus. For example, if a photographer wanted to photograph a single person in a crowd of people, they would use a “shallow depth of field” to make the surroundings and background blurred and bring the single subject to the front of the image. If someone wanted to photograph a mountain landscape scene though, and they wanted to capture all the details and textures, they would use a deeper depth of field. The three things that affect DOF are Aperture, Focal length, and the distance from your subject.

Now lets learn what focal length is and what it’s correlation with depth of field is:

• Focal Length: Focal length is usually measured in millimeters (mm) and it is the basic description of a lens. Unlike what some people may think, it is not the actual length of the lens, but rather the distance between the center of the lens and the imaging sensor when the lens is focused to infinity. The focal length also tells us the angle of view (how much of the scene that is going to be captured) and magnification (how large individual subjects are going to be). The longer the focal length is, the narrower the angle of view and higher the magnification. The shorter the focal length is, the wider the angle of view and the lower the magnification.

So in other words, if you use a lens with a higher focal length, you will have an easier time isolating your subject from the background and creating a nice soft blur effect. The subject may also appear slightly magnified. If you’re looking to capture an image with all around intense detail and sharpness (such as a landscape shot) you may want to use a smaller focal length like to capture your entire scene in focus. The image may also appear slightly smaller than it actually is.

To demonstrate how Focal Length can affect this and also how it can affect perspective, I conducted the following exercise:

All of the images have the same shutter speed of 1/160 sec., aperture of F/8.0, and ISO 200 with the focal length being the only changing factor. The first shot I used a focal length of 18mm, the second middle photo 55mm and the third photo 160mm. In the first image you can see that the subjects (the pumpkins) are clearly in focus as well as the landscape background and all of the surrounding elements. You can also see that the pumpkins appear slightly smaller in comparison to the other two images.  In the second image the background is slightly blurred more and the pumpkins are still crisp and detailed. In the third image the subject is clearly isolated from the background and there is a nice soft effect surrounding the pumpkins. Also as you may notice, in this image the pumpkins and the grass appear to be slightly closer and larger than in the first two. Depending on your desired effect, you can see how each different focal length makes a big difference!

We want to know, what is your preference for focal length? Do you prefer to have a fixed length, or perhaps a lens with a really wide range? Tell us in the comments!

The post How Focal Length Can Affect Your Images appeared first on SUMMERANA.

Exercise

Studies show that regular exercise can improve your muscle strength and endurance. When you exercise this delivers oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and tissues and help your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. When these work more efficiently, you have more energy to last throughout the day. Exercising not only energizes your body by improving circulation, but when you exercise your body produces endorphins that make your feel happy and energized! A few ways you could exercise would be walking/running, Pilates, Dancing, or Yoga.

Here are a few Yoga poses that are both energizing and uplifting:

Breath of Fire with Raised Thumbs

1. Sit comfortably with legs crossed.

2. Raise both arms up in a V position. Palms face forward; fingers curled, and the thumbs pointing in.

3. Inhale and exhale completely.

4. When all the air is exhaled, pull in your abdomen by snapping the abdominal muscle. This causes a short, forceful expulsion of air with emphasis on the exhalation, not the inhalation. One caution: If dizziness occurs, stop.

5. Repeat with a steady, quick series of exhalations.

6. Start with 20 consecutive breaths; increase to 3 sets of 20. Lower your arms and breathe normally between sets.

Benefits: This pose purifies and aerates the entire system, recharges and warms the body, increases the flow of oxygen, improves concentration, and defines a sense of personal boundaries.

Mountain Pose

1. Stand with your legs hip-width apart, and your feet parallel.

2. Tighten and lift the muscles above your kneecaps; tuck in your tailbone. Lift your head up and out from your shoulders.

3. Inhale deeply, filling your lungs. Raise your arms overhead, palms facing each other. Relax your shoulders, and stretch from the armpits. Exhale.

4. Gaze straight ahead; breathe slowly and deeply. Hold position for 10 counts.

5. Release your arms and let them float slowly down to your sides.

Benefits: This pose aligns the spine, corrects posture problems, and restores balance to the body and the mind.

Get Outside

I’m sure you’ve heard many people say “Get outside, it’s good for you!” and there are many reasons why that is very true! Being outside even for as little as 20 minutes has many physical and mental health benefits. The sun produces natural vitamin D that give our bodies energy that we need. What happens if we are Vitamin-D deficient? Fatigue and depression happens. Although you can always take a vitamin D supplement for this boost, getting it from it’s natural source, the sun, is healthier and easier to come by. Plus studies show that participants who are outdoors vs. inside feel revitalized, have increased energy levels, and feel more satisfied. At the same time they decrease their levels of tension, depression and anger. Observe the sights, smells, and sounds around you which can result in inspiring ideas and creative thoughts.

Get inspired while you are outside:

1. Tend to your garden- All of those colors and smells, plus the added exercise and sun equals a perfect mix of inspiration and getting energy for the day! If you don’t have a garden, set up a few potted plants or swing by a community garden.
2. Read a book or magazine- Grab a good magazine that that inspires you or grab a good photography book to study new techniques.
3. Bring your laptop/smartphone outside- Check those emails while getting fresh air and soaking in the Vitamin D.
4. Go on a photo walk- Grab your camera and go for a walk. Take pictures of all the sights and colors in your neighborhood that inspire you!
5. Take your exercise routine outdoors- Practice your Yoga or Pilate poses outdoors instead of indoors for extra mind and body positivity.

Take a shower (or wash your face)

The opening of pores allows oxygen into your pores and the water falling on your skin stimulates nerves that improve circulation throughout your body thus energizing you. If you want an extra boost, you can add the use of energizing aromatherapy washes and hair products to your daily routine. With essential oils/scents you can use candles, soaps, diffusers, and plants (such as Eucalyptus plants) and keep them with you to stay alert for long car trips to location sessions or on your desk while you study to grow your business. My use of the citrus oil definitely increases during these colder mornings of fall and winter because they are so energizing and they help to uplift the spirits. They are the perfect thing fight off the “cold weather blues”, cabin fever, and depression.

Add aromatherapy to your morning routine:

• Wet a washcloth with really hot water (not burning hot) and ring out the cloth so it’s damp but not dripping wet. Put ONE drop of essential oil on the center of the cloth. If the scent is too strong for you, run a little hot water over the cloth and ring it out again.

A few oils you can try are:

1. Lemon Essential Oil: This oil has a powerfully fresh traditional lemon fragrance that is quite energizing and uplifting
2. Lime Essential Oil: This oil is well known in folklore for its ability to cleanse, purify and renew the spirit and the mind. It is also said to be effective in cleansing the aura.
3. Grapefruit Essential Oil: This oil is sweet-smelling, bright and uplifting. It is quite an energizing and uplifting oil and is wonderful to diffuse in the mornings or while working out to help awaken and energize your mind and body.
4. Eucalyptus Oil- The scent of this oil increases brain wave activity and counters physical and mental fatigue.

Flip through a magazine (or look at the work of your favorite artist)

This is one of my favorites for if you’re looking for a little extra “creative inspiration” when you may have those brain dead moments. Sometimes just observing work that you find inspiring is enough to ACTUALLY inspire you! You can even look at some of your favorite photos and work that you’ve done in the past. Sometimes when I need a little ego boost and/or some inspiration, I look at some of my favorite pictures that I’ve taken and just “ooh and ahh” at them for a few minutes. Gain inspiration from your favoritest artist of them all, you!

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What do I love about this photo so much?
2. What was added to this photo to make it unique and special? What first caught my eye?
3. Studying the technical side of the image, ask yourself questions such as “Was the rule of thirds applied?” and “Was this shot with the aperture wide open?“.
4. How can this image be improved and how can I apply this to my next shoot?

“Pinspiration”

Pinterest is one of the best tools out there when it comes to inspiration (hence the term “Pinspiration”!). If you like to check the web before you head out for your day, be sure to stop by your favorite Pinterest boards!  Do not replicate any images you may find, but rather be inspired by creative concepts, color schemes, poses, or other desired elements of the photo you may observe.  A good point someone made to me once is that the images you come across on there are not just pictures, but complete packaged works of art. There are many variables and elements that play into the image: the weather, the blowing of the models hair, the way the sun is peeking through the trees, the shocked candid expression on a child’s face, etc. These are all things that make up a unique image that came from another photographers heart and hard work. So when you see something on Pinterest and think “I want to take a picture JUST like that”… keep these things in mind and use that image for just that, inspiration. Aim to create something completely new and unique!

Check out these Inspiration boards from Summerana’s Pinterest page:

1. Inspiration and Quotes
2. Hair and Makeup Ideas
3. Client Outfit Ideas
4. Photography Prop Ideas

Just do it!

Last but not least…one of the things I find most useful when I need inspiration is to just get out there and do it! Experience is one of the best tools of knowledge, and you’ll never gain that just sitting on your computer brain stumped. So if you have a little extra time and you’re searching for ideas and inspiration, go ahead and just do it. Grab your camera, observe the world around you, and start clicking away!

I have shared my favorite routine for being awake and inspired by 10 a.m. What do YOU do to get started on your amazing day to awesomeness? Will you be adding any of these to your morning routine? Tell us in the comments!

The post 6 Ways for Photographers to be Awake and Inspired by 10 AM appeared first on SUMMERANA.