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8 Common Landscape Photography Mistakes (+ How to Fix Them)

23 Aug

The post 8 Common Landscape Photography Mistakes (+ How to Fix Them) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Barry J Brady.

Landscape photography is a ton of fun – but even the best landscape shooters make mistakes, which is what this article is all about.

Specifically, I’m going to share the eight mistakes I see all the time, especially in beginner photos. And I’m also going to explain how those mistakes can be fixed, so that the next time you’re out shooting, you know exactly what to do (and what to avoid).

Make sense? Let’s dive right in, starting with the most common landscape photography mistake of all:

1. A lack of stability

In landscape photography, you usually want your images to be sharp all the way through, from front to back. To achieve this effect, you must use a narrow aperture, which in turn will reduce your shutter speed and make your images very prone to blur.

Hence, many landscape photographers return home after shooting, only to find their photos plagued by consistent blurriness.

There’s a simple way to deal with this problem, however: Use a tripod! This is especially important if you’re shooting in low light, but in all honesty, I recommend you take your tripod with you everywhere.

Now, there are tripods and there are tripods. For landscape photography, you might want to invest in a more heavy-duty option; while small, lightweight tripods might do the trick for a while, if you are shooting in the wind, you risk tripod shake (plus, your tripod might get blown over). A good tripod will also last a long time and can take a beating, so buy the best tripod you can afford and keep your camera as still as possible when shooting.

Another good piece of equipment to buy is a remote release. You don’t need one of the expensive ones with a built-in intervalometer; just a simple remote shutter is fine. Once you are set up and ready to take your shot, step back from the camera and press the shutter button. There will be no vibration from you hitting the camera shutter button, and your image will be nice and sharp.

(If you don’t want to purchase a remote release, you could use the self-timer, instead.)

2. Not getting the horizon straight

Many a good landscape image has been ruined by a skewed horizon. And while this can be fixed in Photoshop or Lightroom, you might lose some details along the way – which is why I highly recommend you deal with the horizon in camera, not in post-processing.

You can use a few different tools to make sure your horizon is straight. You might try switching on the grid in your camera viewfinder, then always taking the time to line up the horizon with a horizontal gridline. Some tripod heads even have a built-in spirit level, so ensure this is level and your horizon should be fine.

Alternatively, you can purchase a level that mounts to your camera hot shoe. Just connect the level, then do a quick check before taking your photo.

beach photo with a crooked horizon — A crooked horizon is distracting.

straightened horizon of beach sunset — The image looks better now that the horizon is straight.

3. Shooting only in landscape format

Landscape photography is, well, landscape photography – so photographers assume they should shoot in landscape (horizontal) format.

And generally speaking, this is a good idea. The horizontal orientation emphasizes the sweep of a scene, and it can lend a sense of vastness to the shot.

Except, in some cases, a portrait orientation (vertical) can work well, too – sometimes better than a horizontal orientation. Think of a forest scene. The trees stretch into the sky, so a horizontal format will limit their height rather than show it off, and create a less interesting photo in the process.

Bottom line: If the subject’s shape is more vertical than horizontal, you should try it in the portrait format, as it may give the composition a dynamic presence. And if you’re not sure whether to shoot vertical or horizontal, just do both and sort out the issues later!

rocks on a beach — Shoot in portrait format, too!

4. Forgetting about the aperture

Aperture is a camera setting – but it’s also a composition tool. And many landscape photographers forget this.

You see, aperture helps determine your depth of field (i.e., the amount of the scene that appears sharp). And by carefully considering the depth of field, you can create different compositional effects.

The moment you start setting up a composition, you should be thinking about your depth of field. Ask yourself: Do I want everything from the foreground to the background to be in focus? Generally, in landscape photography, this will be the case, but if you’d prefer to keep certain areas soft, you should decide early on.

If you do want foreground-to-background sharpness, make sure your aperture is f/8, f/11, or higher. If you shoot at f/2.8 or f/4 and you focus on the foreground, the background will be out of focus, and the middle of your scene will be soft. And once you’ve taken a shallow depth of field photo, it cannot be fixed in Photoshop.

landscape sunset mountains and beach — In a landscape image, you will likely want everything in focus.

5. Shooting using the camera’s “landscape” mode

Yes, you may have a landscape setting in the scene modes of your camera. But try to use it as infrequently as possible.

Why? Well, it’s not great at producing an even exposure, plus it can’t determine the proper aperture for a given scene (only you can do that!).

So instead of using your Landscape mode, try switching over to Aperture Priority mode or even Manual mode. Both these options will let you dial in your aperture and ISO, and they’ll also let you tweak the shutter speed for the best results.

At first, this may take some getting used to. You won’t be able to rely on a familiar point-and-shoot mentality. But over time, you’ll become more and more familiar with your camera settings, and you’ll end up with better results than your camera’s automatic Landscape mode could ever achieve.

6. Standing next to other photographers

If you see a group of photographers standing on the top of a hill, here’s my advice:

Shoot from somewhere else.

I don’t mean to imply that the other photographers are taking bad shots. Rather, I’d like to emphasize the importance of originality. Do you want to go home with a shot just like everyone else’s? Or do you want a shot that’s uniquely yours?

Of course, in certain situations, the best composition or vantage point is at one particular spot, and all the photographers will congregate in that area. That’s fine; take a shot from there to start. But then look for other places to get a great shot, too.

(Pro tip: It’s a good idea to scout a scene before you shoot it. Go and take a walk around the area the day before, look at where the sun will be setting, and decide on your position. Don’t simply follow the crowd.)

Machu Picchu high vantage point — A different composition of Machu Picchu.

7. Including unnecessary negative space

Negative space is the “empty” area that surrounds your subject, and the inclusion – and exclusion – of negative space can truly make or break your image.

Careful use of negative space can lend your photos a sense of calm and tranquility. But poor use of negative space, as is common in landscape photography, will create static, boring photos.

In most landscape scenes, the sky is the negative space, especially on a clear, sunny day. And you’ll often see beginner landscape photographers include lots of sky in the composition, even though it doesn’t actually add anything interesting to the shot.

So before you include large swathes of sky in your compositions, carefully observe the horizon. Are there elements of interest, such as clouds? Or is there a simple, blank blue?

If the answer is “blank blue,” then make the sky a small portion of your image (of course, if there are some great-looking clouds, then by all means, give it more space in your scene).

This goes for other types of negative space, too. Are you photographing an ocean scene? Make sure not to include too much water, unless it adds atmosphere to the photo. Are you photographing a valley? Make sure not to include lots of empty grass. Got it?

snow with mountains in background — The sky had no clouds, so I made it a small part of the image.

8. Not including a clear subject

It sounds crazy, but it is very easy to have an unclear subject in landscape photography. For instance, if you photograph a forest but just show some random tree chaos, the viewer won’t know where to look – because there’s no clear subject. And if you’re photographing an ocean but you just point your camera at the water and shoot, you’ll end up with some boring water and sky, not a coherent, striking photo.

Instead, identify what matters to you in a scene – and then emphasize it in your shot.

Of course, you don’t need to fill the frame with your subject; it’s perfectly acceptable to show both your subject and the beauty that surrounds it. But if you’re struggling to highlight the subject, do try moving closer or using a longer lens. And check your composition afterward, asking yourself: What stands out? What will the viewer notice? And what do I want the viewer to notice?

If what the viewer will notice and what you want the viewer to notice differ, then you’ve probably made a mistake.

iceberg and ship landscape photography mistake — The iceberg in front of the ship is the clear subject.

Landscape photography mistakes: final words

Well, there you have it:

The eight landscape photography mistakes to avoid the next time you’re out shooting.

When you’re in the field with your camera, run through these mistakes. Make any corrections, then check the photo. I’m guessing you’ll end up with a much improved result!

Now over to you:

Which of these landscape photography mistakes do you make? Do you have any additional mistakes that deserve to be on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post 8 Common Landscape Photography Mistakes (+ How to Fix Them) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Barry J Brady.

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9 Solutions for Common Camera Mistakes Beginners Make

28 Apr

The post 9 Solutions for Common Camera Mistakes Beginners Make appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

dps-common-camera-mistakes featured image

One of the most common camera mistakes beginner photographers make is to not learn to use their new camera well. Photography is about the only art-form you don’t need to practice to get a half-decent result.

Woman with a DSLR camera illustrating common camera mistakes — © Kevin Landwer-Johan Nikon D800, 50mm f/1.4, 1/320 sec, f/2.8, ISO 500, Manual Mode, Pattern Metering.

You can pop a battery in your brand new camera, turn it on and set it to one of the scene modes and take a picture. Most often, the photo will be reasonably well exposed – not too light or too dark. You might be pretty happy with the results and initially think you don’t need to learn much to be able to take photos.

Buying your first musical instrument or learning to paint will be much more challenging. Most people can’t pick up a guitar and play a tune without having some understanding of music theory. Most people certainly couldn’t play a recognizable tune without practicing. To learn to use your camera well, you must also practice with it.

1. Out of focus

One of the most common camera mistakes is poor focusing. Out-of-focus photos can’t be fixed during post-production. The only solution is to make sure you get your main subject sharp when you are taking your photos. Check that your auto-focus indicator is precisely where you want it to be before you press your shutter button.

I prefer to use single-point focus rather than multi-point focus. This allows me to choose exactly what part of my composition will be the sharpest. This is particularly important when you use very wide aperture settings, as the depth of field is so shallow.

Rooster isolated by DOF for common camera mistakes — © Kevin Landwer-Johan. Nikon D800, 85mm f/1.4, 1/400 sec, f/1.4, ISO 100, Manual Mode, Spot Metering.

2. Poor exposure

Underexposed and overexposed photographs are disappointing. Pay careful attention to your exposure as you are setting your camera up to take a photo. Make sure your main subject is being well exposed. This can be challenging in certain lighting conditions.

Backlighting your subject can often mean the camera will underexpose it. You need to adjust your exposure settings so your main subject looks the way you want it to. This may be different than how the camera’s exposure meter determines it to look.

novice monks meditating - common camera mistakes — © Kevin Landwer-Johan. Nikon D800, 35mm f/1.4, 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 1000, Manual Mode, Pattern Metering.

3. Wrong white balance

Getting the wrong white balance means your photos will have an unnatural-looking color cast to them. The most practical fix for this is to use the auto white balance setting on your camera. This is the only auto setting I use most of the time because it’s most often correct.

Using manual white balance it’s very easy to forget to alter it. Even when you do, the setting you choose may not be the best when the light changes slightly. Using auto white balance can help you overcome one of the most common camera mistakes.

Mountain sunrise for common camera mistakes — © Kevin Landwer-Johan. Nikon D800, 105mm f/2.8, 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 400, Manual Mode, Pattern Metering.

4. Motion blur

Using a faster shutter speed is the solution to unwanted motion blur in your photos.

Learning what shutter speed to use when photographing moving subjects is important. A person walking will not require such a fast shutter speed as a person running fast will.

Be aware of the relationship between your shutter speed and the speed of movement you want to capture. This will help you alleviate this problem.

Asian woman on a city walkway with motion blur - common camera mistakes — © Kevin Landwer-Johan. Nikon D700, 50mm f/1.4, 1/6 sec, f/16, ISO 100, Manual Mode, Pattern Metering.

5. Camera shake

Some people can handhold a camera at slower shutter speeds than others. Once the shutter speed is so slow you are experiencing blurring in your images, you need to make some choices. Either adjust your exposure controls so your shutter speed is faster, or use a tripod.

Male photographer — © Kevin Landwer-Johan. Nikon D7100, 35mm f/1.4, 1/80 sec, f/5, ISO 200, Manual Mode, Pattern Metering.

6. ISO is too high

One of the other common camera mistakes I see people making is using an ISO setting that is too high. Using a very high ISO, you will see digital noise, lack of contrast, and flatter colors in your photos.

The solution is to keep your ISO as low as possible. This will mean you get the best technical quality photos with the best color, contrast, and the least noise.

7. Dead battery

Always make sure you charge your batteries before you head out with your camera. Carrying fully-charged camera batteries is always a good idea. You never know when you might come across some fabulous event or happening that you want to photograph. Save yourself the disappointment of a dead battery by having some extra ones in your camera bag.

Woman at an out door shopping mall taking a photograph. — © Kevin Landwer-Johan. Nikon D800, 35mm f/1.4, 1/400 sec, f/2, ISO 100, Manual Mode, Spot Metering.

8. Card full

Being busy taking photos and all of a sudden not being able to is very frustrating. This is what can happen when your card is full. Make sure to off-load images on your card and format it after each photo session. This will mean you always have the maximum amount of space on your card.

Having some extra cards with you is a good backup strategy too. Finding your card full half-way through the day is so disappointing when you don’t have a spare.

You can always start deleting photos from your card. This is slow and you might make a mistake and delete a good image. Doing this in-camera, the process is irreversible and your images will be lost.

Thai drama action - common camera mistakes — © Kevin Landwer-Johan. Nikon D800, 105mm f/2.8, 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 6400, Manual Mode, Pattern Metering.

9. Always on Auto

Always having your camera on one of the auto or scene settings is another of the most common camera mistakes I come across.

Most people who take our photography workshops come with their cameras on Aperture Priority because it’s easy. This is not a good reason to use this setting, and they are not happy with their photos. They know they are not getting the most from their camera.

The solution I encourage them to use is switching to manual mode and sticking with it. There’s no point in using manual mode only occasionally. If you do, you are unlikely to ever master it. If you commit to it, you will pick it up in no time. You will also begin to think differently about your photography in regards to light, exposure, and composition.

people in an old passage — © Kevin Landwer-Johan. Nikon D700, 20mm f/2.8, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2000, Manual Mode, Pattern Metering.

Conclusion

Not all common camera mistakes result in ruined photos, but they can. Being aware of how you are setting your camera and the choices you make will help you overcome these problems.

Slow down and be mindful of what you are doing. Plan your photo session, and make sure you are well prepared for anything that might come up. Know your camera well, like a best friend.

The post 9 Solutions for Common Camera Mistakes Beginners Make appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

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Video: How to make caffenol developer and salt fixer using common household items

31 Mar

Photographer Brendan Barry has published a new video instructing viewers on how to make their own caffenol developer and salt-based fixer using common household items and ingredients. The process is very simple with the most expensive item being the photo paper. The new tutorial follows a video Barry published last week showing how to turn an entire bedroom into a massive camera obscura.

The new video is around 15 minutes long and it guides viewers through the entire process, starting from the ingredients and items needed all the way through the development of a photo captured using Barry’s giant room camera. The recipe is the result of experimentation, according to Barry, who points out that these ingredients may be easier to acquire at the moment compared to more traditional products.

The developer requires washing soda, granulated coffee and vitamin C powder — Barry notes that vitamin C with zinc didn’t appear to have a negative impact compared to vitamin C alone. Ordinary inexpensive table salt is used for the fixer. Mixing the two products requires only a mortar and pestle for grinding the vitamin C tablets, a small container and a measuring cup for mixing the developer and a separate container for mixing the salt fixer. A digital scale is used to weigh some of the ingredients.

Once the developer and fixer are mixed and poured in the trays, the exposed photographic paper is put in the developer for ‘about three minutes,’ according to Barry, who explains that it needs to be left in a bit longer than would be typical with a normal developer. The coffee stain on the paper produces a slight sepia tone in the resulting image, he notes, also explaining that the vitamin C is what produces the contrast in the photo. Leaving out the vitamin C will reduce the contrast.

After the developed paper is rinsed in the tray that contains plain water, it is transferred to the tray with fix, which highlights the one big disadvantage to this process. Barry explains that the photo paper must be left in the fix for ‘quite a long time,’ which equates to around 12 to 24 hours, though the lights can be turned back on after an hour.

Barry demonstrates how to quickly create a positive print from the resulting negative, though he notes that more detailed information on this process is provided in the camera obscura tutorial video from last week.

‘This is obviously just a basic, simple introduction to caffenol and making your own developer and fixer,’ Barry explains. ‘I like to make things as accessible as possible and encourage other people to have a go at these things. Sometimes they can seem a bit intimidating and complicated […] but it’s really, really simple.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Answers to Your Most Common Lightroom Questions

08 Jan

The post Answers to Your Most Common Lightroom Questions appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darina Kopcok.

Adobe Lightroom offers ease of use as well as high functionality for novice users and professionals alike. Although many photographers use Photoshop for retouching, they continue to use Lightroom, not only as a global editor but also for its robust organizational capabilities.

Even if you’ve been using Lightroom for a while, you still may be confused about how to get the most out of the software.

Certain questions crop up again and again with Lightroom users. Here are some answers to your most common Lightroom questions.

Answers to Your Most Common Lightroom Questions

Should I use Lightroom CC or Lightroom Classic?

Pardon the pun, but this is the “classic” question when it comes to Lightroom, especially with the changes and updates over the last couple of years.

The current “Lightroom” app was formerly known as Lightroom CC. This is a version that is heavily marketed by Adobe but is not necessarily the best version for the serious photographer.

Lightroom Classic is what used to be known as Lightroom CC.

Are you confused yet?

No worries, because this is the most common Lightroom question!

The current Lightroom CC stores your photos on their servers and charges you $ 10 per terabyte. If you shoot a lot, this can really add up quickly.

It also doesn’t offer you full functionality, like the ability to print from Lightroom or export files in any format other than DNG or JPG.

Lightroom CC also doesn’t contain the Map, Book, Print, Slideshow or Web modules. Essentially, it’s suitable for the entry photographer. Beyond that, you’ll find it won’t give you the full suite of tools you need.

Lightroom Classic, on the other hand, is the subscription-based model that you get with your photography plan.

Not only does this version give you great value, but it also provides you with the complete functionality you expect from a post-processing program.

To find out which version you currently have, just go up to –>Help in the top toolbar and select –>System Info from the dropdown menu.

Answers to Your Most Common Lightroom Questions

What color space should I use?

The conversation about color space is a lot more lengthy than what can take place here, but you should be aware of the differences and those most optimal for what you’re trying to accomplish with your photography.

The most common color spaces are sRGB and Adobe RGB.

camera-color-spaces-explained

sRGB is the defining color space of the digital world. Anything involving digital graphics, whether it be video games or photographs, is built on sRGB.

If your photos will appear online, you’ll need to use sRGB. If you upload an image in AdobeRGB, it will look desaturated and dull because the browser will convert it to sRGB and do a poor job of it.

However, if you anticipate your work being professionally printed at all, you’ll most likely need AdobeRGB files. This is a color space developed by Adobe Systems and HP to be compatible with CMYK printers.

Stock agencies often request files to be upload in AdobeRGB because they can be converted to sRGB. Just note that the reverse isn’t true.

Both sRGB and AdobeRGB have the same number of colors but the range is narrower in sRGB. AdobeRGB has a 35% wider color gamut, which means prints will be more vibrant and saturated.

ProPhotoRGB encompasses the largest color space available and is ideal when using Lightroom with other programs like Photoshop to process 16-bit photos. 8-bit cannot use the whole available color range. Prophoto is also ideal if you are printing your photos with a professional printery that uses a printer that can print between 7-10 colors.

sRGB vs AdobeRGB on a computer screen

How can I speed up Lightroom’s performance?

An important factor in keeping Lightroom running smoothly is to set it up for optimal performance.

One common Lightroom question is how to speed up Lightroom’s performance.

To start with, as with any software program, you should always make sure it’s updated and that you have enough hard drive space. You need at least 20% free space for Lightroom to run optimally.

Also, make sure your catalog is optimized. Lightroom continually updates the catalog file, but eventually, the data structure becomes less optimal over time. It has an “optimize catalog” option you can enable to improve performance.

To access this option, go to Lightroom -> Preferences and click on -> Performance.

Then click on -> Optimize Performance.

lightroom common questions-optimize catalog

common questions-lightroom performance

Set up Lightroom to back up on a regular schedule, and set it to optimize the catalog following the backup.

Another tip for improving performance is to import your files as DNG files.

DNG is short for Digital Negative. It’s a RAW file format created by Adobe.

When you convert a file into DNG, Lightroom adds Fast Load Data to the file. This results in a partially processed preview that allows Lightroom to render faster previews in the Develop module.

Adobe claims that a DNG file with Fast Load Data can load up to eight times faster.

Another benefit of converting to DNG files is that they are smaller files than other RAW formats and take up 20% less space on your hard drive.

To enable this Fast Load Data under your Lightroom Preferences tab go to -> File Handling and check off Embed Fast Load Data. Make sure you have DNG selected as the file extension.

Answers to Your Most Common Lightroom Questions

Should I use one or multiple catalogs?

Another of the common Lightroom questions is how many catalogs users should use, and often garners much debate.

Some photographers vehemently proclaim that you should only use one catalog, while others insist one catalog is an accident waiting to happen.

When you use one catalog, you risk it becoming corrupt from, for example, constant opening and closing the catalog. It’s actually a rare thing, but it has happened to me a couple of times.

The antidote to this is backing up every day and keeping only the last couple of backups so they don’t clog up your computer.

Catalogs can be a nice way to organize your images. You can, at the very least, have one for your personal photos and another for professional photos.

But you can also have one catalog by utilizing Collections. To me, the whole point of Lightroom is to keep you more organized, so this is a large part of the functionality of the program.

When you have several catalogs, you have to make sure each is properly backed up, which is tedious and adds to your workflow. Also, you cannot have more than one catalog open at a time.

So, in my opinion, it’s easier to back up and manage one master catalog and that you make the most use out of the Collections feature.

Where should I save my files?

The key to success with Lightroom is to keep things as streamlined as possible. It functions as a powerful photo database, but a few missteps can result in a mess.

One of the most common Lightroom questions is where should I save my files?

I recommend that you have a hierarchical folder structure where you have a top-level folder, and in that folder, you have a folder for the year, month, and shoot name – in that order.

This folder structure will make it easy makes it easy to locate certain photos quickly.

It will also allow you to easily back up your photos or copy them to an external hard drive by copying the top-level folder

For example, if you want to back up your entire photo collection to another hard drive, it’s as simple as copying the top-level folder.

folder-stucture-common-lightroom-questions

Conclusion

Despite how user-friendly Lightroom is, it contains a fair amount of complexity. Knowing all the ins-and-outs will help you get the most out of the software program. Hopefully, this article has clarified some of your most common Lightroom questions.

The post Answers to Your Most Common Lightroom Questions appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darina Kopcok.

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DPReview TV: Photo lingo 101 – a guide to common photographic terms

15 Jun

It’s back to basics in this week’s episode as Chris and Jordan break down some common photographic terms that might not be familiar to newer photographers. Learn all about IBIS, BSI and CIPA, as well as a, shall we say, ‘creative’ origin story for the word ‘bokeh.’

Get new episodes of DPReview TV every week by subscribing to our YouTube channel!

Introduction
Eye Relief/Eye Point
EVF vs. OVF
CIPA Rating
Shutter life
BSI
IBIS vs. OIS
Bokeh
Diffraction
Sunstars
Dynamic range
Wrap-up

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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European Union issues common rules on drones for more standardized regulation

14 Jun

The European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) logo as shown on its social media pages.

On June 11th, common rules on European drones, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, were published to ensure the safety and security of unmanned aircraft operations across countries in the European Union (EU) going forward. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) wants to establish the free circulation of drones and a level playing field within the EU.

‘Europe will be the first region in the world to have a comprehensive set of rules ensuring safe, secure and sustainable operations of drones both, for commercial and leisure activities. Common rules will help foster investment, innovation and growth in this promising sector’ said Patrick Ky, Executive Director of EASA.

The new set of rules will be uniform so that drone operators – both recreational and professional – will have a clear understanding of what is permitted and what is illegal. Each type of operation will be covered in detail, from those not requiring any permission to the most advanced performed by certified remote pilots. Minimum pilot training requirements will be established as well.

Operators have a year to prepare for a new set of common drone rules that will transcend borders. Remotes pilots are currently required to abide by each country in the EU’s specific set of differing regulations. By eliminating confusion on a country-by-country basis, innovation and growth will flourish.

‘Once drone operators have received an authorisation in the state of registration, they are allowed to freely circulate in the European Union. This means that they can operate their drones seamlessly when travelling across the EU or when developing a business involving drones around Europe.’

‘Once drone operators have received an authorisation in the state of registration, they are allowed to freely circulate in the European Union. This means that they can operate their drones seamlessly when travelling across the EU or when developing a business involving drones around Europe,’ states EASA in a blog post.

While the EU regulation will enter into force in the next 18 days, it will officially be applicable in one year. This gives Member States and operators time to prepare and implement it. As of June, 2020, drone operators will need to register in the Member State, where they have their residence, or their main place of business.

There are some technical requirements as well. According to the same EASA blog post, new drones will have to be individually identifiable, allowing the authorities to trace a particular drone if necessary. A timeline of developments and applicability can be accessed on the EASA drone page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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10 Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid

11 Mar

The post 10 Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

You can capture incredible photos.

But there are a few common photography mistakes (often made by beginners).

1 - Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid - Jaymes Dempsey

And these mistakes might be holding you back.

Fortunately, they’re easy to fix.

And guess what?

Once you’ve fixed these mistakes, your photography will be better than ever.

2 - Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid - Jaymes Dempsey

So read on to discover the 10 common photography mistakes every beginner should avoid.

Starting with:

1. You’re not resetting your camera dials at the end of each shoot

Tell me if this sounds familiar:

You’re doing an end-of-day photo shoot.

You crank your ISO up to 1600 (to deal with the low light).

Your shoot ends. You go to put away your camera.

And…

…In all the excitement, you forget to drop your ISO back to 100.

This is such an easy mistake to make. Especially since it’s something you must remember at the end of each photo shoot –when you’re exhausted.

3 - Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid - Jaymes Dempsey

But…

It’s something you can’t forget.

Why?

If you do, you’re jeopardizing your next photo shoot.

Because then you’re bound to shoot with your 1600 ISO.

And then you’ll get frustratingly grainy shots.

Which is exactly what you don’t want.

4 - Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid - Jaymes Dempsey

So here’s what you do:

At the end of each shoot, shift all settings back to a standard value. The particular number depends on your camera and your style of photography. But make sure you choose a median value – one that will serve you in a variety of situations.

5 - Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid - Jaymes Dempsey

Here’s what I do:

I dial my ISO down to 100.

I dial the aperture to f/5.6.

I dial the shutter speed to 1/500.

Doing this has saved me countless times.

It’ll save you, too.

2. You’re shooting JPEG photos (instead of RAW)

This mistake is a frustrating one.

Because there’s literally nothing you can do to fix it – after the fact.

6 - Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid - Jaymes Dempsey

Here’s the mistake:

You’re shooting JPEGs.

But you should be shooting in RAW.

Let me explain:

Cameras can shoot images using several file formats.

JPEG is a common file format and it’s the default format on a lot of cameras.

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But here’s the issue with JPEGs:

They’re compressed files. That means that they lose information.

And a loss of information? That makes for lower-quality photos.

Not to mention another issue:

Each time you edit and resave a JPEG, you’re reducing the image quality.

Fortunately, you have another option:

You can shoot in RAW.

RAW is another file format – and it’s offered by most modern cameras.

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It’s a lossless file format, which means that you can edit RAW files repeatedly without reducing the image quality.

And here’s a RAW bonus:

RAW files allow for you to do more substantial editing. Because the RAW format saves more information, you’re able to recover highlights, boost shadows, and alter colors – far more than what you can do with a JPEG file.

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Bottom line?

Switch to RAW.

You’ll be thankful that you did.

3. You’re shooting during the harsh midday hours

One of the things that separates great photos from mediocre photos…

…is the quality of the light.

Good light can take a photo to the next level.

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Bad light can hold back an otherwise strong image.

Which brings me to mistake number three:

Shooting during the harsh midday hours.

Around midday, the sun is harsh. It causes contrasty shadows.

It’s just all-around bad for photography.

Instead of shooting during midday, try shooting during the early morning or evening hours.

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That’s when the light is soft and golden.

(In fact, these times are known as the golden hours.)

Shooting during the golden hours will give your subjects a wonderful glow.

It’ll give them some soft illumination.

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And it’ll give your photos a huge boost.

4. You’re using Auto mode all the time

When you first start shooting, it can be tempting to put your camera in Auto mode.

But here’s the problem:

When you shoot in Auto mode, the camera chooses all the settings for you.

And the camera does a good job 80 percent of the time.

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But the other 20 percent?

That’s when your camera will mess up.

And you’ve got to be able to correct it.

Otherwise, your images will suffer.

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So here’s what I’d suggest:

Start by learning the ins and outs of Aperture Priority mode.

(That’s the mode where you select the aperture and your camera will select the shutter speed.)

Then, when you’re in a non-stressful shooting situation, switch it on.

Try to use it more and more.

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Eventually, you’ll be shooting in Aperture Priority all the time. You’ll love the control it gives you.

And then?

If you want even more control over your camera, you can transition to Manual mode. But this isn’t a requirement – you can do a great job with just Aperture Priority.

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So that’s your call.

Just make sure you move away from Auto mode.

5. You’re forgetting about the direction of the light

You already know about the importance of good-quality lighting.

But did you know that the direction of the light matters, too?

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Depending on the direction of the light, your photos can be soft, dramatic, or striking. And it’s important that you carefully choose the direction of the light.

(Because different types of light suite different subjects and styles.)

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Here’s a quick guide to light:

If the light comes from in front of your subject (i.e., frontlight), you’ll get an evenly illuminated photo.

If the light comes from behind your subject (i.e., backlight), you’ll get a striking photo. The light will create a golden halo around your subject.

And if the light comes from beside your subject (i.e., sidelight), you’ll get a dramatic photo. The subject will be only partially illuminated – and partially shrouded in shadow.

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Now, all these types of light have a time and place.

But frontlight is generally a very safe option.

(When in doubt, use frontlight.)

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Here’s the important thing:

Each time you go out to shoot…

…look for the light.

Taken note of the light.

And position yourself so that you get the shot that you want.

6. You’re not composing deliberately

If light is the number one most important part of photography…

…then composition is number two.

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Because in order to capture great shots, you’ve got to create great compositions.

That is, you’ve got to arrange the elements of your photo in a pleasing way.

It’s so easy to forget about this.

But you should deliberately compose every photo you take.

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Now, composing deliberately doesn’t have to be an ordeal.

Not every photo has to be a masterpiece.

Just think about each photo you take, if only for a second.

Here’s a tip:

Try positioning your main subject in a way that emphasizes its beauty.

You could put it a third of the way into the frame…

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(Following the rule of thirds.)

Over time, your composition skills will improve. You just have to practice!

7. You’re not considering the background

When you’re doing photography, it’s easy to think about your subject.

But you’ve got to think about the background, too!

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The background is what frames the subject.

It’s what makes the subject stand out.

Here’s a bit tip for a stunning background:

Simplify, simplify, simplify.

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The simpler the background, the better.

Try finding a uniform background. A bright sky is a great choice. So is a dark wall.

(A uniform background really does make for a gorgeous photo.)

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It’s okay to settle for a less-than-uniform backdrop.

But make sure that it enhances the subject. Make sure it doesn’t detract from the overall image.

8. You’re not practicing very often

Photography is a skill.

And to improve a skill, you’ve got to practice.

Which means that you should get out and shoot as often as you can.

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I know that it’s hard.

But if you shoot for fifteen minutes every day, your photography will grow by leaps and bounds.

And if you shoot for an hour a day?

You’ll be astonished by how quickly you improve.

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It’s important to note:

Practicing photography isn’t just about taking photos.

You should also make sure to review your images. Consider what you like about them. Consider what you can improve.

And apply these findings the next time you go out.

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If you’re really serious about photography, you should also try reviewing other people’s images.

There are tons of great photography sites out there (including this one!). Try perusing them for fifteen minutes every day.

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You’ll soon develop an enhanced sense of composition and color. And this, in turn, will enhance your photography.

9. You’re shooting from standing height

When you’re doing photography, do you shoot from a standing height?

That is, do you generally take the standard shot?

Or do you move around and look for a unique perspective?

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The thing is, it’s easy to just shoot from a standing height.

But if you do this, your images will never be unique.

And they won’t be very original.

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You want to show the viewer something they’ve never seen before. That’s how you’ll create a stunning photo.

So what do you do?

Instead of shooting from standing height…

Change your angle.

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Start by getting down low. Crouch on your knees. Get your pants dirty.

Then try moving to the side. Get a shot that nobody would ever think to take.

Next, find a nice vantage point – one that lets you capture your subject from above. Take a few shots from that angle.

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Do you see what I mean?

By changing up your position, you’ll capture unexpected, original, and compelling photos.

And that’s exactly what you want.

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10. You’re not processing your photos

Let’s talk about one last common photography mistake:

Taking photos.

But not processing them.

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Processing is a hugely important part of photography.

Why?

Because modern cameras account for processing.

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In other words, if you’re shooting in RAW, it’s expected that you’ll process your photos.

So the camera gives you unprocessed photos – photos that need processing to look good.

The photos are under-sharpened.

The photos are undersaturated.

They’re just all-around in need of some editing.

Which is what you must do.

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If you’re not a fan of post-processing, that’s okay. You can take a minimalist approach to your processing.

But you should process your photos, if only a little bit.

Because processing will give them that final touch…

…that will make the viewer say “Wow.”

Common photography mistakes: What do you do now?

Now you know 10 common photography mistakes.

And if you’re making any of these mistakes, you might feel discouraged.

Don’t be.

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Everyone is going to make mistakes. Especially when starting out.

The real question is…

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What are you going to do about it?

If you follow the advice I’ve given you, you’re going to be in great shape.

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You’ll improve at lightning speed.

And you’ll be so proud of the photos you take.

Have any other common photography mistakes that I didn’t cover? Let me know in the comments!

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You may also find the following articles helpful:

12 Common Newbie Photography Mistakes to Avoid

Common Photography Mistakes Newbies Make and How to Avoid Them

10 Common Photography Mistakes and How to Overcome Them

The post 10 Common Photography Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

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15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

24 Feb

The post 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

Creating portraits is challenging for many photographers, for many different reasons. There can be so much involved in making a portrait of someone that it’s easy to make mistakes.

To make great portraits you need to be concentrating on more than just your camera settings. (I believe this is true for all photography.) You have to make sure the lighting is right, the background is suitable and wardrobe and props are on hand if needed. Most of all, you must give your attention to the person you are photographing.

Cleaning Dispute 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

Juggling all this is not easy, especially when you have little or no experience.

Practising taking portraits of someone you know, who enjoys being photographed, is a fabulous way to gain experience. Working with the same person for more than one or two portrait sessions will help you develop the skills you need.

As you begin you will most likely make some or all of these common portrait mistakes. Being aware of them can help you avoid making them.

1. Poor composition

The most common portrait mistake I see people on our workshops making with portraits is leaving too much space above the subjects head. Emptiness above someone usually does nothing for the look and feel of the photo.

Unless there’s significant information above a person, crop in more tightly to the top of their head.

Red Head Scarf 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

2. Distracting background

Having too much detail in focus behind your subject can draw attention away from them. Be careful about how you position your subject.

Also, make your lens choice thoughtfully. Using a longer lens will reduce the amount of background in your frame.

Woman Buying Chilli Peppers 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

3. Subject too close to the background

Don’t get your subject to sit or stand right up against the background. If it’s a busy scene your subject may be overwhelmed and end up not being the main focus. Even with a fairly plain background, it’s often best if you separate your subject from it.

Smart Phone Photo 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

4. Not enough in focus

You may be tempted to open your aperture to the widest setting so you can blur out a distracting background. Be careful doing this that you maintain enough in focus on your subject.

Blurring the background may also mean blurring your subject more than what really looks good.

Market Porter 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

5. Out of focus eyes

If your subject has eyes, focus on them. This is one photography rule I stick to, most of the time. It’s not often a portrait with the eyes out of focus looks great.

When your subject is facing directly at the camera it’s easy to get both eyes in focus. If their head is turned to one side you need to focus on the eye closest to the camera.

Akha Friends 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

6. Slow shutter speed

People move. You need to choose a fast enough shutter speed to freeze your subject. Even if they make a slight movement it can result in a blurred photo if your shutter speed is too slow.

1/250th of a second is usually fast enough. Slower than this and you may have problems.

Dreadlocks 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

7. Poor lighting

Modern cameras can take photos when there’s next to no light, so it’s easy to get it wrong.

With portraits, it’s most important to have the right lighting for the mood you want to create in your photos. Hard, high contrast lighting is not good when you want a soft, romantic looking portrait. Equally, soft light will not help you create drama in a photo of a person.

Muddy Ceramic artist 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

8. Bad timing

Capturing the right expression will flatter your subject. If you don’t, they may be reluctant to let you photograph them again.

Careful timing can make or break a portrait. Waiting and watching a person’s face for the right time to press the shutter button is vital. Most people will not stare into your camera without changing their expression. You need to be ready when they look their best.

If you’re photographing someone who is blinking a lot you need to time your photos in between blinks.

Buddhist Monk Yard Work 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

9. Not taking enough photos

You need to take plenty of photos. Not taking enough photos will frustrate you when you are editing, because you will have too few to choose from.

Try to capture a range of expressions. Don’t just sit with your camera on burst mode filling your card up with nearly identical images. Aim to create a good variety. This will please your subject as it will allow them to make their selections more easily.

Man Studio Portrait 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

10. Taking too many photos

Finding the balance between not enough and too many photos can be difficult. This will depend a lot on your subject.

Some people will be more comfortable being photographed for a longer period of time than others. You need to be aware of this. If your subject is getting bored or agitated because you are taking too long or taking too many photos, this will show in their face. Your results will suffer for it.

11. Failing to connect with your subject

Connecting well with the person you are photographing is one of the most important aspects of portraiture. So many photographers spend more time and attention connecting with their cameras. This is a big mistake during a portrait session.

Building a rapport with your subject, even if you only have a few minutes, can make the biggest impact on your resulting photos.

When your subject is relaxed with you and happy, you will get better pictures of them. Your manner and the way you interact with them is vital.

Vege Vendor 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

12. Not giving your subject enough direction

Communicate clearly what your intention for the portrait session is. What type of picture does your subject want? What kind of image do they want to portray?

When you know what they want, you will know what you have to achieve. If they do not understand what you are asking them to do, show them. Put your body, hands, face, just how you want them to look and they can mimic you.

Rag Doll Girl 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

13. Feeling like you are imposing

This is common with photographing strangers. Many street photographers prefer candid portraits because they do not want to impose on people.

Standing back with a long lens on will not often produce an intimate portrait. You need to change your thinking and consider that what you are doing when you take someone’s photo has got the potential to bless them.

Akha Woman Laughing 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

14. Not being confident

If you are self-conscious and not confident this will generally be reflected back to you by your subject.

Having a calm, confident manner when you are making portraits will enhance both their experience and yours.

You don’t need to put on a show, but just be relaxed and assured that you are creating good photographs.

Pretty Asian Karaoke Singer 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

15. Rushing to get finished

Take your time. It’s not a race.

Give yourself space to concentrate well on what you are doing. Make sure you are getting what you want and your subject is more likely to be pleased with your pictures.

Boy With A Note Book 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid

Conclusion

It takes practice. Like learning to do anything well, it takes concentrated perseverance to succeed. This is why it’s good to practice making portraits with someone you know who is willing to be photographed.

Know your camera, be confident with it and with your subject and you will learn to make wonderful portraits.

When I started out as a photographer I found it incredibly difficult to photograph people. I was shy and lacked confidence. It was hard work, but over the years I have come to really enjoy the art of portraiture.

Do you have any other tips or portraits you’d like to share? If so, do so in the comments below.

The post 15 Common Portrait Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.

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12 Tips for Overcoming Common Wedding Day Setbacks

23 Sep

Weddings are filled with love, laughter, and a lot of pressure. Brides and grooms put a lot of thought into every detail of their day and even the most perfectly planned wedding can encounter problems that can affect you, the photographer. There are no two weddings alike, however, there are common setbacks that can happen at any wedding or event that you may be photographing.

wedding portrait couple on by the ocean

1. Running short on time

The photography timeline is set out so that everyone involved can stick to a schedule. That allows all of the important details and people to be photographed. Unfortunately, running late or short on time because of any reason can be a cause of stress to everyone involved.

wedding day photography - groom getting ready

If you are caught with less time, the first thing you should do is to assure your client that everything is okay and these setbacks are really common on the wedding day. Make sure that you mention you can make up time later and offer suggestions to the problem.

For example, if the bride has taken a little longer than was originally planned to get ready and now you only have 10 minutes for family photos, suggest to the bride that you can snap a few in that 10-minute window and also after the ceremony.

wedding day photography - 2 bride photos

If you are waiting for someone to arrive for photos, make use of the time and photograph details, other people with the bride and groom, individual photos, or more photojournalistic photos. It’s important to keep taking photos no matter the setback, this will keep the bride and groom calm knowing that you aren’t missing any detail and it can distract from the problem.

Usually, you can make up the time later and get the photos you need either during cocktail hour or during the reception. You can photograph details, portraits, and even get some interesting lighting using flash during the reception.

Photos of the bridal party during the reception because we ran out of time beforehand. You can always try and take photos later in the day if the time runs short.

2. Having too much downtime

It is rare to have downtime when photographing a wedding but it can happen. Having downtime usually occurs during the getting ready phase, waiting for the bridal party, or reception parts of the day. It’s okay to have downtime, however, there is nothing worse than seeing vendors, especially photographers, sitting down and waiting it out during these times.

Sure, it’s perfectly fine to use this time to go to the bathroom or take a snack break. Your break just shouldn’t be more than 10 minutes.

wedding dress hanging up - wedding day photography

Make sure to use the downtime wisely. Prep for the next round of photos, check batteries or set up off-camera lighting. You can also do test shot in the next location where you’ll be photographing.

Even though you’re waiting for the next event to come, never stop photographing any and all of the little details. In short: there is always something to photograph and do while you’re waiting.

3. The bride is full of emotions

I will not use the term “bridezilla” because I don’t believe it’s fair to the bride. Wedding days are high pressured days and brides are usually nervous and full of emotions before walking down the aisle.

It doesn’t matter if the couple is doing a first look or are getting ready in the same room, some brides are more nervous than others.

bride and her girls having fun - wedding day photography

If this is the case, don’t mention anything! Even if the bride is nervous, anxious, or even angry, just redirect the focus on something else like her dress or that she looks beautiful. Reassure her that everything will be okay and tell her to just enjoy the moment now.

As the photographer, it’s your responsibility to help the bride relax and feel very natural as the day unfolds. Always keep a positive attitude and try to transmit that same vibe to the bride and groom. If they feel like you are there for them, it will make all the difference in the photos. If you’re excited about the wedding, then they’ll be excited.

4. Family telling you how to do your job

Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been photographing weddings, you will encounter a family member or friend who wants to tell you how to do your job at least once.

wedding couple in the grass - wedding day photography

When you encounter this type of setback, don’t make any negative or sarcastic remarks. Thank them for the idea they offered and move on. You can also comment that you’ve been photographing weddings for X number of years and are experienced in taking photos. Better yet, just go along with what they are saying and don’t say anything in return.

If they are asking for a particular photo, take the photo. If you already have, kindly let them know that you got the shot earlier in the day. This will keep them at bay knowing that you are taking all of the most meaningful photos.

wedding rings and hands - wedding day photography

At the end of the day, the guests will remember you more than you realize and if you make snarky or sarcastic remarks it may result in a negative view of your professionalism. You are there to photograph your bride’s day and that also means tending to the requests of her guests (they’re well-meaning).

5. When there is no planner or coordinator

If the couple has opted to not have a planner or coordinator, it is up to you to make sure to assist the couple during the wedding day.

Technically it isn’t your responsibility, however, helping with putting on boutonnieres, adjusting centerpieces, and placing the veil will always help you to capture the best photos possible.

girls wedding party - wedding day photography

Work with your couple before the wedding to make a schedule of the most important parts of the day that you’ll be covering. This way, everyone knows what time the family photos are happening, what time the dance starts, and what time you’ll be photographing the dress. Knowing when and where all the events will take place will give your couples peace of mind.

Having a schedule, or itinerary, will also help to move things around. For example, if the bride is late for her bridal party photos, you can take photos of the people who are there so switch to the groom’s family photos.

wedding couple leaving the church - wedding day photography

Photography is service based and as such, you should always strive to give your clients the best service possible. If that means acting as coordinator for the day to capture the best photographs possible, by all means, do it.

You can also have a family member or member of the bridal party to help to coordinate and fix any problems that may come up during the day.

6. Vendor Meals

There is nothing worse than working a wedding and having to eat a vendor meal during dinner. Everyone works differently, yet vendor meals can be a huge setback, especially if it consists of a sandwich and an apple.

You can prepare for this by taking snacks or even a full meal. Pack an icebox or lunch bag with your favorite snacks and perhaps a little something more just in case you will be having a vendor meal.

wedding day photography - wedding cake

Try asking the couple if they are okay with you taking an empty seat during the reception or getting in line for the buffet at their event. Most guests won’t mind because, by that time, they will have seen how hard you’ve been working all day. Luckily, most couples now invite their vendors to eat dinner or make sure that they’ve had something substantial.

In any case, take your snacks and water because you’ll need them throughout the day, whether you get a vendor meal or real dinner.

7. Little time with bride and groom

Sometimes, wedding day timelines can get a little compressed leaving less time for the most important photos (next to the ceremony). However, you can create stunning photos of the bride and groom all in one spot without having to move them to different locations.

To achieve this, download 10 of your favorite poses for couples onto your phone and photograph each one from different angles. Take individual photos of the bride and groom, including details of their wardrobe.

6 wedding couple poses - wedding day photography

Without moving the couple very much, you can get many different poses and photos in a short amount of time.

When you take advantage of posing in one spot, you can get lots of different photos from different angles in less time. Subtle changes to posing like facing the bride toward the groom and then facing the bride away from the groom can offer more variety.

Using one location can maximize the time you have for photos because moving from one location to another can often waste time. This way you can focus on them and getting great expressions.

wedding couple - wedding day photography

For example, pose the couple in front of a plain wall, facing each other, hands around the bouquet. Take one photo of them in this pose full length. Take another mid-shot asking the groom to kiss the bride on the cheek while the bride smiles and looks down at her bouquet; that’s two photos.

In this same pose, get close and take a photo of the kiss. Next, go behind the couple and photograph mid-shot. Still in the same pose, get a close-up of the groom’s hand around the bride’s waist from behind the couple; the makes five photos without moving the couple.

After you have worked through one pose, choose another and work through it until you have all possible photos. This technique will ensure you get the most photos out of each pose in little time, without moving the couple.

8. Rain

Depending on where you live, what time of the year you’re photographing, and weather conditions, it could be that you get hit with rain on the day of the event. If this does happen, maintain a positive outlook and always try to help find solutions to work around the rain.

When rain strikes, switch to an indoor location or a location with covered walkways.

Change locations for photos. If you were going to do the family photos outside of the church, try moving the family inside the church or better yet, to the reception location. Look for options where you have awnings, covered walkways/breezeways, and inside a home or venue.

two wedding photos - wedding day photography

Sometimes, the weather clears and you’re able to go outside for the remaining portraits.

You can also take advantage and get creative with the wedding photos. Ask the couple if they are willing to pose in the rain under an umbrella. You might be surprised how many are willing to get something a little different!

9. Drunken guests

It’s not uncommon for wedding guests to want to start the party early. Work with the coordinator or the bride and assign a family member to take care of the drunken guest. If they are part of the family, try and keep them away until it’s time for them to be in photos.

shot of alcohol - wedding day photography

Try as best as you can to be nice and not comment on their state of being. Drawing attention to their behavior can upset the couple more and ruin the time you have for photos. Be really direct in posing and communication and always stay positive.

10. Clashing with the wedding coordinator/planner

Although it is rare when vendors don’t see eye-to-eye during an event, it is really important to stay close to the couple. If you need something particular make sure to run it by the couple first. They have the final say on everything that goes on during the day.

couple poses - wedding day photography

Always maintain a high level of professionalism and make sure that you aren’t seen being rude or speaking rudely to the other vendors. If the clash worsens, tell the bride that you and the coordinator/planner have differences and suggest options to help maintain order.

Communication is key and it’s always best to go to the couple if you experience backlash or trouble with another vendor.

11. Other photographers/weddings at the same portrait location

This is probably the most common setback in the wedding industry. Many couples tend to choose the same locations for the portrait session.

If there are other photographers at the location before you arrive, simply introduce yourself and let them know that you’ll also be photographing a wedding. Ask them if they plan on using another location for photos and if they’d be willing to switch it up after a certain amount of time.

wedding Pasadena - wedding day photography

This location in Pasadena, California is really popular for bridal portraits. There were at least 3 other photographers there at this time.

If there are a lot of photographers and events, simply choose a spot at the location that is free of people. Staying clear of other photographers’ background and watching out for people walking into your frame will keep the portraits clean.

12. Guests taking photos during the ceremony

Keep in mind that the wedding guests are an important detail in the couple’s day. Each was given an invitation to share and be a part of the wedding.

Having said that, some guests will take it upon themselves to take photos of the most important parts of the day, namely, the ceremony.

lady taking a photo at a wedding ceremony - wedding day photography

When this does happen, gently tap the guest on the shoulder, with a smile and motion to them that you need the spot in order to take a great photo of the couple. Most guests will move out of the way and not be bothered by this gesture.

This also asserts that you are the main photographer while staying positive and professional with guests. This non-verbal gesture also works with other vendors like videographers.

bride's maid and bride selfie - wedding day photography

It’s also a good idea to let the guests take their photos first and then position yourself to take the profession photos afterward. This way, you’re letting guests take and share their own shots but also letting them know that you need to take these important photos as well.

couple kissing - wedding day photography

The more photos the couple has of their day, be it from your camera or from their guests, the better. They’ll appreciate you for letting guests enjoy themselves by taking their own photographs.

In Conclusion

couple dancing - wedding day photography

Wedding photography is the most important take away from a couple’s wedding. However, it is not free from mishaps during the day of the event.

Each wedding can have one or more setback, it’s up to you the photographer to work around them and find solutions quickly. Maintain a positive attitude and always reassure the client that everything is photographing beautiful.

Have you experienced any of these or other setbacks at a wedding you photographed?

The post 12 Tips for Overcoming Common Wedding Day Setbacks appeared first on Digital Photography School.

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Five Common Macro Photography Mistakes and How to Fix Them

01 Jul

macro leaf autumn - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

Macro photography requires a unique set of skills, but along with these skills comes a new set of mistakes to overcome. Fortunately, many of these macro photography mistakes are easily fixed.

In this article, I discuss five common mistakes made in macro photography. Then I give you the tools to correct them in the field, which will result in instantly better macro images.

1. Shooting in direct midday sunlight

The first mistake often made in macro photography is heading out when the sun is high in the sky (midday). While the light during this time is bright, it’s also very harsh and contrasty. Images taken at this time are difficult to expose well, and colors are far less saturated.

The angle of the sun causes additional problems. It beats directly down on your subject, causing the underside to become shadowy.

flower tulip - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

I try to avoid going out to shoot on sunny afternoons. This tulip image was taken on a cloudy spring day.

How can this problem be fixed?

You have a few options. First, try waiting until the evening, when the light is warm and soft. This will reduce contrast and light your subject more evenly. You could also cast a shadow on the subject yourself, or find a subject in the shade. This will reduce the extent to which your subject encounters the harsh and contrasty light.

These tulips were photographed in the evening, when the light was far less harsh.

Cloudy days are the third option. Then, the sky acts like a huge softbox, and the light is diffused across the subject.

flower abstract - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

Another photograph on a cloudy day: notice the soft, delicate feeling and more saturated colors.

If you do decide to go out in midday, you might consider bringing a flash or a reflector to add some punch to your images and reduce midday shadows. While this won’t negate the problems described above, it will reduce them.

2. Shooting dying or dirty subjects

A second common mistake made in macro photography is shooting subjects that are either dying or dirty.

This isn’t really a problem with insect photography, but when photographing flowers, the condition of your subject is something to watch out for. If the edges of a flower are turning brown, I generally wouldn’t photograph it. Same thing if the center has some fraying stamens.

flower dahlia abstract - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

I searched through a number of dahlias until I found one in peak condition.

Flowers can also become dirty, especially if they are low to the ground. A few small pieces of dirt isn’t much to be worried about—it’s nothing that cloning can’t take care of—but too much dirt, and it becomes difficult to get a strong image.

How can this problem be fixed?

The first method just involves inspecting your subject carefully before shooting. If the flower is dying or dirty, find a different flower. You might also consider wiping away small pieces of dirt with your finger or shirtsleeve.

flower rose - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

Checking the center of flowers is important; it’s easy to miss anthers that are on their way out. Fortunately, this rose allowed for a few images.

The second method is more difficult and involves hiding the dying parts of the flower through creative compositions. For instance, you can ensure that the wrinkled parts of petals are out of focus, or obscured by another part of the flower.

flower red abstract - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

The outside of this flower was a bit worn, so I chose to emphasize the stamens instead.

3. Centering the subject

This is a common mistake in all types of photography – placing your subject in the dead center of the frame.

While this might make sense from a visual perspective, it generally results in an uncomfortable, less-than-desirable image. The composition feels imbalanced or boring.

How can this problem be fixed?

flower photography macro aster - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

Placing this flower off center allowed for a slightly stronger composition.

Instead of placing the subject in the center of the image, place it off to one side. Try using the rule of thirds. Additionally, you might add some dynamism to the composition by tilting your camera and placing the flower along a diagonal line. This will ensure a much more dynamic image that holds the viewer’s eye.

4. Using busy backgrounds and foregrounds

A fourth macro photography mistake often made is using foregrounds and (especially) backgrounds that are messy.

For example, messy backgrounds might have splotches of colors, might be crammed with slightly out-of-focus elements, or have sudden transitions from light to dark or dark to light. Messy foregrounds, on the other hand, consist of branches, twigs, or other flowers that distract the viewer and get in the way of the main subject.

flower bleeding heart - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

While this bleeding heart photograph may seem chaotic, it’s not particularly messy—there is a clear point of focus (the flower) that is not dominated by the background.

How can this problem be fixed?

I write about this a lot, but that’s because it’s such a common (and easily rectified) problem. It involves a bit of measured consideration before shooting. Simply make sure there are no distracting foreground or background elements. As discussed above, these include branches, twigs, or sticks. It also might simply be contrasting colors or dark spots.

flower aster silhouette - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

Notice the smooth, uniform background in this flower image.

5. Capturing a subject as the subject

This final macro photography mistake is a bit less straightforward: capturing a subject as that subject.

What do I mean by this? In truth, it’s not all that complicated. Basically, macro photographers often see an interesting subject and attempt to photograph that subject efficiently. The problem is that the subject then lacks interest. It feels like it’s part of a snapshot when you want it to feel like a deliberate photograph.

abstract dew drop - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

How can this problem be fixed?

If you photograph a flower, don’t try to just capture it as a flower. Look for interesting aspects of the subject. What is it that made you want to photograph it in the first place?

Try to go beyond that basic “it’s a flower” essence, and communicate something about the flower. Does it have a photogenic center? Colorful petals? A beautiful shape? Emphasize this through your photography.

flower photography macro dahlia - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

I chose to get extremely close to this dahlia in order to emphasize the pattern of its petals.

Conclusion

I have discussed five common macro photography mistakes, as well as a number of simple ways to fix them. By following these guidelines, you should be able to enhance your macro photography and ensure consistently better images.

Know any mistakes that I missed? Let me know in the comments!

flower photography macro dandelion - Common Macro Photography Mistakes

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