Indoor Photography Tips

No matter if you are a professional, hobbyist, or a mom wanting to improve your photos, everyone seems to struggle sometimes with capturing the perfect picture inside. When we asked people what photo-related questions they had, the majority of the responses had something to do with taking pictures indoors. Today we’d love to address some common problems with indoor photography.

Indoor Photography Tips:   

1. The first step is to increase the light in the room as much as possible. Open the windows (and move towards them) during the day. Turn on those lamps. 

2. The second step is to keep the camera steady. If you have a tripod….great! If not, you can keep the camera steady by bracing yourself against a wall or furniture, or simply by setting your camera down on a table or a stack of books. 

3. If you have a point and shoot camera and can’t change the settings manually, look for a “night” mode. Typically the night setting will leave the shutter open longer and increase the size of the aperture. Remember to brace that camera! 

Don’t feel bad if you have to use your camera’s flash. Sometimes flash is simply necessary. 

If you are using a camera with manual settings, here are a few additional tips: 

1. Use a slower shutter speed. Shutter speeds are represented by fractions—the bigger the number, the slower the shutter speed (for example, 1/25 is slower than 1/100) 

2. You will also want a wider aperture (ie—how wide the lens opens, again controlling the amount of light). With the aperture settings (called f-stops), the smaller the number, the wider the aperture (for example, f/2.8 is larger than f/9.0). 

3. Using a higher ISO will also help. What is ISO? ISO is the cameras sensitivity to light (remember when we all used film, and each roll had an ISO # on it?). An ISO of 100 is great for sunny days outside. When you’re shooting indoors, go for 400 or higher. But beware—the higher the ISO, the more digital noise (like graininess in film) you will have. 

There you go! A few easy things that you can do to improve your indoor shots. Hope they help!

Beautiful things...

Not only do we take beautiful photographs we love to paint and design lovely things...

We came across this picture and think it would make the most beautiful wall mural or even on a door!! We might need a stencil for the text but other wise...

I think this might be our next DIY project :)

What do you think?

Embury Colllege Fun Day!

We have ben invited to attended the Embury College Fun Day! We cant wait to do our thing, making people smile and doing what we love!

Don't forget to give us a call for your next function!

365 Photo Challenge

Whether you capture it on your smart phone, point and shoot or your DSL the 365 Photo Challenge is one of the most fun and enjoyable photography projects out there!

Upload to instagram, facebook tumblr.. wherever just make sure you take one photo per day and keep them... then in one year you can look back and see your progress as a photographer...

Who's in!?

You can officially sign up on www.365project.org or you can just do it as a self improvement project! Good Luck!

Our photo of the day!

This is Courage by the way...

Creating a Photo Wall Display

If you are like us and have lots of pictures and want to display them (especially when they are of my family).  A photo wall can be the perfect way to do this!

Creating a montage of photos can be a bit tricky (and intimidating) to figure out where to start and then how to balance the sizes and layout.  I came across these picture placement samples that I had to share with you!  It gives 12 wonderful examples of how to start / layout a picture wall.

These creative ideas are a great resource to use to give you a starting point.  Once you get arranging, expand or tweak the layout to fit the photos you have.

Just a couple tips from us to you...

1. The center of your photo display wall should be at eye level (between 60″ – 66″)

2. Use similar frames or matting, or display all color or all black & white photos

3. Vary the frame sizes

4.Introduce a focal point

5. Mix it up – display photos as well as signs and other unique wall decor

6. Before putting nails into the wall, layout all your pictures on the floor and move things around until your arrangement is exactly how you want it!  

Then hang them one by one onto the wall...

Planning a kids birthday party...

Birthday parties are like road trips: Getting there is half the fun. Deciding on the theme, decorations, and activities makes the days leading up to the event seem like part of the celebration itself. It needn't be elaborate -- kids will be happy with a small party as long as they are made to feel special. Even a simple party requires planning; the sooner you start organizing, the earlier the excitement begins and the fewer details you'll have to work out on the day itself.

1. Planning: Start planning six weeks before the big day, and schedule your party to-do's week by week.

2. The Guest List:  If your child's best friend can't come, change the date of the party. Then consider age and activities when creating the rest of the guest list and composing invitations.

3.  Where to Have It: Whether you want to have your party at home or the YMCA, there are a few guidelines that will keep everyone happy.

4.  When to Have It: Timing is everything, and the right time of day for a party depends on your child's age -- as does the length of the party and number of guests.

5.  What to Do: Setting and keeping a steady pace at a party is as important as hiring an entertainer, organising games, or opening gifts.






And of course don't forget your photographer (US!)... we are willing to do specialised packages for Kids Birthday Parties, so tell us what you need and we'll make it happen!

WE'RE HAVING A COMPETITION!!!

Okay, so as you all know we are going to be at the Bulwer Food & Craft Lovers Market this weekend (Yay!) AND we are running a competition for a FREE photoshoot! (Yes we are serious!)

So make sure you come down on Sunday morning to be apart of the action!

We will do the draw on Sunday and the winner will be notified on Sunday evening!

Choosing your Wedding Photographer... Us ;)

In tough times the amount of couples who decide to let “Uncle Bob” or a cheap part time wedding photographer to photograph their wedding rises rapidly, as couples cut back on what they see as the non essentials to getting married.

Don’t get me wrong, their are some fabulous value for money photographers out there but there is also a lot of crap. Sorry to be so blunt but it’s true. We all know of a wedding photography horror story-bad photography, rude photographers, poor customer service, so today we have a post to give you a few of her top tips on choosing your wedding photographer….

Don’t compromise on service 

No matter how much you spend on your photography you should feel special from your initial enquiry onwards. Your photographer should want to work hard to get to know you. I love weddings and want to know all about each and every special day. I keep in regular contact with my couples right from the start. After all, they are going to spending a hell of a lot of time with you on your wedding day. I usually get roped into doing up dresses, fastening shoes, picking confetti out of hair and running after pageboys so its always good to make sure you are comfortable with the person who may be seeing you without your makeup and semi naked 

Are two photographers really better than one? 

Most definitely yes! Twice the coverage, twice the memories captured and you get the benefit of two different styles. They can split up to cover both the the bride AND the groom getting ready. Later on one can be taking the more formal photos while the other rolls around on the grass photographing the flower girls.

Research is key

No matter what your budget please make sure you check out the online galleries of the photographer to get a good feel for style, quality and experience. You will know then if they are the sort of photographer you are interested in. It will also give you an idea on how consistent the photography is. Anyone can take one or two great images (even if it’s by accident!). How many of you have taken an amazing photos that you are mega proud of but with no real idea how you did it? A professional photographer should be taking a full day’s worth of fabulous photographs at every wedding so ask to see an example of a full wedding not just their highlights.

Also it’s important to see the photographers actual albums , rather than just images online. There can be a massive difference in quality when you see an image in print and you can also see the quality of the albums used and how they are designed by the photographer.

Innovation

This is your BIG day. You deserve to feel like a diva for one day in your life. Look for a photographer that has an innovative style that pushes boundaries, tat will make you feel special. You deserve so much more than a one size fits all photographer.

Sample Photo Shoot

We always offer a sample photo shoot to our couples before they even commit to a booking. We like to prove to couples that we can provide a fabulous service creating unforgettable images on your wedding day. For you, it gives you the confidence that you are choosing the right photographer and that they can take amazing images of you and not people you have never met. If a photographer won’t do this beware-maybe they are not so confident in their abilities as they want you to believe 

Finally the cheapest option is not usually the best option. Be realistic about price and remember you generally get what you pay for. Also it is worth noting that after your flowers have died, your dress is packed away in the loft and the cake has been eaten, you are left with each other, your rings and your photos….

Maternity & Pregnancy

We know that being pregnant is such a special time in a womans life... but lets be honest, we don't all feel like we are glowing and beautiful? Am I right?

That's where we come in! We want to make you feel like the beautiful Mommy-to-Be that you are...

Contact us and we'll give you a quote on a Maternity Shoot

8 Ways to Pull Off A Rustic Wedding...

Planning a rustic wedding? From style ideas to decor tips, here’s your ultimate guide to pulling off that country-inspired look.

Your Style

Down-to-earth, natural and outdoorsy but still sophisticated, your wedding will feel...just like you. You prefer the rugged elegance of Ralph Lauren or Restoration Hardware over the super-sleek or frilly and feminine.

The Setting

Someplace outside, where nature plays a starring role, like a ranch, mountaintop, farm or lakeside resort. Prefer to play it safe inside? Choose a rustic space, like a cool brewery, a barnyard or a mountain lodge.

Wedding Wear

Forget the ball gown and go with a fuss-free, natural look. Exude understated elegance in a simple sheath with an Empire waist or in an airy ethereal gown.

Color Combos

Faint colors like matte bronze and tea rose, or even just variant shades of ivory contrasted against natural wood accents, add a graceful touch to otherwise rugged decor. For a bolder look, deep oranges, reds, purples and browns all fit the rustic feel you're after.

Best Blooms

Rather than a particular type or color of flower, go with what's in-season. Stick with sturdy and textured flowers and plants that not only look the part, but will also last in an outdoor environment. Dahlias, succulents, sunflowers, ranunculus, craspedia, thistle, chrysanthemums and hanging amaranthus will all stay fresh from start to finish and have an organic look that works well in an outside setting. Texture is the key here. Incorporate natural non-floral accents like pussy willows, veggies, cotton, acorns, Spanish moss and fiddlehead ferns.

The Decor

Opt for more dramatic decor elements like crystal chandeliers and antique silver amid reclaimed- or raw-wood furnishings in an authentic ranch setting. The juxtaposition of rugged details with feminine touches can complement both sides of your style as a couple. Line dense, reclaimed-wood tables with formal white-linen runners (it's best to leave most of the table exposed). Top bare wood dinner tables with tin pails or birch-bark vases filled with loose, earthy arrangements for a fresh-picked look. And don't be afraid to mix and match with clusters of vessels in different shapes and sizes. Also, look at your venue to see if there are any creative ways to display blooms, like hanging floral chandeliers from the rafters of a barn.

The Music

Hire a bluegrass band for the cocktail hour. Then go with a band or DJ for the reception, but give a nod to the rustic setting by asking them to mix in a few of your favorite country songs.

The Menu

No fancy five courses here: Go with what you love, whether it's comfort food (like mac and cheese) or seasonal fare. For a more laid-back dinner, stations are a fun twist, or serve dishes family-style. Differentiate your dessert tablescapes by surrounding your cake with a selection of pies, fruit cobblers and crisps.

And of course... an excellent photographer to capture your special moments...

That would be us ;)

No matter what style your wedding, we want to capture your memories so give us a call to find out what kind of wedding packages we offer!

❤

T & K

We love photobooths!!

What we love most about our Fancy Photobooth is that no two photo's are alike... you might use the same props but each person and their personality brings new life to each photo every single time!

Our Fancy Photo Booth will capture memories, entertain your guests and add a funky flair to your party or function. By using our Photo Booth and Cool Props, your guests will have unlimited Photos to take home and your special day will never be forgotten.

Fancy Photo Booth is the perfect way for your guests to relax and join in on the fun and is a great addition to any occasion.

Contact us NOW to secure your booking :)

Bulwer Food & Craft Lovers Market

We LOVE the Food & Craft Lovers Market...

Full of all our favourite things! Home made crafts, yummy foods and all things beautiful!

Why should you choose us?.....

What you can look forward to...

We are so excited about our Fancy Photobooth... here's what you can look forward to!

We're at the Bulwer Food & Craft Lovers Market!!!!!

Be there on the 30th June 2013 to check us out and support!