Category Archives: photography

Imaging USA in Phoenix

Once again it was time for the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) to have their annual conference Imagine USA. The event was held here in Phoenix this year and it gave me a chance to try out our no light rail system from Valley Metro.

The light rail was easy to use and full, but not crowded during the times I traveled. They did check my ticket on two occasions during the convention. If I had to travel to Phoenix on a daily basis I could easily see using this. Wish the voters had approved it back in the ‘80s. Now we would have a great system instead of the limited line we have now.

The convention was great as usual. For those who haven’t been before it consists of a tradeshow where you can see all the latest and greatest products. And a series of seminars/classes were you can learn from the best in the industry.

I was very impressed by many of the presentations I saw at the tradeshow, and was taken aback by some of the displays I saw. If you are looking to impress at a tradeshow with a quality display for your presentation, it may be worth checking out something like Exponents 20×20 trade show displays for more information.

The tradeshow was very helpful for me as I was looking for some new providers for some of the products I use. I was able see the products to make educated decisions on which vendors to choose. Sometimes it was a very difficult choice as several vendors had very high quality products at similar price points. In this case I am going to order studio samples from each to see how their service performs. Some of the companies were giving out free bottled water made by Custom Water which I thought was a lovely idea. I don’t know much about marketing but I saw lots of people walking round with custom water bottles!

I also saw several products I had wondered about after seeing them in magazines. Some were better than I expected, and others were good but had something I found that kept me from buying. I’d like to maybe have my own stall here one day, when I’m more established. I’ve already been looking for things like a trade show banner supplier and planning how I would present my work; quite an exciting prospect!

The seminars and classes were overall pretty good, but there were a few that were bad and I left part way through and switch subjects. The classes covered business, techniques, Photoshop and trends. Several of the speakers I wish I could see in a smaller venue to really pick their brains as their knowledge was so incredible on the topics they discussed.

I ran into lots of other photographers that I know and it was good to get caught up on what each of them was doing. Since it was here in Phoenix I skipped the parties where a lot of the networking takes place.

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix


Valentines Day is Coming

Welcome back to my blog. I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Even though Valentines Day is over a month away, it is a good time to start thinking about giving photographs as a gift. Regardless of whether you choose to have photos printed, or you opt for a personalised git like my photo socks, it would definitely be worth getting something sorted soon. Between scheduling, select proofs and production of your gift, it does take some time for the process. For a humorous mix of romance and photography for valentines, look into these photo boxers, an undeniably unique and funny gift.

Of course boudoir and glamour photographs are very popular for lovers. These special photographs are a gift that is always well received. There are so many options within this area that your photographer can help you choose the perfect package to fit your needs.

But Valentines need not be limited to boudoir and glamour. Traditional portraits also make a wonderful gift. Everyone wants a nice photo of that special person in their lives. A professional portrait is a great way to say “I love you.” If you’re wanting to show a little more effort also, you could look into getting your photographs taken and use the photos to create personalized bobbleheads as another unique gift for your spouse, capturing a loving moment using a different medium.

And couples portraits are also a great idea. A photograph of the two of you showing your love for each other in your eyes will make you both feel great each time you look at it.

So don’t miss out and book your with your photographer soon.

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix


Enjoy the Holidays

Category : photography

With the holidays upon us, I am taking a break to spend time with family and friends.  I hope you can do the same.  I’ll be back in January with some new and interesting topics.

 

Happy Holidays

 

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix


The quest for the perfect camera to make you great

Every few months a new camera hits the market. Whether its a DSLR or even a home security camera for sale, cameras are very popular. The Canon fans are all going on about how the new super duper camera is the best thing. Then Nikon comes out with their new camera and “one ups” Canon. Back and forth it goes. The wonders of the digital age create new “must have” cameras constantly. You can purchase new camera equipment over at the Edmund Optics website.

More pixels, gotta have more pixels, at least 50 megapixels. No you fool, the only thing that counts is sensor size. Must be full frame. Are you kidding, noise is what counts. You have to have no visible noise at ISO 53200. Wrong again, its dynamic range that counts, you have to have 24-bits. You know your eyes can’t see that well, but it helps it post processing.

Hey wait, let us do video too. Video at full resolution, not this crappy HD stuff they are pushing now. You must have 30fps at full resolution and you will have the ultimate sports camera. You will never miss a shot and leave your competition in the dust.

The cure for bad photographer is a better camera. The reason you don’t get those great shots is your camera. It must be the problem. If you had a better camera you could have gotten that shot, but your camera just couldn’t cut it. Next year you will get a new camera and your photographs will get so good. It doesn’t have to cost you the earth to keep yourself up to date either, as you can wait a little while then just buy them secondhand from places like https://www.shoppok.com. So many people forget that this is an option, and it can save you a lot of money.

Ultimately, there is no denying that there is so much choice out there that deciding which camera is best for your needs can seem overwhelming. That being said, it is important to remember that there are some fantastic online review websites like Buyersimpact.co.uk that can make deciding which camera to buy a little easier. Whenever I need any new camera equipment I always like to read through plenty of reviews first to make sure that I am making the right choice. It is no secret that camera equipment can be expensive and so reading reviews about the products that interest you can help you to decide how to spend your money.

But what about those other photographers using their 4+ year old camera bodies that keep winning awards. How do they do it? I’ve even seen award winning photographs taken with a camera phone. It must all be Photoshop. They are using all kinds of expensive plug-ins and fancy techniques that take thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours to create those photographs. You know, you’ve seen them in magazines. They do magic.

So do you really need a new camera to be a better photographer? Is that the solution? Nikon, Canon, Sony and the rest want you to think so. After all, that’s how they make their money. How do you make yours? I make mine taking photographs.

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix


Secrets from Glamour Photography

I am going to let you in on a little secret about glamour photography.  The women you see in these magazines don’t really look like that.  In fact if you saw a lot of them walking down the street you might not even realize it was them.  Most are not the perfect example of the human form their photographs show them to be.

 

They have imperfect skin with blemishes, pock marks, scars and stretch marks.  And yes they even have the bane of so many women, cellulite.  Their chests may be lopsided, their tummies a bit too big, their rear ends not quite the right shape.  Yet in their photographs they look perfect.

 

This is achieved thru many different techniques.  Some are addressed through photographic make-up.  This is make-up is typically more than a person would wear on a typically evening out.  This make-up is put on to cover problems and enhance features.  But it goes beyond your typical application, as the photographer wants the end result to be flawless.  Techniques such as airbrushing are used which are well beyond what your average women does.

 

Next comes lighting of the person.  Lights can be used to create or hide curves.  It can be used to fill in line on the face and reduce bags under the eyes.  A favorite light is called the beauty dish.  It is used to fill the face with light and as a result hides so many imperfections.   Shadows can be created to enhance a curve here and there or shadows can be filled with light to reduce the a curve.

 

Posing is also critical.  A twist here, an odd angle there and viola, her body looks amazing.  Often these are positions that are not comfortable or even one a person would consider in day to day life.  Yet these poses make the best look better and hide those little imperfections that we all seem to have.  Sometimes we just need to get rid of the little extra under the chin, or maybe our rear is a bit flatter than we like.  A skilled photographer will be able to pose you to achieve the look you want.

 

And lastly the magazines resort to Photoshop to change anything that was not addressed by the above techniques.  Your photographer will use know what will be done in Photoshop before he takes the picture.  Photoshop is a time consuming way to change photographs, so professionals will work on getting the shot as close to perfect in camera first.  Then and only then will they rely on Photoshop to handle what could not be done on set.

 

The key to getting the photographs you want is to be honest and tell the photographer what you would like to see in your final photographs.  As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so what you want and what the photographer thinks are often very different.  I have had many a client want to reduce or enlarge areas that I would have never considered, but since we discussed it prior to the shoot the client got the results that they loved.

 

Orcatek Boudoir and Glamour Photography – Phoenix


Giving Back – Portraits for those in need

It is the time of year when so many enjoy so much, but there are those who struggle to even put food on the table.  For those families a professional photograph is something they can never even consider.  So I am reaching out to photographers to find charities and services in your area that help the needy. 

 

Work with them to set-up a free portrait session for these families and give them a gift that will be able to treasure.  I’ve done this in the past and the families are so very happy to get the photographs.   A print package can be created that will not be too expensive for you to create. 

 

In the past I have approached local labs and have gotten them to help with the actual printing costs for some of these charities.

 

Another option is to give discounts to your clients for bringing in donations for a local food bank.  Your clients will tend to be very generous.  With the need be even higher than usual this year, every little bit that people can do will help.

 

There are plenty of other ways you can use your photography business to help others.  Be creative and find a way to do something extra this year for someone who needs a little extra.

 

We are all very lucky to have this amazing career as photographers.  In today’s economy more and more people are facing very grim futures.  So be sure to find a way to give to others through any way you can. 

 

 

Orcatek Portrait Photography – Phoenix


Environmental and Lifestyle Portraits

When choosing to get a portrait, there are many different styles to choose from. Environmental is a popular choice for higher end customers. An environmental portrait is also referred to as a lifestyle portrait. These portraits differ from the classic studio portrait as they show the real person, in the real world.

For example a family who loves boating might be photographed on their boat. Or another example would be a family who love their pet so much that they decide to get a photo to remind them of their much loved family pet. This could be a picture taken from past events or something more abstract like these custom pet portraits instead. The location for the photograph is chosen as it is one that reflects the people in it. It might be as simple as sitting around a kitchen to something as unique as skydiving. The important element is the people are place in a location that others would expect to find them.

What makes the difference between these portraits and a simple snapshot is where the professional photographer’s skill comes into play. A combination of posing and lighting will be used to bring the photograph to life. The photographer will place elements in the photograph to bring it to life. It is similar to how artists paint portraits; they smudge and tweak their brush to portray the subject’s feelings. If you have seen the art exhibitions of Charles Saatchi and similar gallerists, you might be aware of how color is a crucial element in changing the subject’s nature.

The pose may be as simple as a basic placement of the people within the environment. Then allowing them to interact as to remove the “posed” looked from the shot. Props will often be carefully placed to fill out the scene and bring the story of the photograph together.

How a spoon is rotated on a table may not seem very important, but it is these small details that bring the photograph to life and make it much more than a family snapshot. Clients often wonder why I move something just a tiny bit, the end result is where it all that attention to detail is worth the effort.

Lifestyle portraits work especially well with children, as the locations are more comfortable for them. Children in a studio often react to the studio and become stiff. Their personality becomes hidden. But place them in their comfort zone and they can easily let themselves come through, resulting in a photograph that will be treasured by the parents.

Whereas shooting on location to create these wonderful photographs is more difficult for the photographer, the end results are well worth the extra effort.

Orcatek Portrait Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


Boudoir Photography – A daring adventure

Many women have thought about boudoir as something they could never do. After all, how could you be that sexy in front of a stranger? But then you start to think that it would be something unexpected, a gift that will never be forgotten. It might be exciting to do something adventurous.

Boudoir Photography by Orcatek
Boudoir Photography by Orcatek

So a bit of research reveals that there are photographers that specialize in just this style of photography. Professionals that will be able to help you feel comfortable. A photographer who knows how to bring out that special something in you that will make you look amazing. Someone who will make sure the photographs are classy and not trashy.

So maybe you should be a bit daring and have some glamour photographs taken. It would be a gift that would never be guessed. You could bring a friend to help you relax, change outfits and provide positive feedback. Every man sees the love of his life as a beautiful, sexy woman. The photographs will become part of a fantasy world that will fill his dreams for years to come.

You’ve never done anything like this, but as it turns out, neither have most of the other women who get boudoir photography done. This is why many of them enjoy working with someone similar to JG Boudoir because they always make the women taking part feel comfortable. You are not the only one who is nervous. Most women felt just like you do now, and afterwards said that it was a fun and exciting gift. They were glad they had the adventure and so was he when he received the gift.

So now its up to you to step outside your comfort zone and book that boudoir photography appointment. You will both be glad you did.

Orcatek Boudoir And Glamour Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


Very Young Children’s Portraits

Shooting very young children can be one of the most challenging things to do as a photographer.  They are too young to follow directions, easily tired and bored, reactionary and don’t stay focused.  Sometimes it seems they just don’t want to have their pictures taken.  So how does a photographer deal with this type of portrait.

 

First of all I prefer to actually shoot these in the client’s home.  This eliminates the travel time which can often tire out the youngster.  Being in their home also gives them a comfort level as they are not in a strange new place.  It easy on the parents to provide additional clothes or props as needed.

 

When shooting I watch how the child is reacting to the shoot.  Typically the shoot is done in several short runs of 3-10 minutes, allowing the child plenty of breaks to just have fun.  If possible during some break time try to play with the child to allow them to find you a fun and safe person. 

 

Be silly.  Little ones respond to different things so try a variety to see what type of things the child likes.  Funny noises or faces, classic peek-a-boo, favorite toys or just being on their level.  I find that if I crawl down on the floor with the child it brings me into the “fun zone” and the child reacts much more favorable to me.

 

Watch how you react to situations that occur.  A child is mimic.  If you react upset or irritated, so will the child.  If you are happy and laughing (even if you don’t want to) the child will respond the same way eventually.  Even if the child is upset and crying and you think you will never get a shot, don’t lose your cool.  Just take the break, laugh it off and put out the positive energy.

 

Sometimes a long lens is your friend.  Put the child in a play environment and just let them have fun.  Banging on a pot, playing with a box, just being a kid.   With your long lens you can get the shot without the child even being aware.  This works well with children who just don’t warm up to strangers quickly.  Watch your angles and keep low to get those shots.  You often end up laying on the ground to get the shot.

 

Once you get those great shots it just feels great.  A happy little one will melt your heart and that of the parents.  You will have created a memory that will the parents will treasure for a lifetime.  And you will become the photographer of choice for future photographs.

 

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


Headshots

Headshots can be a challenge.  They are not merely a portrait as they rely on the person and not the environment to make the image.  A portrait often takes liberties in presenting a person as the want to be seen, whereas a headshot needs to portray the person as they actually are.  Nothing is worse for a performer than not looking like the headshot that got them the call in the first place.

 

Hence the reason why headshot are often frequently updated.  If the performer changes their look they will need return to the photographer for an updated headshot.  The photograph used for the headshot shows the performers age, style, look, etc.  Any major changes in these will require an update.

 

Headshots are currently shot very tight.  Seldom do you see a head and shoulders headshot anymore.  Crop is typically 8×10 just below the chin and into the top of the head.  The performer often faces slightly off to one side, but not in profile.  A straight on shot is also used for headshots, much more than in portraits.

 

Both high key and low key are used for headshots.  The low key shots tend to be the serious, non-smiling shots and the high key shots tend to be the warm, smiling shots.  Models often go for a more glamorized photograph for their headshots, more along the lines of a beauty shot.

 

The goal of the headshot photographer to produce the series of headshots the performer needs.   The minimum that a performer will need is a smiling and not smiling shot.  The photographer needs to make sure that the eyes in the shot are alive and bring you into the shot, smiling or serious. 

 

A great headshot does not take a fancy set-up.  Some of the best headshot photographers work with a single light source and a reflector or two.   The key is knowing how to use those simple tools create the look that gets them noticed.

 

A headshot is often seen by a casting director for a few seconds before in moves to pile A or pile B.  Great headshots will get into pile A much more often than a poor one.  The rest is up to the performer.

 

Orcatek Headshot Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


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