April Challenge for Photographers: Backyard
When I say backyard, it can literally be YOUR backyard. For the more adventurous, put on your trainers, or jump on a bike or in your car and start exploring. I recently took a trip to the country and discovered thousands of wildflowers blooming along the roadsides and in the fields. I was so inspired that I returned a few days later under different conditions. Check it out here.
The CHALLENGE: Create a photograph of something you do not normally shoot. I would love to see what you come up with so feel free to share here..
Getting started
A great way to get inspired is to choose a theme:
- your favorite color
- a particular shape; round can be challenging
- an object such as doors, flowers, old cars
Carry this theme in your mind while you are seeking your shots. I find this is a good way to jump start my creative brain, especially if the coffee has not kicked in....
Moss growing around the bricks can be eye-catching
Sprouting Plants and Flowers
Time lapses of a bulb plant or seedlings can be very interesting.
Set up an inexpensive tripod that you leave in place. Every day or two, photograph the progress.
This can make a very nice series of photographs for display.
In my case, I treasure the photos I captured using this technique since I lost so many of the plants and flowers during the freezes this past winter.
Spring Events
Festivals, outdoor art shows, concerts provide a wonderful opportunity for action, colors, and local culture.
Check local guides or social media to see what is happening in your area.
And, be sure to get permission to photograph someone else’s art.
Have a Party!
Invite your family or friends over for an impromptu celebration. Ask them to wear their most colorful clothes and don't forget about hats!! The gals just LOVE putting on some bling and that will add sparkle to your photographs. These ladies are wearing Carol's designs, check them out here.
Travel outside your usual spots
We live in a big city, however, rarely go downtown during our leisure time. What a great find when we ventured outside "our comfort zone".
Ideas:
~Reflections in buildings
~Architecture
~Doors
~People on benches, hanging out in parks,
strolling, sitting in cafes.
~Skylines
~Shoot from a rooftop
The goal of this April Challenge for Photographers is to get inspired and to challenge yourself so you may grow as an artist. To quote one of my favorite photographers , Tom Bol of Tom Bol Photography, "Developing your creativity is a life long process. You don’t master it, you just develop along the way. If you want to speed up the process, go out and photograph more. And remember, sometimes you get the most ‘creative’ shots simply because you went out to shoot. Luck favors the prepared, but it also favors those who photograph more." Read more of Tom's blog.
Now go make some photos! Next month's challenge: Details
Texas Wildflowers 2018 Stellar Year
Today's post will be more of an update than an article as this is time sensitive. I am exploring the blooming fields of the wildflower season. As a travel and adventure photographer, and a happy wanderer, I cannot overlook that a great time can be found in my very own back yard.
For those of you who follow the Texas Wildflower season, this year is a CANNOT MISS. Due to weather, length of growing season, and many other factors, it can be a narrow window to view their stellar presentation. I was at an advantage to get to shoot on a weekday as the weekends promise to be very busy. What I witnessed today was absolutely amazing. I travelled primarily the roads from Houston to Bellville and also around Brenham and Chappell Hill.
Just a few tips to get you on your way:
- Play your route. Here is a wonderful site I used to navigate my journey today: Bluebonnets.
- Photographers: early morning and late afternoon will produce the best photos.
- Check the weather. Do not let a chance of rain keep you home! The colors can really pop after a nice shower.
- WEAR PROPER GEAR! Texas is know to have snakes and ant beds in the fields and ditches along the country roads. BOOTS and a lightweight long sleeve shirt to protect you from the hot Texas sun.
- Be respectful of private property and no trespassing signs. There are plenty of safe places to take photos.
This weekend is the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival 2018 if you enjoy these types of gatherings.
Drop in and enjoy the festivities, however, do not miss the less travelled beautiful roads.
I encourage you to go out ASAP to enjoy the multitude and variety that are still visible.
Please drop me a line if you have any questions about locations or shooting tips!
As the song goes..."God Bless Texas" !!!
To learn more about the the photographer, Voyage Houston or click here webpage.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer
Death Valley California, Zabriskie Point
Professional photography will play a crucial role in delivering the personality of your brand. It is one of the most effective ways to instantly connect with your readers or customers.
The key component to developing a recognizable brand that is creative and trusted is professionally developed visual representation, such as photos and video.
In addition, in order to have an effective impact on our potential clients, you need:
- Robust online presence
- Consistency
- Above all...be memorable
The ability to create eye-catching content is becoming increasingly important for entrepreneurs as well as big brands.
If your goal is to draw attention to your brand, the first impression should be inspiring and impressive photography.
When choosing a photographer, it is important they are able identify your particular needs. Your photographer will then meet his obligation by providing you with compelling and authentic images for your story. Whether for social media platform photographs, website images, or marketing content in general, your photographic content with depict your specific brand and story.
Model: Sophie for Carol Lipworth Designs
My viewpoint as a professional photographer is as follows; I not only have the equipment and the skills to produce pictures, I have an "eye" for the subject matter. At each encounter, I try to take into consideration a clients brand, needs and the impressions required to project the highest quality photographs for the clients story.
It is a good idea to come to your first meeting with samples of your product, current marketing materials, and even examples of colors you see as your brand identity. Be prepared to discuss what you currently like about your visual story and what you think needs improvement. This will aid the photographer in providing the best images for your specific goals. In return, they should provide you with what I call a "scope of work" detailing for instance:
- how many hours and locations, if doing a location shoot
- how many preview photos they will provide
- digital or prints, and other such details
- timeline for delivery of images
Be sure to ask questions and have a clear idea of what you are hiring them to accomplish for you.
If you are looking for that inspiring and impressive first impression, hire a professional who will go above and beyond for their clients to make sure their time is valued, deadlines are met and the highest quality product is delivered.
If you still have some doubt, do some research; look at your competitors sites, observe their "visual story" and assess their success. Is it original? Is the content authentic? Does it leave and good impression and a brand you would likely trust? Does it "WOW" you? I bet they are using a professional.....~ Sandy
Inspiration: Part 2
In Part 2 of our series, Carol and I share our own personal stories of inspiration, creativity and the part both play in our work and lives.
What inspires the direction you take in your work?
Carol: Its hard to narrow it down, but most often I'm inspired by the stones themselves - their color, shape, texture, properties - their esssence moves me to design jewelry that brings them to life. Each February, I make my yearly pilgrimage to the Tucson gem shows where I find the most unique stones that inspire my designs.
Sandy: Life changes all of the time and we can see artists evolve and change in their work as well. Appreciating what is all around us is my best advice. I seek out new opportunities to find beauty in everyday life. Currently, water is something that inspires me, in all forms. It may be the power and form in the ocean wave or a droplet in a murky puddle.
Tell us about a time when inspiration struck and moved you to create something special
Carol: I had just been making jewelry when I took a trip to Amsterdam. While window shopping, I saw the most beautiful necklaces that I had ever seen. Each necklace combined several strands of different stones, pearls, and crystals and they were magical. As I walked around the store I knew that this was a direction I wanted to take. As soon as I got home, I started creating my own version of these multi-strand necklaces, adding my own aesthetic and color combinations. My design have evolved over the years, but Im still drawn to mixing colors and materials in new ways.
Sandy: I remember the first time I wanted to be behind the camera, and not in the picture: my mother was attempting to frame a shot of me and my sister. It was taking way too long to I kindly grabbed the camera and took the picture. I vowed to learn what seem to perplex my mother and many others who picked up a camera. From that day I developed a habit of seeing the world as if it were a picture.
How do you stay inspired to create?
Carol: I would have to say that traveling provides the most inspiration to me. Putting myself in a different place, a different culture, different surroundings - all of these things help jar me out of my usual way of thinking and move me to something different. It really is true that when you change your perspective, you can change your direction and start to see things differently. When I travel, I also check out the jewelry shops and museums. Design reflects the culture, lifestyles and the place itself. That always inspires me. Seeing how an artist has dome something just a lilts differently than I do it. It allows me to go back to my studio and start experimenting with new ideas. I often say to myself, "why didn't I think of that!" But then, I remember that I've also created new ideas and designs that are unique to me.
Sandy: It helps that I always been a wanderer, often venturing away from the crowd. This provides a unique option to capture something others may miss. For instance, I was on a tour of Peru and we stopped along the roadside where there were a couple of vendors. While the others were shopping or photographing the craftsmen, I found a Peruvian toddler with a little truck busying himself off to the side, up against a beautiful mountain scape. I have been very fortunate to be able to travel to some great places. Travel has definitely been my muse and it has taken me to beauty, culture, nature, and encounters that guide me to imagine and create.
You've had the opportunity to work with clients on commissioned work projects. How do you meld their desires with your own creativity?
Carol: It's easiest when a client tells me to just do whoever I think is best. that freedom allows me to be my most creative. I try to ask a lot of questions, to see what my client likes, what the wear now, what they're looking for, to try to determine what would make them happiest. I've been fortunate that most of my clients trust my aesthetic and abilities, and let me do what I do best.
Sandy: I love the challenge of a commissioned project. First, I listen to the client. Then I absorb their ideas and try to add my own vision. In a recent project, I was asked to create an image of a place that is very "photographed". My client stated that it did not need to be recognizable, however, would mean something to the recipients who were engaged at this location. Having a happy client and an image I can be proud of is most rewarding.
Even people who don't work in traditionally creative fields want to be inspired. What advice can you give to help fuel their creativity and find inspiration in their daily lives?
Carol: Read our first blog! In addition, remember that everyone is creative in some way and its a muscle that need to be used. Start with the intention of looking for inspiration - get off autopilot and start seeing what's around you.
Sandy: Yes! We hope our inspiration series is helpful. Also, have mindset that you can create. Listen to music, take an art class, re-ignite a cultural interest, start a new hobby. As a matter of fact, conceptual thinking, i.e. using our right brain, begins with concentrating on creating something beautiful.
Watch for the final spot in our Inspiration series: A Path to Inspiration Part 3: Boosting Creativity through Collaboration.
Fall is Here, let's go Outside
Most people I know say that fall is their favorite time of the year and I could not agree more. The air is crisp and cool, the colors are bursting, and festivals and fall sports are in full swing providing unlimited photo ops. Since I am a sports fan, in this post I will be sharing some of my favorite tips for out sports photography:
Zoom lens Be sure to pack (or rent) your zoom lens, at least 200mm. While we can get pretty close to the playing fields, the action may be at a distance. A tripod can be handy for the large zoom lenses, but also can be cumbersome. Personal preference rules here.
Know your sport Expertise is not a requirement, however, a general knowledge of the game will prepare you to be in the right place at the right time. Be prepared to move around for the money shots!
Burst mode Things are happening fast in most sport like football and soccer and you don't want to miss a thing. Review your camera's settings to be ready to switch to this mode.
Pan shots As mentioned before, things are moving fast. This is a good time to practice techniques like panning. The blur shots add interest in fast moving sports. Choose a slow shutter speed, consider the background, track your subject, a tripod may behind, use autofocus and release the shutter as you track your subject. Tips
Sideline What's happening off the field can be just as interesting as what's on the field. Check out the players and fans on the sideline for a unique perspective.
Prepare Plan for annoying bugs if the sport you choose is outdoors. Carry a small can of bug repellent to stop pesky critters from running your experience. And of course, water and snacks are always tucked away in my camera backpack.
So you're not a sports fan, search for festivals and cultural events in your area. These can be most interesting and colorful.
Now get out there and enjoy some fall photo fun!
Stay tuned for a future post were I will attempt to WOW you with fall colors....
© Sandra LaForge Photography