Myrtle Beach Photography Tip: Mom’s Taking Photo’s at their Kids Sporting Event

Expensive camera equipment can make all the difference. My daughter is a level 9 gymnast and during gymnastics competitions, flash photography is not allowed. Having the right equipment for this type of situation is crucial. I used a Canon 1D Mark III with a 70 – 200mm F2.8 Canon Lens. Learning what your camera can do and having the equipment to do it is half the battle. These were taken last weekend during the TigerPaw Gymnastics meet in Clemson, SC. Tip of the day: purchase the right equipment, read your equipment manual and practice, practice, practice. Read other posts about action photography, sports photography and other helpful tips on Myrtle Beach Photography’s Blogs and Facebook.

Pet Photography Tip – by Myrtle Beach Photography

I decided to write about pets because it seems that every time I open my Facebook, there are hundreds of photos of friends pictures of their pets.  Taking pictures of your 4 legged family members is not always easy. Pets, unlike humans, do not understand what we are trying to do and won’t just pose for the camera! Here are some tips that will help you help you get the most of your pet photography:

1. Take the Images Where Your Pet Feels Most Comfortable

Go to your pet in his/her natural environment.  It is very important that you pet feels comfortable and at ease, so instead of forcing him to come to you go to him. The best tip is to get down to his level.  Show us the way they see world! Sit on the floor or lie on your belly and remember to shoot from your pets eye level.

2. Use Natural Light

Try to avoid using a flash.  A flash can sometimes frighten the animal so a flash can end you session before it ever begins. In addition, flash causes red eye which we have all encountered.  Instead try to go outside or, if it is not possible, in a room well lit by a large window.

3. Show Their Character

We all know that whether we are taking pictures of our children or our pets, the most valued pictures are the ones that show them as they are.  Try and catch them doing the things they most enjoy.  If your dog, cat, bird etc. likes to play, photograph them playing or sleeping.  Tell their story through photography.

4. Focus On The Eyes

Having sharp eyes is important in any kind of portraits photography. As they say, “Eyes are the Window to the Soul” and pets eye can be very expressive. So make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes and keep the tack sharp

5. Fill The Frame

Fill the frame with your pet’s face and fur, close up shots often make beautiful  portrait.

6. Be Patient

Patience, Patience, Patience.  Talk lots and lots of shots.  Pet photography requires a lot of patience.   No matter how excited your furry friend is, if you are patient enough, he will end up by relaxing and you will have the opportunity to get that shot.

7. The Element of Surprise

Keeping your pet still will be the most difficult task.   Here is a great trick.  Let your pet play or sleep and once you have everything ready, have someone call for him or whistle. This will surprise your pet and catch his attention and you will have a few seconds to that perfect shot.

9. Experiment

Use different angles and compositions. Shoot a lot you will have time to worry about the results later.

10. Have Fun With The Shoot

Don’t stress because your pet will pick up on the tension.  If you have fun, they will have fun.  Remember, lots and lots of shots. 

Top Ten Photography Tips by Kodak

I can’t take credit for these tips.  I found them on the Kodak site.  They did such an excellent job of simplifying and showing examples so I decided to just guide you to the site.  The top ten simple tips are:

1.  Get down on their level
2. Use a plain background
3. Use flash outdoors
4. Move in close
5. Take some vertical shots
6. Lock the focus
7. Move it from the middle
8. Know your flash range
9. Watch the light
10. Be a picture director

Follow these few simple rules and you will look like a pro in no time.

Credit for this post and information goes to Kodak.

Kodak Tips Link (great visuals)

Exciting Promotion For Our Past Customers: Reserve Beach Session By March 31st and Receive $35 Gift Toward Package…

We would like to offer our past customers a special offer by reserving your session prior to March 31st. Our schedule became booked up last summer and our past customers were unable to secure the most valuable times. This year, we would like to open up early family beach session reservations to our most valuable customers. Book between now and March 31st to secure our best available times, and in addition, we will offer you a $35 gift toward your portrait package.

We certainly enjoyed working and photographing your family. We are honored that you included us in your plans.

Should your family desire a family beach portrait session this year, please email us or give us a call at 843-236-5403. We still have your information on file so your booking will be a breeze.

Visit our new website: www.MyrtleBeachPhotography.com.

Visit our new Facebook: Facebook.

For those of you who have not had your beach portrait done in a few years, we have lots of new items including gallery wraps, larger canvas wall portraits, more flexible packages, full resolution CD’s and many other goodies. To purchase gift certificates for family members, call 843-444-5600 or respond to this email and we will take care of everything for you.

Sincerely, The Myrtle Beach Photography Staff

Contact Us

Local: (843) 236-5403 Fax: (843) 236-5405 Toll Free (800) 290-3727

Email: mbp@myrtlebeachphoto.com

Photography Tip by Myrtle Beach Photography: Do you need a filter?

If you only buy one filter…
…make it a polarizing filter.  This filter will protect your lens in addition to giving you a nice contrast to your images.   This is the perfect beginner’s filter, and one that will have the best effect on your day to day photography. A polarizing lens will  give your  skies a vibrant blue tone, your green grass more contrast and give all your  images a greater texture.