Photography Tip

Since all beginner photographers start out shooting Ambient Light (natural light) it is best to put your self in the BEST light so to speak for great portrait work. So the time of day matters most and the light at the begging and end of the day is best. Also days that have consistent thin clouds make for some great soft light. So to recap...

Shoot at the beginning or end of the day

Choose days with consistent thin clouds for amazing soft light

Also try to create images that shape the face. Flat light or even light across the face doesn't shape the face and won't make for a more interesting photo.

Happy Shooting...

mZ

At the Farm

A few images from my farm location. Yes you can book this both for portraits and get a chance to photographer here at workshops. Amazing location that is second to none that can ad that special look. Why get your images taken at the same place everyone else does? Ault Park anyone! 

New Computer

Just upgraded my main system to top of the line Apple iMac. Its an amazing machine and SO FAST!

4 ghz, 24 GB Ram, 512 SSD Drive, 4 GB Video Ram, 5K 27 inch monitor.

I been using Macs for years and IMO they are they best computer you can buy. However when getting a new system they are so much work to get everything ready for production work. It will be worth it but now I must get off all my content on my two other older computers. Lots of work ahead of me but it will be worth it.

You should see this screen. Amazing!

Canon or Nikon?

I wanted to talk about Canon and Nikon. I have been a Canon shooter for most of my professional life and I have had experience with the Canon 40D, 5D mark II and the 5D mark III. All great camera's but I am just not feeling the love like I once did with Canon!

I am a fanatic about print quality and dynamic range and I feel as if Nikon is just giving you more for your money. In short my D600 outshoots my 5D mark III as far as the quality of the RAW files are concerned. This is so apparent in the shadow detail on the D600. I would say 3 to 6 stops of pull depending on your starting ISO. There is so much info in these D600 files its amazing, really amazing! The dynamic range is amazing!

With that being said the 5D's did make me a better shooter from the simple fact as you just needed to pay more attention. Its ability to get great skin tones is key and in general I like the files it produces. They just look better... however I am seeing my new 5D mark III seem to be 1 stop to dark in most settings. Even when shooting full manuel I feel I have to shoot a stop of 2 brighter to get the look I am going for? Its just seems to meter darker than I would like and the meter in general wasn't as accurate.

So basically I shoot both Nikon and Canon and both still have advantages and disadvantages but I am starting to learn in Nikon's direction. I will have a more in-depth review of the D600 vs. 5D mark III soon.

So at this point Nikon's sensors across the line are far superior that Canon's. Even Canon's latest camera is not even as good as some of Nikon's entry level cameras? Sorry Canon your behind for now? Nikon wins easy...

mZ

Want to be a pro photographer?

One bright sunny day you were dreaming a bit and thought maybe I could become a pro photographer. You know the ones who travel and shoot at all those exotic locations working with all those pretty and famous people. The ones that charge lots of money and have lots of fun. Can't be that hard right? All I have to do is buy that awesome camera I saw at Cost Co, Walmart, Bestbuy (sales person said is would take great pictures) and push a button. Sounds like fun. RIght?

Well for all those who are newbies and just thinking about starting a photography business here is a link you should take a look at. I found this one day that really shows what a true pro does vs. what other think you do. Check it out... its an eye opener!

The secret life of a wedding photographer. Or any pro really...

This is something that I will be going over and over for years to come but the industry is changing and you better be ready to succeed in this super competitive world of pro photography. Its not all rainbows and sunshine. With that being said if you can navigate the pitfalls it can be a fun and rewarding career.

With that being said if your are a customer think about who your hiring and you do get what you pay for. Take 10 minutes to educate your self why hiring the lady down the street is not the best idea and in reality in not a pro but someone who just so happens to have a better camera than you do. That fact does not mean they are a photographer. 

I am going to start bloging

I have stayed away from giving my personal feelings on subjects related to photography and the state of the professional photography. I have been asked many times what I think about this and about that but it never felt right to publicly say anything. I think now is the time where I must add my two cents so to speak. 

I promise to be honest and try my hardest not to make too many spelling and grammars errors. More importantly I might say things that could be hard for some to hear. I think photography is a strange place these days and for people who just want to hear positive stuff don't read this blog. 

Lets see how long I can keep this up? I think in the end that will be the hardest part!

mZ