Spring in Bloom: Wildflower Photography

May is the perfect time for taking pictures of wildflowers and nature in full bloom. The rains of April have quenched the lands and helped create the beauty you now wish to capture.

Evaluate the Angles:
Don’t rush to shoot the first pretty flower that strikes your fancy. Study it from a variety of angles and evaluate your options looking through your lens. Move about, experiment with top shots, side views, low points and off-center options. The beauty of wildflowers is multifaceted, and your location and vantage point can illustrate those variances.

Clue in on Contrasts:
Look for contrasts in color and texture when surveying your wildflower patch. For example, see if you can incorporate both the bright purple blooms with a nearby yellow bud, or include a smooth petal with a textured leaf. You may need to experiment with angles and positioning to include contrast but the end result will be well worth the effort!

Don’t Overdo It
When presented with a large field of flowers, it’s tempting to shoot a broad image to try to encompass the entire area but these images often fall short of showing the appropriate scale. Feel free to take a few in this manner but then start focusing on a key flower or bloom and experiment with your depth of field to see if you can also include part of the vast floral background.

Wind and Light:
Some flowers need the warmth of the sun to open, so consider shooting in the morning hours. Wind can also be an obstacle in getting great wildflower photos, so the mornings are often better as wind tends to pick up later in the day. If bright sunlight or reflections are becoming an issue, consider using a skylight or UV filter to combat the harshness of the sun. We have a variety of specialty filters to consider: Filters

Watch it on the Roadside:
Our nation’s highways are bringing us some of the most fantastic wildflower eye candy this season. For example, in Texas, IH-10 seems to be paved with bluebonnets for miles on end. These attractions lure countless admirers to pull over to take photographs, but please take extra care when doing this. Survey your area to find a safe spot to park and make sure you’re shooting far enough away from traffic so as not to be a distraction or cause an accident.

Tips for Excellent Easter Shots

The Easter holiday brings family and friends together in a time set for celebration, connection and…chocolate!  This year, consider putting a new spin on your Easter photos and using your camera to not only capture the festivities but to help create them!

Photo Treasure Hunt:   If a hunt for Easter baskets or the elusive ‘golden egg’ is part of the tradition of your holiday, consider using your camera as a fun ‘map’ to help your kids find the treasure!  Use printed photographs as clues—but take the pictures so each item is distorted or shot extremely close up.  Once the kids guess what’s in the picture, they’ll know where to search next.  Keep your camera handy so you’ll be able to photograph them once they’ve found the secret hiding location of their Easter goodies.

Impromptu Family Portraits:  If you have family members that have traveled to spend time with you this Easter, don’t forget to shoot a family portrait.  It doesn’t have to be fancy but you’ll want to make sure you have a tripod so that you’re included in the photos!  We have a number of high quality ones here: http://www.promaster.com/tripods

Capturing Kids on the Hunt:  Photographing kids can be notoriously challenging at times but add in the promise of free goodies and all bets are off—those little ones will turn into bolts of lightning! In instances like this, take a tip from those who shoot sports photography and make sure you’re in position to get the best pictures.  Survey the outdoor area and consider which locations will allow you to best photograph their expressions and their discoveries.  

Shoot on their Level:  Photographing children often means trying to capture their experiences as they see them, so make sure not to tower over them (unless you’re creating a specific overhead shot).  Try shooting at their level and even get down low to photograph the Easter egg hunt and other festivities.  The result can create a more authentic and expressive image of your subject.

Don’t Forget the Prints:  Uploads and emails of photos are great methods of sharing photographs but when it comes to holidays and special events, makes sure to order a set of prints to send to loved ones.  While all of today’s digital technology is fun and easy, getting gorgeous printed photographs in the mail is more special than ever.  You can upload your print order here: Cooters Camera Order Prints

Photographing Pets

For many people, pets are an important part of the family.  They provide companionship, affection, protection and a healthy dose of laughter.  However, capturing your pet’s personality—or even getting him to sit still—can be a real challenge, but with a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll find that photo that truly captures your furry friend’s fun disposition. 

Keep it Natural:  When it comes to lighting, try to shoot using available light even if you’re indoors.  Perhaps you can use the light coming in from a nearby window.  If possible, forgo using your camera’s flash.  In addition to possibly startling your pet and hindering his cooperation, the flash can also keep you from capturing your pet’s coat color accurately. However, if your pet has an all-black coat, a flash or direct outdoor sunlight can be an advantage because it will help bring out subtle shadings and variations that make your pet unique.

Follow Your Pet:  When it comes to posing your pet, it’s best to meet him where he is at that moment.  If he’s resting, consider taking a few shots from a distance first.  Move in slowly and deliberately.

Frame Shots Tight:  When it comes to taking pictures of pets, a great zoom lens can work wonders. Whenever possible, fill the frame with your shot and shoot a bit tighter than you’re used to as it will create a more intimate and personal pet portrait.  If you’re looking for a new lens, we have a number of PROMASTER models designed to deliver high quality at a competitive price:  http://www.promaster.com/digital

Include Your Kids:  If you have children, this is a wonderful family project and a great way to spend time after school one afternoon.   Enlist your child to help with posing and using toys or other enticements to get your pet to look in a certain direction or to create an ‘action’ shot of him retrieving a toy.  You can capture some great interaction between your kids and your pet; just let the events unfold and shoot away.  Trying to control the interaction may end up stifling the images and losing the lightness you’d hoped to capture.

Let it Go:  Photographing pets can be challenging at times, and if your pet isn’t cooperating, put the camera away and try another time.  After a nice long walk or a game of catch, your pet may feel more cooperative and you can try again. 

Spring Break Photography Tips!!

You can almost hear the squeals of glee coming from kids and adults alike when Spring Break arrives.  After plodding through winter weather, school, work and family commitments, the promise of a few days of freedom is enough to boost anyone’s spirits.  If you’re one of those lucky souls with a getaway planned during Spring Break week, here are a few tips to help you prepare to return with some fantastic photographs:

Pack the Right Gear:  Make sure you’ve got the right equipment for your trip.  If you want to travel light, you may find it best to choose your compact camera in lieu of your DSLR; however, if your destination includes some amazing scenery and landscapes, you may find it’s well worth taking your DSLR to ensure you are prepared to capture the grandeur of your location.  And remember to pack the battery charger, a lens cleaning cloth and an extra memory card.  It will only take a few minutes to properly prepare and it will be time very well spent.  If you need to pick up a memory card for your trip, we carry some of the best on the market:  http://www.promaster.com/memory

See the Signs:  While on your travels, make sure to photograph any interesting signs that display the uniqueness for your location.  Clever street names, signs displaying unusual warnings (Javalina crossings, anyone?) and mile markers can add a very local and interesting element to your vacation library of photographs.

Define the Essence:  Each location has its own personality, its own attributes and distinctive markers.  While on vacation, think about what words you’d use to describe your vacation spot.  Having that clarity will help you with your storytelling and assist in identifying those sights that articulate your vision.

A New Twist on Famous Landmarks:   If you’re traveling to a well-known landmark, park or destination, take the opportunity to photograph it in a new and interesting way.  Look at corresponding architecture, foliage and surroundings to see how to take a familiar sight and uncover a new way of viewing it.  Experiment with zoom, distance, angle and lighting to unearth an interesting new perspective.

Tips for People Who Hate Photo Editing

Digital photography technology has given us so many great new tools with which to experiment and improve our images.  Image editing software allows us to correct blemishes, add special effects and color correct images to our heart’s content.  However, when it comes to image editing and correction, it can often become a crutch that actually ends up taking MORE time overall, and time seems to be our most scarce resource these days.  Managing your total time invested in an image is particularly important if you make a living as a photographer.  Even if you just love snapping shots on the weekends, a little bit of preparation on the front end can ensure you get great shots that require very little, if any, post processing.

Benefits of Custom White Balance:   A custom white balance can save all kinds of post-processing time and the CWB is particularly useful this time of year when many of us are shooting winter snow scenes.  If the sun is bright, a CWB will come in very handy in making sure your snow doesn’t have a blue cast.  You may wish to lower your exposure value (EV) since your primary subject (snow) will be lighter than your background.

These techniques are also beneficial to those who prefer not to become masters of an image editing program.  Become a master of your camera technique instead.

Is it Better to Be Overexposed or Underexposed?  When it comes to your digital images, it is usually better—if given the choice—to underexpose and image rather than overexpose it.  This is one area where an image editing program can really help you in a pinch as they have tools to help pull detail from the darker shadow areas.  If an image is overexposed, or ‘blown out,’ there will likely be very little detail that can be salvaged.  We believe this same advice applies to celebrities…underexposure is definitely better.

Benefits of a UV Filter:  Did you know that ultraviolet rays can have an impact on your images? These rays can make your images appear hazy or blurred.   Our Promaster  Digital HGX UV filter is a multipurpose fine-weather filter for color as well as black and white photography. The exclusive PROMASTER REPELLAMAX element resistant coating repels moisture, fingerprints, dust, dirt, and grime to ensure the sharpest image possible.   As an additional bonus, this filter can double as a lens protector! Learn more about this quality UV filter here: 

http://www.promaster.com/digital

Sports Photography Tip:

When it comes to photographing winter sports, it’s often the athlete’s expressions that pull us into the shot.  Next time you’re shooting a sporting event, think about the best position to occupy that would allow you to capture your subject’s expression during key moments.   Try to spend a few minutes before the event starts to scout a location that will let you capture the exhilaration of the athlete as well as the action.

Why a Photography Hobby is Good for Women’s Health

Today’s women find themselves with more tasks than time and juggling multiple roles that each have a long to-do list attached.  For those ladies who say they don’t have the time to explore their love of photography, we’d like to share some good news.  It turns out that a photography hobby can improve your health. 

Dr. Elizabeth Weidmer-Mikhail, director of the women’s psychiatry program at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, stresses the importance of actively engaging in a hobby to deal with the tangible physical and emotional stresses that women manage during days filled with caring for others.

"Women need to do things that are soul-feeding that aren’t aimed at gratifying others,” Weidmer-Mikhail said. "Women need to take care of things, to do things that promote emotional growth. Find a satisfying hobby that doesn’t involve making money or drawing attention to yourself. It will increase your sense of self-worth, which leads to better health all around.”

Many medical professionals point to the benefits of a hobby to help with stress-reduction and related ailments.  Photography is a wonderful choice because of the flexibility, low-cost of entry and creativity that can be explored. 

So, the next time we send you an announcement about an upcoming event or workshop and you automatically think, “I wish I could go but I just can’t get away,” please reconsider.  You do so much for those around you, and by enjoying your photography hobby and making time for yourself; you will also benefit your loved ones. 

Intermidiate Digital SLR

Intermediate  Digital SLR

March 6th. and 20th 

Directed towards SLR users and those with cameras having creative controls, Exposure, relationships between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to achieve correct exposure, creative metering, exposure compensation, depth of field control, bracketing, & more advanced flash tech. etc.  

• Understanding shutter speed and apertures
• Manipulating depth of field 
• Using ISO  manipulation over flash 
• Composition tips 

Cost of class $45.00 

Length and time of class: 90 minuets   Starting at 2PM

*please note, due to limited space, prepayment is required to reserve your seat in any class.
 

Beginner Digital SLR

 Beginner Digital SLR  

March 6th. and 20th. 

Basic photography skills, good for compact camera users and SLR users, 

featuring selective use of focus, composition, incl. rule of thirds, leading lines,

framing, basic use of flash, etc.

• Goes over the benifits of a D-SLR
• How to use the features and functions of your camera
• Shooting techniques

Cost of Class  $30.00

Length of Class :  60-75 minuets  Starts at 12 noon 

*please note, due to limited space, prepayment is required to reserve your seat in any class.

Turning Your Photography Hobby into a Business

Many a business guru will attest to the importance of following your passions when it comes to starting a business.  If you love photography and have entertained the notion of turning your hobby into a side business, here are a few tips:

What is Your Specialty?  Are you interested in shooting weddings, seniors or other portrait-related venues?  Are you hoping to expand into commercial photography for real estate developers and similar interests? While you may want to do all of it, consider specializing in one niche arena until you have built up a reputation and client list.  You can expand into new areas once you get your footing.  

Get Notable:  You’ll want to start brainstorming in a notebook to explore you ideas and possible obstacles to getting your business off the ground.  Keep it with you and write down ideas as inspiration strikes.  The written process can also help you uncover new avenues that may not reveal themselves otherwise.

Start Local:  Think about who might be in need of your services? Many small businesses have digital cameras but not the discerning eye to create a compelling image for their brochures, websites and sales materials. 

Sharpen Your Business Skills:  A thriving photography business is as much about powerful marketing as it is about high quality photography.  If you don’t feel you have the marketing and promotion savvy needed, enlist a partner or someone who can assist you in building the ‘business’ part of your new venture. 

Be Social:  Let your Facebook friends and Twitter followers know that you’re now open for business.  You never know where a new lead will come from, and your friends may help you spread the word about your new gig. 

Stop in Our Store:  We’d love to help you with your new venture.  Let us help you determine if you need any additional equipment or evaluate the camera and accessories you already own.  For example, we have a wide range of high quality studio lighting. 

http://www.cooterscamera.com/lighting

 Maybe we can help you spread the word as well!

Digital Beginner Class

 Digital Beginner  Class

March 6th. and 20th.

This is a class that will cover

• What the button and icons are and how to use them 

• How to maximize the abilities of you cameras zoom and flash functions

• Photo composition

This class last's 60-75 Minutes and starts at 10am

Cost of the class is $30.00

*please note, due to limited space, prepayment is required to reserve your seat in any class.

 

Camera Batteries in Cold Weather

Camera Batteries in Cold Weather:    Shooting in extremely cold weather can be tough on your camera.  Did you know that cold batteries don’t work as well as warm ones?  In fact, a cold battery can actually mimic a dead one when exposed to extremely frigid temperatures.  Keep an extra set of batteries inside a warm jacket pocket (some people tuck them inside a sock in their camera bags!) and change the batteries out half-way through a shoot or event to make sure your camera is ready when the action hits.

Picture Dictionary: Histogram

Picture Dictionary:  Histogram:  Ever wonder what that black and white graph is that sometimes shows up on your camera’s LCD screen?  It’s called a histogram, and it’s essentially a representation of the contrast and dynamic range in each image.  The histogram shows a range of 0-255 with the value of zero being black and white valued at 255. You’ll find the ‘true white’ illustrated at the far right of the graph and the ‘true black’ on the far left.  A well-exposed image will show points close to both ends.