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.