Tips for Taking a Killer Selfie

Here are some simple tips that anyone can apply.

Selfies are so much fun and you probably have several stored on your smartphone. How many times have you had to take a dozen different shots just to get one killer selfie that you’re happy with? Below are some easy tips that you can try the next time a selfie moment strikes.

• Double check how you look. Before shooting your next selfie, give yourself a quick once-over to check your makeup or for any bits of hair that might be sticking up.
• Check your lighting. Any good photo needs great lighting so pose in a place that is well lit or has lots of natural light.
• What’s in the background? We have all seen selfies where the background was filled with dirty laundry or had another person in it. Make sure that your background is flattering.
• Play with angles. Not everyone looks the same at different angles. Play around with what works best for you and use that going forward. Try taking photos from a left or right angle and from above. Some say that holding the camera just above your eye line is the perfect angle. You can also try angling your shoulders differently for a more flattering effect.
• Use your neck. To avoid any double chins, extend your neck and chin forward slightly to accentuate your neck and jawline.
• It’s ok to edit. Once you’re happy with the shot it’s ok to crop it slightly or even add a filter or effect for a more unique selfie. If the background is too distracting, you can even crop it out completely.
• Have fun with it. While there is a place for your more posed selfies, don’t be afraid to get a little silly, laugh and have fun. If you happen to be doing something interesting such as trying a new smoothie or putting on your snorkelling gear, take a quick shot.

The post How to Take a KIller Selfie appeared first on Stunning Sydney Pet Photography by John Dowling Photography.

Why Your Photos Should Be Printed By a Pro

Professional printing makes a world of difference.

When researching photographers and their pricing, you might notice that some packages include digital photo files, or they may give you that option as an add-on to your package. This allows you to archive the images on your computer or share them on social media. But if you are planning to rush to the photo lab around the corner to have those photos printed, you may want to give it a second thought and arrange to have them printed by a pro.

Yes, you have just paid a professional photographer to take your photos and you want to save some money but by not getting a professional to print your photos, you won’t be getting the full effect of the time and effort that went into those images.

So why should you get a professional to print your photos?

There is a reason that your photographer spends hours editing your photos. They aim to perfect the colours and sharpness of the images so that it is a work of art and not just another photo. They will also often have their monitors calibrated with the professional printing company that they use. Your local photo lab is not a professional photo lab and the person who will print your photos most likely will not have a background in photography or a trained eye, and they have not been trained in colour theory.

Your photographer has access to a professional lab and has built a strong working relationship with them. These professional printers use professional grade paper, inks and machines that you won’t find at a regular store, which is why they cost a little extra. Trained technicians also monitor the printing process to ensure that you receive the very best quality of images. By investing a little extra in your prints with your photographer, you ensure that they last longer because better materials were used.

There is, of course, a place for your 1 hour-print labs but if you’re looking to print photos for the walls in your home then having your photos professionally printed is well worth the investment.

The post Why Your Photos Should Be Printed By a Pro appeared first on Stunning Sydney Pet Photography by John Dowling Photography.

What’s Behind Those Photography Prices

Photography prices may seem exorbitant at times but read on and see what you’re paying for when you hire a professional photographer.

When you start shopping around for a professional photographer the photography prices can sometimes seem quite daunting. What very few consumers realise though is that there is a lot more to photographing your event than just clicking a button at the right time.

So what are you paying for when hiring a professional photographer?

Time is money. 

Just like any other professional, a photographer needs to put in the hours to get the job done. This includes the consultation, travelling to and from the location, shooting the photos, editing and processing the orders. You’d be surprised at how long it takes to get the end result that is finally delivered to you. Once they shoot the photos, it’s not as simple as downloading the images and delivering them to you. They have to process the files, convert it to the correct file type as well as make sizing and colour adjustments to make each image pop.  If your photographer is also creating a book or album for you, they need to spend time designing it too.

Equipment is expensive.

Even though this is a very small part of why photographers charge the prices they do, it’s important to remember that quality equipment plays an important role in being able to produce the photos that they do. Professional equipment not only allows for the production of high-quality images, it also gives photographers the ability to work in areas with less than favourable lighting conditions or at venues where using a flash is prohibited.

They have spent years acquiring a very specific skill.

Photography, like any other profession, requires experience and specific skills. From knowing what lighting and camera settings to use, to knowing how to pose people and help them feel comfortable in front of the camera.  Great photographers don’t rush the editing process either, it takes time to produce the desired result and turn your photo into a work of art that you’ll proudly want to display in your home. 

It’s still a business.

A professional photographer is still running a business, which means they will more than likely have overhead costs such as rental fees for their studio and the upkeep of equipment. Photographers also need to budget for professional association fees, equipment and liability insurance and fees for courses that will allow them to stay ahead by continuously honing their craft.

A professional photographer who is dedicated to their art and willing to go the extra mile for their clients is always well worth the price.   

The post Photography Prices appeared first on Stunning Sydney Pet Photography by John Dowling Photography.

How to Build a Beautiful Photo Gallery Wall

Ideas for creating a photo wall in your home.

Even though we store all of our photos digitally, nothing quite beats displaying beautiful photos of your family and friends around your home. A gallery wall can be a great focal point in your home but in order to get the perfect end result, your photo wall will need some planning.

Choosing Your Wall

The wall that you see when you first walk into a room is often the perfect spot for a photo wall if you’re looking to make it the main focus of the room. If you would prefer a more subtle option then look for an area that doesn’t have any décor or space where regular artwork might not work, such as the area next to a stairway or the narrow part of a wall that divides two rooms.

Choosing a Layout

There are countless photo wall layouts that you can use to build your gallery. Pinterest offer tons of inspiration. The best thing to do once you have your heart set on a specific layout is to cut out the shapes of your frames and use masking tape to create a mock layout on your wall. You might find that you need to switch a few of the frames around or relook at the design completely.

Choosing Your Frames & Photos

Most designers would suggest that neutral colours work the best when designing your photo gallery but sometimes adding a pop of colour in-between the frames also looks amazing. You might prefer to choose frames in one colour then opt for different sizes and styles to change things up a bit. Placing an antique frame in-between your more modern frames gives the wall a unique touch. If you decide to use different colours and styles of frames then try printing your photos in black and white. Remember, your photos should always be the focal point.

Want To See What Your Photos Will Look Like In Your Own Home?

A photo gallery in your home is a great alternative to traditional décor and wall art so take the time to make it special.

The post How to Build a Photo Gallery Wall appeared first on Stunning Sydney Pet Photography by John Dowling Photography.