winter sunrise at the lake, lake monticello, palmyra, virginia | rod nasbe / photography
Read more..
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
evolution of a business card | rod nasbe / photography
concept (above)
mockup (below)
final (below)
Read more..
Thursday, January 14th, 2010
tips for outdoor portrait sessions | rod nasbe photography
tips for outdoor portrait sessions
scheduling
● agree on a definite date, time, and place for the shoot
● given uncertain weather forecasts, remain flexible to continuing the shooting in changed conditions, to changing the location, to taking a rain delay, or to postponing the shoot to another day
● bright sunny days are fine, but shooting in the middle of the day can be challenging, with harsh bright and dark areas
● the photographer’s “golden hour” at sunset can be a beautiful time of day
● cloudy days are a photographer’s friend, as they provide a natural light diffuser, helping to eliminate unwanted shadows
● even rain and snow can make for fun sessions and interesting portraits
dress
● wear an outfit that you feel good in
● wear clothes and colors that suit you
● simple color scheme
● solid colors are almost always good
● darker colors are more slimming
● lighter tones can emphasize body size
● scoops or vnecks flatter shorter necks and full faces
● turtlenecks are better for longer necks and slender faces
● dress everyone in similar style clothing - casual vs formal
● coordinate colors
● jeans and sweaters always look good outdoors
● match socks and shoes to outfit
● wear fun socks, shoes
● avoid hats that might cast a shadow over the face
● avoid jewelry that would distract from the face
posing
● relax
● ignore the camera
● interact with others in your group
● realize that many shots are taken to find a few keepers
● trust the photographer to delete unflattering images
● don’t pose or expect the photographer to pose you
● instead, be natural and respond to general directions from the photographer
● be prepared to change position, setting, clothing, props all in an effort to capture natural looking postures, gestures, and expressions
● strike a natural position – standing, sitting, lying down, upside down
● play, experiment with various poses
● point your nose away from the camera – a bit down, a bit to the side – while extending your chin just a little
● look at the camera sometimes
● but, mostly look elsewhere
● don’t feel you have to smile
● smile whenever you feel like it
● on bright sunny days, expect the photographer to turn your back to the sun, to avoid squinty faces
● look lovingly at your partner
● if you look at the camera, look lovingly there, too
Read more..
Friday, January 1st, 2010
tips for preparing a home for photography | rod nasbe / photography
PREPARING EXTERIORS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
• mow the lawn, trim edges, prune foliage
• remove cars
• stage outdoor areas as lived-in rooms
• eliminate outdoor furniture that does not match design standard of main subject
• remove grills, toys, hoses
• put away garbage cans
• sweep and hose down paved surfaces, brick patio, concrete pool surround, driveways, walkways to darken them
• adjust blinds and curtains (either completely open or all at the same level)
PREPARING INTERIORS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
general
• remove all clutter
• remove family photos
• conceal trash containers
• keep newspapers out of sight
• make sure rugs lie flat
• remove unsightly rugs
lights / lamps / fans
• open window blinds and drapes to reveal the view
• turn inside lights on
• conceal lamp cords, electrical devices
• fans off
pets
• conceal pets
• remove pet food bowls and toys
windows
• adjust window, curtains, blinds to be at same level
• window boxes are fine if they do not block the view
foyer
• make sure the entry way looks clear
• shoes and coats out of sight
kitchen
• clear papers and other clutter from tabletops and counters
• ensure dishes are put away
• remove rags and towels from faucets and ovens
• remove collections from top of cabinets or counters
• clear the island
• remove toaster, microwave, coffee pot, etc., from view
• clear the refrigerator
• conceal the kitchen garbage
• empty the sink and put the soap under the sink
dining room
• add table settings to dining room table
• add fresh flowers, candles
• avoid half-filled glasses
living room / family room
• ensure that art and lampshades are hanging straight
• pick up any piles of books and magazines from the floor or coffee table
• remove family photos
• clear clutter from mantles and pianos
• pick up toys
• remove distractions
• add glowing fire or arrange logs for fire
• remove fire screens
• eliminate fire tools
bedroom
• beds neatly made
• make sure bottom edge of dust ruffle meets, and is parallel with, the floor
• clothes in the hamper
• clear clutter from dressers and bedside tables
bathroom
• remove medicines, bottles, wastebaskets, small rugs, hair driers, etc., from view
• make sure towels are hung neatly, straight
• shower/bath items should be placed out of sight
• toilet lids down
• arrange a few perfume bottles, soap bars
• coordinate towels, folded neatly
• use flowers to conceal unwanted items
Read more..
Friday, January 1st, 2010