ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHTED AND THE SOLE PROPERTY OF HEAVENLY RADIANCE PHOTOGRAPHY
October 18th, 2010
August 10th, 2010
***ALL IMAGES WERE TAKEN BY HEAVENLY RADIANCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHTED!
August 5th, 2010
Let’s face the facts; lugging a tripod isn’t always a fun way to take pictures. Ignoring the obvious complaints, which include their size and weight, tripods are actually becoming banned in a number great shooting locations. Unfortunately, hand holding a camera in low light can be extremely difficult and many honest attempts result in soft images.
Thankfully, any of these three techniques will greatly improve the likelihood of sharp hand-held images.
A. Correcting the stance
Most photographers are familiar with how to hold a digital camera in their hands, but most ignore the important aspect of body position. Many people lean forward, leaving their arms to hold the camera steady. Much like lifting a heavy object, the weight is best handled by your legs so adapt your step to fit these guidelines:
- Hold the camera with both hands. The left hand will be on the lens, while the right holds the camera body and controls the shutter.
- Take a half step forward and keep your knees bent. This will distribute your weight equally over both legs.
- Bring the camera up to your common shooting position. For dSLR cameras, this means with the viewfinder held firmly in front of your right eye, while compact cameras should be held at eye level, about 15 cm in front of the face.
- Squeeze your elbows tightly against your sides. The left forearm should be completely vertical and behind your toes. Avoid the temptation to lean forward and take the weight off your legs; leaning forward will result in camera shake.
- Take a deep breath and let the air out. Before taking the next breath, press the shutter as gently as possible.
B. A pocket-sized tripod
While tripods are awkward to carry, this technique will add a pocket-sized solution to low-light shooting situations.
- Before going out shooting, cut a string that equals your height and keep it in your pocket or camera bag.
- At the low-light shooting location, take the string out and loop it around the camera lens. Let the extra string fall to the ground.
- Step on the loose end of the string and slowly raise the camera to your eye. Carefully pull the string taunt, while making sure not to pull hard enough to effect the camera-to-lens connection.
- With the string pulled tight, stand in the same position described in the first technique, and gently push the shutter.
C. The Joe McNally Grip
Photographer Joe McNally, best known for his speed-lighting techniques, regularly shoots for publications like Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, and the now defunct Life Magazine. Despite shooting in various lighting situations, he rarely uses a tripod. Instead, he uses his own grip style that requires shooting with the left eye. With a little practice, this grip allows photographers to handhold with really slow shutter-speeds.
- Follow the same foot position as technique one, with the left foot in front of the right, shoulder width apart.
- Turn your upper body so that your left shoulder is pointing towards your subject.
- Holding the camera with your right hand, bring the camera up and set it on your shoulder. The corner of the camera body should sit in the small hole behind your collarbone.
- Use your left hand to brace the camera against your body. Anchor your weight equally on both feet, and lower your left eye to the viewfinder. Take the shot after letting out a deep breath.
May 23rd, 2010
Dan and Jamie wanted a beach wedding and what a beautiful day for it! Congratulations Dan & Jamie!!!
May 12th, 2010
What a day to remember! Melissa and Brandon will always remember their Wedding Day with all the last minute juggling that had to be done before the Wedding. We had to move locations due to weather conditions at the last minute. It turned out to be a beautiful wedding! Thank you for letting me be apart of your wedding.
February 19th, 2010
Skyplex Pictures We are preparing for a commercial shoot in Vero Beach this weekend. Skyplex Pictures film crew will be on location for approximately 2 days to complete the shoot. This commercial, once complete, will be airing on ESPN. So this is a high priority project. More info to follow…
By mid March, 2010, we will be working hard on our first feature horror film. This means once we are far enough along on our script, we will be holding auditions. In order to audition, you will be required to bring head shots of yourself taken by a professional photographer. So no bathroom mirror camera shots! Dress well and be punctual! More on the auditions will follow once the time is near.
January 29th, 2010
The 1st Annual Photo Contest gives photographers the opportunity to have their work recognized on our website and the Winner will also receive a FREE photo shoot.
All submitted artwork should be of reproduction quality.
ENTRY FEE: $3 per photo uploaded.
DEADLINE: February 28th, 2010
Categories include: • Everything
January 27th, 2010
Portrait photography is one of the most basic functions of the camera. The art of portrait photography has been around since the camera’s inception and is one of the predominant reasons the camera has become a mainstay device in modern life. We all know this. Camera’s have the power to capture the special memories of life, and there are few better memories than the people you surround yourself with.
But taking a good portraiture is not easy. We all know this as well. How many times has the phrase “one more try” slid past your lips after disappointingly seeing the results on your viewfinder while trying to gather your family or friends for the perfect shot? Conversely, how many photographs have you seen where you wish they did say “one more try” maybe a few more times? In either case, taking a good portrait goes beyond simply snapping the lens at yourself, best friend, family, model, or complete stranger. There is a definite science to the art.
If portrait photography is something you’ve struggled with, or if you feel stuck in the same pattern and want some additional inspiration on different techniques, check out the 21 Beautiful Portrait Photos by member photographers on Imagekind.