Tag Archives: Assignment

Assignment, Photography

Photographing a belly dancer Part 3

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A change of attire for a different mood–Getting different looks for their models is often a goal for photographers. It can be something as simple as letting their hair down and introducing a colored backlight. Here is the setup for the lights.

Before you tear down the set sometimes you have to ask yourself, “What else can I try? I’m already here.”

Everything is already set up. If you have time, you might as well push the envelope and see.

That’s what I really enjoyed about working with Hadia.

She was up for more.

When she produced the paraffin lamps, I was chomping at the bit.

Now we were literally playing with fire and turning up the heat.

If you’re trying this at home, and your model has long hair, have her tie it up for safety sake. Continue reading Photographing a belly dancer Part 3 →

Assignment, Photography

The once sought-after newspaper staff photographer position Part 1

A while back a visitor,  photojournalist Nick Morris, suggested perhaps some insight into a newspaper photographer’s day might be of interest to you.

That’s a valid point since consistently many visitors arrive here  on the post I wrote about Sports and Freelance photography.

Even though I’ve been gone from the business for 6 years, I’m fairly confident some of these details are still accurate.

As I write this, I wonder though how relevant this is, considering how the newspaper industry is struggling.

Six years ago when I left, there were 20 photographers where I worked.

Today, they have 7 staff photographers.

The most recent departure from their photo department was perhaps 2 weeks ago.

Anyway, in no particular order of importance, here are some of the highlights which might interest you.

Continue reading The once sought-after newspaper staff photographer position Part 1 →

Assignment, Photography

Knowing your limitations is a good thing

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tamrac_bag

Know your gear–That usually means how to use not just the camera but the software whether it’s Lightroom, iPhoto, Photoshop or even just Picasa. Never wait till an important job to try something new.

I got a frantic email the other day from a former student, now a pretty good friend. He needed to hire me as his photo assistant.

He’s been doing a lot of work for the local university specifically their athletic department.

Retired and obviously not needing the money, he loves shooting and I think the university is getting a great deal.

They provide him with season tickets and he does whatever they want him to do whenever they need him. In return he gets to shoot a lot of sports.

I highly recommend doing that if you are really into sports.

But there comes a time when you have to pay heed to what Dirty Harry says “Man’s got to know his limitations.”

Continue reading Knowing your limitations is a good thing →

Assignment, Photography

Do you need to travel far for pictures?

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llama

Luck favors the prepared–While driving in Garner Valley, California, I came across this trio. If you drive a lot, it’s always a good idea to have your camera with you. Keep a notebook handy as you’re driving or walking around to make notes of promising situations. With digital cameras available on your cellphone, you don’t even need to write. A shot of the scene and the street signs should jog your memory when you need to recall where it was. You may not even have to shoot the street signs if you have those smartphones which are GPS enabled and can geo-tag.

Ever since I left the newspaper, I haven’t been driving very much except for picking up the kids, dropping them off and running the usual errands around the city.

I used to be a road warrior, meaning my car was my office. There were days I would drive 2 hours (one-way), hop out of the car to make a quick portrait, hop back in the car and then drive back to the newspaper.
Continue reading Do you need to travel far for pictures? →