photosprouts

Why a Photography Camp Can Transform a Teenager’s Growth

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:40:35 GMT

Why a Photography Camp Can Transform a Teenager’s Growth

Teen years are a powerful stage of growth — a time when young people are forming identity, building confidence, and learning how to see the world for themselves. Through years of teaching in our teen photography program, we’ve seen how photography becomes much more than a creative hobby. With a camera in hand, teenagers develop awareness, responsibility, and confidence that extend far beyond the frame.

Here are some of the most meaningful ways photography can transform a teen.

1. Cultivating Artistic Vision

Photography teaches teens to slow down and notice the details most people overlook — the quality of light, the emotion in a moment, or the relationship between colors and composition. As they practice, they begin to approach everyday scenes with intention, thoughtfully composing images instead of simply taking snapshots. This growing artistic awareness strengthens creativity and helps them develop their own visual voice.

2. Getting Out into the World

A camera encourages curiosity and exploration, giving teens a meaningful reason to step outside their homes and experience the beauty of the real world. During a hands-on summer photography camp, they move away from screens and engage with real environments — city streets, nature, architecture, and people. Many students who start out quiet or reserved gradually become more observant and confident as they explore new locations and discover beauty in moments they might otherwise overlook.

3. Building Discipline and Responsibility

Learning photography naturally introduces structure. During the Camps, teens learn to take good care of the equipment, recharge batteries the night before and backup the photos to a permanent location, arrive on time for group shoots, and work collaboratively with others. These small habits build responsibility, reliability, and a sense of ownership that often extends far beyond photography.

4. Strengthening Presentation and Communication Skills

Photography is not only about creating images but also about explaining ideas. In the Photo Presentation session, teens learn to talk about their creative decisions, describe what they were trying to express, and listen thoughtfully to others. As they present their photos to peers and instructors, they become more comfortable speaking up and expressing their perspective clearly, which often improves confidence far beyond the classroom.

Insights from Educational Psychology

Photography aligns closely with principles that educational psychologists recognize as essential for healthy adolescent development.

1. Building Confidence Through Mastery

When teens create images they feel proud of, they begin to see themselves as capable and creative. For many students, producing a strong photograph becomes a meaningful success moment that reshapes how they view their own abilities. This sense of accomplishment builds confidence that often spills into academics and other areas of life.

2. Developing a Growth Mindset

Photography provides immediate feedback — images can be too dark, out of focus, or poorly timed — but teens quickly learn that these are simply steps toward improvement. By adjusting camera settings and trying again, they experience firsthand that skill comes from effort and practice. Over time, they learn to embrace challenges instead of avoiding them.

3. Supporting Identity and Self-Expression

Adolescence is a period of self-discovery, and photography offers a safe, creative outlet for expressing thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to communicate verbally. Many teens naturally begin creating images that reflect their personality, interests, and perspective, allowing them to explore identity in a meaningful and constructive way.

4. Improving Focus and Attention

Capturing a strong image requires patience and concentration. Teens learn to observe a scene carefully, wait for the right moment, and stay mentally present — a valuable skill in an age of constant digital distraction. This focused attention strengthens cognitive control and mindfulness.

5. Strengthening Visual-Spatial Thinking

Composing photographs trains the brain to understand space, balance, and relationships between objects. As teens adjust angles, position subjects, and frame scenes, they are actively developing visual-spatial reasoning skills that support creativity, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.

6. Supporting Emotional Well-Being

Creative activities like photography can calm the nervous system and provide a healthy way to process emotions. Many teens report feeling more relaxed and grounded when they are focused on photographing nature, light, or meaningful moments. The act of slowing down and observing helps create a sense of calm and emotional balance.

More Than a Photography Class

A well-designed teen summer photography camp does more than teach camera skills. It helps young people become more observant, responsible, expressive, and confident — all while discovering the joy of creativity and real-world exploration.

Through hands-on experiences, guided instruction, and supportive peers, teens learn not only how to take better photos, but also how to see the world — and themselves — in a new way.

Why Some Memories Deserve More Than a Quick Phone Snap

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:52:56 GMT

Why Some Memories Deserve More Than a Quick Phone Snap

These days, everyone with a phone thinks they’re a photographer. Take a quick pic, slap on a filter, and call it art, right? Not even close. Put a phone photo next to a pro’s work, and it’s not even in the same league. The difference isn’t just obvious—it’s a whole different world. A real photographer doesn’t just point and shoot—they know how to capture a moment in a way that actually tells a story. Whether it’s for business, marketing, or just making sure your wedding photos don’t look like they were taken with a potato, hiring a pro is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Technology Makes Pro Photography Even Better

People love to say, “Cameras are so advanced now, anyone can take a great photo.” That’s about as true as saying owning a fancy set of knives makes you a chef. A real photographer doesn’t just have the gear—they know exactly how to use it. Lighting, composition, and timing aren’t things you fix with a filter. And as technology keeps evolving, the difference between a pro and someone with an iPhone is getting more obvious, not less. Take something as simple as converting a PDF to a JPG—sounds boring, but in photography, that kind of flexibility makes a difference ( click here for more info ). A pro understands the tools that keep images sharp, high-quality, and easy to use across different platforms.

Business Photography Needs More Than Just a Good Camera

When it comes to marketing, first impressions are everything. If you think your DIY product shots are good enough to compete in a world where brands are using high-end visuals, think again. Businesses using professional photography don’t just look better—they sell more. It’s not just about having a nice picture; it’s about capturing attention and making people stop scrolling . And with tech like drones and 360-degree cameras, professionals can do things amateurs can’t. A real estate listing with a drone shot will always get more views than one with a couple of dark, grainy pictures from an iPhone. In a crowded market, good visuals aren’t optional—they’re essential.

The Ethics of Photography Matter More Than You Think

Good photography isn’t just about making things look nice—it’s about keeping it real. These days, pictures spread online in seconds, and there’s a big difference between capturing a moment and distorting it. Real photographers know where that line is. They know how to respect boundaries, avoid misleading edits, and keep their work honest. Amateurs? Not so much. That’s why the internet is full of bad Photoshop fails and staged nonsense. A real photographer isn’t just snapping pictures—they’re making sure the story behind them actually holds up.

Photography Is More Global Than Ever

Thanks to social media, photography trends spread fast. One minute, everyone’s obsessed with clean, minimal shots. The next, it’s all about cranking up the saturation and going full vintage. Trends change fast, but real photographers don’t just keep up —they’re the ones setting the bar. Whether it’s travel photography that captures real cultural experiences or commercial shoots that reflect what’s relevant now, pros bring a level of awareness that amateurs can’t match. If you want your images to have impact—not just now, but for years to come—you need a photographer who understands how styles evolve and how to make a picture stand out in an endless sea of content.

AI Is Changing Photography, But It’s Not Replacing Pros

AI is working its way into every industry, and photography is no different. Now, there are tools that can edit photos, tweak lighting, and even suggest better shots . Cool? Sure. But let’s be honest—no algorithm can match the human eye. A real photographer isn’t just looking at pixels; they’re seeing emotion, storytelling, and all the little details AI will never understand. It might clean up a shot or speed up editing, but it won’t magically turn a beginner into a pro. Photography is an art, and no amount of automation can replace skill , instinct, and experience.

Vintage Photography Is Making a Comeback

For all the hype about high-tech photography, there’s also been a huge revival of old-school, vintage-style photography. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s rebellion against the ultra-digital world, but people are craving images with character—grainy textures, rich colors, and natural imperfections. The thing is, getting that vintage look isn’t as simple as slapping a retro filter on your phone. Professional photographers know how to recreate classic film styles in a way that actually looks authentic. Whether it’s through using real film cameras or digital techniques that mimic analog photography, pros understand how to bring the past into the present without making it look gimmicky.

Drones Are Taking Photography to the Next Level

If you’re still taking pictures from eye level, you’re already behind. Drone photography has changed the game, giving photographers the ability to capture perspectives that were impossible just a few years ago. But like anything else, owning a drone doesn’t mean you know how to use it. Professional drone photographers don’t just fly around aimlessly —they know how to frame shots, work with lighting, and follow legal guidelines so they don’t crash into a tree (or worse, someone’s house). From cinematic landscape shots to urban architecture photography, drones add an entirely new dimension to visuals, and pros know how to make the most of them.

At the end of the day, professional photography isn’t just about having a nice picture—it’s about impact. Whether you’re selling something, capturing a big moment, or just trying not to make your brand look amateur, hiring a real photographer is a no-brainer. You wouldn’t trust an amateur to handle your business’s marketing, your wedding memories, or your brand’s image—so why trust them with your photography? The difference between a good photo and a great one isn’t just the camera—it’s the person behind it.

Unlock your photography potential with Photosprouts , and transform your passion into a thriving business with our expert-led workshops and resources!

Which Camera Brand is Best for Beginners? A Hands-On Comparison of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, and Pentax

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:19:04 GMT

Which Camera Brand is Best for Beginners? A Hands-On Comparison of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, and Pentax

Ever feel like choosing your first camera is harder than learning photography itself? You're not alone. Most beginners buy based on a friend's suggestion or a polished YouTube review—only to discover their new camera is confusing, clunky, or just plain frustrating. We've tested all the major brands—Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, and Pentax—and we're here to give you the honest breakdown.

This blog is not sponsored by any camera brands.

As photography instructors who teach photography and has had extensive hands-on experience with Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, and Pentax, we’ve seen firsthand how each brand performs. And here's my honest take:

Canon consistently stands out as the best all-around system, especially for beginners.

Before diving into this post, take a look at an earlier one-- The 7 key criteria we believe every beginner should consider when choosing a camera .

1. Most Beginners Choose Based on Friends or YouTube Reviews (But That’s a Risk)

If you’re just getting into photography, chances are you bought your camera based on a friend’s recommendation or after watching a bunch of YouTube reviews. I get it—those seem like trustworthy sources. But what you often don’t hear about are the camera’s weaknesses.

And that’s when the frustration sets in. You might end up with a system that’s hard to use, unintuitive, and doesn’t grow with your skill level. I’ve seen it happen many times.

2. Focusing: The First (and Most Frustrating) Step

Focusing is the first thing you do when you take a photo, and if that part isn’t intuitive, photography can quickly become discouraging. Here’s how the different brands compare:

Canon: The Gold Standard for User Experience

✅ Easy to Learn : Canon’s user interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly. You can pick up a Canon camera and feel comfortable using it right away.
✅ Fast, Accurate Focusing : Whether you’re photographing a moving subject or shooting in low light, Canon’s Dual Pixel Autofocus is responsive and fast.
✅ Great Image Quality : Rich colors, excellent sharpness, and reliable metering across the board.

Canon strikes the perfect balance between power and ease-of-use, which is why I recommend it in all my workshops.

Sony: Powerful But Frustrating Menus

�� Complicated Menu System : Sony cameras are incredibly powerful, but their menu system is notorious. A small accidental touch can send you into another submenu, and getting out is not always straightforward.
�� Not Beginner-Friendly : Sony prioritizes features and specs over user experience. It’s a system that requires a lot of trial-and-error.

I’ve seen many beginners feel overwhelmed by Sony’s settings and interface, even though the image quality is fantastic.

Nikon: Solid Cameras, But Awkward Focus Logic

�� Focusing Is Not Intuitive : Nikon often struggles with close-range focusing, even when subjects are well within the lens’s minimum distance.
�� Focus Modes Buried in the Rear Buttons : Switching between AF-S, AF-C, and other modes isn’t straightforward. The controls feel unintuitive unless you’ve used Nikon for years.
✅ Good Image Quality : Once you get past the hurdles, Nikon does produce lovely images, but the learning curve is steeper than Canon’s.

Fujifilm: Retro Charm, But Not for Beginners

�� No Standard Exposure Modes : Fuji assumes you already know how exposure works. Instead of a Mode dial (like M, A, S, P), you have to set the shutter speed and aperture manually. Want Aperture Priority? You’ll need to set the shutter dial to A and adjust the aperture ring.

�� Stylish but Steep Learning Curve : Fuji cameras are beautiful and beloved by advanced shooters, but they’re not ideal for learning the fundamentals.

If you're not already confident in your exposure triangle, Fuji can leave you confused and frustrated.

Olympus & Pentax: Niche but Respectable

�� Olympus : Lightweight and great in-body stabilization. A nice choice for travel and street photography. However, the Micro Four Thirds sensor limits image quality and depth of field compared to Canon’s APS-C or full-frame options.
�� Pentax : Solid build and great value, but not widely adopted. Fewer lens options and less intuitive UI compared to Canon. Also, focusing speed lags behind.

Both brands have their strengths but are more suited for hobbyists with specific interests rather than general beginners.

The Verdict: Canon Wins for Beginners (and Stays Relevant as You Grow)

If you're just starting out, the last thing you want is a confusing menu system or a camera that makes basic tasks like focusing feel like rocket science.

Canon makes the entire process seamless—from setup, focusing, and exposure to learning manual mode. It’s reliable, powerful, and accessible. And no, we’re not sponsored—Canon just gets what photographers need, especially those who are learning.

Ready to Learn More?

At Photosprouts Photography Workshops , we teach both beginner and intermediate classes using Canon mirrorless cameras. We’ve tested all the major systems, and that’s why we provide Canon R50 cameras during class. They’re easy to use, powerful enough for advanced work, and let you focus on learning—not fumbling with buttons.

Sign up for our next workshop in San Francisco and feel the Canon difference for yourself.

Cherry Blossom Portraits in the Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco – A Photographer’s Dream

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:05:34 GMT

Creating soft, layered portraits with cherry blossoms and natural light

Every spring, the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco transforms into a serene wonderland filled with delicate cherry blossoms—making it a dream location for portrait photography. At Photosprouts , we took full advantage of the blooming season to create soft, timeless portraits using nothing but natural light .

During our session, I relied entirely on the available light—no flash or reflectors. The soft, filtered daylight gave our images a natural and romantic feel that complemented the setting perfectly.

One of our favorite composition is to sandwich the model between branches of cherry blossoms . This approach creates beautiful depth and visual layers , making your subject stand out while maintaining that ethereal, nature-wrapped look.

The portraits were taken on a Canon R5 paired with the RF 85mm F1.2 lens . I shot in manual mode to control every aspect of exposure (the combination of ISO, aperture and shutter speed), and I widened the aperture to f/1.2 for that buttery smooth background blur that’s perfect for portraiture.

At Photosprouts , we love helping our students master techniques like these in real-life settings. We offer photography workshops for both beginners and experienced photographers every Thursday and Saturday in San Francisco. You don’t even need to bring your own gear— Canon R50 mirrorless cameras are provided during class , so you can focus on learning and capturing great shots. And of course, you can come to the class with your own equipment and learn how to use them.

Interested in portrait photography? On June 21st 2025, we will have the Aesthetic Portraits in Natural Light , which is a perfect opportunity to take your skills to the next level. You’ll learn to harness natural environments, such as finding soft light on a sunny day, creating light and airy portraitures and also dramatic ones using hard light. In addition, you will see yourself pose and direct models with confidence, and photograph professional-quality portraits—just like we do at Photosprouts.

�� Check out our workshops and sign up today

Water Puddles Are Your Secret Weapon in Photography

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 21:47:14 GMT

Water Puddles Are Your Secret Weapon in Photography

When it rains in San Francisco, most people rush indoors. But for photographers? It’s an invitation to create something magical. At Photosprouts Photography School , we teach our students to see the world differently—and that includes spotting beauty in the most unexpected places, like water puddles.

Whether you're a beginner or a budding enthusiast, puddles can become one of your best tools for creative photography. In our in-person photography classes held in San Francisco’s Financial District , we encourage students to explore reflections, symmetry, and perspective—and puddles are perfect for all three.

Why Puddles Are a Photographer’s Friend

1. They Create Stunning Reflections
Puddles act like natural mirrors, reflecting buildings, people, trees, and sky. With the right angle, you can double your subject or create surreal, dream-like compositions.

2. They Add Symmetry and Depth
Symmetry is visually powerful. Shooting a subject reflected in a puddle can add a layer of balance and visual interest that elevates your image.

3. They Turn Ordinary Scenes into Art
A quiet alley or sidewalk becomes a cinematic masterpiece when reflections are involved. Especially in iconic locations like Pier 14 or a rainy street near the Powell Street, puddles bring photos to life.

4. They Encourage Creative Angles
Getting low to the ground and close to a puddle helps you discover unique perspectives. With the flip-screen of the Canon R50 mirrorless camera, the equipment that we provide in the weekly Beginners & Intermediate Workshops, you can get a perfectly symmetrical shot of the reflection and the real world.

5. They’re Perfect for Practice
Capturing puddle reflections helps students sharpen their skills in composition, lighting, and focus—all core parts of our curriculum at Photosprouts.

How to Capture the Reflection on a Water Puddle?

To capture stunning reflections in water puddles—whether you're using a camera or a smartphone—you’ll need to get low. The key is to position your lens as close to the surface of the puddle as possible to fully reveal the mirror-like effect.

With a Camera

With a camera, crouch down or even lie flat if needed, keeping the lens just above the water. If your camera has a flip screen just like the Canon R50 mirrorless camera that we provide, you can use it to your full advantage.

With a Smartphone

If you're using a smartphone, flip it upside down so the lens sits at the lowest point, right near the puddle’s surface. This simple trick makes a big difference, letting you capture clean, dramatic reflections that add depth and symmetry to your shot.

Here's a screen shot of how we demonstrate the technique in the Iphone Photography eBook :

Next Time It Rains...

Don’t stash away your camera—head outside! Look for puddles near curbs, in alleyways, or on park trails. Get low, frame wide, and have fun experimenting. You’ll be surprised how much beauty you can find right at your feet.

Learn Photography with Us in San Francisco

Located in the heart of the San Francisco Financial District, Photosprouts Photography School offers fun, hands-on photography classes for adults and teens. We provide everything you need—including the Canon R50 mirrorless camera, a user-friendly tool that lets you preview exposure and composition directly on the screen.

Our Camera Photography Classes and the Advanced Smartphone Photography Workshop are perfect for anyone who wants to level up their photo game and discover the hidden beauty of everyday scenes (like rain puddles!).

Ready to Learn?
Check out our weekly in-person photography classes in San Francisco and see how you can turn rainy days into photo opportunities. No camera? No problem. We’ve got you covered.

�� Learn More About Our Photography Classes

Follow us on Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

Backlit Portraits: Natural Light vs. Off-Camera Flash (OCF)

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 01:02:00 GMT

Backlit Portraits: Natural Light vs. Off-Camera Flash (OCF)

Understanding the Difference in Style and Technique

This blog is written by:

Photosprouts Photography School San Francisco | Weekly camera photography classes for adults and teens | Canon R50 Mirrorless Camera Provided during class.

When it comes to backlit portrait photography, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you use natural light or off-camera flash (OCF), each method offers a different aesthetic and set of advantages. The key is knowing what kind of vibe you want—and how to achieve it.

First, let’s clarify one key term
When photographers say they’re “exposing for something,” they mean they’re prioritizing that specific part of the image to be properly exposed.

For example, if someone is exposing for the subject, they’ll adjust the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed until the subject looks correctly lit—even if that means the background ends up overexposed or underexposed.

Natural Light: Soft, Airy, and Romantic

The Look
Natural light gives your portrait a light, airy feel. It’s soft, emotional, and often described as dreamy or filled with warmth.

The Risk
Shooting backlit with only natural light can easily lead to overexposed backgrounds as you expose for the subject, especially when the photoshoot happens in the middle of the day. This can wash out the sky or details behind your subject.

The Best Setup
Look for open shade in the late afternoon when the sunlight is lower and softer. Open shade gives you softer and more diffused lighting on your subject’s face, while still allowing a bit of sunlight to hit the back of their hair—this is called hair light and it adds depth and glow to your portraits.

If you're shooting somewhere without an open shade—like on a beach—try to avoid letting the sun shine directly into the lens. That can cause unwanted lens flare and reduce contrast.

Use a wide aperture (like f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/2.8) to create that soft, dreamy background blur. If your subject is mostly still, a medium shutter speed around 1/200s works well. If your subject is posing quickly or moving, go for a faster shutter speed, like 1/500s, to freeze the motion. Adjust the ISO until the subject is well exposed.

Example: Backlit Portrait in Natural Light on a beach:

Example: Backlit Portrait in Natural Light in an open shade:

(less overexposed backgrounds)

Off-Camera Flash (OCF): Bold, Dramatic, and Controlled

The Look
Using OCF gives you a punchier, more dramatic image. It’s moody, bold, and full of contrast.

The Power of Control
With OCF, you can control the exposure of your background and your subject separately. This means you don't have to avoid shooting at a spot where the background is brighter than the subject, and this gives you more flexibility.

Start by turning off your flash.

Adjust your ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to expose the background exactly how you want it.

Once you're happy with that, turn on your flash and adjust the flash power to properly light your subject.

The Benefit
You’re no longer limited to open shade or golden hour. With off-camera flash, you can shoot even in bright conditions and still get a perfectly exposed background by dialing the right ISO, aperture and shutter speed.

As the subject exposure is controlled by the flash and independent of the background exposure, you don't have to consider two variables at the same time. This technique also helps prevent overexposing the background—a common issue when shooting backlit portraits using only natural light.

The 3-Steps in Using OCF

Example: Backlit Portrait with OCF

So, Which One Should You Use?

There’s no right or wrong answer. Natural light gives you softness and warmth. OCF gives you definition and drama.

What matters most is the style you're going for, light & airy vs bold and dramatic, and having the knowledge to create that look with confidence.

Want to go deeper?
Check out Photosprouts' Master Class: Build Your Confidence in On-Location Lighting , designed to help you master both natural light and OCF techniques, and when to use a flash, and when not to.

Prefer personalized guidance? Book a private class with Christina and learn how to create stunning OCF portraits step by step.

backlit portrait photography

natural light portraits

off-camera flash photography

OCF vs natural light

portrait lighting techniques

dramatic portrait lighting

soft portrait lighting

photography in open shade

best light for portraits

photography lighting masterclass

how to use off-camera flash

learn portrait photography

photography classes San Francisco

Photosprouts photography workshops

natural light vs flash photography

Nomadic Ventures: Top US Cities for Solopreneurs to Explore

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:26:48 GMT

With the rise of freelancing and gig work, the appeal of a nomadic solopreneur lifestyle has grown. Certain US cities offer ideal environments for one- to three-month stays, blending essential amenities for remote work with rich cultural experiences. This article from Photosprouts highlights five top cities, examining cost of living, quality of life, and connectivity to help you thrive on the road.

Becoming a Solopreneur

First, it’s important to understand what a solopreneur is – and how to become one ! A solopreneur is an individual who runs their business independently, handling all aspects of operations without the support of co-founders or a large team. Unlike entrepreneurs who often aim to scale with employees or partnerships, solopreneurs focus on building a sustainable, self-reliant business model that aligns with their personal skills and goals. This allows them to maintain full control over decision-making and business direction, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize autonomy and flexibility. Also, utilizing a project management app specifically designed for freelancers can dramatically improve your efficiency.

San Francisco, California: The Ideal City for Nomadic Solopreneurs

It’s hard to beat San Francisco when you're a nomadic solopreneur because it blends innovation, connectivity, and inspiration so beautifully. The Golden City is an international tech hub with unparalleled access to entrepreneurial resources and networking opportunities for scaling a business. Look into IndieBio, WeWork, and other coworking spaces to collaborate and stay productive. San Francisco also boasts an eclectic cultural landscape and breathtaking surroundings, which can do wonders for work-life balance and creativity.

San Francisco has countless networking events and tech conferences to help you build connections as a solopreneur. You have your pick of top-tier coworking spaces to enjoy community and flexibility.

San Francisco is known across the world as a creative haven for its matchless scenery, dynamic art scene, and iconic landmarks.

At the heart of Silicon Valley, you have unprecedented access to collaborations and cutting-edge ideas.

Austin, Texas: A Creative Hub for Innovators

Austin attracts freelancers and entrepreneurs with its dynamic culture and supportive business environment. The cost of living is moderate for a tech city, and quality of life is high, featuring green spaces and a lively music scene.

Finding a place to live in Austin can be quite manageable, with numerous flexible lease options that cater to short-term residents.

Immersing yourself in Austin's culture means enjoying live music, exploring food trucks, and participating in local festivals like SXSW , which provide ample networking opportunities.

Key highlights for solopreneurs include rich networking opportunities in tech and creative industries, an abundance of coworking spaces like WeWork and Capital Factory, and high-speed internet access available city-wide.

Boulder, Colorado: Where Nature Meets Networking

Boulder offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and a strong startup culture, ideal for those who draw inspiration from nature and a strong community spirit. The city's high quality of life, bolstered by its proximity to the Rockies, complements its slightly higher cost of living. Internet connectivity is robust, ensuring that work can be as mobile as your lifestyle.

The rental market in Boulder is competitive but offers a variety of short-term furnished options ideal for gig economy workers.

Connecting with local culture in Boulder often involves outdoor activities – hiking, biking, and climbing – as well as frequenting local breweries and farmers markets.

Key highlights for solopreneurs include proximity to nature which boosts creativity and well-being, a strong local economy with a focus on sustainability and innovation, and top-notch coworking spaces like Boulder Digital Arts and Fuse.

Nashville, Tennessee: Music City’s Melodic Productivity

Nashville’s reputation as a music powerhouse makes it an attractive spot for creative solopreneurs. The cost of living is reasonable, and the city offers a great quality of life with its rich history and thriving music scene. Its infrastructure provides reliable internet service, a cornerstone for nomads reliant on digital connectivity.

Housing options are plentiful , with many neighborhoods offering short-term rental properties that cater to transient professionals.

Experiencing Nashville’s culture is as easy as stepping out to enjoy its live music venues, galleries, and southern cuisine, which also provide great content for creative projects.

Key highlights for solopreneurs include an inspirational environment fueled by music and arts, the availability of affordable living and workspace options, and a strong community vibe conducive to networking.

Portland, Oregon: Eco-Friendly and Entrepreneurial

Portland is renowned for its progressive values and a highly supportive environment for independent professionals. The city’s cost of living is manageable, and it scores high on quality of life indices with its focus on sustainability and green living. Numerous coworking spaces and cafes offer not just wifi but a community to engage with.

Residential areas in Portland offer a variety of housing, from historic apartments to modern lofts, perfect for short-term stays.

Diving into Portland’s culture involves exploring its eclectic food scene, attending art shows, and participating in environmental initiatives, which can also expand your professional network.

Key highlights for solopreneurs include an environmentally conscious community with a focus on quality of life, strong support for local businesses and startups, and an abundance of creative and collaborative spaces.

One of these cities might not only suit your nomadic lifestyle but also inspire a permanent move. Each offers unique attributes that could make extending your stay appealing, turning a short-term visit into a long-term strategy for personal and professional growth.

Learn to capture your moments beautifully in the photography workshop in Photosprouts today!

11 Unique Things to Do in San Francisco, CA: Tips from Locals

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:09:03 GMT

Read the post here .

Old Town Portrait | Canon R50 + RF 50mm F1.8 lens

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:37:32 GMT

Canon R50 + 50mm F1.8 | Behind the scenes | Cute Old Town Portraits

Have you been to Port Costa, California?

This old town is really cute and I just had a natural light portrait photoshoot with Sienna.

Enjoy!

Points to note:

1) The equivalent focal length of the 50mm F1.8 is 80mm (50mm x 1.6 = 80mm).

2) Personally, I think using the 85mm is a good way to practice your portrait composition as you need to decide what to include and what not to conclude in the frame, and crop the subjects properly.

3) I used continuous shooting as Sienna was moving fast. Please use single shooting if your model is moving relatively slow or still.

4) My shutter speed was also fast in order to capture the shot; I was also holding a video camera to record the camera screen and wanted to avoid a blurred image resulting from my arm movement.

5) The R50 camera bundle often comes with the RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 kit lens, instead of the RF 50mm F1.8 prime lens. ✍️ I've created a separate tutorial for beginners on "How to Capture Amazing Portraits Using An Entry-Level Kit Lens:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/pages/online-content-creator

6) Opps, I forgot to include my favorite photo in the backlit portrait part! Here's the one:

https://www.instagram.com/share/BAC8-6jLHi

(would you like to follow me if you are already on IG ? ��)

7) Use the Manual Mode of the camera to control the exposure, and it's not that hard.

✍️ Free Guide: 4 Steps to Shoot Fast on the Camera's Manual Mode

https://www.photosprouts.com/flashcardyoutube

*The timeline*

1) Intro (00:00-00:45)

2) The behind the scenes in Port Costa's portrait photoshoot (00:46-4:35)

3) My thoughts: R50 is so light and I am loving it! Guess which camera I use when I travel? Is it the R50 or R5? (4:37)

Thank you my model Sienna

http://www.instagram.com/siennasophia1

Thank you Evita for the behind the scenes

http://www.instagram.com/evitacristina

My equipment:

1) Canon R50

https://amzn.to/4g0lozx

2) Canon RF 50mm F1.8

https://amzn.to/492gTSU

3) Canon R5 mirrorless camera body

https://amzn.to/3LdIbKQ

4) Canon RF 85mm F1.2

https://amzn.to/49b8OLF

�� Photosprouts Photography Workshops ��

��In-Person & Online Photography Workshops for Beginners and Pros

��Top-rated Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

��Equipment provided

��http://www.photosprouts.com

�� Building Your Confidence In On-Location Lighting (Online)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

�� In-Person Private Coaching on OCF Portraits:

https://www.photosprouts.com/portrait301

*ALL COURSES*

�� MASTER PORTRAIT CLASS

| Building Your Confidence In On-Location Lighting |

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

�� Build Your Family Photography Business

| The Professional Family Photography Academy |

https://christina-s-site-9b06.thinkific.com/courses/kidsandfamily

�� Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

�� Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

�� Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

�� The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

�� Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-onlines

6 Things that you can fix in a matter of seconds in Photoshop AI

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:18:16 GMT

6 Things that you can fix in a matter of seconds in Photoshop Beta (AI)

Photoshop Beta is transforming the creative landscape with cutting-edge AI tools designed to simplify and enhance your workflow. From generating realistic content with simple text prompts to expanding your images seamlessly and exploring innovative creative concepts, these techniques create new possibilities for photographers.

Whether you're a pro or just starting out, these six must-know features will revolutionize the way you create. I am using the Neutral Filters , Generative Fill and Remove Tool to perform these actions.

Here's how:

Go to Filter --> "Neural Filters" --> Smart Portrait (turn on) --> Eye Direction

You need to have the internet to perform this action.

Here's how:

Older Post: 4 AI Tools that Elevate You Photography Business

Final Thoughts

Photoshop Beta’s AI tools are incredible time-savers, allowing photographers to fix and refine their images in seconds.

However building a successful family photography business takes more than just mastering editing. It’s about nailing your posing strategies, understanding lighting, delivering polished edits fast, and creating an unforgettable client experience.

If you’re ready to elevate your craft and build a thriving photography business, apply to The Professional Family Photography Academy .

In this coaching program, I’ll guide you through every step—from perfecting your posing, lighting and editing skills, to creating a seamless client journey. Let’s turn your passion into a profitable business!

4 AI Tools Photographers Can Use to Elevate Their Business

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:54:50 GMT

4 AI Tools Photographers Can Use to Elevate Their Business

You don't need a ton of AI Tools in your business to become profitable.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized industries worldwide, and photography is no exception.

AI is not taking away our jobs, they are here to streamline the workflow of any business if they are used correctly.

From smoothening workflows to enhancing creativity, these 4 AI tools help photographers save time (me, at least), improve efficiency, and even unlock new levels of my artistic potential. Here are 4 AI tools that you should know:

1. Adobe Photoshop Beta

Adobe Photoshop’s Generative Fill feature is a game-changer for photographers who need to edit images quickly and precisely.

What it does:

Changing the eye direction
Removing unwanted objects like wires and people
Removing blemishes
Slimming down a certain area in the body (not through Liquidfy)
Generate, or expand the backgrounds, or even generate realistic elements to enhance the photo.

Useful tools in side Photoshop Beta:

Neural Filters (Smart Portraits)
Generative Fill
Remove Tool using Generative AI (New!)

Next Post: 6 Things that you can fix in a matter of second in Photoshop Beta (AI)

2. ImagenAI: Your AI Photo Editing Assistant

ImagenAI is designed specifically for photographers who want to speed up their post-production process.

What it does:

This tool learns your editing style and applies consistent edits across an entire shoot, from exposure adjustments to color correction. Perfect for family and wedding photographers who deal with hundreds (if not thousands) of images.

Pro Tip:

Combine ImagenAI with your Lightroom workflow to maintain your personal style while saving hours of editing time.

3. Topaz Labs: Sharpen, Denoise, and Enhance Details with AI

Topaz Labs offers a suite of AI tools that specialize in image enhancement.

Their products:

Topaz Sharpen AI
Topaz DeNoise AI

Unfortunately, DeNoise AI and Sharpen AI will no longer be supported as our Photo Development team is focused on updating and maintaining Topaz Photo AI , which is a one single product that combined Sharpen AI and DeNoise AI.

What it does

As photographers, we all strive to pose the group so that the faces are almost on the same plane, allowing us to shoot on a wide aperture.

However, there's always someone who wasn't able to "squeeze in", causing his/her face to be out of focus.

A powerful tool like Topaz Sharpen AI will help you bring the blurred person back into focus!

4. ChatGPT: Your AI Content Creation Partner

I cannot live without ChatGPT and have just upgraded to 4o ($20/month).

What it does:

Use ChatGPT to brainstorm blog ideas, write attention-grabbng captions for social media, or even draft client emails. It’s like having a personal assistant to handle time-consuming writing tasks so you can focus on your photography.

Pro Tip:

Input clear prompts to get your desired results. Use verbs such as:

Summarize
Impersonate
Extract
Translate
Generate

You can also give 1-2 examples for ChatGPT for it to "learn" the pattern and generate more accurate results.

Final Thoughts

AI tools are transforming the way photographers run their businesses, offering powerful solutions to save time and enhance creativity.

In my photo sessions, I saved many work hours using the game-changing AI tools for photographers: Photoshop Beta for changing the eye direction of a kid who wasn't looking at the camera in a group photo, Topaz Labs for sharpening and noise reduction, and ChatGPT for crafting compelling marketing content.

These tools free up time to focus on creating stunning images and building client relationships which will take your business to the next level.

Enroll in The Professional Family Photography Academy , where I teach family photographers how to refine posing strategies, master lighting and editing, and deliver an exceptional client experience that sets their business apart. Let’s build your dream photography business together! ��✨

5 Powerful Things Your Iphone Can Do Just As Well As A Digital Camera

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:51:29 GMT

5 Powerful Things Your iPhone Can Do Just As Well As A Digital Camera.

Today’s Iphone cameras have come a long way from their early days, packing power, precision, and tons of tech into a small package that fits right in your pocket. With advanced lenses, AI-enhanced features, and high-resolution sensors, smartphones are now capable of producing impressive images, rivaling many traditional cameras. Here are five incredible things that an Iphone can do just like a digital camera.

1. Portrait Mode Magic

One of the most popular features for smartphone photographers is definitely the Portrait Mode, which simulates a shallow depth of field, creating that beautiful, butter-soft background blur, just like shooting on wide aperture lenses on a camera.

The best part? You can change the background blur after the shot!

Shot on Iphone 14 Pro Max, Portrait Mode

Shot on R50 + 50mm F1.8

Natural Light Portrait Workshop

2. Long Exposure

With your iPhone, you can achieve beautiful long exposure shots, as if on a camera. Using Live Photos mode, you can capture motion like flowing water, light trails, or passing clouds with a smooth, dreamy effect. After taking a Live Photo, simply swipe up on the image and select "Long Exposure" to create the effect. It’s a quick and effective way to transform motion into art—all without needing a tripod or specialized equipment!

In a camera, more work needs to be done: you'll need to put a ND and GND filter in front of the lens to achieve similar results.

Shot on Iphone 14 Pro Max, Live Mode

Smartphone Landscape Workshop

Shot on Canon R5, 15-35mm F2.8

4-stop GND filter + 6-stop ND filter

Golden Gate Bridge Long Exposure Challenge Workshop

3. Night Photography

Low-light photography used to be a challenge for Iphones, but new models are equipped with powerful night modes.

This feature allows you to capture scenes in low light, allowing you to shoot sharp night scenes. You can use a tripod or simply hold your Iphones steadily.

Depending on dark the scene is, the Iphone will determine what the maximum shutter time should be: 1 second, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds or 30 seconds.

As the Iphone gets to determine what the maximum shutter time is, not me, I've decided to pay $2 on App Store to download an app called "SlowShutter Cam", which allows me to capture the below photo on my Iphone. A tripod was used, shutter time 30 seconds.

Captured on Iphone 14 Pro Max, SlowShutter App, 30 seconds on tripod.

Shot on Canon R5, 15-35mm F2.8

45 seconds

San Francisco Night Photography Workshop Online

4. Burst Mode for Capturing Action Shots

Iphones are fantastic for capturing fast-paced action, thanks to burst mode. With burst shooting, you can take multiple shots in rapid succession, allowing you to capture split-second changes in movement—ideal for action photography, whether it’s your dog sprinting or kids playing. Then, you can go through the series of images to pick the best one, ensuring you don’t miss any key moments.

5. Exposure Control

Just like a traditional camera, iPhones allow you to control exposure.

Why do you want to control the exposure instead of letting the camera/ iphone make the decision?

For getting dramatic-looking images!

By tapping on the screen to focus, you can easily adjust the exposure slider that appears, brightening or darkening your image to get the desired exposure. This allows you to achieve perfect balance of light and shadow in shooting late afternoon street photography, ensuring the photos capture the intended mood and vibes.

Advanced Smartphone Photography Workshop

San Francisco Street Photography Workshop

Final Thoughts

While the iPhone is a remarkable device that allows for convenient photography on the go, it cannot fully replace the capabilities of a dedicated camera. Traditional cameras excel in capturing sharpness and fine details , providing a level of clarity that iPhones often struggle to match. This is especially important for photographers seeking to produce high-quality images for prints or professional work.

Additionally, when it comes to portraits, understanding different camera angles for half-body and full-body shots is crucial to flatter the subject. Learn more in the Smartphone Photography Workshop , where you can enhance your skills and make the most of your iPhone's capabilities.

By understanding the limitations of an iPhone compared to traditional cameras, photographers can make informed choices about the right tools for their creative endeavors and ensure they capture every moment with the detail and quality it deserves.

What Lenses Are In My Camera Bag?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 22:53:00 GMT

What Lenses Are In My Camera Bag?

A Look at My Gears for Work and Leisure

As a photographer, I carefully select my gear depending on the situation.

Whether I’m shooting a commercial portrait or just out documenting my own life, my camera bag is always ready.

I’ve sorted my lenses into two categories: work and leisure . Let me walk you through what’s in my bag for both.

Work: Quality and Reliability Above All

When it comes to work, I don’t compromise.

What do I look for?

1) Quality: Sharpness, bokeh and color accuracy.

2) Reliability: fast focusing, durability

The last thing to concern about is

1) The price

Quality and reliability are my top priorities, and I invest in high-end equipment that ensures the best results for my clients.

After all, the final images and the impact they have on my business are what matter most.

You don’t need a lot of lenses for work, just the right ones. I only have one quality lens for each focal length.

Canon R5 & Her 3 Sisters

This is the powerhouse behind my photos. Its full-frame sensor and impressive capabilities make it a dream camera for both portraits and commercial work.

Canon 85mm F1.2

My go-to lens for family portraits. I love using this lens for those dreamy, butter-soft backgrounds that this lens give offers. The F1.2 aperture ensures my subjects stand out with incredible sharpness and soft backgrounds.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8

My go-to lens for portraits.

Its optical compression , sharpness and smooth bokeh create stunning images with beautiful subject isolation, it also helps simplify my composition in challenging situations. This lens never leaves my side on portrait sessions.

Left: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 at 70mm

Right: Canon RF 85mm F1.2

For family portraits bookings please click here

Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8

A wide angle lens is for my OCF fashion photoshoots as I need to capture both the model and the context.

An off-camera flash is often used with the wide angle lens to balance the ambient and the subject exposures.

Leisure: Lightweight and Convenient

When I’m not working, my requirements shift. For leisure, it’s all about convenience and weight . I opt for lighter gears that are easy to carry and more budget-friendly, but still allow me to capture great moments.

What do I look for?

1) Price

2) Convenience: it is better to carry an all-in-once lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths when I travel (except for photography trips)

3) Weight

Canon R50 Mirrorless APSC Camera

+ RFS 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 Kit Lens

Smaller and way more lightweight than my R5, the R50 is perfect for when I don’t need all the bells and whistles but still want excellent image quality for photography and videography.

It comes with a kit lens, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3, which is my go-to travel lens. It’s versatile enough to capture a range of scenes, from landscapes to street photos, making it an ideal all-rounder when I’m on the move.

At the same time, I agree that this kit lens isn't the best for low light conditions, so I often carry together another lens, the RF 50mm F1.8.

Canon RF 50mm F1.8

I love using this lens for everyday life, especially when snapping portraits of my dog, Max. It’s light and affordable, but delivers beautiful images with soft bokeh.

Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3

When I’m out shooting street photography, this wide-angle lens helps me capture the energy and vibe of the environment.

Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8

My new baby.

This lens is a must for wildlife and nature, especially when I’m bird-watching or shooting the landscape from the top of the hill. It gives me the reach I need without being too heavy, and the price point is perfect for a telephoto leisure lens.

Specialty Lens

Canon RF 100mm F2.8 Macro

While it’s not part of my standard work or leisure kit, I often turn to the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 Macro lens when I’m photographing subjects that require fine detail—like flowers, bugs, food, or products. This lens lets me get up close and personal, capturing intricate textures and details that wouldn’t be possible with other lenses.

It’s my go-to for macro photography and perfect for those moments when I want to explore the small wonders of the world.

At the same time, I treat this lens as a regular 100mm telephoto lens when I don't need to shoot macro images.

Some macro lenses can only be used for close-up shots and won't focus at infinity, but the RF 100mm F2.8 Macro has the flexibility of being both a macro and telephoto lens, and I am enjoying the benefits that it offers from both worlds!

Final Thoughts

That’s a look inside my camera bag and the gear I rely on for both work and leisure.

Whether I’m capturing portraits, exploring macro photography, or documenting my travels, each lens serves a unique purpose. Now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s in your camera bag? Do you have any must-have lenses or favorite gear that you can’t live without? Let’s chat in the comments!

Portrait Behind the Scenes: Canon R5 + RF 70-200mm F2.8

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 21:06:02 GMT

Portrait Photoshoot on Canon R5 + RF 70-200mm F2.8

Hi everyone, how is it going? Today I want to show you the behind the scenes of a natural light photoshoot in which I used the Canon R5 (mirrorless, full frame camera) and the RF 70-200mm F2.8 telephoto lens.

#canon #portrait #photographyclasses #naturallight #posing #composition

Key points:

1) Intro: Very important, must watch (00:00)

-Understanding the 3 effects in changing the focal length.

-The 3 effects will guide your composition, framing and posing decisions.

-I used the 70-200 lens for this photoshoot in the nature so that I can get more compression.

-For the 85mm, I used it in the photoshoots that need the cityscape in the background.

-Quiz: For 15-35mm, what do you think I'll use it for? What are the 3 effects that you expect to see when the focal length becomes wider? Tell me in the comments.

2) The photoshoot (03:02)

-The compression and DOF at the 200mm edge allows me to use the rule of the thirds in the horizontal framing.

-Using a prop: a chair, and vertical framing.

-Posing the model to get an elegant S-curve in her body when she sits down.

-For headshots, crop tightly. Align the eye with the upper third line of the frame.

-Why is the sky blown out? I'll explain in the end of the video

3) Look for leading lines (06:28)

-Leading lines are also good objects for the model to lean or grab on.

-Crop the thigh, not the knee

4) Contrast the size of the nature and the human (08:15)

-Zoom in but further step back, don't comprise on the depth of field and compression.

-One thing that you shouldn't do in full body, horizontal framing.

5) We learn by doing, not just lectures (09:17)

-Each student is provided with 3 lenses in Photosprouts' Intermediate Photography Workshops, one of them is a telephoto lens.

-Learn by doing: experience the lens' depth of field, compression and the field of view, not just listening to the lectures.

-Tell us which area in photography that you want to improve in the comments.

6) More horizontal framings (09:37)

7) More behind the scenes (09:54)

-One vertical framing skill that makes the subject look taller in the full body shots.

-Shoot higher to make the subject's jawline look more defined.

-Using the fences as leading lines.

8) Explaining why the sky is blown out and how to fix it

-Expose the sky and use the flash.

-OCF portraits tend to look more dramatic.

Note:

-RF or RF-S mounts are for the Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras (RF for full framers and RF-S for crop sensors, but they are physically compatible with any EOS R mirrorless camera)

-EF or EF-S mounts are for the Canon EOS DSLR cameras

-EF-M mount is for the Canon EOS M mirrorless cameras

-Learn more on my other video: https://youtu.be/ZTWFHl-AmDo

My equipment:

1) Canon R5 mirrorless camera body

https://amzn.to/3LdIbKQ

2) Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L lens

https://amzn.to/3Y6NCkZ

�� Photosprouts Photography Workshops ��

��In-Person & Online Photography Workshops for Beginners and Pros

��Top-rated Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

��Equipment provided

��http://www.photosprouts.com

�� Building Your Confidence In On-Location Lighting (Online)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

�� In-Person Private Coaching on OCF Portraits:

https://www.photosprouts.com/portrait301

*ALL COURSES*

�� MASTER PORTRAIT CLASS

| Building Your Confidence In On-Location Lighting |

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

�� Build Your Family Photography Business

| The Professional Family Photography Academy |

https://christina-s-site-9b06.thinkific.com/courses/kidsandfamily

�� Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

�� Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

�� Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

�� The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

�� Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-onlines

5 Expert Tips for Picture-Perfect Holiday Family Photos

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:27:40 GMT

5 Expert Tips for Picture-Perfect Holiday Family Photos

Canon EOS R5 + RF 70-200 F2.8

The holiday season is the perfect time to capture lasting memories with your loved ones, but getting that perfect family photo for your holiday cards can be a challenge. From finding the right light to picking the best outfits, there are a few key elements that can make all the difference. In this blog, I’ll share five essential tips to help you capture holiday-card worthy family photos that you'll be proud to share!

Tip #1

Find an open shade

What is an open shade? An open shade is an area that is shaded but still has access to plenty of soft natural light. It’s typically found outdoors in places where direct sunlight is blocked (by buildings, trees, or other objects), but the surroundings are still illuminated by light bouncing around.

Shooting in open shade is ideal for portraits because it provides soft, even lighting without harsh shadows or overexposure, making it easier to capture flattering photos. Unlike direct sunlight, which can cause squinting and unflattering shadows, open shade offers gentle light that helps maintain natural skin tones and detail.

To achieve soft, flattering light for your family photos, finding an open shade is key. Shooting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is ideal because the light is softer, creating a larger, even coverage that shields both your subjects and the background from harsh shadows or overexposure, resulting in consistent exposure throughout the frame.

Open shade allows for a natural, balanced look while keeping the skin tones true to life. A well-shaded location, such as under trees, near buildings, or in a garden, also ensures everyone looks comfortable and avoids squinting due to bright sunlight.

Canon EOS R5 + RF 70-200 F2.8

Shot in late afternoon, and in large open shades.

Canon EOS R5 + RF 70-200 F2.8

Shot in late afternoon, and in large open shades.

Tip #2

Coordinate the outfits

When planning outfits, color coordination goes a long way in making your family photos feel cohesive and visually pleasing. Instead of everyone wearing the same thing, opt for a color palette that complements each other—think shades of blues, earthy tones, or soft neutrals. Avoid neon colors, as they can reflect harsh tones onto the skin, and steer clear of overly matching outfits to avoid a dated look. The goal is to let each person’s personality shine while still maintaining a harmonious overall style that will look timeless on your holiday cards.

Here're more tips:

1) Choose a Color Palette: Start by picking a color scheme with 2-3 complementary colors. Think soft neutrals, pastels, or earthy tones that work well together. You want a harmonious look without being overly "matchy." Avoid having everyone wear the exact same color.

2) Add Layers and Textures: Mixing textures, like knits, denim, or lace, can add depth and visual interest to your photos. Scarves, cardigans, or vests are great for layering and can tie different outfits together while keeping things varied.

3) Coordinate, Don’t Match: Instead of everyone wearing the same outfit, aim for coordination. For example, one person could wear a patterned shirt with the chosen colors, while others wear solid pieces that match the color scheme. This allows individuality to shine through while still maintaining a unified look.

4) Consider the Setting: Factor in the location of your shoot. If you’re in a natural setting like a park or beach, earthy tones, blues, and whites work well. For urban settings, deeper or more dramatic colors can create a striking contrast with the background.

5) Avoid Busy Patterns and Neon Colors: Stick to solids or subtle patterns. Busy prints or neon colors can be distracting and take the focus away from the faces and emotions in the photo.

Canon 5D Mark 4 + EF 70-200 F2.8

Tip #3

Posing

A common misconception is that family photos are completely spontaneous and don't require any posing.

This is not true.

While candid shots can feel spontaneous, the best results often start with proper posing. Guide your subjects into a comfortable and connected stance, ensuring that there are no awkward gaps between them.

Encourage them to close the spaces between their bodies, perhaps by linking arms or holding hands, which naturally creates a feeling of closeness and warmth. To keep everyone sharp and in focus, make sure all faces are on the same focal plane. This allows you to use a wider aperture, resulting in beautiful background blur without compromising the clarity of the subjects’ faces.

Proper posing sets a strong foundation, making the candid moments that follow feel more natural. In my private coaching program, " The Professional Family Photography Academy ", I'll help you generate endless posing ideas by mastering just four base poses, ensuring you never run out of inspiration during your sessions. You will be able to nail high-end clients who are willing to invest in your talents and service, there will be no more anxiety before and frustrations after the session.

Canon EOS R5 + RF 85mm F1.2

Tip #4

Candid shots

Once your subjects are posed, it’s time to bring out the candid magic. Instead of letting everyone act freely from the start, give them light prompts that will lead to natural interaction and emotion. Simple cues like “look at dad's hair and giggle,” “whisper "I love you" to mom,” or “look at each other and laugh” help create authentic moments that appear unposed. This approach allows you to control the composition and keep everyone in frame while still capturing the warmth and spontaneity that make holiday cards so memorable.

Tip #5

Choose the right equipment

Choosing the right lens can make a huge difference in the quality of your family portraits.

In most scenarios, I will recommend using a lens with a focal length of at least 70mm as it reduces distortion, offers a shallower depth of field, and creates a nice compression that blocks the distractions in the background.

Avoid using wide-angle lenses for portraits unless there are meaningful leading lines and the subject is standing away from the camera. A wide angle lens can distort facial features and don’t provide the a flattering look like longer lenses. If you really have to use a wide angle lens, limit to a 35mm one.

If you’re photographing a larger group or want to incorporate more of the surroundings, it’s better to step back rather than switch to a wide lens. My personal favorite is the Canon RF 85mm F1.2, which creates beautiful bokeh and gives each image a professional, polished feel. The camera that I use for photographing family sessions is the Canon full frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R5.

Focal length: 85mm

Canon EOS R5 + RF 85mm F1.2

Focal length: 35mm

Canon EOS R5 + RF 15-35mm F2.8 (35mm edge)

A friendly reminder about the camera

Understanding whether your camera is a full-frame or a crop sensor is essential for achieving the best results in your photography. If you're unsure about your camera type, a quick Google search can provide the information you need.

Using a crop sensor camera, like the Canon R50, introduces a crop factor that affects the effective focal length of your lenses. For Canon cameras, the crop factor is typically 1.6. This means that the field of view is narrower than it would be on a full-frame camera.

For example, if you're using a 50mm lens on a Canon R50, you would multiply that focal length by the crop factor of 1.6. So, the equivalent focal length becomes 80mm (50mm x 1.6 = 80mm). And yes, you got it, 80mm creates a nice compression and won't result in facial distortion.

Further, if you are using a full frame camera with a lens that is made for crop-sensor camera, you will still see the crop even though they might be physically compatible.

This is important to keep in mind when composing your shots, as the crop factor can significantly influence your framing and perspective.

Being aware of this distinction will help you select the right camera & lenses combinations for your desired outcome, ensuring you capture stunning family photos that will be treasured for years to come.

My go-to portrait lens: Canon RF 85mm F1.2

More resources

To book a holiday card family photo session with Christina, please click here .

To enroll in The Professional Family Photography Academy , please click here.

$45 Extension Tube vs $999 Macro Lens

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Tue, 28 May 2024 22:18:01 GMT

You want to get into Macro Photography but a Macro Lens is so expensive...

There is a brilliant alternative to Macro Lenses:

The Extension Tubes.

Extension tubes are hollow tubes that go in between the camera body and the lens to increase the distance between the focus point and the sensor, allowing you to get very close to the subject for a macro shot.

If extension tubes are that good and inexpensive, then why macro lenses still exist?

As someone who has tried both macro lenses and extensive tubes throughly, I would like to make the following reviews.

1. Quality and Sharpness

The image quality also depends on what lens you are using with the extension tubes.

I used the longest extension tube and paired it with the Canon EF 85mmm F1.4 (non macro) and the image turned out to be pretty sharp.

And then I zoomed in a lot more and the edges of the plant started to look soft.

As for the $999 macro lens, the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 , it'd better give me good result!

Undoubtedly, the image quality is sharp and excellent.

Even I zoomed in all the way, it didn't fail to impress me.

Conclusion: Extensive Tubes still yield good image quality if you pair it with a sharp lens, and don't enlarge the image. As long as you don't blow up the image, extension tubes do a pretty good job. I will recommend beginners to start with a set of inexpensive extension tubes to get into macro photography.

2. Convenience and Working Distance (which is important to me)

There is a fixed working distance for extension tubes.

For example, the working distance of the shortest extension tube is approximately 18 inches and the longest one is 3 inches.

The camera won't focus if you are farther than the tube's working distance.

For example, if you are 20 inches away from the subject on the shortest tube, then the camera won't focus.

This also means you cannot focus on distant objects when an extension tube is attached on the camera! You have to take the tube away for normal photography.

Therefore, I had to switch the tubes/ take off the tube from time to time for different composition and magnification needs and this is so inconvenient!

One day, I was so fed up with it and decided to invest $999 (there was a Black Friday deal) to take away the pain of having to constantly switch the tubes.

With the macro lens, I am enjoying full range of working distance.

I can use the macro lens as a typical telephoto lens and shoot at any distance (infinity),

and then when I see a bug I will just get extremely close to it without the need to change the gears.

Conclusion: Christina spent $999 (original price $1099) on a macro lens just for the sake of convenience.

Shot on Canon RF 100mm F2.8 Macro :

3. Will Extension Tube Cause the Image to Lose Light?

Lighting is already an issue in Macro Photography, with or without an extension tube.

This is because when you intentionally narrow down the aperture to get more sharpness and depths, there is also less light.

Not to mention a higher shutter speed is needed to combat against the blowing wind!

An extension tube will cause the image to lose light due to the increased distance between the lens and the sensor, which makes the light harder to reach to the sensor.

If an extension adds more pain to the already-difficult situation, then is it worth using it?

Let's find out!

Truly, adding an extension reduces some light (one stop, at least).

What about a macro lens? Let's see:

While there is a significant amount of light drop when an extension tube is added to a regular lens,

I don't see any difference in terms of light between the extension tube vs the macro lens scenarios.

I think this is a fair game: I lost equal amount of light in macro photography in both scenarios (extension tube vs macro lens).

The optical structure inside an expensive macro lens also cause light loss!

Conclusion: an extension tube doesn't make the situation become worse.

Conclusion

An extension tube is a budget friendly way for one to start shooting macro photography.

It does not compromise on the quality (unless you blow up the image), sharpness and the light.

You can see very similar results on a pricier macro lens.

However, it is less convenient to use extension tubes as one needs to switch between them from time to time when the composition and magnification need change.

If convenience justifies for 10x times the cost, then go for it.

Lastly, let me put on my ad:

Supplementary Tips

Only read if you are interested to know more about the technical stuff

1) If you prefer using an extension tube, then using a mirrorless camera is a way better experience than a DSLR!

Why?

1) You can effortlessly use the speedy autofocusing system (AF) on a mirrorless camera in extension macro photography.

However, on a DSLR we use manual focusing (MF) for extension tube macro photography, not AF: you physically move towards and away from the subject until it is in focus. The process is slower.

2) The working distance is even more limited on a DSLR than a mirrorless when it comes to extension macro photography.

For example, while you cannot focus on the shortest tube when you are farther than its working distance, and you also CANNOT focus when you are slightly closer than its working distance.

Mirrorless cameras are more capable than DSLRs because of their short flange distance (the distance between the sensor and the lens mount).

2) A big headache when you stack 3 tubes together.

While it is a fair game between one extension tube and a macro lens in terms of lighting, it will cause you headache when you stack 3 extension tubes together.

The focus distance is so close that you almost have to physically in contact with the subject to get it focused!

As a result, a lot of light is blocked.

3) Three Reasons Why Your Camera Cannot Focus When An Extension Tube is attached on it

You are excited to try out the extension tubes but it turns out that the camera isn't able to focus when an extension tube is attached on it. And here's why:

1) You are using a wide angle lens

Regardless you are using a mirrorless or DSLR, extension tubes only work on standard to telephoto focal lengths (50mm-200mm), so use these lenses. If you are using a zoom lens, then zoom to a longer focal length.

2) You are not within the working distance

Regardless you are using a mirrorless or DSLR, you might be too close or too far away from the subject; try to explore the working distance of each extension tube.

3) You aren't turn on the Live View on the DSLR

If you are using a DSLR, turn on the Live View and switch to MF (manual focusing). Move towards and away from the subject until it becomes in focus.

Remember, if you are using a DSLR, DO NOT shoot through the viewfinder or use AF in extension tube macro photography,

5 Habits That Can Bring Down Your Energy And How Photography Makes Your Life Happier

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:34:47 GMT

In the hustle and bustle of daily life,

it's easy to become dragged down by negative influences that drain our energy and dampen the spirits. From negativity to self-doubt, these factors can take a toll on one's mental well-being. Thankfully, photography offers a powerful antidote to these challenges, serving as a creative tool that brings joy, inspiration, and fulfillment to one's lives. In this blog post, we'll explore five common things that can bring down your energy and how photography has the transformative power to make your life better.

1. Stress and Overwhelm

Stress and overwhelm are ubiquitous in our modern lives, often leaving us feeling depleted and exhausted. The constant pressure to juggle work, family, and personal commitments can take a toll on our mental and emotional health. However, photography provides a much-needed escape from the chaos of everyday life. Through the lens of a camera, one can immerse herself/himself in the present moment, focusing on the beauty of the world around him/her and temporarily setting aside the worries and anxieties. Whether it's capturing a stunning landscape, candid portraits of loved ones, or everyday moments of joy, photography offers a therapeutic process for relieving stress and restoring inner peace.

2. Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk can be a relentless source of negativity that undermines our self-esteem and confidence. Whether it's criticizing one's appearance, doubting the abilities, or regretting over the past mistakes, these self-defeating thoughts can erode the sense of worth and hold people back from realizing their full potential. However, photography has the power to challenge and reframe these negative narratives . Through the act of capturing images, we can cultivate a more positive and compassionate relationship with ourselves. By focusing on our strengths, embracing our unique perspectives, and celebrating our accomplishments, photography helps to boost self-esteem and foster a greater sense of self-worth.

3. Monotony and Routine

The monotony of daily routines can leave one feeling stuck. The repetition of the same daily tasks can dampen the energy and lower the enthusiasm for life. However, photography injects a sense of excitement and adventure into our lives, encouraging us to see the world with fresh eyes and discover beauty in unexpected places. Whether it's exploring new locations, experimenting with different techniques, or capturing snapshots of lives, photography is a vehicle to leash one's creativity and wonder.

4. Lack of Connection and Meaning

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel disconnected with the others, which leads to a sense of loneliness and alienation. The relentless pursuit of success and productivity can leave little time for meaningful connections and authentic relationships . However, photography bridges the gap between isolation and connection, serving as a universal language that transcends barriers and brings people together. Whether it's sharing our images with friends and family, participating in photography communities and workshops, or collaborating with fellow enthusiasts, photography fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie that enriches our lives and deepens our sense of connection with the world around us.

5. Lack of Inspiration and Creativity

Feeling uninspired and creatively blocked can be a frustrating and disheartening experience. The pressure for constantly produce new ideas can lead to burnout and mental fatigue. However, photography reignites our passion for creativity and reignites our imagination; it sparks our imagination and fuels our artistic expression. For example, simple playing with the AI in Photoshop Beta to change the background gives me so much fun!

MINDFULNESS THROUGH MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

AN IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

DATE: JUNE 8TH 2024 (SAT)

TIME: 10AM-4PM

LOCATIONS: SF BOTANICAL GARDEN & THE JAPANESE TEA GARDEN

LEARN MORE

What equipment do you use for street photography?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 01:06:01 GMT

When it comes to street photography, the ideal lens is one that offers versatility and fast performance.

and excellent image quality while being easy to carry. Here are some lens options that are particularly suitable for street photography:

1. 35mm Prime Lens

A 35mm prime lens is a favorite among street photographers for its versatile focal length and natural perspective. It offers a wide field of view that's great for capturing environmental portraits, urban landscapes, and candid street scenes. With a fast maximum aperture (typically around f/1.8 or f/2), it performs well in low light conditions and allows for beautiful background blur, isolating your subject from the surroundings while maintaining context.

Equivalent focal length on crop sensor cameras: 35mm x 1.5 = 52.5mm

2. 50mm Prime Lens

Another popular choice for street photography is a 50mm prime lens. While it offers a slightly tighter field of view compared to a 35mm lens, it excels at capturing more intimate portraits and details. With a fast maximum aperture (often f/1.8 or f/1.4), it provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field, allowing you to create compelling bokeh and isolate your subject effectively.

Equivalent focal length on crop sensor cameras: 50mm x 1.5 = 75mm

3. 24-70mm Zoom Lens

For photographers who prefer the flexibility of a zoom lens, a 24-70mm zoom lens is a versatile option for street photography. It covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to short telephoto, allowing you to frame your shots precisely without changing lenses. While not as compact as a prime lens, a 24-70mm zoom lens offers excellent image quality and consistent performance throughout its zoom range.

Equivalent focal length on crop sensor cameras: 24-70mm x 1.5 = 36-105mm

4. 28mm Prime Lens

A 28mm prime lens strikes a balance between the wider perspective of a 35mm lens and the tighter framing of a 50mm lens. It offers a versatile focal length that's great for capturing street scenes, environmental portraits, and storytelling images. With a fast maximum aperture (typically around f/2.8 or f/2), it performs well in various lighting conditions and allows for creative depth of field effects.

Equivalent focal length on crop sensor cameras: 28mm x 1.5 = 42mm

The Art of Street Photography Workshop

Date: June 15th 2024

Time: 2pm-8:30pm

4 Locations in San Francisco

Learn more

7 Tips to Incorporate Mindfulness into Everyday Life Through Photography (also works for smartphones)

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:21:59 GMT

In our modern, fast-paced world,

finding moments of peace and presence can be a challenge. However, incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives doesn't have to be a daunting task. One powerful way to cultivate mindfulness is through photography (works for both camera or smartphone photographers) . By capturing the present through the lens, we train our minds to stay focused to feel the world around us. In this article, we'll explore seven tips to help you incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life through photography.

1. Slow Down and Observe

There is no rush, no pressure to capture a perfect shot, take a deep breath, slow down and truly observe your surroundings. Mindful photography begins with taking a moment to pause, breathe, and notice the details around you. Pay attention to the play of light and shadow, the textures and patterns, and the small moments of beauty that often go unnoticed.

2. Engage Your Senses

Photography is not just a visual art – it can also be a way to engage all of your senses. As you frame your shot, take a moment to tune into the sounds, smells, and sensations of your environment. Notice the rustle of leaves in the wind, the scent of flowers in bloom, and the warmth of the sun on your skin. By fully immersing yourself in the present moment, you can capture a deeper sense of connection with your subject.

3. Practice Gratitude

Mindful photography is not just about capturing aesthetically pleasing images – it's also about cultivating gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us. Before you take a photo, take a moment to reflect on what you're grateful for in that moment. It could be the beauty of nature, the company of loved ones, or simply the gift of being alive. Replace negative thoughts with saying "thank you" . By infusing your photography practice with gratitude, you can create images that are infused with meaning and intention.

4. Embrace Imperfection

In our age of digital perfection, it's easy to get caught up in the quest for flawless images. But mindful photography is not about achieving technical perfection – it's about embracing the imperfections and quirks that make each moment unique. Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles, perspectives, and compositions. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and allow your photos to tell a story that is uniquely yours.

5. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Result

In our results-driven culture, it's easy to become fixated on the end goal of capturing the perfect shot. However, mindful photography is as much about the process as it is about the final result. Instead of rushing to capture the perfect image, focus on the experience of taking the photo – the sights, sounds, and sensations that accompany the act of creation. Remember, your feeling is on top of everything , even more important than the result of the photoshoot.

6. Try Different Perspectives

The beauty of photography is its ability to offer new perspectives on the world around us. Challenge yourself to look at familiar subjects in new and unexpected ways. Get down low to the ground or climb up high for a bird's-eye view. Experiment with different angles, focal lengths, and compositions to create images that surprise and delight both you and your viewers.

7. Take Time to Reflect

Take some time to reflect on your images and the process of capturing them. Scroll through your photos slowly, noticing which images resonate with you and why ( talk to someone or put your thoughts into words is a healing process ). Think about what you learned in the process and take notes of the inner conversations that you had with yourself. For example, while I'm patiently waiting for the "decisive moments" to happen in my street photography practice, I often hear my inner voice: "Christina, sometimes, you are too focused on the strangers on the street that you forgot you are the protagonist of today's photoshoot."

MINDFULNESS THROUGH MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

AN IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

DATE: JUNE 8TH 2024 (SAT)

TIME: 10AM-4PM

LOCATIONS: SF BOTANICAL GARDEN & THE JAPANESE TEA GARDEN

LEARN MORE

5 Mistakes in Street Photography and How to Avoid Them?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 01:07:27 GMT

5 Mistakes in Street Photography and How to Avoid Them?

Street photography is a captivating art form that allows photographers to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of everyday life. From bustling city streets to quiet alleyways, the streets are alive with stories waiting to be told through the lens of a camera. However, mastering the craft of street photography comes with its own set of challenges, and even experienced photographers can fall prey to common pitfalls that can hinder the quality of their work.

In this blog post, we'll explore the five biggest mistakes in street photography and provide practical tips on how to avoid them. Whether you're a novice looking to improve your skills or a seasoned pro seeking to refine your technique, these insights will help you elevate your street photography to new heights.

1. Busy composition

Mistake: Have too much going on in a single frame (especially when using a wide angle lens).

Improvement: Simplify your composition by focusing on just 1-2 subjects or elements. Use leading lines and shapes to draw the attention to these subjects

Ignoring Light and Shadow

Mistake 1: Not using light contrast (light and shadow) in the composition.

Mistake 2: Shoot in mid afternoons when the light and shadow are too harsh and not adding good definitions to the subjects.

Mistake 3: Shoot in overcast days when the light is flat, and not using a different strategy.

Improvement: Think about the street photos that caught your attention. Don't most of them have sharp light contrasts that make the frame compelling? A photo in which the light is flat is not that interesting. Therefore, try to incorporate sharper contrast and steeper light angles in your work and shoot in late afternoons when the sun angles down. In overcast days when there is not definitive light contrast, use a different strategy, for example, long shutter speeds to tell a story.

3. Not predicting what will happen

Mistake: Not looking around to observe people and missed capturing a story that just happened.

Improvement: Prediction is the key in street photography. Try to look around and anticipate what is going to happen in the next 10 seconds (e.g a lady wearing a red dress who will be coming into the frame soon). Get the camera ready 5 seconds before he/she enters the frame, timing is the key in street photography.

4. Lack of patience

Mistake: Leaving the scene without waiting for a story to happen

Improvement: Patience is indeed a crucial aspect of street photography. Rushing can lead to missed opportunities! Taking the time to observe your surroundings, wait for the right moment, and allow scenes to unfold naturally. 10-15 minutes is the average time that you can spend on each scene.

5. Too afraid to click the shutter

Mistake: Too afraid to click the shutter when the subject suddenly looks at the camera.

Improvement: Be brave and tell yourself to click no matter what. Yes, you might feel embarrassed but most subjects won't punch you. Smile and explain you are documenting snapshots of people on the street.

Don't miss this upcoming, in-person street photography workshop!

Learn more here .

5 Ways To Improve Your Street Photography Skills

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 02:26:17 GMT

Mastering the Art of Street Photography

5 Proven Techniques

Street photography is a captivating art form that allows photographers to capture the essence of everyday life in dynamic and compelling ways. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, here are five proven techniques to help you improve your street photography skills and capture unforgettable moments on the streets:

1. Develop Your Observation Skills

The key to successful street photography lies in your ability to observe and anticipate moments before they unfold. Train yourself to notice the small details—the decisive moments, the interesting interactions, the color contrast, the reveal of light and shadow. By honing your observation skills, you'll become more attuned to the rhythm of the streets and better equipped to capture decisive moments.

2. Embrace the Mundane

One of the hallmarks of great street photography is the ability to find beauty in the everyday. Look for moments of poetry in the mundane—a splash of color against a drab backdrop, a fleeting glance between strangers, a mundane object transformed into something extraordinary. By embracing the ordinary, you'll uncover a wealth of photographic opportunities hiding in plain sight. I shot the below photo from the backseat of a car, the lines that run through the frame is actually the defrosting strips of the car.

3. Experiment with Composition

Composition is the foundation of compelling photography, and street photography is no exception. Experiment with different compositions—leading lines, framing, rule of thirds—to create visually engaging images that draw the viewer's eye. Don't be afraid to break the rules and try new techniques; sometimes, the most unexpected compositions yield the most striking results.

4. Master the Art of Timing

Timing is everything in street photography. Learn to anticipate moments of action and emotion, and be ready to capture them at the decisive moment. Patience is key—wait for the perfect moment to unfold, and be prepared to act quickly when it does. With practice, you'll develop a keen sense of timing that allows you to capture the most compelling moments on the streets.

5. Study the Masters

One of the best ways to improve your street photography skills is to study the work of master photographers who have paved the way before you. Take the time to immerse yourself in the work of iconic street photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Vivian Maier, and Daido Moriyama. Analyze their techniques, study their compositions, and draw inspiration from their creative vision. By learning from the masters, you'll gain valuable insights that will elevate your own photography to new heights.

Unlock Your Potential

Street photography is a journey of exploration and discovery, a constant quest to capture the beauty and chaos of the world around us. By developing your observation skills, embracing the mundane, experimenting with composition, mastering the art of timing, and studying the masters, you'll unlock your full potential as a street photographer and capture images that resonate with depth and meaning.

Ready to take your street photography skills to the next level? Join us for our upcoming The Art of Street Photography Workshop in San Francisco on June 15th 2024 , where you'll learn hands-on techniques and receive personalized guidance from experienced instructors. Learn more here .

How to pick a camera?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 03:21:39 GMT

The 7 Most Practical Guidelines

How to Pick A Camera For Content Creation,

Every Photography & Videography?

Not sure which camera to buy for content creation, everyday photography and videos?

Some cameras look light and nice but they will be hard on you. You will regret immediately after you learn the basics of photography.

These are the 7 practical guidelines that a beginner can get from a photography teacher (for more advanced level photographers, please scroll down more to look at more factors).

1. The Ease of Use

I don’t care how fancy the camera is, if I have to push a few buttons to get what want, I will get frustrated. There are only 5 core settings that you need, so an ideal camera should have separate buttons, with each button dedicated to one setting only .

‼️ Trap: Some buttons on a camera might have multiple functions: e.g moving the focus point AND changing the ISO. You'll have a hard time shooting fast on these cameras.

‼️ Trap: For some cameras such as the Sony a6000, as big-finger users rotate the selectors on the camera body to change the f-stop, they can accidentally press (instead of rotate) the selector to enter a different setting and will have a hard time leaving that setting.

��Tip: Watch Youtube tutorials on " how to change the ISO, aperture, shutter speed and focus point on the _ camera model" to see if it's easy. Do NOT only watch the reviews.

2. The Number of Focus Points

The more the focus point the better. Unlike DSLR cameras that only has a fixed number of focus points in each model, now we are in the era of mirrorless cameras, you can literally place the focus anywhere on the frame. See the video below for example.

3. The Weight

Trust me, if you are just starting off your photography journey, you never want to carry a heavy camera around. So choose a lightweight camera.

4. A Flip Screen

Having a 180 degrees flip screen is definitely a gamer changer because it allows you to capture interesting photographs such as the reflection of water puddles which can only be shot from a low angle.

‼️ Trap: Even though a camera might have a flip screen, it may not be a 180 degrees one. Instead, the screen can only be pulled out of the camera body by a tiny bit and you won't enjoy the joy of having flip screen.

��Tip: Make sure the screen can be flipped 180 degrees. Be specific in using the keyword "180 flip screen" in your research. See the below video to learn what's a 180 degrees flip.

5. A Tap Screen

You need to have tap screen. In the video below, do you see how I can easily place the focus on the subject by just tapping on the screen? Also, when you are shooting long exposure such as the water motion, light trails, you will never need an extra accessory to start the shutter.

‼️ Trap: While most newly launched mirrorless cameras have tap screen, some don't (e.,g Canon R100, so don't buy this camera).

��Tip: Be sure in use "tap screen" as the keyword when you do your research.

6. Eye AF

I cannot live without it. How did I survive all the photo sessions before Eye AF came into play, it’s just like you can’t go back to the world before the internet. Eye af allows the photographer to quick place and lock the focus on the subjects eye, and you don’t have to move the focus everytime when she moves, the camera will automatically do it for you.

‼️ Trap: Most mirrorless cameras have Eye-AF but not every single one has. Some mirrorless cameras only have face detection but this is NOT Eye AF. Face detection allows you to place the entire focus on a human face, instead of specifically on one eye.

��Tip: In your research, watch videos on the Eye AF performance of the camera. Is it able to grab the focus fast? Is it able to correctly track the subject's eye as he/she/it moves? Does it have Animal Eye AF in addition to human's?

7. Mirrorless vs DSLR

There is really no point for you to buy a DSLR camera nowadays because it will be phased out pretty soon. The mirrorless world has got all the major benefits that we just talked about, so you should go mirrorless.

‼️ Trap: Some point-and-shoot cameras look like a mirrorless one, don't be trapped.

��Tip: First, understand the difference between a "DSLR, mirrorless vs point-and-shoot camera". Then, in your research, Google the key phrase "_camera_model mirrorless or dslr or point and shoot?" You'll see the answer.

For More Experienced Photographers, you'll need to consider a few more things

Crop sensor vs full frame cameras
Fixed vs interchangeable lenses cameras ("good-looking" and lightweight cameras like the Fuji X100VI may only have fixed, undetachable lenses, just be careful)
The frame rates (this will affect the smoothness of slow-motion videos)
The burst rates (this will directly affect the success rate of your action shots)
Back-button focusing capabilities (you'll need BBF in portrait and action photography)
Maximum shutter speed: 1/4000s vs 1/8000s vs 1/16000 (this will affect OCF photographers when they need to shoot on F1.2 in bright day light)

NOT RECOMMENDED

Sony A6000, a7iv or lower (complicated menu, missing a fully functional touch screen, hard-to-dial buttons)
Canon R100 (a total scam; it should belong to old age technology, I don’t know why they offer it as a new mirrorless product linkup)
Any Nikon Coolpix series (horrible point-and-shoot cameras that either look like a mirrorless or as bulky as the 80s video cameras)

Most People regret buying the camera before they learn photography.

Therefore, we provide the equipment

during the class so you will know how it feels to shoot on an affordable, decent camera and you won't settle for less.

�� Photosprouts Photography Workshops

��Top rated photography workshop in San Francisco

��The only photography school that provides a camera & lenses for each student

��www.Photosprouts.com

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Canon R5 + 50mm F1.8 On Portraits

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:26:26 GMT

Behind the Scenes:

Canon R5 + 50mm F1.8

On a Natural Light Portrait Photoshoot

In this video I will be showing you the behind the scenes of a natural light portrait photoshoot using the most basic, entry-level camera & lenses:

*The Canon R50 mirrorless (an entry-level mirrorless camera, around US$700) and a 50mm F1.8 prime lens (around US$180).*

*The concepts can also apply to DSLR cameras (such as Canon T6, T7, D80, Nikon D3500 etc)*

Depth of field depends on 5 factors:

1) Aperture

-The wider the aperture, the shallower the depth of field (more background blur).

2) Focal length

-The longer the focal length (e.g 85mm, 105mm, 135mm, 200mm), the shallower the depth of field.

3) Distance

-The closer you get to the subject, the more background blur you'll get

4) Distance from the background

-The farther away the subject from the background, the more background blur.

5) Crop sensor vs full frame cameras

-Full frame cameras have shallower depth of field

Shallow depth of field means background blur, which allows you to separate the subject from the background .

Therefore, in most portrait photoshoots, you can shallow depth of field.

However, there are times that you need deeper depth of field to showcase the context and sharpen the details on the subject (e.g a corporate headshot, fashion photoshoots).

The reason why I used the 50mm F1.8 lens is (not in the video):

1) Inexpensive (US$180)

2) it has a wide aperture of F1.8 , which gives very shallow depth of field (background blur)

3) the actual, or the equivalent focal length is 80mm (50mm x 1.6), which is perfect for portraits in a sense that it won't result in face distortion, and the compression is nice for half body and close up shots.

Outline

1) Why I love the Canon R50 (00:23):

-light but super powerful

-Fast, accurate focusing and Eye AF

-perfect for content creation, everyday photography and travel

-we provide the Canon R50 camera for every student in our intermediate photography workshops

2) There are 3 things to pay attention to before watching the behind the scenes (01:27):

✍️ The R50 camera bundle often comes with the RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 kit lens, instead of the RF 50mm F1.8 prime lens.

✍️ I've created a separate tutorial for beginners on "How to Capture Amazing Portraits Using An Entry-Level Kit Lens:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/pages/online-content-creator

Use the Manual Mode of the camera to control the exposure, and it's not that hard.

✍️ Free Guide: 4 Steps to Shoot Fast on the Camera's Manual Mode

https://www.photosprouts.com/flashcardyoutube

Don't worry if you are a DSLR camera user, the knowledge can still be applied to your equipment.

3) The behind the scenes (02:39):

-The 50mm lens' actual focal length is 80mm (50mm x 1.6 crop factor = 80mm).

-80mm is a great focal length for portraits, and you'll not get weird distortions on the face in close up shots.

-Natural light portrait: find an open shade in which the light on the subject's face is even, clean and bright.

-Within the open shade, look for hair light.

4) Equipment:

Canon R50 camera: https://amzn.to/4caGgDg

Canon RF 50mm F1.8: https://amzn.to/3uXpruM

5) The only thing that I don't like about the R50 (not mentioned in the video):

-An adaptor, AD-E1 is needed when you use an external/ off-camera flash.

-AD-E1 is always on back order!

-Please watch my other tutorial to learn how to use the adaptor to fire an external flash on the R50 camera:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBUpIJjbgEU&t=169s

How to use the Canon R50 camera to film a business promotional video?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 01:48:37 GMT

How to use a Canon R50 camera to film a business promo video?

Hi everyone!

No doubt that the Canon R50 camera is the best entry level camera. There are already so many reviews on youtube so I'm not doing another one.

Today, I want to show you how to use the R50 camera and its kit lens (RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3, altogether $800) to film a short promotional video for a business. A promo video is meant for a business to display on the front page of the website, and is usually 1-2 minutes long.

1. Intro (00:00)

-R50 is for whom?

-It is very easy for businesses and friends to use this camera to film each other.

2. What business? (00:38)

-Dog Days by the Bay, a company that provides dog walking & boarding services

-What have we done in the filming day?

3. How to create a promo video? (01:14)

a. Create a storyboard.

b. Shoot as many clips as you can, wide, mid-range and close-ups.

3. The Behind the Scenes of the Filming (02:09)

-The hiking trail

-The group walking

-The interactions with the dogs

-The dogs having fun

-Individual dogs

-The Interview with the business owner

4. The Promo Video (04:02)

5. I used the Movie Auto Exposure Mode (05:20)

6. Bonus: How to shoot on the manual mode of the Canon R50? (05:38)

Take care of the 3 variables:

-Shutter speed

-Aperture and

-ISO

Also see:

-Focus settings and determine the subject to detect

-Check out the accuracy of the Eye AF on dogs in photo and video modes

7. Bonus: How's my vlogging experience with the R50? (07:21)

Another tip:

The gimbal that you see in the video was turned off because it was experiencing some technical issues and couldn't be used. While using a gimbal will give you more stabled shots, you can still film videos without using it, just like what I did.

If you don't have a gimbal, try to avoid big camera movements and move the camera gently and slowly, or have the subjects move towards you while you hold the camera steadily. Stabilize the clips in your editing software (e.g Final Cut Pro)

For your information, the R50 doesn't have IBIS (in body image stabilization). It only has the Image Stabilization Mode.

***

My equipment:

Canon R50 & RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 kit lens: https://a.co/d/cnj5ICa

Canon R5: https://a.co/d/iJTqzEz

Canon EF 24-70 F4: https://a.co/d/9uDfEHP

In-Person Photography Workshops

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops

*Top-rated Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

*Equipment provided for Beginners

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Classes:

From Natural Light to Off-Camera Flash Portraiture (NEW CLASS!)

(Learn this system that guides you to shoot in different lighting scenarios)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-online

For Beginners: 2 Reasons to Go Mirrorless; How to Use a DSLR lens on a Mirrorless Body?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:23:38 GMT

2 Reasons to Go Mirrorless

How to Use A DSRL Lens On A Mirrorless Camera Body?

-While there are so many advantages of a mirrorless camera over a DSLR, you only need two reasons to go mirrorless.

Outline:

1) Sofia (00:00)

2) Intro (00:27)

3) Reason 1 (1:33)

-Improving the composition & exposure (which is so obvious)

-Why is it super important in portraiture?

-Why is it essential in street and landscape photography?

4) Reason 2 (2:50)

-Eye AF

-Having the eye af is a gamer changer

-You'll never believe until you try it!

5) Behind the scenes (3:39)

-Music only

-Before and after of a color graded photo (Sofia's hair is so pretty, a real life Rapunzel!)

-The edited photos

6) How to attach a Canon DSLR lens to a EOS R mirrorless camera body? (4:29)

-Use a mount adaptor

-This mount adaptor works on both EF and EF-S lenses

7) Buy a EOS R or EOS M mirrorless camera? (5:12)

In next episode, we are going to make sense of the 5 Canon lens mount: EF, EF-S, RF, RF-S and EF-M.

Other advantages of a mirrorless camera over a DSLR (not in this video):

-Shorter flange focal distance, resulting sharper images on a wide angle lens

-Having the electronic shutter

-Lighter

-High video quality

-More focus points

-Faster focusing as a mirrorless camera captures images electronically.

*By the time this video is released, the R8 and R50 cameras are out in the market already.*

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon R5

-Lens: Canon EF 85mm F1.4 lens

-Video: Sony a7iii + 24-105mm Lens

-Gimbal: DJI RS 3 Mini

***

In-Person Photography Workshops

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops

*Top-rated Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

*Equipment provided for Beginners

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Christina Szeto Kids & Family Photography

Exquisite Family Photos

www.christina-photo.com

*Social Media: ~Please follow~

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Classes:

From Natural Light to Off-Camera Flash Portraiture (NEW CLASS!)

(Learn this system that guides you to shoot in different lighting scenarios)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-online

***

Sophia's IG

http://www.instagram.com/sofia_ruzhytska/

https://www.instagram.com/sofia_ruzhytska_portfolio_/

Cherry Blossoms Inspired Portraits

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 00:06:57 GMT

Cherry Blossoms Inspired Portrait

The 3 Lighting Scenarios

Spring is in full swing, are you amazed by the budding flowers everywhere?

I am!

Just found an area that has a ton of CHERRY BLOSSOMS, and I did a portrait photoshoot there. I would like to share the 3 lighting scenarios that I ran into in this portrait photoshoot.

Outline

Intro (00:00)

-Beautiful Sienna

-How I found the cherry blossoms

-How we planned the photoshoot immediately

Scenario 1: Open Shade with Backlighting (1:20)

-Usually the first thing that I do in a portrait session, I find an open shade. And within an open shade, I have different goals.

-Looking for backlighting is one of the goals.

-Use harsh sunlight as your backlighting/ hair light, rather than the main light.

-Use the open sky as your main light (open shade).

Scenario 2: Overcast day (3:21)

-I change my strategy to shooting "light & airy" image on an open cast day.

-One of the criteria for capturing "light & airy" images is finding a light colored background (e.g the cherry blossoms)

Scenario 3: The sun was setting down and I used a flash (5:15)

-The light intensity wasn't strong enough to light up the model as the sun was setting.

-I used a large softbox to diffuse the light.

-The flash can be used as the back light/ hair light

Quiz (6:22)

-What is the main light?

-What is the back light?

-Imagine what the image will look like without a flash

Answer (6:45)

Learn the system that guides you to shoot in different light scenarios. (6:56)

Funny thing that happened (7:40)

-I am also a kids & family photographer; running into me might be the best thing that happens to you that day :)

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon R5

-Lens: Canon EF 85mm F1.4 lens

-Video: Sony a7iii + 24-105mm Lens

-Gimbal: DJI RS 3 Mini

***

In-Person Photography Workshops

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops

*Top-rated Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

*Equipment provided for Beginners

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Christina Szeto Kids & Family Photography

Exquisite Family Photos

www.christina-photo.com

*Social Media: ~Please follow~

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Classes:

From Natural Light to Off-Camera Flash Portraiture (NEW CLASS!)

(Learn this system that guides you to shoot in different lighting scenarios)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-online

Almond Blossoms Portrait Photoshoot

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 23:00:11 GMT

Almond Blossoms Portraits Photoshoot

Hi there! I just filmed another behind the scenes portraits in an almond field. Spring is around the corner, and I am fascinated by the beautiful almond blossoms in Northern California.

Outline:

1) Intro and why we are here (00:00)

2) The props and why did I choose them (00:55)

3) The 1st spot (1:17)

4) The 2nd spot and the arrays of trees (2:55)

5) The 3rd spot and adding depths to the images (5:00)

6) A few before-and after-editing examples (7:15)

7) Where are we going in Part 2? (7:27)

***

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon R5

-Lens: Canon EF 85mm F1.4 lens; Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8

-Video: Sony a7iii + 24-105mm Lens

-Gimbal: DJI RS 3 Mini

***

In-Person Photography Workshops

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops

*Top-rated Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

*Equipment provided for Beginners

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Social Media: ~Please follow~

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Classes:

From Natural Light to Off-Camera Flash Portraiture (NEW CLASS!)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-online

***

Valeria's IG:

http://www.instagram.com/valeria_model.page

How to shoot Painterly Portraits?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 00:10:05 GMT

How to Shoot Painterly Portraits with One and Two Lights?

Fascinated and inspired by the old masters' portrait paintings in the Renaissance period, I want to create moody, painterly portraits using a camera.

Style:

The images for this type of photography are dark, moody and have shaper light contrasts.

Outline:

1) One light, unfeathered

Pros: Easy to start and see the lighting patterns; bigger catchlights

Cons: Too intense and strong, missing that moody look; also lighting up the backdrop

2) One light, feathered (lighting up the subject with the edge of the softbox)

Pros: Less intense but more dramatic; not lighting up the backdrop.

Cons: Needs multiple trial-and-error to position the light correctly.

3) Two lights

-Using the 2nd light as the fill light

-Variations: change the distance of the 2nd light to fill up more/less shadows

-There are more options as where you place the fill light (but not discussed in this video; check out the online class)

-Be careful not to fully fill up the shadows, otherwise the image will not appear to be moody and painterly.

4) Using natural lights

-I didn't intend to do natural light, we have a few minutes left so it was a bonus shot.

-Add the black side of the reflector or flag the light to add more shadows (sorry that I didn't bring a reflector).

-Add the white/silver side of the reflector to remove the shadows

-Improvements: shoot in another time when the natural light is more intense; shoot in a darker interior to bring in more shadows and contrasts.

5) Learn more in the my online class: Shooting Painterly Portraits.

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

***

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon R5

-Lens: Canon 85mm F1.4 lens

-Flash: Godox AD600 (main); AD200 (fill)

-Softbox: Glow Ez Lock 48" Octabox (main); 36" (fill)

***

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

| Equipment provided |

Browse Instructor-led Workshops:

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Workshops:

From Natural Light to Off-Camera Flash Portraiture (NEW CLASS!)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-online

***

Knowing Your Style: Natural Light or Flash?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:51:36 GMT

Knowing Your Style: Natural Light or Flash?

A Photoshoot In Port Costa

This is a behind the scenes of one of my portrait photoshoots in Port Costa.

You'll see that even in the same location, using pure natural light and a flash can yield very different results. Shooting in pure natural light sometimes works but sometimes doesn’t. A flash can be used to fix the issue, but what if we take the skill to the next level, and use it to make the image look dramatic and moody, instead of solving a problem?

The outline:

1) Intro (00:00)

2) Natural Light vs Flash as fill light vs Flash as main light (00:59)

3) Flash as the main light (2:41)

4) Natural light (5:41)

-Both the subject and the background has the same exposure in an overcast day, which means no flash is needed to balance the subject and the ambient exposures.

-The images are ok but flat

5) Flash as the main light again (6:48)

6) Flash as the fill light (7:46)

-The goal of using a fill flash is to simply remove the shadow and the color cast, instead of making the photos dramatic and moody.

-Using a fill flash is one of the 2 strategies that I use in a complete shade where the light is flat.

7) Shooting in pure natural light that works (8:43)

-I turned the model around so the harsh sunlight was behind her and became the hair light

-The main light was the sunlight being reflected the grey colored pavement

-The intensity of the main light was strong and clean, while the background is properly exposed. Therefore, no flash was needed to balance the exposures.

8) Summary (9:22)

***

One Situation that A Flash is Definitely Needed

https://youtu.be/vTaFO3RD56I

***

Don't miss the Natural Light Portrait Workshop on February 25th 2023 afternoon at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco! Maximum 6 attendees only, learn more at

https://www.photosprouts.com/natural-light-portraiture

***

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon R5

-Lens: Canon EF 85mm F1.4 lens; Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8

-Flash: Godox AD200 x 2 (front and back)

-Softbox: Glow Ez Lock 36" Octabox

***

In-Person Photography Workshops

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops

*Top-rated Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

*Equipment provided for Beginners

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Social Media: ~Please follow~

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Classes:

From Natural Light to Off-Camera Flash Portraiture (NEW CLASS!)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-online

***

Rona's IG:

http://www.instagram.com/ronasorokin

Food Photography

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 23:44:39 GMT

Unleashing the Art of Food Photography

A recap on Photosprouts' Food Photography Workshop, January 29th 2023 (Sunday) 12pm-4pm.

Food photography is a unique and artistic genre of photography that requires skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of the subject--food.

As an instructor at Photosprouts, we have had the privilege of teaching aspiring food photographers the art of capturing stunning food images.

In the workshop, Photosprouts provided students with the best learning experience, from food preparation, styling, to shooting in natural & artificial light.

The students worked with different foods using the props provided during the class, learned the 3 core compositions and the 2 camera angles, manipulated the light and dialed to the ideal camera settings.

Just like our Beginners & Intermediate Workshops, we took no more than 6 students in the workshop so that everyone got instant feedback from the instructors and received sufficient individual attention.

The instructors took everyone through the process of selecting the right props, setting up the scene, and arranging the food to create a visually appealing and appetizing image. Students were encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with different angles, and find their unique styles.

In Photosprouts, we believed that the best way to learn is by doing rather than just listening to lectures, and we designed every single workshop to be super hands-on. Students can leave the class with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field. If you're interested to improve your food photography, Photosprouts is the perfect place to start.

#foodphotography

#foodphotographyworkshop

#foodphotographyclass

#photosprouts

6 Tips to Improve Iphone Landscape Composition

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 00:12:18 GMT

Disclaimer

All the photos in this article were captured in the location that we're going take you to in the Smartphone Photography Workshop on 9/24/2022 .

The tips that I'm going to share here apply to camera and smartphone users.

For Iphone/ Smartphone users, you should know your device well. Make sure you know:

1) how to adjust the exposure

2) what the lenses that your phone has (wide/ standard/ telephoto or both)

3) how to control the depth

While Iphones are capable of shooting long exposure photography, it is more relying on the software algorithm to convert a photo to a long exposure shot. Camera users, when it comes to long exposure, will have the advantage of placing ND filters on the lens to cut off the light and slow down the shutter speed.

Tip #1

Timing is the key

The time that you go take pictures in the nature determines your success. Shooting in the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky will be the worst option ever, because the light is too harsh and the shallow is not angled down enough to bring out the texture & depths of the subjects.

The best time to shoot landscape photography is

Sunrise
30 minutes or at most hour after sunrise
1-2 hour before sunset
Sunset and
15 minutes after sunset (Magic Hour).

During these periods, you'll get:

Softer lighting
A colorful sky
Defined, longer shadows that enhance the texture and depths of the subjects.

Tip #2

The Horizon Has to be Straight

The horizon is the line that divides the sky and the ground.

It has to be perfectly straight in any type of landscape photography to achieve the sense of balance and unity.

A tilted horizon, even though by a tiny little bit, will ruin a landscape photo.

Use an editing software to straighten up the horizon if it is not a perfectly straight one.

Tip #3

The Placement of the Horizon

There are three options to place the horizon on the frame:

Upper third
Middle
Lower third

Place the horizon on the upper third of the frame if the ground has more interesting elements than the sky, say a lake, pebbles on a beach and etc.

On the other hand, if the sky is "heavier" and colorful, then place the horizon on the lower third so that the emphasis is on the sky. This usually happens during the sunset when the sky is very vibrant, or on a sunny day that has fluffy clouds in a blue sky.

The horizon can be placed in the middle when there's a perfect reflection in the water.

Tip #4

Layer the frame

A landscape photo will be an eye-catching one when it has a foreground, middle ground and background.

Look for a spot that you see a meaningful foreground that leads the eye to the mid ground and the background.

Be prepared to walk the nature, A LOT!

This explains why a landscape photographer has to be physically fit. In order to find that perfect spot the photographer has to hike around the nature in different times of the day. Even though the photographer has found the perfect spot, the light has to be also good, or it has to have the view of the sunrise/ sunset.

It's a surprise that a landscape photographer might have to visit the same area multiple times to nail that flawless shot.

Tip #5

The Lonely Tree Strategy

Sometimes, simplicity is the key.

If a foreground, middle ground and background aren't available at a given location, change the strategy and simply the frame.

Look for a "lonely" tree, or any element in the nature that is independent of other subjects.

Then, use the Rule of Thirds to compose the shot, and leave some negative space to simply the frame.

This usually works during the sunset when the sky is colorful, and I'll adjust the exposure on the Iphone or the camera to make the tree a silhouette.

Tip #6

The Wide Angle Lens is for Exaggerating the Foreground

If your Iphone/ Smartphone has a wide angle lens, make good use of it.

In photography, wide angle lens is not for bringing everything you see to one single frame, otherwise the composition will become too busy and lose the point of focus.

Wide angle lenses are used for exaggerating the foreground.

In optical science, what's closest to the lens will appear the biggest/ longest in the photo. In case of a wide angle lens, this effect is being further exaggerated. Therefore, you want to use the wide angle to create impactful distortions by getting close and low to the subject.

Now, you have the Instructor to take you to the good spots in the nature at the right time!

Smartphone Photography Workshop

Date: September 24th 2022 (Sat)

Time: 3:00pm-6:30pm

2 Locations in Fremont:

1) Niles Historical Town (Travel, Portrait, Still Life, Documentary Focused) and

2) Alameda Creek (Nature & landscape focused)

Click here to learn more

*All the photos in this article were captured in the location that we're going take you to in the Smartphone Photography Workshop on 9/24/2022

5 Tips to improve your street photography

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 05:03:17 GMT

5 Tips for Improving YourStreet Photography

Street photography is more than taking random pictures on the street.

It is an art that requires planning, observation and formulating strategies.

So, what makes a good street photography photo?

I think it should have 3 elements:

1) Clean and creative composition

2) Have at least one type of contrast: light contrast or color contrast

3) Tells a story

Street Photography is my passion and I hope sharing my experience in taking pictures on the street is helpful for other photographers.

Tip #1

See before you shoot

Sometimes, the photos just don't feel right: the background is so busy that the subject is blending into it. And when there are different exposures, the image won't stand out either.

The solution is to observe before you shoot. Learn to pre-visualize before you click the shutter. Ask yourself: will the background be washed out when I expose for the subject? What happens to the highlights and the shadow if I underexpose for 2 stops?

Example here. There are two exposures in the image: The exposure of the background which was in harsh light, and the exposure of the subject who was in the shade. When I exposed for the subject, the background (which was brighter than the subject) was overexposed.

Solution for street photography:

Changed my perspective and shot from an angle where the background and the subject had the same exposure. It happens when the subject and the background were both in the light, not in the shade (and train the eyes to see it before clicking the shutter).

Solution for portrait photography (Bonus Tip):

Use an off-camera flash to balance the ambient and the subject exposures.

Check out Photosprouts' OFC tutorials on Youtube to learn more.

Tip #2

Look for color contrast

Not every location allows you to see vibrant colors.

Plan to shoot in areas where there are interesting subjects and colorful surroundings. Which location you think will let you see more color contrasts? The Financial or the Castro District? The Fidi is great if you are going for black & white images, but if you want to add more color elements to your work, then definitely the latter one.

Castro and Haight-Ashbury Districts:

The Financial District:

Tip #3

Shoot from a lower angle, especially when you are using a wide angle lens.

Wide angle lenses exaggerate while telephoto lenses compress.

Whichever object that is closest to a wide angle lens will look longer, bigger and wider than it actually is. I often bend down to shoot from a lower angle to create space and distortion when I'm using my Canon 15-35mm F2.8 RF lens .

Having a flip screen on the camera also makes shooting from a low angle easier.

Tip #4

Use long shutter speed when the light is flat

A good street photography photo should have some light contrasts.

However, it doesn't mean that we are out of luck in an overcast day. Simply use the situation to your advantage: when the light is flat or when there's no light contrast, it is the best time to use long shutter speed to motion blur the subject. The light in this mall in Japantown was flat (actually, the light is flat in most indoor conditions), so I slowed down the shutter speed to 1/4s to motion-blurred the people walking by.

Tip #5

Pay attention to where the light hits the subject

Late afternoon, direct sunlight falls beautifully on the subjects as it creates distinctive nose shadows that sculpt the face.

We are looking for this type of harsh but angled sunlight when photographing people on the street. So, as you are walking down the street, do pay attention to where the light hits the subjects. The light might be hitting their hair (background will be washed out) instead of the faces. You have to turn around to walk in an opposite direction if that happens.

Direct light:

If so, just turn around and walk in the opposite direction. The light will be shining directly on the subjects' faces.

New Paragraph

How to use CTB & CTO Gels? A Sunset Portraiture Example

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:27:49 GMT

Sunset Portraiture Example

Whenever your camera's white balance is higher than 6000K (or 6500K) or lower than 4200K, you have to use a CTB or CTO gel to correct the skin tone of the subject.

Points to note:

1) This is the second part of my photoshoot with Brianna. You can watch the first part here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuatiWMUipw&t=20s

2) In this video I would be shooting sunset portraiture with two different white balances, 9500K and 3800K.

2a) Scenario 1: 9500K

Setting higher Kelvin Temperature in the camera will add more warm to the image, and I like to do so during the sunset. A CTB (Color Temperature Blue) gel is popped in front of the flash to correct Brianna's skin tone. You'll also see what would happen if no gel was added.

2b) Scenario 2: 3800K

Setting lower Kelvin Temperature in the camera will get you a bluer image, and thus the sky will have a cooler tone during sunset. In order to color-correct her skin tone, I've added a CTO gel. You'll also see a photo without the CTO gel.

3) Things that I haven't talked about in this video but you'll learn in the below, detailed tutorial:

3a) Detailed explanation on CTB & CTO gels and in what scenarios you must use them.

3b) The 5 Factors that affect the flash (subject) exposure.

3c) What camera settings that you should change exactly at sunset time?

4) The full tutorial ($5 or buy me a cup of coffee ^^):

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

***

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv

-Lens: Canon 16-35mm F4

-Flash: Godox AD200

-Softbox: Magbox

https://magnetmod.com/collections/magbox-softboxes

-Color gels: Magbox gels

https://magnetmod.com/products/magbox-gels-1

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

| Equipment provided |

Browse Instructor-led Workshops:

http://www.photosprouts.com

Christina Szeto Photography

Exquisite Family Photography serving the San Francisco Bay Area

http://www.christina-photo.com

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Workshops:

Color grading:

https://www.photosprouts.com/colorgrading

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://www.photosprouts.com/beginner101online

The Joy of Flower Photography:

http://www.photosprouts.com/flower

*Brianna's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/heartbriee/

Why Crystal Ball Photography at Salesforce Park?

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 03:01:10 GMT

A Way Of Capturing The Mundane From A New Perspective

Photosprouts instructor Juan Carlos was teaching another day of crystal ball photography at Salesforce Park as part of our biweekly group lessons there.

I usually find these outdoor classes more chill than the ones at our WeWork office, not only because we’re outside in San Francisco. Salesforce Park is beautiful, with an ecosystem of its own atop a highrise in the city, skyscrapers abound.

What better place to take pictures?

These lessons are also a fun time, and they’re complimentary and simpler than the in-depth classes we provide at the office. Students congregated, and at 3:35, we began.

Things went smooth as usual — it was a little less windy than the previous outdoor lessons — but a student did ask me one question that stuck out: “Why practice crystal ball photography?”

I told him it’s a way of capturing the mundane from a new perspective, and, more importantly, the rules being taught — to control the aperture and depth of field, find ideal positioning, use the right exposure and seek out interesting textures, patterns and more — are fundamentals photographers use in their day to day.

Practice is essential forcementing new information, and looking at life through a crystal ball — though it may burn your hand and probably won’t show the future — is one interesting way to practice capturing one of San Francisco’s most interesting places.

At least, I hope I explained it that well.

#photosprouts

#digitalphotographyclasses

#digitalphotographyworkshops

#photographyclasses

#photographyworkshops

#photographycourses

#photographycoursesanfrancisco

#photographyworkshopssanfrancisco

Teaching The Beginners' Workshop At a Cafe

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 09:02:58 GMT

"Life isn’t meant to be lived perfectly…but merely to be LIVED. Boldly, wildly, beautifully, uncertainly, imperfectly, magically LIVED"

~Mandy Hale

It was my first day teaching photography without my trainer watching.

I guess COVID is still holding everyone back; no one had signed up since I’d last trained weeks ago; the day’s student had been rescheduled due to an error on our part; and, as a token of our apology, I was meeting her not at the WeWork office but a cafe in Pleasanton.

I reviewed the beginning photography lesson the night before. My manager had asked me to bring cookies to the customer, so my mom and I baked pecan tarts that morning.

Anxious but ready, I arrived 45 minutes early and scouted the cafe for a spot to practice near a window. On the hour, Debbie and I texted each other and met. She knew the cafe and showed me a larger, quieter room with many windows.

She was what I’d call the ideal student, understanding and driven to learn. She had a family and wanted to take better pictures of special moments. It resonated with me — I myself had recorded special moments with my father in a video about my caregiving for him as he lived his final years with dementia.

Memory isn’t perfect. Time is precious. And, photography can immortalize any moment.

Debbie was eager to show me her photography and to learn — and she had an eye for it. Maybe, she said, she could start her own business taking family pictures. I hope she does.

She brought a Nikon that had collected dust and was brand new to DSLR cameras but grasped the concepts quickly, and time flew. As is common, the less intuitive concept of aperture took longer to learn than the other concepts, but with time, she got it.

Her eagerness to learn was met by my excitement to teach. This set us up for success, and time flew. We went past the hour because we wanted to, and it was fun.

That’s how photography should be — as should learning. And, it seems teaching is, too.

#photosprouts

#photographyclasses

#photographycourses

#digitalphotographyclasses

#digitalphotographycourses

The Teen Camp Experience

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 03:41:58 GMT

One of the most outstanding students in 2020's Teenager Summer Photography Camp

As next month we will begin our summer teen camps, week-long classes aimed at budding young photographers, I thought I’d talk about one particularly impressive student from last year’s class.

Grace was 12, one of the youngest photography students I’ve had and about two decades younger than the average Photosprouts student. Grace’s dad sent in some iPhone pictures that Grace had taken a few weeks before the course, and I was struck by her clean compositions with very original points of view. I could tell she showed great promise before I even met her. Almost every day that week, we went on field trips around the city. From Salesforce Park, just a block from our offices, to the Palace of Fine Arts, the San Francisco Zoo and the Botanical Garden. While she took great pictures wherever we went, I noticed she particularly excelled when there was not a specifically stated subject. Over the week, I started to notice a pattern of intense close-up shots sometimes on subjects that would look uninteresting to the untrained eye, like a leaf or a bench. During lunch one day, while discussing how photographers might develop specific personal styles over time, Grace chimed in. “Yeah, I think my style is so close up, you kinda don’t know what you’re looking at,” she said. I was impressed with how succinctly she was able to sum up her aesthetic, and we spent some of the remaining afternoon talking about abstract macro photography.

I can't wait to train more young photographers this summer!

#photosprouts

#teencamps

#teenphotographycamps

#teenphotographycourses

#photographyclasses

Understanding ISO

Sun, 30 May 2021 05:27:37 GMT

Instructor Juan sharing his own experience of tea ching the class -- How we help students understand ISO

One of my favorite class activities occurs in the first hour of the Intermediate I Workshop . While discussing ISO, one of three settings that work together to control lighting in a camera, I show students a poorly lit picture from a birthday party and ask them two questions: “What do you think the ISO was that resulted in this underexposed picture? Secondly, what do you think the ISO should have been to get a correctly exposed picture?” Based on what the students learned in the Beginner Workshop about approximate ISO settings for different situations, every student uses the picture’s context to give their guesses. Some, who are less certain, ask if they can look through their notes for the answer. “Of course,” I say, “this isn’t a closed-note test.” I go through a few more pictures, each time eliciting guesses, and sometimes cheers from students who guess correctly. I also start complicating the questions more, asking the students to guess what the other two primary exposure settings, aperture and shutter speed, might be by scanning the pictures for clues, like a blurry background or an object in motion. Then comes the key moment: I ask students to describe how they arrived at each guess, what is physically happening in the camera to affect the lighting, and how their shutter speed and aperture estimations would impact their guess for the picture’s ISO. What follows are lengthy responses to fit a lengthy question, where the students combine their knowledge of the three settings and slowly talk through the thought process to give a final guess. This usually sounds something like “A normal ISO guess for this setting is _a number. I see the background is very close but very blurry, so I think the aperture must be around _a number__. That means ____ is happening inside the camera, which will make the picture __(brighter or darker). So that means I have to make my ISO __(higher or lower)__, so my final ISO guess is _a number_. Sometimes, even if the logic is completely sound, the final guess will be wrong because one of the estimates was slightly off, skewing the final answer. But getting the exact right answer isn’t the point of the exercise, being able to articulate the process is. Because it is definitely helpful to memorize specific information, like the typical ISO you would use outdoors on a sunny versus a cloudy day, but it’s more important to understand the interconnected nature of the settings and have the tools to find the correct settings wherever your photography takes you.

Balancing the Ambient & Subject Exposures with a Flash

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sat, 08 May 2021 08:50:09 GMT

Photoshoot at Lake Merritt:

How to create DRAMATIC PORTRAITS by Balancing the Ambient & Subject Exposures with an off-camera flash?

#photosprouts

#photosproutsworkshops

#ocf

#portrait

Portrait Photos at Lake Merritt: How to create dramatic portrait and balance the ambient and subject exposures?

I hope my previous sharing on using off-camera flash & natural light was useful! I just finished this tutorial and behind the scenes as a quick recap on dramatic portrait and CTB & CTO gels (Part 2, next video).

In this video:

Main point:

1) Understanding the fact that there are two exposures when you use a flash: the ambient and the subject exposures.

2) The ambient exposure is controlled by the ISO, aperture and shutter speed.

3) The subject exposure is controlled by the power of the flash (and also other factors, not in this video).

4) How to pick a location for dramatic portrait? Find a background that looks nice when it is underexposed. E.g bright blue sky/ reflection on the water...

***

Timeline:

1) Intro and the main points (0:00)

2) Reasons to use a flash (1:16)

3) The two exposures (1:55)

4) The ideal location for shooting dramatic portrait (3:25)

5) Location 1, one flash (3:46)

6) Location 2, one and two flashes (5:22)

7) What would happen if I forgot to carry a flash? (11:39)

8) IMPORTANT! (13:40)

9) What's next? Sunset portraiture using CTB and CTO gels (13:19)

***

Basics of Off-camera flash vs Natural light, Alejandra's Photoshoot (Photosprouts' most viewed video):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vJZOTC7CdM&t=0s

***

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv

-Lens: Canon 85mm F1.4

-Flash: Godox AD600

-Softbox: Glow Ez Lock 28" Deep Parabolic

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

| Equipment provided |

Browse Instructor-led Workshops:

http://www.photosprouts.com

Christina Szeto Photography

Exquisite Family Photography serving the San Francisco Bay Area

http://www.christina-photo.com

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

Natural Light vs Flash in Hongkong Portrait Photoshoot

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 06:35:46 GMT

Natural Light vs Flash (Dramatic) Portrait Photoshoot in Hongkong

Hi everyone! I'm currently in Hongkong and just did a BTS of a portrait photoshoot.

Location 1 (Some random streets in Central):

-Dramatic portrait only

-3 lights: 2 Godox AD200 with Maggrid, hitting the red gate; one Godox AD200 as the main light (in a large softbox) on the model

-Why did I attach Maggrids? To make the light more focused; without the grid then the light will be spilling around

-Ambient light exposure: underexposed, settings:

-Canon 16-35mm F4 (at 35mm);

-ISO 100, 1/320s, F4

Flash exposure:

-Gates: 1/16

-Model: 1/2

Location 2 (PMQ)

-Natural light only

-Challenge: there were fluorescent lamps on the roof and they couldn't be turned off. These lamps (3500K) interfered with the white balance of the natural light (~5200K)

-We wanted to pure natural light and this was the solution: we pulled Daisy as close to the natural light and away from the fluorescent lamps as possible (it was hard!)

-Learn to use the location to your advantage: look for reflective surfaces

Location 3 (murals in Central)

-Natural light only

Equipment

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv

-Lenses: Canon 85mm F1.4 and 16-35mm F4

-Flash: Godox AD200 x 3

-Softbox: Not sure, borrowed from John

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

Browse Instructor-led Workshops (Beginners, Portrait, Landscape, Street, Food, Editing and more):

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Workshops:

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-online

The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

Color Grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

Off-Camera Flash (with different ambient exposures) vs Natural Light @ UC Berkeley Campus

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 09:42:52 GMT

Off-Camera Flash vs Natural Light:

Photoshoot at the UC Berkeley Campus

Outline:

1) Check out the back of my camera: Learn to balance the ambient and the flash exposure (1:14)

a) Ambient/ background exposure: How to determine?

b) What would happen if I didn’t use a flash?

c) Flash/ subject exposure: How to determine?

d) Be brave to fix anything that doesn't seem right.

2) Natural Light (4:50)

a) Find an open shade

b) Look for any hair light in an open shade

*You have to look for the hair light within an open shade; even if you see hair light but the subject is not in an open shade, it won’t work because the background could have been washed out.

3) Flash as soft fill light (5:33)

a) I kept the same ambient exposure just like when I was shooting in the natural light.

b) Then I turned on the flash; when a flash is used as a fill light, the power is generally low, say 1/32 or 1/64.

c) The main light is still the natural light; the flash is just there to softly fill any shadow. When the shadow on the subject’s face has been filled, she will look brighter (but not overly bright).

d) Remember, Main light = the boss, Fill light = an intern.

4) Flash as the main light (7:03)

a) I switched off the flash and just focused on the ambient light; I underexposed the ambient.

b) To manipulate the ambient exposure, simply change the camera’s shutter speed. The faster the shutter speed, the dark the ambient and vice versa.

c) Do not manipulate the ambient exposure by changing the ISO and the aperture because they will also affect the flash exposure.

d) Turn on the flash and adjust the power until the subject is properly exposed.

e) I then tried to further underexpose the ambient light by increasing the shutter speed. Since the flash was on HSS (high speed sync), increasing the shutter speed also means that the flash exposure is lowered. Therefore, I had to raise the flash power to compensate for the increase in shutter speed.

f) The flash power is usually higher in dramatic portrait, say 1/1 (full power) or 1/2.

e) The natural light became the fill light when it was overpowered by the flash, which was promoted to the role of the main light (and became the boss).

***

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv; Sony a7iii

-Lens: Canon 85mm F1.4; Sony 24-105mm F4

-Flash: Godox AD600

-Softbox: Glow Ez Lock 36" Octabox

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

| Equipment provided |

Browse Instructor-led Workshops:

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Aakriti’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/aakriti.sachdev/

*Online Workshops:

Color grading:

http://www.photosprouts.com/colorgrading

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://www.photosprouts.com/beginner101online

The Joy of Flower Photography:

http://www.photosprouts.com/flower

Christina Szeto Photography

Exquisite Family Photography serving the San Francisco Bay Area

www.christina-photo.com

7 Tips of Shooting Portrait on a Busy Street/ in a Mall

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 01:12:01 GMT

7 Tips of Shooting Portrait on a Busy Street/ in a Mall

7 Tips of Shooting Portrait on a Busy Street/ in a Mall

Merry Christmas everyone! I just took some pictures of Anastasia in a busy shopping mall. I tried to use the location to my advantage and got 7 tips to share:

The 7 Tips

1) Use a flash (00:24)

-Purpose: to balance the background and the subject exposure

-Main benefit: having a flash allows you to shoot in many different locations, including a bright iconic background. If you don't have a flash, try to look for an open shade.

*Using a flash might be forbidden or rather inconvenient in certain locations, so please check the rules first.

-Recommended course: Photosprouts' Portrait Lighting & Posing I Workshop (http://www.photosprouts.com/portrait101)

2) Look for little light bulbs in the background (01:43)

-Purpose: to create shallow depth of field

-Where? Storefronts/ Christmas Tree Lights

-How?

a) widen the aperture

b) use telephoto focal length (e.g 85mm lenses; 70-200mm lenses)

c) bring the subject away from the background

-Recommended course: Photosprouts' Intermediate I Workshop

(http://www.photosprouts.com/beginner102)

3) Look for large glass windows (03:25)

-Purpose: to create reflections

-How?

a) bring the camera as close to the glass as possible

-Recommended course:

1. Photosprouts' Street Photography Workshop

(http://www.photosprouts.com/streetphotography)

2. Photosprouts' Color Grading Class (Online only)

(http://www.photosprouts.com/colorgrading)

4) Use slow shutter speeds (04:30)

-Purpose: to tell a story by motion-blurring people's movement

-How?

a) The ambient:

Determine the shutter speed first (e.g) 1/10s,

use small aperture (e.g F22), and set low ISO,

try to shoot in the shade so that the photo will not be overexposed with the above settings

b) The flash (a must if there's no tripod):

Normally has to be in full power as the aperture is small (yes, bump up the flash power whenever you use HHS OR small apertures).

-Recommended course: Photosprouts' Intermediate II Workshop

(http://www.photosprouts.com/beginner102)

5) Look for benches (06:26)

-Purpose: to create repeated patterns/ foreground

-I also had two versions of ambient exposures in this example

-Recommended course: Photosprouts' Street Photography Workshop

(http://www.photosprouts.com/streetphotography)

6) Look for architectures (07:57)

-Purpose: to create geometrical shapes

-How?

a) Use a wide angle lens (e.g 16-35mm)

b) Shoot from a low angle and make the subject appear tall

c) Posing tip: the subject should lean slight towards the camera

-The secret of shooting better portraits:

a) Shoot different types of photography to train the eye, not just portraitures.

-Recommended course: Photosprouts' Long Exposure Landscape Workshop

(http://www.photosprouts.com/landscape)

7) Bring both wide and telephoto lenses (09:28)

-Purpose: to use tips #1-6

-Recommended course: Photosprouts' Intermediate I Workshop

(http://www.photosprouts.com/beginner102)

***

My equipment:

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv

-Lenses: Canon 85mm F1.4 & Canon 16-35mm F4

-Flash: Godox AD600

-Softbox: Glow Ez Lock 36" Octabox

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

| Equipment provided |

Browse Instructor-led Workshops:

http://www.photosprouts.com

Upcoming Workshop:

The Golden Gate Bridge Long Exposure, Jan 3rd 2021

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Ana's Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/babyaanaa_

*Online Workshops:

Color grading:

http://www.photosprouts.com/colorgrading

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

http://www.photosprouts.com/beginner101online

The Joy of Flower Photography:

http://www.photosprouts.com/flower

4 Portrait Lighting Strategies to use in an Overcast Day

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 07:38:38 GMT

4 Portrait Lighting Strategies that I use

in an Overcast Day

4 Portrait Lighting Strategies that I use in an Overcast Day.

My previous tutorials were all shot in sunny days. I hope you enjoyed watching how I used a flash to balance the ambient and the subject exposures!

Using a flash for different goals in a sunny day, check out my previous tutorial:

Natural Light vs Off-camera Flash:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vJZO...

In an overcast day, the concept is similar. However, unlike sunny days, the background and the subject usually have the same ambient exposure because the natural light quality is even and soft. This means when I expose for the subject, the background is also properly exposed. Being aware of this fact is very important when you shoot portrait in an overcast day.

The 4 Strategies:

1) Natural Light (00:28)

-The subject and the background normally have the same ambient exposure in an overcast day, this means when I expose for the subject, the background can also be properly exposed.

-However, in a sunny day, the subject and the background do not have the same ambient exposure, that's why a flash is needed to balance the ambient and the subject exposures. Alternatively, look for an open shade.

-Always ask yourself: where is the light direction, intensity and quality (soft vs hard)?

-3 light patterns created when the light is coming from one side: Split, broad and short lighting. Rembrandt is usually seen in a sunny day.

-Split lighting: half of the subject face is lit, and the other half is in the shadow

-Broad lighting: the broad side of the face is lit (the broad side = the side of the face that is close to the camera); great for someone with a slim face, not good for someone with a fat/ round/ big face.

-Short lighting: the short side of the face is lit (the short side = the side of the face that is farthest from the camera), great for most face feature (that's how I make a round face look smaller!)

2. Flash: as fill light (2:43)

-As usual, I expose for the ambient light before turning on the flash.

-Since the background and the subject have the same ambient exposure, the subject is also properly lit when I expose for the background. Adding a flash might be throwing too much light on the subject, but it is a good way to create bigger catchlight in the eyes.

3a. Flash: as the hair light. Example 1 (4:20)

-There were two flashes, one in the front as the fill, and another one at the back as the hair light. I also wanted to mimic the golden hour so I attach a full CTO gel on the back flash.

-In order to make the golden hour realistic, the backlight has to be far away from the subject and also hit the background. It took me two trials to place the backlight correctly.

3b. Flash: as the hair light. Example 2 (5:42)

-There was one flash, and it was the back light (the hair light). This flash illuminated the subject's hair and separated her from the same-color background

4. Flash: as the main light (7:05)

-In an overcast day, I also love to underexpose the ambient exposure by 2-3 stops to create dramatic portraits, just like what I did in the sunny days.

-The background will be all dark when I underexpose the ambient by 2-3 stops in an overcast day, so it is a great idea to have your subject wear a bright-colored outfit.

Summary:

There is no right or wrong in what strategy you use, it is just a matter of personal taste and photography style. Using a flash as the main light does create more visual interest because the photo is not what a human eye normally sees.

***

My equipment

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv

-Lenses: Canon 85mm F1.4

-Flash: 2 Godox AD200s

-Softbox: Glow Ez Lock 36" Octabox, Magsphere

*Reason to choose AD200 over AD600: in an overcast day, the shutter speed does not have to go crazy high to largely underexpose the ambient light, so this won't drain up the flash power as it will be in a sunny day.

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

| Equipment provided |

Browse Instructor-led Workshops:

http://www.photosprouts.com

Upcoming Workshop:

The Golden Gate Bridge Long Exposure, Jan 3rd 2021

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Sienna's Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/sienna_sophi...

*Online Workshops:

Color grading:

http://www.photosprouts.com/colorgrading

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

http://www.photosprouts.com/beginner1...

The Joy of Flower Photography:

http://www.photosprouts.com/flower

Shooting in Harsh Sunlight: Flash or No Flash?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 05:00:44 GMT

Shooting in Harsh Sunlight: Flash vs No Flash

Shooting in harsh sunlight and no shade: Flash vs No Flash (Part A)?

The purpose of this video is to show you one solution of dealing with in harsh light condition (mid afternoon, no shade): using a strong flash and underexposing the ambient.

This footage of the first part of the photoshoot. The second part will be available in a few days.

Main Points:

Introduction (00-00:43):

-Common solutions for dealing with harsh sunlight: using a diffuser to “cut off” the hard light on the subject (not in this video) and using a flash.

-Having a flash in my camera bag gives me peace of mind

2. The model was facing the sun: One flash scenario (00:44)

-Posing the model to get “Loop Lighting

-Overpowering the sun with a flash (in full power)

-Using wide angle lens and shooting at a low angle allows you to lengthen the subject’s legs

*You can see different light patterns as the model moves: Loop, Rembrandt, Split and etc. This time I was going for the Loop Lighting.

3. The model was turning away from the sun: Natural light only scenario (3:22)

-The challenge for shooting in natural light only: as there’s just one exposure (the ambient), the subject will be underexposed if I expose for the background. If I expose for the subject then the background will be overexposed. I have to compromise between those two exposures.

-In backlit conditions, your lens might find it hard to focus and the photos can also look hazy.

-Solution: use a small diffuser if the lens hood is not big enough to block the flares. You can cover the flare with your hands as well.

4. The model was turning away from the sun: One flash scenario (4:43)

-Adding a flash to overpower the sun.

-Expose for the ambient before turning on the flash

-I wanted to keep the same ambient exposure so I didn’t change my camera settings.

-Then I decided to underexpose the ambient by increasing the shutter speed. The flash power was raised to compensate for the change.

-The flash exposure is normally not affected by the shutter speed, unless the flash is on high speed sync.

5. Sitting down pose: Natural light only scenario (6:53)

-Find something for your model/ client to sit on (say a log or something), so that you can naturally shoot for a higher angle to flatter the shape of the face.

-As I exposed for the subject, the background was bright but still acceptable. This is because the photoshoot happened in the mid afternoon; if it happened earlier then the background will be washed out.

6. Sitting down pose: One flash scenario (7:51)

-Learning how to color grade the image makes a huge difference!

7. The main benefit of using a flash (8:37)

-Allowing you to shoot anywhere, including full sun

-Balancing the subject and background exposures

-There's also nothing wrong if one prefers to use just the natural light, it is a matter of the photography style.

8. What we will be doing in Part B of this photoshoot (8:52)

My equipment

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv

-Lenses: Canon 85mm F1.4 and Canon 16-35mm F4

-Flash: Godox AD600

-Softbox: Glow Ez Octabox (36”)

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

| Equipment provided |

Browse Instructor-led Workshops (Beginners, Portrait, Landscape, Street, Food, Editing and more):

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Social Media:

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Lexi's Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/lexilloyd

Light & Airy Portraits in Natural Light + Golden Hour in Natural vs a Flash

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 23:28:25 GMT

Light & Airy Style Portrait in Natural Light

& Golden Hour Portrait in Natural Light + Flash

This video is the 2nd part of Alejandra’s photoshoot, in which we shot in the late afternoon and the golden hour using the natural light and a flash.

The "main course" of this tutorial is shooting golden hour portraiture, but since late afternoon is also a perfect time for creating light & airy photos so I’ve decided to shoot a few as the "appetizer".

There is no rule in saying you must use a flash or just the natural light, but it has everything to do with your photography style. Mastering lighting skill will give you so much freedom, and you will no longer be constrained by the weather, location and time.

Main Points:

Intro (0:00-1:30)

-The purpose of this photoshoot and what I’m going to do

-What I did in the first part of this photoshoot (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vJZO...)

1. Light & Airy Style Portraits in Natural Light (1:30)

-This type of photography style is very location and color sensitive.

-Location and light: open shade with a light colored (muted/ neutral color) background

-Outfit color example: pink (or other light colored outfits such as grey, peach and light blue)

-Aperture: wide-open (use prime lenses, e.g 85mm F1.4, 50mm F1.2)

-Try to get everything correct at the scene, instead of doing too much post-processing

-What won’t work and cannot be turned to light & airy style in post-processing: shooting in a location with a dark background

-If you are going for this style, try to be consistent and pick a suitable location, shoot in the right time and communicate outfit ideas with clients.

-Note that I didn’t use a flash in this part as it wasn’t necessary: When I exposed for the subject, the light colored background became slightly brighter (but not washed out) to give the photo a light and airy look.

2. Golden Hour in Natural Light (2:36)

-There’s just one exposure (ambient exposure) when you shoot in the natural light, and this is the combination of the camera’s ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. This exposure affects both the subject and the background.

-Avoid a bright background when you are just shooting in the natural light. Instead, pick a spot in which when you expose for the subject, the background is also being well exposed.

-Example: an open shade with diffused hair light behind the subject (perfect spot for backlight photos!)

-Be careful: during the golden hour, if the sun is coming directly to the lens, focusing will be hard and the photos can be hazy. There will be a video upcoming up soon on how to deal with this situation.

3. Golden Hour in Natural Light + Flash as soft fill light (6:42)

-I kept the same camera settings as in #2 so that the ambient exposure did not change.

-Then, I adjusted the flash power to get the proper flash exposure on the subject.

-Since the flash is very soft and weak, the result is similar to the natural light scenario.

-Biggest benefit of adding a flash here: bigger catchlights

-Again, there’s no right or wrong in adding a flash or not, it is all about your photography style, so you get to determine your own fate~

4. Why I didn’t try to underexpose the ambient light and power up the flash to create dramatic shots? (9:14)

-This location is not quite suitable for dramatic shots; I could have lost the vibrant color and the golden sunlight in the background if I underexposed the ambient light.

-In other scenarios when the background is bright and colorful, I will definitely underexpose the ambient light during the golden hour and create dramatic shots. More tutorials and behind the scenes coming up.

And oppps…the zip of my dress broke…

***

Equipment

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv

-Lenses: Canon 85mm F1.4

-Flash: Godox AD200

-Softbox: Glow Ez Lock Octabox (36”)

Natural Light vs Off-Camera Flash as fill light vs Off-camera Flas as main light

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 23:34:43 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

YouTube Tutorial:

Natural Light or Off Camera Flash?

The purpose of this video is to show you there’s no right or wrong in using just the natural light, or adding in a flash in your portrait sessions, you’ll just get different results.

As a photographer, we should “previsualize” how our photos will look like when we just shoot in natural light, or add an off-camera flash.

Main Points:

1. Shoot in natural light ( 01:30 )

-There’s just one exposure: The ambient exposure (combination of ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed) and it will affect the brightness of both the subject and the background.

-Find an open shade and avoid a bright background (otherwise it will be washed out)

-Use a step ladder

2. Add a flash as a soft fill light ( 3:54 )

-When you add a flash, there will be two exposures: the ambient (background brightness) and the flash (subject brightness) exposures.

-Turn off the flash and expose for the ambient light.

-Once your get your desired ambient exposure, you can turn on the flash and adjust the power until the subject is properly lit.

-This method works well in an open shade

-A regular flash such as Godox AD200 or Godox TT600 is good enough when you use this method.

3. Add a flash as the main light and underexpose the ambient light ( 5:30 )

-This is how you create dramatic portraitures.

-This method allows you to walk out of the open shade and shoot anywhere, including full sun.

-Just like point #2, turn off the flash and expose for the ambient light. You want to underexpose the ambient light

-Once your get your desired ambient exposure, you can turn on the flash and adjust the power until the subject is properly lit.

-This method requires you to use a high power flash such as Godox AD600 (or 2 AD200s) because you need to overpower the sun.

4. The main benefit of using a flash:

-Allowing you to shoot anywhere, including full sun

-Balancing the subject and backgrounded exposures

Equipment

-Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv

-Lenses: Canon 85mm F1.4 and 70-200mm F2.8

-Flash: Godox AD600

-Softbox: Glow Ez Octabox (36”)

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops* | Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

http://www.photosprouts.com

How to Find Your Portrait Photography Style?

photosprouts@hotmail.com (Christina Szeto) — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 00:03:40 GMT

How To Find Your Portrait Photography Style?

This is the question that we often get from students.

To find your portrait style, you have to be aware that different objects in a photo can have different exposures.

In portraiture, there are basically two exposures:

The ambient (background) and the subject exposure.

And they can be quite different.

Determining the exposures for the ambient and the subject is how you define your portraiture style.

Example

Exposing for the subject

Subject being well exposed, but the background was overexposed.

Not good.

Exposing for the background:

Background being well exposed, but the subject was underexposed.

Not good.

As the exposures for the subject and the background are different, we have to add an artificial light to illuminate the subject.

The artificial light has to be a strong one as the subject was in full sun; we used a studio strobe light to overpower the sun.

*Overpowering the sun means making the artificial light on the subject stronger than the sun.

Quiz

How many exposures are there in the photo below?

Answer: 3 (The sky, cityscape and the subject).

To even out the exposure of the ambient light, we add a GND filter to cut the light on the sky portion.

In real life, photographers usually don't encounter 3-exposure scenarios, so we are good.

As there are always two exposures in any portraiture, determining the ambient and the subject exposures sets out for your personal photography style:

Style #1

Making the subject as bright as the background

(subject = background exposure)

Application: Light & Airy Style Portraiture

Lighting tip: Natural light only

Good for: Portrait beginners who want to practice camera settings, focal lengths and composition in pure natural light.

Learn more and build up portfolio: Photosprouts Pure Natural Light Portraiture Workshop (New class!)

Style #2

Making the subject brighter than the background

(subject > background exposure)

Application: Any paid portrait session; studio lighting

Lighting tip: Natural light + Off camera flash(es)

Good for: Experienced photographers who want to add off-camera flashes and bring their skill to the next level.

Learn more and build up portfolio: Portrait Lighting & Posing I Workshop

Portrait Lighting & Posing II Workshop

One flash:

Two flashes (2nd one at the back):

Style #3

Making the subject way brighter than the background

(subject >> background exposure)

Application: Fashion & commercial photography

Lighting tip: Strobe lights; underexposing the ambient light

Good for: Dramatic portraiture; moving towards the fashion photography stream; working in full sun

Learn more and build up portfolio: Portrait Lighting & Posing III Workshop (New!)

So, which style do you want to go for?

Practice, practice and practice! Learn and try out the 3 different styles and the define your style.

Photosprouts' 4 portrait workshops are created to help passionate photographers work their way up to become professionals; they also get to build their portfolios in the workshops.

Knowing all the secrets in lighting makes you look confident in front of any client!

We are keeping the class size small during the pandemic, so get notified immediately when a class is being scheduled.

A fresh beginner? No problem! We also get you covered!

Sign up for the Beginners 101 , 102 & 103 to learn how to shoot on the camera's manual mode through Portrait, Landscape, Long Exposure, Street Photography and more! Equipment is provided, or you can use your own.

What's new in September?

Beginner 101 Workshop moved to Saturday mornings

Beginner 102 and 103 Workshops are scheduled on Saturday afternoons

Canon 50mm F1.8 lens added to Beginner 102 Workshop (&103): learn to create portraiture that has crazy background-blur using a wide aperture prime lens

photosprouts

Why a Photography Camp Can Transform a Teenager’s Growth

Why a Photography Camp Can Transform a Teenager’s Growth

1. Cultivating Artistic Vision

2. Getting Out into the World

3. Building Discipline and Responsibility

4. Strengthening Presentation and Communication Skills

Insights from Educational Psychology

1. Building Confidence Through Mastery

2. Developing a Growth Mindset

3. Supporting Identity and Self-Expression

4. Improving Focus and Attention

5. Strengthening Visual-Spatial Thinking

6. Supporting Emotional Well-Being

More Than a Photography Class

Why Some Memories Deserve More Than a Quick Phone Snap

Which Camera Brand is Best for Beginners? A Hands-On Comparison of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, and Pentax

Which Camera Brand is Best for Beginners? A Hands-On Comparison of Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, and Pentax

1. Most Beginners Choose Based on Friends or YouTube Reviews (But That’s a Risk)

2. Focusing: The First (and Most Frustrating) Step

﻿

Canon: The Gold Standard for User Experience

﻿

Sony: Powerful But Frustrating Menus

﻿

Nikon: Solid Cameras, But Awkward Focus Logic

﻿

Fujifilm: Retro Charm, But Not for Beginners

﻿

Olympus & Pentax: Niche but Respectable

﻿

The Verdict: Canon Wins for Beginners (and Stays Relevant as You Grow)

﻿

Ready to Learn More?

Cherry Blossom Portraits in the Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco – A Photographer’s Dream

Creating soft, layered portraits with cherry blossoms and natural light

Water Puddles Are Your Secret Weapon in Photography

Water Puddles Are Your Secret Weapon in Photography

Why Puddles Are a Photographer’s Friend

How to Capture the Reflection on a Water Puddle?

Learn Photography with Us in San Francisco

Backlit Portraits: Natural Light vs. Off-Camera Flash (OCF)

Backlit Portraits: Natural Light vs. Off-Camera Flash (OCF)

Natural Light: Soft, Airy, and Romantic

Off-Camera Flash (OCF): Bold, Dramatic, and Controlled

So, Which One Should You Use?

Nomadic Ventures: Top US Cities for Solopreneurs to Explore

Becoming a Solopreneur

San Francisco, California: The Ideal City for Nomadic Solopreneurs

Austin, Texas: A Creative Hub for Innovators

Boulder, Colorado: Where Nature Meets Networking

Nashville, Tennessee: Music City’s Melodic Productivity

Portland, Oregon: Eco-Friendly and Entrepreneurial

11 Unique Things to Do in San Francisco, CA: Tips from Locals

Read the post here .

Old Town Portrait | Canon R50 + RF 50mm F1.8 lens

Canon R50 + 50mm F1.8 | Behind the scenes | Cute Old Town Portraits

6 Things that you can fix in a matter of seconds in Photoshop AI

4 AI Tools Photographers Can Use to Elevate Their Business

4 AI Tools Photographers Can Use to Elevate Their Business

5 Powerful Things Your Iphone Can Do Just As Well As A Digital Camera

5 Powerful Things Your iPhone Can Do Just As Well As A Digital Camera.

1. Portrait Mode Magic

﻿

2. Long Exposure

3. Night Photography

﻿

4. Burst Mode for Capturing Action Shots

﻿

5. Exposure Control

Final Thoughts

What Lenses Are In My Camera Bag?

What Lenses Are In My Camera Bag?

A Look at My Gears for Work and Leisure

Work: Quality and Reliability Above All

Canon R5 & Her 3 Sisters

﻿

Leisure: Lightweight and Convenient

Specialty Lens

Final Thoughts

Engage Your Senses