Catherine shows you her tips and tricks
Tips + Tricks
Quick Tip: Who Let the Dog out?
Tips + Tricks 
0
Tue 08.21.2012
This was shot at F/2.8 @ 1/200 sec. using Canon 5D MII @ 85 mm.
Quick Tip: I love it when a couple brings awesome props to spice up the shoot. Whether it is a dog (they are always great fun) or a picnic basket, your subjects will have more fun and feel more comfortable when they are enjoying themselves. The best props are those that have a special meaning for the couple – it could be something they made together or an anniversary gift. This makes for more unique images that showcase the personalities and rapport of the couple. Before the session, you can also suggest props such as balloons, cool sunglasses, bubbles and hats – but let their imagination run wild.
Quick Tip: Light It Up!
Tips + Tricks 1
Thu 08.16.2012
This was shot at F/8 @ 1/200 sec. using Canon 5D @ 24mm.
Quick Tip: Strobes, like a continuous light source, correspond to changes in aperture settings. For example, if you increase your aperture from f/5.6 to f/11, you must increase your strobe output by two stops to maintain a consistent exposure.When working in direct sunlight or nearly dark sets, choose a 1000 w/s strobe over a 500 w/s. You will relish in the extra power. If a strobe is too powerful at its lowest setting, you can further decrease its needed strength by using neutral-density gels. In this particular photograph we used 1000 w. strobe at highest power to overpower the bright outdoor sun.
Quick Tip: Promote Spontaneous Moments!
Tips + Tricks 0
Mon 08.13.2012
This was shot at F/3.2 @ 1/125 sec. using Canon 5D MII at 50 mm.
Quick Tip: Promote Spontaneous moments! In this shot I prompted the maids to direct their attention on the bride. The reaction of the girls sparked a playful expression from the bride.
Quick Tip: Let Kids be Kids
Tips + Tricks 2
Fri 08.10.2012
This was shot at F/3.2 @ 1/400 sec. using Canon 5D at 63 mm.
Quick Tip: Allow children to play within their surroundings, doing so will produce a more authentic and telling photograph.
Quick Tip: Negative Fill
Blog, Tips + Tricks 2
Mon 08.06.2012
Quick Tip: A few days ago I posted about using Negative Fill in portraits. There were several questions about using negative fill, so I thought I would expand on the daily post. Fill light is achieved by using a light colored surface such as a white wall or reflector to bounce light at your subject. Negative fill is the exact opposite.
Placing the subject near a very dark object “reflects” a shadow. If you look at the boy in the driver’s seat one side of his face is more brightly lit than the other. This was created by placing him near the dark frame of the car. Using negative fill in evenly lit situations creates more dimension with the play between light and shadow. Had his face been evenly lit, it would not have drawn your eye in.
