If you’re looking for some fun and creative photography challenges this weekend check out the continuation of our previous post of fun weekend photography projects.

1. Self Portraits

Image by John McNab

Many of us are less comfortable in front of the camera than behind it, but if you are lacking a willing model and need a subject to fill that spot than this may be your only option.

This is actually a great excuse to get a little creative and with the right focus you can actually have quite a bit of fun with self portraits. One option is to photograph your reflection in a mirror or other reflective surface which provides a plethora of compositions and ideas for creativity.

The use of an instrument such as a gorillapod (www.joby.com) allows you to attach your camera to stoic objects such as trees, lamp posts, even chandeliers to provide give you some height, as well as a variety of angles and perspectives. A remote trigger release is useful for this, but if you are quick a self timer may suffice.

Another neat trick is to create ghostly effects in low light or complete darkness. Position your camera on a tripod, dial in a long exposure and narrow aperture, and set the self timer. Start by standing still for a few seconds and look at the camera, then move slowly at a diagonal crossing in front of the camera and moving out of sight. Check the LCD for the results – you should find a slightly blurred ghostly figure with an ethereal trail leading into the distance. There are so many ideas to try, just push the limits of your imagination.

Read more at: Self Portraits: 7 tips to go beyond the basics and Self Portrait Tips.

Perhaps the most important thing we will all do on our photographic journeys is finding and defining our own unique visual style. If you want to be a better photographer, it’s a journey you too must take. Visual style is what separates each of us from other photographers. It’s how we choose to look at the world and present it in our photos.

With enough time and practice, nearly anyone can learn to take a well exposed and composed photo. But no amount of teaching will help you find your unique style. It’s a journey that can and will take years. It’ll change and refine itself over and over. Don’t feel you have to wantonly wait around for your style to develop though. There’s ways to start honing your vision …

In this tutorial Tuhin Subhra Dey shares some tips on taking portraits.

1. A photographer friend of mine once told me that “there should always be some “wow” elements in your photos, if you think that your photo lacks that characteristics, don’t show the photo to the others”!! Although I personally believe that it is not easy to capture “wow” moments in every shot, but keeping that goal in your mind always helps to get a better framing (for example, I took the picture (picture -1) of the angry Sadhu at Gangasagar fair, he was badmouthing the pilgrims for not giving him enough alms . I was watching his movement and preparing myself for the precise moment to press the shutter).

2. Always try to capture a picture which itself tells a meaningful story (for example I took the photo (picture -2) of these schoolgirls during a heavy downpour when they were eagerly waiting for another friend of them to come!). Sometimes try to interact with the subject instead of being a mere voyeur, try to know the story behind and recompose, if possible. In picture -5, I captured a street orphan with a very painful face. Try to depict a specific mood of your subject. In picture -6, a Sadhu is glued in smoking.

Last month here at dPS. We had another record month in terms of traffic but more importantly – we saw some great tutorials and tips shared from our writing team. In case you missed what we published in March – here are the top 10 articles to help you catch up.

From: Warning: 10 Deadly Post Processing Sins

1. Warning: 10 Deadly Post Processing Sins
2. 31 Stunning Black and White Subject Study Photos
3. Portraiture in Motion: How to take Striking Portraits in 15 minutes or less
4. How to Take Perfect Headshots: Six Tips
5. 5 Fun Weekend Photography Projects [Part 1]
6. 7 Must-Have Maternity Shots
7. 5 Mind-Traps of Beginner Photographers
8. 10 Tips to Take Great Family Portraits
9. 8 Tips for Photographing Wildflowers
10. How to Pop Color Selectively Using Channel Mixers

…

Image by kk+

I met Pro Photographer George Tippet (no website… yet) at a function recently where he was the official photographer. I sidled up to him in a quiet moment, introduced myself and after chatting with him for a few minutes asked if he’d mind giving me a few ‘quick tips’ for portrait photography (his expertise). Here’s what he said (and what I managed to jot down quickly on a napkin).

1. Keep it Simple

The more complex your scene is the more unlikely you are to get a shot that is the X factor. Keep your backgrounds (and foregrounds) uncluttered, work with natural light where you can, if you have to use artificial light keep it simple and use as few lights as possible.

2. Set up the Shot before Introducing Your Subject to it

Be as prepared as possible before your subject arrives. If you’re shooting in a studio have your lighting ready and camera set up and ready to go. If you’re shooting on location know where you want to shoot. Have your camera’s settings ready to go and even do a few test shots before your subject arrives. This way you don’t keep them waiting around and get to photograph them when they are fresh.