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Elegant Exposures Photo Challenge, Day 4

12/19/2018

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ISO

Click here to see today's Christmas photo challenge and learn a little about ISO!
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Christmas Photo Challenge:  Day 3

12/18/2018

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Perspective.

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Go from this...
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...to this with a little perspective.
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Rule of Thirds
Side -by-side perspective •
Front-center-back perspective
​

When thinking about the rule of thirds, you don’t only have to think about what is beside your subject.
Think about what is in the FOREGROUND and BACKGROUND, as well.

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Here you will see a tree trunk in the BACKGROUND, the SUBJECT, then a leaf in the FOREGROUND to complete a different perspective for the rule of thirds. 

the challenge.

Christmas Books
Use what you learned about perspective and get a photo or photos with a Christmas book.

Idea:
Post another collage showing different perspectives
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Remember!
@elegantexposureswithbrittany
#EEChristmasChallenge
#Day3
#ChristmasBook
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It's Time for Day 2 of Elegant Exposures' Christmas Photo Challenge!

12/17/2018

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Aperture.

Want that perfect bokeh (blurred background)??

​In simple terms:

​As a portrait photographer, my aperture settings depend on how many subjects are in my shot & how far away I am from my subjects.
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One subject:  f/1.4 - f/2.8
This photo: f/1.4
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Three subjects:  f/2.8 - f/5.6
​This photo:  f/2.8
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Distance:  This was shot at f/5.6, but it depends on how blurred you want your background. 

However.

Kids move.  You may want to shoot smaller kids between f/2.8 and f/4.1 because of the risk of movement and losing focus, like my squiggly subject here.
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the challenge.

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Day 2:  Presents
Use what you learned about aperture and make a photo collage using different apertures.

Ideas:
- One block with one gift (f/1.4)
- Another block with three gifts (f/5.6)
- Another block with all the gifts under your tree
​(f/10 or higher)

- Or use a kid or kids in some of your pictures

Don’t have a DSLR camera?  We still want to see your collage and creativity with Christmas gifts! And, don’t worry, tomorrow is for you!!

Remember to...

@elegantexposureswithbrittany
#EEChristmasChallenge
#Day2
​#ChristmasPresents
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Elegant Exposures' Christmas Photo Challenge:  Day 1

12/16/2018

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Go from this...
...to this with a little understanding of 

light.

THE PROBLEM WITH HARSH LIGHT:
Sometimes we think, "the more light, the better," however, the full sun causes some issues:
  • Squinting
  • Washed-out faces
  • Harsh shadows on one side
THE SOLUTION:
It’s okay to find the shadows!  Look for soft, diffused light to soften the face.  If you really want that sunny glow, you can add in a sun glare during the editing process.
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Photos taken in the shadows.
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How do we deal with INDOOR LIGHTING?
I use a combination of two light sources for indoor photography: 
SOFTBOXES  & NATURAL LIGHT.
Diffused Light from Softboxes:
I love softboxes!  They are a great way to get soft, diffused light while shooting indoors. You can actually purchase an affordable softbox on Amazon. Just take care of it, especially when traveling!
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Windows and Doors:
However, a softbox isn’t even needed with the use of an open door or clean windows. Use the natural world to light your subject and get great photos!
​

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Today's Challenge:

Day 1:  Christmas Tree
Use what you learned about light and get a photo of a Christmas tree.  

Ideas:
- Outdoor Christmas tree farm
- Use window light to photograph your indoor tree

- Photograph your kids by the tree and the window

Just be creative and USE YOUR LIGHT!

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Remember to Post, Post, Post!
@elegantexposureswithbrittany
#EEChristmasChallenge
#Day1

#ChristmasTree

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With a Little Help From My Friends

12/12/2018

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Everything is more fun with friends, so invite a friend to join in on our fun!

Click here to register for Elegant Exposures' 5 Day Christmas Photography Challenge.  You will:
  • Get into the Christmas spirit!
  • Learn a few photography hacks.
  • Receive inspiration from other photogs.
Can't wait!
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5 Day Christmas Photography Challenge

12/11/2018

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I LOVE photography challenges!  They spark creativity, they help you learn from other photographers (and photo lovers) and they're just plain fun.  Elegant Exposures is going to spearhead its first ever photography challenge!  Celebrate!!!

How to Register:

1. Like Elegant Exposures on Facebook OR follow @elegantexposureswithbrittany on Instagram (you may do both, obvi!)
2. Fill out this form to complete registration!

Rules:

  • This is a 5 day Christmas challenge.  Read each day's email that will include a short photography hack and Christmas inspiration, and then post a picture to match that day's festive inspiration to the social media outlet(s) of your choice.
  • Use the hashtags #EEChristmasChallenge, the day, and the inspiration underneath your post.  For example:  #EEChristmasChallenge #Day1 #ChristmasLights
  • I will browse the posts using the hashtags and repost my favorite!  Or favorites, there aren't really any rules here!
  • HAVE FUN!

Other Information:

  • YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO JOIN.  We could all use festive fun and inspiration.  
  • You do not need a DSLR camera to join.  Just use your smartphone!

I can't wait!  The first ever Elegant Exposures Photography Challenge Starts
DECEMBER 17
*You must register by December 15 to participate.*

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Top 3 Challenges of an Indianapolis Photographer

12/10/2018

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Being a photographer can be a challenge anywhere.  I am originally from a small town in South Carolina where the #1 problem was finding clients.  Starting over in Indianapolis has opened a whole new world of challenges.  Here are the top 3 challenges of *this* Indianapolis photographer:

Weather

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It's cold 5-6 months out of the year in Indianapolis.  That means that HALF of the life of your business will be a struggle if you do not have an indoor studio.  I love studio shots and I have the equipment to handle this type of niche, but sometimes creativity can be limited when compared to outdoor options.  So what can we do during these chilling winter months?  
Indoor Photography.  Okay, so I've already mentioned the whole indoor studio thing, but there are other indoor options.  Home photoshoots for families are not only beautiful, but are memorable for the family.  They bring beauty into the monotony of life!
Bundle up.  Like the cuties in the picture above, some families will simply choose to bundle up.  Don't let the bulkiness of coats get you frustrated!  Use the weather to help spark creativity.  Bring a blanket scarf or meaningful quilt to the shoot to bundle the family or request trendy, pink fur coats like the one pictured.  I mean, come on!  How cute is she in that outfit?!
Plan.  Promise the family a quick shoot and then deliver on your promise!  With a well thought out workflow, you can get beautiful photos in record time and get those sweeties back home where it's warm!
Themed Sessions. Another idea would be to advertise themed sessions, such as snow photoshoots, s'mores shoot, Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc.  It's okay to pull on a mama's heartstrings a little.  She'll never regret having too many photos of her babes.

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Traffic

Everyone's favorite topic, right?  As a child and family photographer, families want their photos done at peak traffic hours...after school!  The best advice I can give is to plan.  We all know when traffic starts to back up, so get there early!  Take your computer with you, turn on your hotspot, and get some work done.  Go hang with the hipsters in a nearby Startbucks...that's actually how I am doing my work at this very moment and during rush hour.  

Going from one shoot to the next?  Make sure you take traffic into consideration during the scheduling phase of the process.  If you have a 4:00 mini-session and know it will only take 20-30 minutes, you may not want to schedule another session at 5:00 across town.  It may have taken you 25 minutes or less to travel to the location, but it will be much longer getting back.  Plan. Schedule. You can do this!

Competition

I came from a town where there wasn't much competition because there aren't a lot of people to begin with.  Now I've entered a whole new, big world and there are plenty of other family and child photographers out there!  I haven't quite figured this one out yet.  I've only moved to Indianapolis two weeks ago, but I am determined to make my photography dreams come true.  Here's that word again... the plan​:

​It's all about marketing.  I need to set myself apart from others, hence the blog. Well, I love blogging, but it actually helps get the name "Elegant Exposures" out there for others to see.  As people are reading my blog, I am inserting samples of my work and plugs for my business.

Other ideas:  Utilize social media, run contests (HUGE) and offer referral discounts.  You could find a local charity (animal shelter, charity event, etc.) and offer your free services in exchange for advertising.  
There are ways to battle back against these challenges.  It simply may take some out-of-the-box thinking!
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5 Reasons You Should Book a Christmas Photoshoot

12/8/2018

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1. Memories

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I feel I can confidently say this is one of the main reasons we all take photos.  We want to hold on to happy memories for a lifetime, and participating in an annual Christmas photoshoot is no exception. Christmas time is full of traditions and memories. Make your family’s Christmas photoshoot one of those traditions… you won’t regret it!

2. Gifts

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When you invest in a single Christmas photoshoot, you’re actually investing in Christmas gifts for all your friends and family.  Grandparents love nothing more than receiving updated photos of their grandkids each year. And, as an aunt myself, I can say that aunts and uncles love them, too. Not only is this a keepsake and gift for yourself, but everyone you love will adore hanging your portraits on their walls.

3. Togetherness

My most cherished possession is a photo (well, disk of photos) my three brothers and I had done in 2010 as a Mother’s Day gift for our mom.  Little did we know, it was our last professional session together. My oldest brother tragically passed away in spring of 2011. Family photos are more than just a tradition;  they can be the dearest, nearest things to your heart one day. Don’t let another year slip by without getting them done. ​
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4. Change

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We all change from year to year, especially the little ones.  As a photographer, I cannot express the importance of annual photos enough to parents of little ones.  Your children grow so quickly and won’t be small for long. Take the photos with the matching outfits! Sit on Santa’s lap!  Go big or go home, because soon enough, they’ll be teenagers fighting you every step of the way. ​

5. Christmas Spirit

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What better way to get your family into the Christmas spirit than to kickoff the season with getting your family photoshoot done!  You can use the time together to dress up, listen to Christmas carols on the way, even design your Christmas card together. ​

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Follow Friday!

12/7/2018

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Following other photographers is always a good idea.  They inspire us.  They teach us new techniques.  They give us new ideas.  So here are a few of my favorite photographers to follow...
**FYI**  I took screenshots of my favorite photo from their Instagram feeds.  Please do not judge the quality of their work from my screenshots.
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Nikki Hutchins
@nikki_hutchins_photography

Nikki is a lifestyle and macro photographer based in Alberta, Canada.  Macro photography is something that always amazes me, but I've never been able to master it.  Also, I've only tried it once... probably going to need to put more time into that if I plan on mastering it.  Nikki's Canadian world is so different than my own, that I love seeing her landscapes and natural world.
Charlotte Conklin
@charlotteconklin

I may be a little biased with this follow suggestion because this is the photographer that snaps two of my nephews, the two cuties featured.  Charlotte Conklin is a maternity, newborn and family photographer in Clemson, SC.  Charlotte's feed is one of consistency.  She is a photographer who has conquered her bright, warm style and has never wavered. 

​Just look at those sweet smiles!!
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Melissa Calise
@melissacalisephotography

I found Melissa's Instagram page by following the hashtag #inspiredbycolour (also recommended!).  I may not know much about her, but her colorful, rich feed matches my photographic style more closely and I am currently eating up all the inspiration she has to offer.  
Niki Torres
@souls.imagined.beginnings

I take a lot of courses Meg Bitton (next photographer) has to offer and Niki Torres does the newborn sessions at their studio.  I recently purchased Niki's Simple Studio Newborn course from megbittonlive.com and fell in love with this sweet-natured, talented woman.  She's brilliant.  Not only do I think you should follow @souls.imagined.beginnings, but I think you should take her Simple Studio Newborn course... if you're interested in newborn photography, that is.
​
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Meg Bitton
@megbittonphotography
The photographer that has taught me the most (more than school ever did) is Meg Bitton.  She has a ton of courses and edits for purchase at megbittonlive.com.  Check. Her. Out.  I can confidently say that you won't be disappointed. 
As always, Elegant Exposures (@elegantexposureswithbrittany), would love a shoutout or follow from your page/business.  Happy Follow Friday!
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Workflow Playlist for the Everyday Photographer

12/6/2018

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Maybe I was meant to be a 70's flower child or maybe I'm just my mother's daughter because most of my workflow playlist consists of songs released in the 1970s.  Songs like the snippets above, bring me to ease in what can sometimes be stressful situations.  Editing.  
Actually, I love editing.  It's my most favorite place to be creative during the whole photography process.  The are no creative limits in photoshop.  It's mind-blowing!  But it's also stressful.  When you have a vision in mind and you can't quite figure out how to implement the process, frustrations rise.  That's where your handy, dandy workflow playlist can be helpful.  Check out this screenshot I snapped from www.psychcentral.com. ⤵️
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I could add, "Music significantly reduces the risks of a photographer throwing his/her laptop at a wall."  Seriously, though, if music can help cancer patients, it's worth a try for your workflow process.  

What is on your workflow playlist?

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