Category Archives: Photography

Headshot photography entails creating photos that look natural and authentic for casting directors or employers to see the real you in these photographs.

Light

Headshot photography requires making sure that the subject’s face is properly illuminated. Therefore, for best results it is often shot using natural or soft artificial lighting without harsh shadows and glare, as well as featuring an uncluttered background that keeps the focus solely on their face.

While many assume a quality headshot must include full-length photos, this isn’t always necessary. Some actors prefer head and shoulders shots because they find them easier for conveying emotions and range with their faces.

When posing clients, photographers will encourage them to use various facial expressions such as frowning, puckering the forehead/eyebrows, squinting eyes, crinkle eyebrows or make other facial movements while playing around with different smirks and smiles for optimal results.

Headshots typically call for one light that illuminates all aspects of the subject’s face – either inside a studio, outdoors or both. Adding another light can provide more dramatic or vignette effects behind the subject and ensure a high shutter speed to minimize camera shake or subject movement during shooting.

Composition

An effective headshot will showcase you in their best light. However, in order to do this successfully, lighting and composition must also be considered when taking this image. You can visit this site for more information on taking good photographs.

A photographer will start by talking to you about what you expect out of their session in order to gain insight into its overall theme and style. They will suggest settings and compositions to highlight your best features.

For example, a professional actor’s headshot must feature their face and eyes for maximum impact; on the other hand, those looking to establish themselves as executives or thought leaders might opt for more full-body shots with vibrant backdrops.

Photoshop or another photo-editing software can also help enhance the image quality of your headshots, from fixing white balance and exposure adjustments, to adding contrast that brings out details in eyes.

Furthermore, higher-level retouching may also be used to soften skin or remove blemishes – but take care not to go overboard. A Vancouver headshot photographer may also offer this service as an add-on. Be sure to inquire up front to ensure it is available if you are interested in this service.

Background

Though professional headshots focus on the face, their surroundings also play a pivotal role. A corporate job may require an objective backdrop while creative industries often prefer bold colors or unusual textures. Color and personal taste should all be considered when selecting an ideal backdrop.

White remains the go-to headshot background, but a professional photographer should offer clients alternative choices as well. Grey offers an ideal alternative, giving your headshot a more subdued aesthetic. A dark background has also become increasingly popular for creative industries professionals; creating an ethereal aesthetic and helping outfit colors pop!

Your options for backgrounds range from brick walls, buildings, textures such as lines or plant life; beautiful natural scenery like lakes, woods or flower fields may also work; for more formal headshots you could use your studio or business’s location as the setting. You can visit https://www.pinterest.com/ for more background ideas.

Some subjects may desire photographs with more natural backgrounds that they can use on social media, their website and printed materials to represent themselves more authentically. This may be especially applicable to thought leaders, business professionals and others looking to showcase their personality through photographs.

Getting Started

Before a headshot session begins, it is crucial that both you and the photographer have an understanding of where it will be displayed; this will allow them to plan the most effective shoot in order to obtain the best photo.

Headshots should go beyond mere visual identification; they should convey more about an individual’s character and attitude. The best photographers will have a mastery of people skills in order to help you feel relaxed while eliciting genuine expressions.

Before beginning a shoot, it is crucial that a pre-session consultation be held between photographer and client either in-person or over the phone. This consultation allows photographers to get acquainted with their clients while discussing desired looks as well as any concerns or queries the client might have.

A good photographer will help you bring your ideal headshot to life.

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Next time you visit the Downtown Boca Raton Public Library to pick up some summer reading materials, take a minute to look around the front lobby.

A new photography exhibit, “Through Our Eyes: Boca Raton Community High School Student Photography,” is on display through July 31 showcasing photographs taken by students in the school’s photography program.

Over 500 Boca High students are enrolled in as many as four photography and digital media courses for college credit through the College Board in the United States and Cambridge University in England.

“The students work diligently all year to prepare their AP Portfolio for College Board,” said Rob Sweeten, the school’s AP and AICE photography teacher. “We do have the largest AP 2D Art and Design program in the county.”

He teaches them the elements and principles of art; how to properly use cameras and photographic techniques; and how to create and process their images using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. In addition to winning photo contests, the students also serve the school’s yearbook, newspaper and athletic programs.

“Visitors will be impressed with the high standard of artistic merit, creativity and expression in the diverse collection of photos from the Boca High School photography students,” Program Services Librarian Lisa Testa said in a statement. “Congratulations to photography teacher Rob Sweeten for his ability to bring out the best in his students to produce exceptional photos for our community.”

The Downtown Library, 400 NW Second Ave., in Boca Raton is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

Library patrons also can sign up for the free Summer Reading program at bocalibrary.readsquared.com, on the READSquared app available through Google Play or the Apple Store, or at the Downtown or Spanish River (1501 NW Spanish River Blvd.) library locations. Incentives such as weekly prizes, wireless earbuds, pins, a raffle to win a Nintendo Switch Lite or an Imagine Your Story Beach Bag with Bluetooth speaker and beach towel, and book lovers’ gift sets are available to babies through fifth grade, grades 6-12 and adults who log their reading hours. A library card is not required to participate.

Visit myboca.us/2020/Library.

Sigma has announced the first full-frame 14mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4. The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art , price £1399.99 / $1599.99, will be available with the L-mount or Sony E-mount. As yet we have no information about whether it will become available in any other mounts.

That large aperture means that the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art is two-thirds of a stop brighter than the Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art for DSLR cameras. Consequently, the new lens allows 58% more light to reach the camera’s imaging sensor. That’s great news for use in low light and capturing images of the night sky.

The lens is designed with astrophotography in mind and it’s constructed from 19 elements arranged in 15 groups with 1 SLD (Special Low Dispersion), 3 FLD (‘F’ Low Dispersion) and 4 aspherical elements. Sigma has paid particular attention to the image quality when the focus is at infinity and sagittal coma flare is said to be controlled very well so that small, bright points of light are super-sharp across the frame and at every aperture setting. This optical design also ensures good corner sharpness and well-controlled chromatic aberration.

Meanwhile, in-camera optical aberration correction profiles deal with any distortion or vignetting to help keep the lens’ size and weight down.

The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art features an aperture ring with an ‘A’ for auto setting to hand over control to the camera. This ring can be used with a click or ‘de-clicked’.

Like the Sigma 20mm F1.4, DG DN Art, the 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art has a Lens Heater Retainer to keep a heat strip in place to prevent condensation from building up on the front element in cold conditions.

In addition, there’s a filter holder at the end of the lens that accepts gel filter sheets. The lens comes with a cap with a holder for two of these soft filters.

There’s a manual focus lock (MFL) on the side of the barrel to enable photographers to set the focus to infinity and then lock it in place. There’s also an AFL button that can be customised to access useful features, including an autofocus lock.

To help deal with the weight that is an inevitable aspect of such a wide, larger aperture lens, Sigma supplies the TS-141 Tripod Socket in the box to deliver a more balanced arrangement when the camera and lens are mounted on a tripod.

The 14mm F1.4 DG DN is the third lens to feature Sigma’s new High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) motor to enable faster, smoother, quieter and more accurate focusing than a stepping motor.

Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art price and availability

The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art’s price is £1399.99 / $1599.99, and it will go on sale on 23rd June 2023.

Need help to figure out how to make your brand pop? Then you’ll need to learn about picking the right type of graphic design style for your marketing strategy.

There are many ways to showcase your business’s story to the world. But to get your target market to pay attention, you need a unique way to present your brand.

While there are many ways to go about it, the correct visual content can help you stand out. If you need help figuring out where to begin, read for several graphic design tips to help create your style.

Understand Your Brand

Knowing your brand helps you choose a design that reflects and communicates your brand personality, which makes it easier for your target audience to connect with your message. Consider what feels most true to your brand. Also, consider what looks most appealing or exciting to your audience to ensure your design is natural and attractive.

Find out what the latest graphic design trends are and what kinds of technology people use. You should try this out so your marketing images are always modern and up-to-date. The goal is to make an exciting image that makes your target audience feel something.

Research Competitors and Industry Trends

This will help you understand the visual design representations used in the market and whether there are any patterns. From there, you can analyze the elements used in industry-leading designs and determine which ones fit your brand the best.

Take note of the colors, fonts, imagery, and layout used in competitor designs and how they could adapt them to represent your brand best. Select from your gathered options and create a unique design highlighting your brand’s unique identity.

Determine Your Marketing Objectives

When setting marketing goals, consider your brand identity, target audience, product, and budget. After deciding what you want, research styles to find the best fit for your audience and company.

Graphic design functions on different systems, so consider that too. After determining your style, you must create distinctive photos for your projects.

Keep all your photos consistent to showcase your style and attract your audience. Your photos can generate leads and communicate your message with the appropriate strategy.

Review Design Styles

Reviewing design styles is an essential part of the decision-making process. Assess the purpose of the message you’re trying to communicate and the image you want to portray.

A minimalist design is best for a more concise and clear message. A more complex design could lead to an eye-catching design with a more layered message. If you’re communicating a serious note, a formal style with a more structured font and colors can convey gravitas.

Tips When Choosing the Type of Graphic Design

It’s essential to consider the purpose and audience of your marketing strategy when selecting a graphic design style. By researching the different type of graphic design available and taking the time to experiment, you can create a look that reflects your brand.

With a vision and a plan, you’ll be well on your way to creating compelling visuals that get the desired results. Get started today by reaching out to a professional design team.

Found this article helpful? Please browse through our other blog posts for more tips.

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More than 20 years after her diagnosis, Todd is the recipient of the Brain Injury Association of New York State’s Silent Angel Award for her photography. She will be recognized this week at the organization’s annual conference, which brings together professionals, caregivers, service providers and brain injury survivors for two days of interactive workshops and educational sessions in Saratoga Springs.

To Todd, the recognition means her volunteer work and advocacy haven’t gone unnoticed. “It’s acknowledging that they’re appreciating all the hard work that I’m putting into this, that they are paying attention to my contributions,” she said.

Todd was introduced to photography by her father and, throughout her life, could often be found attached to a camera. After graduating from college with a journalism degree, Todd spent years doing wedding photography and filming local television commercials.  

But when she moved back to Saratoga Springs from Baltimore, it was clear to her family that there was something wrong. “I was making really dumb decisions that my family would say weren’t stable,” Todd said about the time of her life when her “body fell apart not physically but cognitively and emotionally.”

She went from clinician to clinician with no answer, until she landed in Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady in February 2002. It was there that she was diagnosed with four traumatic brain injuries from four car accidents that occurred over 10 years when she was 19 to 30 years old. The diagnosis, she says, allowed her to “emerge from the darkness.”  

For the next several years, Todd struggled to relearn everyday tasks, figuring out what she could do without help and what she couldn’t. Through all of this, navigating life through a camera lens provided her with a sense of normalcy and solace.

When Todd attended her first BIANYS meeting years later, she said “it opened up an entirely new world.” Suddenly, she had a community of people who shared her story and suffered from the same cognitive symptoms. She continued attending workshops and conferences, snapping photos throughout so she could remember keynote speakers and topics despite her short-term memory loss.

At the request of BIANYS, Todd eventually stepped into the role of the organization’s go-to volunteer photographer. Since Todd said she is unable to get a job due to her cognitive delays and fatigue, the work allows her to channel her creative skillset in a safe environment. She’s also become a vocal advocate for the brain injury community, raising awareness about those who struggle with traumatic brain injuries in silence.

“This recognition is humbling and overwhelming,” she said about the award. “To others, it may seem like it’s hard work for me but I’m in my element and I absolutely love doing it.”

SheClicks, the community for female photographers that I started in 2018, has launched a podcast that features women in the photographic industry talking about their experiences and what drives them.

In the podcast, called SheClicks Women in Photography, I interview women from the photography business, to gain insight into how they got to where they are now.

The guest in the first episode is Cristina Mittermeier, a widely respected marine biologist, conservationist, photographer and filmmaker. She’s a co-founder of SeaLegacy, a global marketing, education and communication for the agency, which draws on her visual storytelling capability to convey environmental and conservation messages. Along with Paul Nicklen and Chase Teron, Cristina also founded 100 for the Ocean, a print fundraiser for ocean conservation.

In addition, Cristina is a Sony imaging ambassador, the recipient of the first SheClicks Lifetime Achievement Award and was the first female photographer to reach over 1 million followers on Instagram.

In the first episode, Cristina explains the thinking behind the formation of 100 for the Ocean and how the team called upon fellow photographers to contribute images to sell as prints to raise money. She also shares how recognising the power of photography to raise awareness of issues close to her heart led her to switch from being a scientist to becoming a photographer.

In each episode, I also ask the guest six questions from SheClicks members, asking the guest to pick six numbers from one to ten.

Future guests include Kim Grant, a Scottish photographer, photographic workshop leader and Nikon Creative, Rachael Talibart who is best known for her fine art images of the ocean, US-based high-end wedding photographer Makayla Jade Harris, Elke Vogelsang, well known for her dog photography, multi-talented music photographer Christie Goodwin, and world-renowned fashion photography, Lindsay Adler.

The SheClicks Women in Photography podcast is available on all the main podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and via sheclickspodcast.net.

Thanks to Lensbaby, and in support of 100 for the Ocean, listeners have to opportunity to win one of Cristina Mittermeier’s prints.

Fashion is often perceived as a purely aesthetic pursuit, but it’s so much more. It’s a form of self-expression, a tool for communication, and an avenue for individuality. At the heart of this lies our fascination with personalized fashion accessories. This article delves into the psychology behind our love for these unique, custom pieces.

Individualism and Identity Formation

The Desire for Uniqueness

One key element of human psychology is our desire for individualism. This natural inclination towards uniqueness is an essential part of identity formation. Personalized fashion accessories offer an opportunity to express our unique selves, thus satisfying this innate desire. They allow us to isolate our identities from others, which, in turn, boosts our self-esteem and confidence.

A Canvas for Self-expression

Fashion, at its core, is a means of self-expression. Personalized fashion accessories, particularly, serve as a canvas where we can articulate our personal narratives, beliefs, and values. They allow us to showcase our identity without using words. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry with a significant symbol or a custom-designed bag with our initials, these accessories speak volumes about us.

The Need for Belonging

While it might seem contradictory, our yearning for individuality is often coupled with a need for belonging. Humans are inherently social creatures, and we often identify with certain groups or communities. Personalized fashion accessories can help signal our affiliation to particular groups, whether they’re based on culture, interests, or lifestyle.

Emotional Attachment and Sentimentality

The Power of Emotional Connection

Personalized fashion accessories often carry a deeper emotional value than off-the-shelf pieces. They have the ability to evoke strong emotional responses, particularly when they’re associated with significant events, memories, or people. This emotional attachment often enhances our love for these items, making them treasured keepsakes.

Sentimentality and Heirlooms

Many personalized accessories serve as heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation. These pieces carry rich histories and sentimental value, making them timeless treasures. This sense of sentimentality feeds into our love for personalized fashion accessories, as we not only cherish their aesthetic appeal but also the stories they tell.

The Appeal of Exclusivity and Luxury

The world of fashion is deeply intertwined with the concepts of luxury and exclusivity. Personalized fashion accessories inherently cater to these desires. The notion that a piece was crafted exclusively for us is thrilling, feeding into our appetite for luxury and exclusivity. It’s the antithesis of mass production, creating a sense of prestige and rarity that many fashion lovers find irresistible.

The Role of Personalized Accessories in Self-presentation

Our appearances play a critical role in how others perceive us, and we often use fashion as a tool for self-presentation. Personalized accessories give us a chance to control and refine this presentation, allowing us to portray our desired image. By choosing accessories that reflect our tastes and personalities, we can manipulate the impression we leave on others.

Due to the above motivations of the consumer market to own a personalized fashion accessory, businesses around it compete to provide the best collection and personalization services. Websites like Callie Gifts offer a wide selection of customizable items — from monogrammed necklaces to engraved rings and bracelets. Even high-end brands such as Goyard and Louis Vuitton have been offering customization of luxury handbags for some time now.

Conclusion

The psychology behind our love for personalized fashion accessories is multi-faceted, spanning across identity formation, the need for belonging, emotional attachment, the appeal of exclusivity, and the role of self-presentation. These pieces are not just fashion statements; they’re powerful tools of communication, carrying deeper meanings and psychological implications. So, next time you choose a personalized accessory, remember that you’re doing more than enhancing your style; you’re expressing your identity, connecting with others, evoking memories, enjoying exclusivity, and shaping your self-image.

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Introducing the outstanding results of the esteemed competition, which recognizes and celebrates the art of food photography! Since its inception in 2011, the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year award has gained global prominence, captivating camera enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds worldwide. This year, the competition received submissions from 65 countries, solidifying its international reach.

Entrants had the opportunity to compete across 25 distinct categories, each offering a unique perspective on food photography. These categories encompassed a wide range, including Bring Home the Harvest, Food for the Family, Food Influencer, Food Stylist Award, Food at the Table, and many more. The grand prize, bestowed upon the winner of the main title, the Overall Winner of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year, amounts to an impressive £5,000. Additionally, the competition featured three age categories catering to young participants: under 10, 11-14, and 15-17.

Without further delay, we take great pleasure in presenting you with a meticulously curated collection of the finest food photographs, meticulously selected by the esteemed jury of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2023.

Continue scrolling to discover the mesmerizing winning images!

You can find more info about Pink Lady Food Photographer:

#1 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (China): Anchang Sugar Dance Artist By Zhonghua Yang

#2 1st Place, Pink Lady® Moments Of Joy: Hanging Up Persimmons By Zhonghua Yang (China)

#3 1st Place, Food Influencer: Lost Love – Grandfather By Indu Vishwanath Singh (India)

#4 1st Place, Young – 10 And Under: Peaches By Maja Kowalczyk (Poland)

#5 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (South East Asia): Drying Fish By Khanh Phan Thi (Viet Nam)

#6 Overall Winner: The Candy Man By Jon Enoch (United Kingdom)

#7 1st Place, Young – 15 – 17: Spices Of Indian Household By Amitha A. R. (India)

#8 1st Place, Bring Home The Harvest: In The Storm By Khanh Phan Thi (Vietnam)

#9 1st Place, Claire Aho Award For Women Photographers: Adua By Carla Sutera Sardo (Italy)

#10 1st Place, Champagne Taittinger Food For Celebration: Dinner With The King And Queen Of Sweden By Jonas Borg (Sweden)

#11 1st Place, Production Paradise Previously Published: The New Pigs In Blanket By Kris Kirkham And Lola Faura (United Kingdom)

#12 1st Place, Student Food Photographer Of The Year Supported By The Royal Photographic Society: Amazonian Foodscape By Kim Bainbridge (United Kingdom)

#13 1st Place, Hotel Art Group Cream Of The Crop: Mushrooms In Seville Market By Susan Astor-Smith (Australia)

#14 1st Place, Mpb Award For Innovation: Flowing Still Life: Greengrocery Project By Elisa Villa (Italy)

#15 1st Place, Food For The Family: Slurping Spaghetti By Catherine Falls (Ireland)

#16 1st Place, Unearthed® Food For Sale: Selling Fish By Md Mahabub Hossain Khan (Bangladesh)

#17 1st Place, Young – 11 – 14: Flaming Lamb Skewers By Jacqueline Tsang (New Zealand)

#18 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (African Territory): Gingery Pear & Treacle Sponge Pud By Dianne Bibby (South Africa)

#19 1st Place, Food Stylist Award: Trio Of Cake By Keiron George (United Kingdom)

#20 1st Place, Marks & Spencer Food Portraiture: Fritto Misto By Alice Ostan (United Kingdom)

#21 1st Place, Food In The Field: Dinner Is Ready By Felipe Pizano (United Kingdom)

#22 1st Place, Food Stylist Award: Say When… By Keiron George (United Kingdom)

#23 1st Place, On The Phone: Bonnet Delights By Hein Van Tonder (United Arab Emirates)

#24 1st Place, Food At The Table: Thankful For The Simplicity In Life By Jesslyn Jocom (Singapore)

#25 1st Place, Food Stylist Award: The Aftermath By Keiron George (United Kingdom)

#26 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (The Gulf): Two By Two By Rico X (United Arab Emirates)

#27 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (Chile): Fishing At First Light By Matt Wilson

#28 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (New Zealand): Eggs At Farina Ponsonby By Manja Wachsmuth

#29 1st Place, Food Stylist Award: Let Them Eat Cake… By Keiron George (United Kingdom)

#30 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (USA): Chapel Barrel Room Fitapreta Vinhos Alentejo Portugal By David Sawyer

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For the third year in a row, a high school in Nassau County is using photography to foster unity, kindness and inclusion in its community.

The Hello Neighbor Project at Baldwin High School started in 2021 as the pandemic was ending and continued this year.

Advanced Placement photography students took portraits of second graders at Plaza Elementary School.

The portraits were then blown up to create large posters with each student’s hopes and dreams printed across the top.

The second graders’ dreams ran the gamut:

-I have a dream that I can collect trash and clean up the world.

-I dream the everyone will be nice and take care of each other.

-I hope to study more and get into Harvard University.

The posters are being displayed outside the high school for all to see, with the goal of building bridges across age groups and communities.

“We love that this project is continuing, as it is a part of the wider efforts through the school district to nurture good citizenship among all our students,” said Dr. Shari Camhi, the Superintendent of Schools at Baldwin Union Free School District.

The idea was inspired by photojournalist and artist Julie Keefe.

ALSO READ | Lucky man from Queens is winner of record-setting $476M Mega Millions jackpot

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