Underwater Photography

Underwater photography is as the name implies; photos that are taken under water. This is pretty interesting since early cameras could not function if wet. But as people started discovering the wonders under the sea, they wanted to be able to share that with others, if even just to prove what they actually saw was real. So we began creating cameras that could work under water, and today the digital cameras that are waterproof are beyond amazing!

Underwater photography is especially a favorite pastime for scuba divers. But there are also many different occasions where people use underwater photography especially today in snapshots and videos used in Hollywood and on YouTube for movies. You have probably seen underwater photography used in documentaries and national geographic type programs about underwater life. 

There are many websites dedicated to all the ins and outs of underwater photography; which cameras and lenses are best, which film to use, and much more detail.

Equipment is an important factor in taking great underwater photography. Did you know that there are single use underwater cameras that you can take on vacation with you to get that great underwater look? Wheelehan Photography is happy to answer your questions regarding interesting photo captures.

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A Few Photography Tips

I'd like to share some of the techniques that make scenic photography such a wonderful artform - simple, yet elegant.

First off, its all about the equipment. Today, cell phone camera’s are a popular choice. They often have many options for interesting amateur photo taking, that can capture like a pro and look really good!

Good photos are sharp, clear and bright. Zooms get my vote, even though they often don't have as wide an aperture, which limits their capabilities in low light situations. 

Practically speaking, an SLR is best. They are lightweight, and can be used with top quality lenses. Film SLRs tend to be less expensive, but have the limitations of film, meaning you have to get it developed and so forth. Digital DSLRs are more expensive though, so for the budget conscious either go with a film SLR or a high quality basic digital camera. With digital, resolution is also a critical factor, so look at the specs before you buy.

When shooting , use the "rule of thirds."

When you place the main object of the picture smack-dab in the middle, it is static and boring. Place it one third of the way from either side, and you can imply motion. Put the horizon in a landscape photo a third of the way up or down, not across the middle.

OK, now emotions are running high, and that's great, but not too great! Sometimes I find a spot that is so wonderful, I start shooting like a madman, only to be disappointed by the pictures. What happened? Emotions. When you experience a place, there are sounds, aromas and breezes as well as the visuals of the spot. Needless to say, you can't photograph all of these elements, only the visual. When overwhelmed by the spectacle of a scenic hotspot, we are often moved by all of these elements.

So what to do? Look through your camera. The viewfinder does not lie (usually). Try to see what you are looking at as the finished picture. Most people perfunctorily take pictures, hoping that somehow the shot will come out great. At the moment you click the pic, you should know exactly what you will get.

Choosing A Wedding Photographer

A person’s wedding can be one of the most important times in their life. They will have memories that they want to treasure forever and then pass on to their children. Wedding photography helps them to do this. Having pictures taken at the wedding and then at the reception can capture those precious memories in freeze-frame and help you keep the memories alive forever.

Pictures are important so you want to be sure you get good photos, high quality photos that you can enjoy forever.

Most people will have a wedding book designed out of the collection of the best wedding photos. Usually the photographer will do this for you. You will then have a beautiful scrapbook from your wedding to hold your memories.

Choosing a photographer is a very important step in your wedding pictures. You want someone experienced that will do an excellent job for you. It’s possible that you may be on a budget and price may be a factor as well.

How Do You Choose a Wedding Photographer?

There are several things you are going to want to look for with the most important being the quality of the work. It would be great if you could find a photographer that you had seen in action, perhaps at a family member or friend’s wedding. Referrals are great.

For many the hardest part of choosing a wedding photographer is that you sign a contract and agree to pay before you have ever seen the photos. That’s how it works in the world of wedding photography; you must make your decision based of faith in the photographer. So how do you make a decision like this?

Referrals

First, you are going to want to look at referrals. Ask your friends or family members who did their weddings and start compiling a list. You will also need to verify that these people are still photographing. Ask everyone you can about their wedding and their wedding pictures. Most people will even let you see their wedding photos and most often you can check out the photographer’s work online.

Experience & Samples

Aside from samples from people you know, you can ask the photographer himself about samples. You can call the photographers on your list and do an interview over the phone or make an appointment to meet in person. This is your chance to ask the photographer any questions you may have such as their experience, what training they have and what different types of photography they have studied. If you are doing an in-person interview, the photographer can show you portfolios of samples of their work. If doing a phone interview, that ends well, you may want to go in person and see a portfolio.

Schedule and Appointment to meet in person and see if the photographer’s creativity blends well with your vision.

When you have chosen the photographer you think you want to use, you will have to schedule several appointments. The bride and groom, the bride’s parents and anyone else who may be taking part in paying for the wedding should be present at these meetings regarding the wedding photography.

At these meetings, you will discuss price, payment schedule and possible deposits. Next you will discuss the plan for taking the photos. Many people also get video and digital photographs now. Do you want these? Will your photographer be able to provide these? Will there be extra fees?

Many people have specific plans as to what they want pictures of (e.g. bride and father coming down the aisle, bride and groom, rings exchanging, the kiss, the bridesmaids, etc.) This is your chance to get all this written down so that the photographer is sure to get all the shots you want. Some people give their photographers a little more freedom to decide what pictures will be good to take.

Be sure to ask any questions you have about this important event. Your wedding photography is important to you so don’t hesitate to be clear about what you want. 

Wheelehan Photography can help you today. We look forward to answering your questions.