[MyNameIs]

I noticed there are some good photographers here, which is good. I was wondering if anyone had any good tips to make pictures (especially of people, but otherwise too) look more professional. Like lighting, etc.

[sasseestefanie]

Photoshop skin retouch

[miss artemis]

Flash usually makes the skin look greasy and ugly, specially in "normal people" pics (by that I mean no perfect models with makeup). I suggest you to always use natural light... It looks natural, adorable, smooth. It flatters most of the things. Inside natural light in a bright place (an apartment with white walls) is good for portraits.

When taking pictures of a family dinner, christmas, or an event (like your friends painting a big wall or people that got together) don't ask them to look when you take the picture. It doesn't look natural and you lose the essence of the moment... Pics are meant to get the image of whats happening, and when people just strike a pose, you lose the moment. But if you are in a party, it's ok to ask people to look and pose. It's fun to pose!

I'd love to talk more about photography tips but I really gotta go to sleep.. I'll be back tomorrow.

[styledlivingphot]

it really depends on how you use flash.

there are plenty of ways to use it to make your photos look stunning.

but the first step is to take it off the camera.

as for professionals, it just depends on how you want the photo to look. if you had examples of what u want, i could tell you what to do.

[Sweets]

reflector

[ChrissyM]

taking photos with black and white film is also great... black and white tends to be very forgiving in terms of skin etc... also looks great when using whatever natural light you have, and no flash

[miss artemis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by styledlivingphot it really depends on how you use flash. there are plenty of ways to use it to make your photos look stunning. but the first step is to take it off the camera. as for professionals, it just depends on how you want the photo to look. if you had examples of what u want, i could tell you what to do.

I think we are so not talking about professionals here. Flash (when well used) is fantastic. Even if you DO WANT to have that "dirty look" atmosphere you have to know how to use it. Knowledge comes with time and practice. Till there, no flash, please.

[styledlivingphot]

that's fine. try shooting in black and white for a while, either with film or with digital. digital may help in which you can compare a b&w picture vs color.

because when you shoot with black and white, you learn to see light, the way it falls, the way it warms and lightens a scene. plus, you don't need to be a professional to use lighting.

i know plenty of amateurs that shoot some absolutely stunning pictures.

[miss artemis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by styledlivingphot i know plenty of amateurs that shoot some absolutely stunning pictures.

Our Photography! << take a look

[styledlivingphot]

been there. =) some great photos there too.

[_ladybug_]

can anyone recommend a good starter camera? I have a digital, but I doubt it has the necessary things, it auto focuses on you so you can't manipulate anything, etc. Thanks

[polka_dot]

^ Try taking a look at this thread. It doesn't look like it's been posted in in a while, but it's worth a shot. Hope it helps.

[_ladybug_]

thanks! - it doesn't have to be a digital, that's why I posted here, I would like to develop my own photos. But I'll definitely re-check that thread to see what digital ones they like

[fourboltmain]

Start here:

http://www.studiolighting.net/studio...ing-tutorials/

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

[_ladybug_]

thanks *visits and bookmarks sites*