All White by Daniel Sadlowski

Various portrait photos by German photographer Daniel Sadlowski. Enjoy!

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The Power of Lollipops: Thoughts on Connecting with your Subjects

A Guest Post by Lynsey Peterson.

When I was 8 (could have easily been 12, but let's go with 8), I got a pair of pajamas for Christmas that had a polar bear outline repeated on the flannel long sleeve top and pants. My Grandmother, a woman well before her time and crazy in all the best of ways, took one look at them, got a Sharpie, and proceeded to draw a smile on every single one of their expressionless faces.

This is likely where my love for anything with a "good expression" originated. It's also where I learned the many uses for a Sharpie. A good expression isn't always happy or cute or sweet, but it IS always honest. And authentic expressions happen when you connect with your subject.

Don't Fake It

I was once asked by a photographer who was shooting my family to "just pretend to be having a really fun time!". You know what's better? To actually be having a really fun time. This doesn't mean that you have to force laughter or make constant jokes. Sometimes one of the most important things you can do for someone is to just be present. The pictures you generate will show it as it was, be that fake or fun. Show up, be yourself, and have fun.

Get Low

This is one of the few cases where we can truly say that Lil' Jon said it best. Tops of heads are glorious, but no one needs a bunch of pictures of them. Photographing is a bit like hanging pictures-people often do it too high. Get as low as your shortest subject. Then get lower.

I've spent a lot more of my career rolling around in the grass than I ever planned on. By being on the same level as young kids, I'm often seen as much less intimidating and invited into their world easily and quickly. Even if you are not photographing children, there is no need to hover above everyone. If you sit them down, you get down too. "Let me see ya get low."-Lil' Jon.

Earn your Keep

Photographing someone is a great honor. No matter if you are doing it for free or as a professional receiving payment or somewhere in the middle, to be invited to document a moment is a big deal and should be treated as such. People are naturally self-conscience and are highly aware that you are likely to catch some odd moments. Earn their trust and they will likely be themselves quicker.

Really work to connect with them and you might even have amazing and unexpected opportunities because of it. I shot this at the airport when a dear client was bringing home her son from Ethiopia. This is the first moment she saw her daughter in weeks and the first time the siblings were met. I was one of a small group of people invited to attend this homecoming because I had been photographing the family for years and this image afforded me publication in several national magazines.

Explain Yourself

How many times has your doctor walking into the exam room and just started poking and prodding at you with no explanation or conversation first? I hope your answer is zero. But if it's not, let's pretend it is and let's also look into finding a new doctor. Too often we forget to explain because to us it's obvious: I have a camera in my hand and you asked me to be here today so.....let's get on with it. Before the shoot even happens, I give my clients an idea of what to expect for the timeline and the location and a give them access to a "what to wear" guide in case they need help. Anything that maybe makes this less stressful for them.

At the shoot I always chat with them for a bit like I would a friend. If it's a child, I always tell them they can smile if they want to and if they don't want to, they don't have to, and at the end I'll get them a prize. I'm constantly amazed how far candy gets me. I own stock in lollipop factories. The adults get a little more detail and a little less sing-song, but in general I still give them a lollipop if they're good.

Know When to Move On

When I was asked to take some fun shots of two little boys eating ice cream I had all of these fantastic colorful ideas in my head of smiley children and sprinkles! There would be sprinkles everywhere! Laughter and mess! Colors! It was going to be the best ice cream photo ever! And then I showed up and this kiddo wasn't super into my whole Laughter! Sprinkles! Mess! idea. I keep at it until I realized that forcing it wasn't going to get me anywhere. And once I let it go, I got this– a shot both my client and I adore. Plus, I came home that day relatively clean and didn't have sprinkles in my camera. Bonus.

Be on their Side (Figuratively and Literally)

Adults are tough. We have all these hang-ups and worries; just going with it isn't our strong suit. One day I realized how when I shoot kids, I'm constantly telling them how great they are doing, how silly they are, and how cute they look and when I photographed adults I said a whole lot of.......nothin'. Adults need encouragement. And feedback. And compliments. And to know they are doing it "right" whatever that means.

If you aren't getting the shot you want, it's you, not them. No offense. Either you didn't explain it well enough or you are asking for something they can't do. Come out from the comfy side of the camera and figure out what is happening on the other side. You may have seen it one way, but try their way and you'll likely end up with a better image.

No one has to know it wasn't your idea to begin with.

Check out more of Lynsey Peterson’s work on her website.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

The Power of Lollipops: Thoughts on Connecting with your Subjects

45 Excellent Creative Work by Andric

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Odd Paintings By Vasilis Avramidis

Time and time once more we approach cross ways themes of natural the past and man switch flanked by operational jointly and in resistance of one more. Oftentimes a sequence sticks to one posture, but Greek painter Vasilis Avramidis portray the duality of man and nature’s association in his strange landscape oil paintings, amalgamation the two entities and allow them to connect in leisure off of each extra. In the artist’s sequence of attractive ecological renditions, man and his creation are of the ground. Not anything is man-made that is powerless of being swallow by the mossy green ground on which it rests. At period, even man himself is element of the bright green landscape that engulf and ropes architecture and completed objects. So is it a move violently to remain afloat or a concord to work as one. Avramidis’ thought-provoking paintings will be on put on show as fraction of his first UK solo exhibition at liberty Caretakers at Jacob’s Island Gallery through October 20, 2012.

Lifestyle Portrait Photography by Aaron Farley

Aaron Farley grew up in the outskirts of Spokane, WA skateboarding, snowboarding, bowling, and spending as much time in the woods as possible.

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Photokina 2012 Highlights: 11 Handpicked Cameras For Photography Enthusiasts

Photokina 2012 had it all to impress the photography enthusiasts. Be it a line-up of full frame cameras or talk about the surprising compacts, Photokina 2012 introduced some of the most interesting cameras of the time. While Nikon (with D600), Canon (with EOS 6D) and Sony (for Alpha SLT A99) had made way for a perfect promotion strategy (by launching their cameras just a few days before the show), the announcement of Panasonic GH3, Hassleblad Lunar and full-frame range-finders by Leica were the real show stoppers. That’s not all. A pair of cameras in the Olympus PEN series, mirrorless lenses by Panasonic and Olympus and Fujifilm’s stylish XF1 also make up for the key highlights of the grand event - Photokina 2012 (Cologne, Germany, 18th – 23rd September 2012). And here we have handpicked some of the remarkable cameras from the event.

1. Nikon D600

   
   

   Nikon D600 - an FX camera in the DSLR packet was purposely launched on 13th September to steal the show. This 24.3 MP camera smartly loads in a number of features for serious enthusiasts and amateurs, who aspire to hold a full-frame camera in their hands. So here we have Nikon D600 powered by EXPEED 3 processor with 100% frame coverage, 5.5 fps in burst mode, 39 auto focus points, ISO 100-6400, expandable to 25600 with promises for amazing low light performance and high color depth. The best thing is that D600 is the first ever Nikon FX launched in the consumer range - economic and lightweight. And now let’s dive into the details of the Canon EOS 6D - another promising full-frame camera in the economic range. You can get D600 camera body for $2,096.95.

2. Canon EOS 6D

   
   

   Just like Nikon, Canon is also set to offer lightest and smallest 35mm full frame DSLR. Canon EOS 6D is promptly promoted as a best economic alternative to Canon EOS 5D Mark III. On a 20.2 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, Canon EOS 6D features 11 point AF array and an ISO in the range of 100-25600. It’s 63 zone dual layer iFCL metering sensor and 14-bit analogue to digital conversion system is all set to give a surreal feel to your images like almost all the Canons. It has built in Wi-Fi 2 and GPS3 module, which easily scores over the optional Wi-Fi support offered by D600. Nevertheless, it can be a good deal for Canon lovers at $ 2,099 for a full-frame professional system.

3. Nikon Coolpix P7700

   
   

   From a premiering consumer FX to compacts, Nikon is all set to entice its customers. The other smashing hit from the Nikon’s store is Nikon Coolpix P7700. For great snap shooters, Nikon introduces a 12.76 MP compact camera with 6mm – 42.8mm, 7.1 x optical zoom inbuilt Nikkor VR lens. Nikon is all set to redefine crisp and sharp hand held shooting with the key features like lens-shift vibration reduction system, ISO ranging from 80-1600 with ISO 3200 at full stop and support for semi-auto modes (P/S/A/M) with AE/AF lock. Along with it, P7700 is designed to offer 1/3 EV steps within+/- 3EV and AE bracketing up to 5 shots. It processes images with EXPEED C2 engine and has support for SDHC/SDXC and Hi-speed USB, through which you can transfer enhanced NRW (RAW) files. This compact camera is priced at $499 approx. You can also connect an external remote cord, microphone and GPS (GP-1) to record the location on the move. What else one needs from a handy compact?

   
   
   

   

   
   

4. Sony Alpha SLT-A99

   
   

   In the full-frame flurry at Photokina 2012, Sony also revealed its Alpha SLT A99. Sony’s latest 35mm full frame camera features 24.3 megapixel CMOS sensor. It is the same sensor that fits in Nikon D600 body. Other than the full frame advantage, Sony SLT A99 comes packed with dual AF system with 102 AF points, ISO (100 – 25,600) expandable from 50 to 102, 400, superior processing - 14 frames per second in burst mode and 1080p video shooting capability. The camera also features dual memory card slot for SD and SD/MS along with individual slots for headphone and microphone input. Unlike Nikon D600 and Canon EOS 6D it is a bit on the pricier side. You will have to spend $2,798 to experiment with Sony’s excellence at making the pictures which speak for themselves.

5. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX1

   
   

   Sony makes up for the second round of applause with its full-frame compact camera - Cybershot DSC-RX1. Sony Cybershot DSC-RX1 is a 24 megapixel 35 mm full-frame sensor camera with Carl Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm F2 prime lens. The key features of this camera includes a processing speed of 5fps in burst mode, retention of RAW information with 14 bit analogue to digital conversion, efficient video capabilities with 1080p videos in AVCHD format recordable at 25p/50p/60p, better low light performance with ISO sensitivity of 100 to 25,600. This compact camera is all set to make capturing images all the more easy. The camera offers the feasibility of customizing the functions of five buttons on the camera. It also features a dedicated aperture ring to control exposure under various situation. The shutter button also supports bulb mode and has threaded cable release socket. This small yet effective compact camera is priced on the higher end though. You will have to spend something like $2,798 to hold Cybershot RX1 in your hands. Get it here.

   
   
   

   

   
   

6. Leica M

   
   

   Talking about the full-frame cameras how can we miss out on Leica’s latest M. Leica introduces the first ever full frame range-finder with Leica M. Leica M is an exclusive range-finder which features 24 megapixel full frame sensor. Priced at $6,950, the camera is one out of the bunch to assure high quality images. This range finder goes to the end of providing features like focus peaking (so that you can see the entire area of the scene in focus on real time basis), 10x magnification and an exclusive port for connecting external EVF (Electronic Viewfinder). And the camera’s ability to record HD videos is like the cherry on the top. Get it here.

7. Leica M-E

   
   

   Leica has made a smart move by announcing a host of cameras at Photokina 2012. The other remarkable camera from Leica is Leica M-E. Leica M-E is a perfect camera for people starting range finder photography. It has 18 megapixel CCD sensor in full 35mm format. It allows you to set the focus manually and the shutter speed is usually set as per the manual focus, though it can also be set manually. It has a mechanical shutter action, yet it is not audible and hence makes it a quiet capturing device. It doesn’t have low pass filter like Nikon D800E, so the final images are supposed to have a natural visual impact. You can get this one for $5,450, again on the pricier end just like Leica M.

8. Leica M9

   
   

   Leica released M9 for photographers who sweat for finest details. Leica M9 is the smallest full frame camera with 18 megapixel CCD image sensor which is equivalent to 35 mm film format. It gives you four-way switch and dial controls to work in conjunction with few functions. You can view the image in 2.5 inch monitor. It also has quick control “Set” button to set White Balance, Exposure Correction, Exposure Bracketing, Resolution, Image Compression and other customizable user profiles. The solid make of the camera gives it a truly professional look. The 139 x 37 x 80 mm camera’s full metal housing has been made up of high-tensile magnesium allow and solid brass has been used in top deck and bottom plate. Leica frequently releases firmware updates for M9. You can buy it for $6,995 or view this link for special discount offers.
   

   

   
   

9. Canon S110 Compact

   
   

   Canon has a good deal for compact camera market as well. Canon S110 is launched to give stiff competition to Nikon P7700. Canon S110 is a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. It has 24mm lens (just like previous Canon compacts) with f/2.0 and 5x zoom. To reduce the chances of getting the blurry images, Canon implements a 4 stop intelligent image stabilization mechanism in its latest consumer compact. Canon S110 offer you the ability to capture full HD movie, shoot in RAW and share images wirelessly. With all these features, S110 comes for a price tag of $449.99.

10. Fujifilm X-E1

    
    

    Fujifilm X-E1 had been a star at Photokina 2012. This 16 megapixel compact camera offers a smart deal for photography enthusiasts at $1,399 . It is a compact camera with a hub of features like film simulation, multiple exposure, panoramic shooting, auto-bracketing and HD video recording.

11. Fujifilm XF1

    
    

    The stylish looks of Fujifilm XF1 makes it a rock star for the show. This 12 megapixel compact camera has 2/3 type sensor. It has a 25-100mm lens with f1.8 – f4.9. The camera also makes provision for mitigating the shakes with its’ optical image stabilization technology. For the first time we had noticed a camera with various ISO modes such as SN (where camera would keep the ISO high and noise as low as it can), DR (where the camera keeps the ISO prioritized to dynamic-range of the scene) and HR (where resolution will have the top-most priority). It features a high speed EXR processing engine which reads the CMOS in quick time, starts it up in as fast as 0.55 secs, acquires focus within 0.16 secs and gets ready for the next shot just within 0.8 secs. And you can get this one for $499.95 approx. Check out here.

These are just the highlights. There are a lot many cameras that made to Photokina 2012. Which one is your pick?