High School Seniors: Natural, Confident, & Totally You
Senior year is full of big moments and your senior session should be one of them! Whether your teen is outgoing or a little camera shy, my sessions are designed to bring out their real personality in a fun, relaxed way. Here's how we make that happen:
Choose Outfits That Reflect Their Vibe
Bring 2–3 outfits based on the session length: one casual, one a little dressy, and one that’s meaningful. Think sports uniforms, letterman jackets, band gear, or even their college tee or cap & gown. We want their personality to shine, not just their smile.
Pick a Location That Feels Right
Nature trails, open fields, parks, or even a favorite hangout spot will set the right tone with the right location. I’ll help guide you if you need ideas, but think about a space where your senior feels relaxed, grounded, and themselves.
Let’s Talk Golden Hour
We time sessions around that soft, dreamy light which is right before sunrise or sunset. It’s the perfect setting for glowing skin tones, flattering shadows, and timeless images.
Bonus Tip: Bring a Hype Crew
A parent, sibling, or best friend can help ease nerves and bring out natural laughter and real emotion. Plus, they’re great for behind-the-scenes phone pics!
Your teen only gets one senior year. Let’s make it unforgettable and create images you’ll love for a lifetime.
Ready to book or have questions?
Let’s chat and start planning their session!
🦆Why Lake Apopka Might Be Florida’s Best Summer Birding Spot🦅
Think summer birding in Florida is too hot to be worth it? Think again! You have the option to stay in your car, out of the sun, and with some AC on!
Join me for a full summer tour of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive in Apopka, Florida which is one of the state’s best birding and wildlife photography spots all year round.
In this video, we’ll explore why you shouldn’t skip summer visits here. We see unexpected bird sightings to stunning wildlife moments you won’t believe (so many babies!!!). Lake Apopka has surprises around every bend. You’ll see wading birds, raptors, and other wildlife even in the heat of summer!
📍 Why you’ll love this video:
Discover why summer is an underrated time for Lake Apopka (No migratory birds!)
Learn what species you might spot during warmer months
See why this might just be Florida’s best summer birding spot
Whether you’re a bird watcher, nature photographer, or just love Florida’s wild side, this is one drive you don’t want to miss!
🎬 What the Heck Is “Film Developer” in Dehancer? (And Why You Should Care!)
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is Film Developer in Dehancer?” Then this is the video for you. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how the Film Developer tool works, how it’s different from a Film Profile, and why combining both can take your color grading to the next level.
We’ll break down:
✅ What Film Developer does and how it mimics real analog film processing
✅ The difference between Film Developer vs. Film Profiles in Dehancer Pro
✅ How Film Developer controls contrast, gamma, color separation, and saturation
✅ Why using both tools creates more authentic cinematic film looks
✅ When to use Film Developer in your color grading workflow
Whether you’re into video editing, photo editing, film emulation, or color grading tutorials, this video will help you understand how to use Film Developer for stunning results.
📌 Perfect for: Dehancer beginners, film look creators, cinematographers, photographers, and anyone looking to master cinematic color grading.
💬 Got questions or ideas you'd like me to dive into? I'd love to hear them! Drop a comment below and let me know how I can help support your photography journey. Let’s grow and create together! Please share with others who you think would enjoy this content as well!
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What Wildlife Photography Teaches Us About Ourselves
Over the past few years my life has changed dramatically. I went from being very active to learning how to stay still. Although I am getting stronger daily, it was a forced lesson I didn't want due to my health. I had to figure out how to see life through a different lens after everything I had been through and seen.
I found as I had to sit often and wait, it was in the quiet moments before a bird takes flight or watching birds as they feed, you learn a lot just by observing and can find it just as enjoyable!
My view sitting in the shade with my buddy Beau!
Just like I had to learn to let go of the way things use to be, in order to do wildlife photography is a lot of letting go of control. Animals move on their own terms. Light changes without warning. The moment you’re waiting for might never come or it might come in an instant; gone before your lens is ready. In those moments, we learn patience. We learn how to wait without expectation, to watch without needing to intervene. That patience teaches us more than how to shoot; it teaches us how to live.
We also learn humility. Nature doesn’t cater to our schedule or vision boards. What you had can be gone in a heartbeat. You can hike for hours and come home without a single “keeper,” and still find yourself grateful. The simple act of being there, of witnessing something wild and free, is often the reward itself. We’re reminded that not everything beautiful can or should be captured; some things are meant just to be seen, learned from, and remembered.
Then there’s presence. Wildlife photography demands it. If your mind drifts, you miss the bunny emerging from the underbrush or the osprey’s plunge into the lake. The camera becomes a tool for mindfulness not a distraction, but a tether to the now. In slowing down to match the rhythm of the wild, we reconnect with parts of ourselves that are often lost in the daily grind.
In the end, wildlife photography isn’t just about the animals. It’s about us learning to be still, to observe with reverence, to be grateful for what we have, and to see the world and ourselves not as something to conquer or make perfect, but as something to understand, nurture, and cherish.
Is This Calendar-Worthy? 🧐 Pro Photo Critique of My August Shot
In this video, I break down my August calendar photo a stunning shot from Sanibel Island. We’ll talk about composition, time to capture shore birds off tides instead of lighting times, story, and editing choices, and whether it truly deserves a place on the wall. Plus, I’ll share how I captured this moment, and what I’d improve next time. If you love photography, bird shots, or calendar-worthy images, this is for you!
💬 Got questions or ideas you'd like me to dive into? I'd love to hear them! Drop a comment below and let me know how I can help support your photography journey. Let’s grow and create together! Please share with others who you think would enjoy this content as well! 📸✨👍 Remember to Like, Subscribe, and turn on the notification bell 🔔 for more nature, photography tutorials, and fun filled adventures!
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Looking for “Old Florida”? You NEED to See This Place! | Birding Paradise
In this episode, we explore the Joe Overstreet Landing area, one of the last truly untouched gems of "Old Florida." If you’re into birding, wildlife, or just want to escape into nature, this is the place for you. I was amazed at the variety of wildlife — from marsh birds and shorebirds to raptors, songbirds, and yes... even cows grazing freely in the distance! While I focused mostly on the stunning scenery and bird activity, it’s worth noting that Joe Overstreet Landing also offers camping and scenic boat rides, making it a perfect destination for a weekend escape into nature. 🌿 If you're craving a real Florida experience — the kind that’s quiet, wild, and teeming with life — this video and area is for you.
💬 Got questions or ideas you'd like me to dive into? I'd love to hear them! Drop a comment below and let me know how I can help support your photography journey. Let’s grow and create together! 📸✨ 👍 Remember to Like, Subscribe, and turn on the notification bell 🔔 for more nature, photography tutorials, and fun filled adventures!
Get your FREE Guide: "How to step up YOUR photography Skills in 5 Easy Steps": https://www.wiseimagesphotography.com/join
College Graduation Photography Session with Doctor Emma; Gainesville, FL
First off I want to say a huge congratulations to Doctor Emma for earning her doctorate! We had so much fun on this session. This goes over a little bit of the process of us working together and what happens when working with me!
Pre-session
Faylyn and I spoke on the phone about getting imagery of her when she was going to graduate with her doctorate. We spoke about the different shots and where she wanted to go during the session. We talked about 5 different locations on the University of Florida campus and about the lighting challenges we would face shooting into the night. Faylyn knew which areas were more open and would let in more light and which areas would be a bit more challenging as we progressed into the night and we planned our route accordingly. She also wanted us to end where all the bats come out at night! She thought I would find it fascinating and I did! Her main goal for the photography session was documenting this time and having printed images with the proof box.
The Session
We met late in the afternoon and headed over to the campus! She guided me through the school to the various locations. Her family came with us as well. We stopped by the tower, the bull, the stadium, some other areas, and ended by the bats. We had tons of fun and giggled throughout the session. Our main concern was rain and losing the light, however, we never saw a drop of rain and we switched to on camera flash as we lost the light giving her photos a completely different feel!
Post-session
About 2 and half weeks later we met online for the design and ordering session. We knew prior to our meeting we were going to be looking for 10 images to print and an image for the front of her proof box. First, we took time to enjoy the images with the picture video presentation. Afterwards we went through and picked out the images she wanted to have for her keepsakes. She liked a lot of them and purchased some additional prints. We both had tons of fun and enjoyed working with each other!
If you have any questions about graduation photography sessions, please reach out at 321-765-9473 or kt@wiseimagesphotography.com.
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
4 things to know when planning your photography session
Are you not sure what to expect or where to even begin when looking for a photographer and photography session? My hope is this article will help to answer some of the questions you should think of when hiring a photographer!
1. Pick the right photographer according to their style and personality
Find a photographer’s work who resonates with you. If you don’t like their style, then you probably aren’t going to like the photos they take of you! It won’t matter even if you do like them! If you love the photographer's work, set up a meeting to talk with them and make sure you all can work together well. It isn’t just about the photos they produce, it needs to be the whole package, if you all jived when chatting about the photography session the session should go off beautifully! If you don’t jive, then you will more than likely be tense in the photos and this will show! It can be a lot of pressure finding the right photographer so take your time! This is a special moment and you want to have the right person capturing this memory!! Make sure they are offering the services you are looking for as well! Do you get the digitals only, do you get prints, artwork, albums, or more?
2. Picking the perfect location
Most photographers have locations they are familiar with and your photographer can help you with this. I suggest finding a location which means something to you! If you don’t have a favorite location, here are some ideas to get you thinking about what you would like for your session. Do you love the ocean, woods, city life, or a quiet park? Are you casual or formal? Let me know what you are looking for and I can offer some suggestions from my list.
3. Dressing for the part
You need to think about how you want these photographs displayed and what you want them to show others. I suggest picking something which is stylish, fits your personality, and when you look back in years to come you fondly love this piece of artwork we will be creating. I have a how to prepare for your session list ready for you when you book your session. I’ll be more than happy to give you a helping hand in ideas for your apparel.
4. Have fun and relax
It is normal to get nervous in front of the camera! During your photography session, I want you to have fun! We will plan ahead for your session by picking the location, what will you wear, and by just having fun and going with the flow you and I will be making fun memories! During the session, sometimes I will give you some direction and other times, I will let you be to capture that moment!
Reach out if you have any questions at 321-765-9473!
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
How to get a BLURRY background with CELL PHONE? Bokeh made easy! (Part 3)
In this episode, we will talk about how to get a blurry background with a cell phone! This is the last of a three part series to help you understand how to get those creamy backgrounds you are looking for in your photographs!
If you want to see more examples and go more in depth with a DSLR, make sure you check out the links below!
How to get a BLURRY BACKGROUND with 3 EASY tips! (Part 1)
How to get a BLURRY BACKGROUND with 2 EASY tips! (Part 2)//Aperture and Lens Compression
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
4 Ideas on what to wear for a photography session
Trying to figure out what you want to wear on a photography session can be a daunting task. I hope some of the ideas below will help you out. You want the session to showcase your personality, however, you also want to be comfortable at the same time!
Compliment your skin tone
Look for a color which complements your skin tone. If you try to match your skin tone with the tones in your clothes, you may find there will be no contrast and you will blend in with your outfit. I would caution in wearing white as our eyes are drawn to the brightest part of a picture. We want you to be the one shining!
Coordinate the outfits and don’t match each other
I wouldn’t try to make everyone one match each other. I would try using complimentary colors to coordinate your outfits together. Some patterns are alright, however, I wouldn’t get too many patterns, logos, and crazy colors because it might make you all clash and distract from the photograph. Now if you are going for a themed shoot, that is totally different. Something some folks forget about is making sure you have matching socks with your outfit!
How layering helps with outfit changes
I’m often asked about outfit changes. I would recommend 2 to 3 looks max. I have found when you try to do too much in an hour or less session, the focus becomes the clothes and not you! Remember you are the star! One way to make the changes easier is by using layers, for example, you can accessorize with a vest, jacket, jewelry, or hat to make for more interesting photos. If you want to include a hat, I would wear it for the last shots so you don’t mess up your hair unless you want it for the whole shoot.
Choose comfortable clothing which looks great
I’m all about having a cute outfit, however, certain clothes might not be the best for a photography session. Keep in mind you may be kneeling, bending, or even laying on the ground to get a variety of poses. Clothing which is low cut, too short or too sheer can affect your photos.
Here are some extra tips to help you get ready for your session. Make sure your clothes are ironed. Please bring a towel to pat yourself with because it gets hot in Florida. We don’t want you to shine too much! If you plan on getting your hair trimmed and/or colored, it is best to do this a week or two before the session. Making sure your nails are ready is important as well! Gentlemen can usually get away with their cut closer to the photo session and don’t forget to take care of your nails as well! Spray tans should be done a couple of weeks before your session. Lastly, be careful of food choices before your session to prevent staining your teeth. No one wants blue teeth!
Not sure about your clothing choices for the photo session you booked with me? Send me pictures of what you want to wear and I’ll guide you through the process. I want you to have fun and the more we prepare beforehand the smoother the photo session will go! Remember if you are comfortable, it will show in your photos!
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
How to get a BLURRY BACKGROUND with 2 EASY tips! (Part 2)//Aperture and Lens Compression
In this episode, I am going to go over/show you how aperture and lens compression help you achieve the blurry background you are looking for in your photographs!
If you missed the first part of this series on how to get a blurry background, check it out here!! I give you 3 tips to try out and you don’t even have to adjust your camera settings!
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
Is photographing in the middle of the day a bad idea?
Photographing in the middle of the day comes with its own sets of challenges. The harsh sunlight can make it easy to blow out the highlights, make people squint, and create overly harsh shadows. However, this doesn't mean you need to rule out this time of day!
Here are some tips to make this time of day work for you!
1. Use Shade: You can use the side of a building, over hang, or go under a tree to find shaded areas which will soften the light.
3. Use Reflectors: Using a reflector will allow you to bounce light onto your subject to fill in shadows. If you don't have a professional reflector, you can also look around and see what objects could potentially be used to bounce light off of! Think of things like lakes, hills, or other big items .
4. Use scrims: Using a scrim will create even lighting and get rid of the harsh shadows under the eyes. Depending on the size of your subject will depend on the size you will need
I used a scrim to soften the shadows in this photo.
This is an example of why you need to get creative and find the shade or have a scrim. Look at the harsh shadows! Also notice I was getting reflections off of the jewelry.
5. Experiment with Angles: Changing your angle can help reduce harsh shadows or you could create cool images by using the shadows created by the harsh light. So remember to move your feet and change your height!
Yes it can be more difficult to photograph in the middle of the day, however, it can also help you to create unique opportunities or as in the photo below make you feel like you are just out catching some rays on a typical sunny day!
This image was taken in the middle of the day and it really encompasses old Florida in my opinion. I think there is nothing wrong with it. This is what I think of when I think of my old Florida!
If you are interested in learning more, make sure you check out my YouTube Wise Images or reach out for a one to one session! If you have any other business inquiries, please reach out at 321-765-9473.
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
How to get a BLURRY BACKGROUND with 3 EASY tips!
In this episode, I am going to go over 3 easy tips to help you achieve the blurry background you are looking for without even going into camera settings! This is part 1 of a 2 part series. In our next episode, I will get into the more technical stuff with aperture and working with lenses!
In this episode, I am going to go over 3 easy tips to help you achieve the blurry background you are looking for without even going into camera settings! This is part 1 of a 2 part series.
In our next episode, I will get into the more technical stuff with aperture and working with lenses!
6 Awesome Photography Location/Session Ideas
Are you looking for some great locations and ideas for your photography session? Here are some fun ideas below!
ONE: City Fun
Let’s explore the charm of your city or town with an urban-themed session. Explore the vibrant street art, bustling markets, or iconic landmarks. If you love the city we can capture the energy and personality of your surroundings as you play with architecture, graffiti, and city lights.
TWO: Tis the Season
Align your shoot with the current season. In spring, capture blooming flowers and fresh greenery. Summer can bring beach outings and outdoor picnics, while fall might offer colorful leaves, orange bow ties, and cozy sweaters. Winter scenes can include snow-covered landscapes…wait we are Floridians….winter scenes can include beach-covered scenes with jackets…lol…or festive holiday settings.
THREE: Sport Session
If you or your family are passionate about a particular sport, incorporate it into your shoot. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, dance, or even yoga, capture the action, enthusiasm, or teamwork involved.
FOUR: A blast from the past
Visit historical landmarks or old architecture. These locations often provide a unique backdrop with rich textures and stories to tell. It’s a great way to add an element of history and grandeur to your photos.
FIVE: Night Photography
Explore the magic of night photography. Capture city lights, starry skies, or even light trails. Nighttime shoots can offer a completely different perspective and create a captivating atmosphere.
SIX: Farm Life
If you have access to a farm or rural setting, use it as your backdrop. Capture daily farm activities, rustic scenery, or interactions with animals. This can provide a serene and authentic setting for your photos.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to suit your interests and preferences! Remember to be true to yourselves and have fun!
What is your photoshoot going to look like? Let’s chat and get your session started today!
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
5 Types of Composition for Photography Part 2
In the last blog, I mentioned composition is about how and the way a viewer’s eye moves throughout the image. It is up to you to “control” what you want them to do when they see what you saw. You want to take them on a journey and make an impact as they view your image. So let’s get started with some more ideas!
Simplify
Simplifying your photograph is about getting rid of all the unnecessary items in your image. Thinking about what you aren’t going to show is just as important as what you will let into your shot. It’s alright to put only part of the subject in the frame and fill it. Our minds will naturally fill in the missing parts. So simplify your image to evoke an emotion, expression, or show fine detail.
Notice in the original there were distractions of little twigs.
In the final image I took out the twigs to simplify the background and make the focus on the flower.
Watch your background
When you have a simple background it makes it easier to see our main subject. So keep an eye on what is behind your subject because you don’t want to distract and lose the subject. Remember you can also blur out your background to decrease distractions. When you are photographing humans you have more control over where you place your subject versus when you are photographing wildlife.
Note how hard it is to see him in the trees which is one of the difficulties with bird photography. I had a 28 to 300 mm Nikon lens.
Notice how we can clearly see the bird because we have a nice plain background. PS. I have a Sigma 150 to 600 lens which has helped my reach!
Reflections/Symmetry
Reflections are fun to play with because it adds symmetry to your photograph. You can use a water source or mirror to create reflections. Symmetry will often occur when you use a water source to create the reflection of an object. Keep your eyes open to your surroundings to find symmetrical scenes.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, this picture had multiple elements such as framing, reflection, and symmetry in it.
Perspective/Angles
Perspective is about seeing things from a different point of view. If you are photographing kids or dogs, get on their eye level. Try a variety of angles, to get the look you want. In the images below, I chose images which would be almost the same with a slight change in perspective. I show you an image taken at eye level and then an image I chose to get low. Do you see the difference in feel?
Image taken at eye level.
Image taken a few inches off the ground.
Leave some room to run
Leaving some room in your images for moving objects gives your subject some place to go. Notice how the one image below doesn’t give Beau enough room to run and go to some place in the image.
Notice Beau has some place he can run too in this image because he has the space.
This is a great shot of Beau and one of my favorites! Notice he has no place to “go” in the photograph versus the above photograph.
Have you been wanting to learn more about photography? Reach out today and let’s see how I can get you out of automatic mode and create the images you want to create! Reach out at 321-765-WISE (9473) or kt@wiseimagesphotography.com
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
5 Types of Composition for Photography Part 1
Composition is about how and the way a viewer’s eye moves throughout the image. It is up to you to “control” what you want them to do when they see what you saw. You want to take them on a journey and make an impact as they view your image.
Straight Horizon Line
It’s important to have straight horizon lines because seeing the horizon in a straight line helps to make you feel calm and stable. Otherwise, you are left wondering why is the photograph crooked? If you don’t hold your camera straight in the field, you can fix this in post production. Please note: Sometimes in candid photographs of humans some may do a slight 35 degree angle in camera to add an edgy feel.
Rules of Thirds
The rule of thirds creates a more appealing image by placing an object or subject in a third of the frame. It’s easier to visualize the image cut into 9 equal parts and the intersections on the grid are called the intersecting points. In short, you will want to situate your main object on one of these intersecting points. When you have more than one object or subject, you can position it on another intersecting point of the grid or on the grid line.
Framing
Framing creates interest in the scene and draws attention to it. You can frame the object within the picture using natural or man-made objects, or shadows. Photographers usually will use items in the foreground to frame up an image within an image. Think of it as like the physical frame around a picture. It draws your attention to the imagery.
The little twig is framing up the flower well. You have some nice symmetry and reflection going on as well.
Leading Lines
Leading lines help to draw your attention to the main subject in the picture. These lines draw your eyes towards a specific part or point of interest in a photograph. You can use the lines from a building, tree, road, or other structures.
Depth of Field
Depth of Field helps to call attention towards the main subject of an image. It is the distance between the closest and furthest objects in the picture. The main subject will be in focus and the rest of the scene or objects will fall out of focus (shallow depth of field; bokeh). The most important part of the image should be in focus. In landscape photography we often use a deep depth of field (more in focus).
Notice how the tree is close to the subject and is mostly in focus and as the depth of field changes and gets further away the depth of field gets shallow (blurred out=bokeh). This keeps the focus on the subject.
Have you been wanting to learn more about photography? Reach out today and let’s see how I can get you out of automatic mode and create the images you want to create! Reach out at 321-765-WISE (9473) or kt@wiseimagesphotography.com
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
5 Types of Light for Photography Part 2
In today’s blog we will talk about lighting. It is both a crucial and complicated topic in the subject of photography which means writing with light. A photographer needs to think about what they will and won’t add to the scene. We use light and shadows to shape our image!
Blue/Twilight Hour
Blue Light Hour is really not an hour. It is about a 15 minute window and depending on how close you are to the equator or poles this can change the length of this time period. You will have to move fast to catch this low contrast lighting with gorgeous soft pinks, blues, and light oranges in the sky. This time period will have a low contrast blue hue across the scene. This is the time period when the sun is just below the horizon.
Golden Hour
The Golden Hour is the time shortly after sunrise or before the sunset and called the “magic hour”. Videographers and photographers call this the magic hour because this is the time of fabulous light! The sun is low in the sky casting a nice even diffused light with stunning gold casts. This time makes shadows more pleasing because they aren’t as deep as during high noon and you are less likely to have blown out highlights. In general, more people are drawn to the warmer images over colder images.
High Noon
High noon is when the sun is directly above your subject or very high in the sky around the time period of noon! This will create harsh, unflattering shadows. When you are photographing animals/humans you can give them racoon eyes. Your subjects will often be squinting because they won’t be able to see. You can use scrims (diffusers) or a shaded area to diffuse the light if you have to shoot at this time for portraits. This time is great for getting creative with the use of shadows for the outline of buildings or a shadow effect as an example.
Image taken at 1:30 pm in the afternoon. See how his eyes and all the shadowing is harsh…
Overcast
An overcast day is like shooting with a huge soft box. The clouds are covering the sky which diffuses the light allowing you to photograph all day long. It will give you softer shadows and keeps you from clipping your highlights. It will also give you more shadow detail. It is not ideal if you were looking for a bright blue sky in your image!
Backlight and Rim Lighting
Backlighting is when the light source is behind the subject. This is great for creating silhouette images. This is often an artistic form of lighting completed during the Golden Hour. When shooting during this time, make sure you have well defined images of the image you are silhouetting.
This is a silhouette shot of a frog on my boat during a sunrise. This is considered backlighting.
Rim Lighting is when the light source is off to the side of a subject from behind. This is used to separate the subject from the background.
Do you see how there is a bit of light on this back? This is the rim lighting effect.
Have you been wanting to learn more about photography? Reach out today and let’s see how I can get you out of automatic mode and create the images you want to create! Reach out at 321-765-WISE (9473) or kt@wiseimagesphotography.com
Tips for professional headshots 2023
1. Communicate your vision
It is important to share as many details and ideas you have for your headshot session with your photographer. The more details you share, the better. Your photographer will want to know if you are looking for a corporate headshot, service professional headshot (musician, personal trainer, health professional, or more), or an acting headshot. When your photographer knows what your goal is with your imagery it helps them to get an idea of your vision.
2. Relax
I know a lot of people do not like to step in front of the camera! This is why it is important to find a photographer you mess with well! If you don’t like the photographer before the session, you aren’t going to like them during the session!
When you are not relaxed during your session, this will show in your images. This is why I will talk with you before and during the session to get you more relaxed and also to let you know what is going to happen. We will talk about how sometimes I may give you no direction and this is alright. I don’t want you to think you are doing something wrong. For example, you may do something I like and I don’t want to draw your focus to it. I want you to tell me what you like and don’t like as well! Tell me which side is your good side! If you have any concerns at any time, let me know. I want you to feel safe and comfortable! So relax and know I have your best interest at heart and you will have an awesome experience and be surprised with your photographs.
3. Clothing
I would wear well fitted clothing you usually wear which you find comfortable and portrays the mood you want to create. If you are a professional or real estate agent, then wear your business attire. Service professionals such as, health care workers, plumbers, or personal trainers, will want to wear their professional attire or uniform. Acting professionals will be in attire suited for the role they are desiring. The point is to be in something you are used to being in and are comfortable. If you are comfortable your images will turn out better. If we are in an outfit we don’t find comfortable or flattering, it will show in your photographs. If you need help, let me know and we can talk about clothing more.
Here are a few of my do’s and don’ts:
Do: Solid clothing is the best. To add interest to the photograph you can add layers or some patterns under a jacket. Suits which are dark are best for a traditional look or skip the jacket for a business casual look or perhaps a dressy sweater. Pick colors which complement your skin tone.
Do not: Loud patterns, shiny, or logoed clothing (unless for your brand) will distract from you. It is suggested to avoid wearing short sleeves or sleeveless blouses for women who do not want to draw attention to their arms. All white tends to wash people out. Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry as this could distract from you.
4. Hair and makeup
In this image you are looking to make a great first impression. Oftentimes people will hire a hair and make up artist to help. I would say if you are hiring a makeup artist or you are doing your own, I would suggest going for a natural look and wearing your hair how you would usually wear it. You really want people to know who you are when they show up to meet you in person the first time! If you do everything up differently from your norm, they will be in for quite the shock!
If you get your hair cut or dyed, I would suggest getting this done 2 weeks prior to your shoot. If you get a spray tan, I would give yourself the same time frame. If you are a gentleman, you can get away with the hair cut within a week of your photo session.
5. Be prepared.
Getting prepared for your shoot happens much before the day of the shoot. By following some of the tips above of communicating with your photographer, picking the right outfit, and hiring a hair and make up specialist you can put yourself at ease because the details have been put in order. I have a few other suggestions to help you get even more prepared! If we are shooting outside, a small towel is suggested in case you start to sweat. We do live in the sunshine state! I would also bring a comb, make up, or anything else you need to freshen up while we are working. I would also bring water to stay hydrated. I would stay away from eating anything which would stain your teeth such as flavored drinks or gum!
I hope you found these tips helpful. I want you to look your best during your headshot session as this is a reflection of you and your brand. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
5 Types of Light for Photography Part 1
In today’s blog we will talk about lighting. It is both a crucial and complicated topic in the subject of photography which means writing with light. A photographer needs to think about what they will and won’t add to the scene. We use light and shadows to shape our image!
Ambient light
Ambient light is the light around. It is usually your primary source of lighting and is often referred to as the “natural” light. Think of the stars, moon, sun or a light source which is permanently part of a scene. These can be items like a street light and the lighting in your house. It is the lighting which the photographer didn’t bring to the scene.
Artificial light
Artificial light is the light which is added to a scene. You will normally encounter this with a flash or some type of continuous lighting. It can be a speed flash or even a regular flashlight. The four main types of artificial lighting are incandescent, fluorescent, LED, and study strobes/Speedlight. Incandescent lighting is like the old school light bulb with a filament in it. Fluorescent lighting is what you usually find in offices. LED lighting is what you often see with up lighting, as a new technology bulb, strips lighting, and more. Strobes and Speedlight are lights designed specifically for video and photography lighting.
Soft Light
Soft light is produced when light is bounced off of another object or is diffused by an umbrella or large soft box. Soft light can also be a large light source closer to the subject. For example, if you have a 7 foot umbrella versus a 2 foot umbrella. The 7 foot umbrella would be softer. Soft light is great for creating gradual shadows and is fantastic for portraits because it fills in the wrinkles and textures making for a more flattering image.
Hard Light
Hard lighting is great for high contrast between light and dark. It will create dramatic shadows and contrast on your subjects. This is great for fitness photography with athletes or if you are making a moody image. This light is created a couple of ways by the size and distance the light is from the subject. The smaller the light the harder the light would be on a subject. During high noon the sun source is a very large light but because it is further away it creates hard light. This particular lighting doesn’t make for great portraits as it isn’t very flattering. It will show wrinkles, acne, and skin texture harshly.
Cell phone picture with a spot light off to the right. See how you can see all the textures versus the smooth flattery image of the dog above?
Night Light
Night lighting will require a tripod and a remote. If you do not want to use a remote, you can also set a timer for your camera. After setting your camera settings and clicking the shutter, don’t shuffle your feet or move too much because your vibrations on the ground could also move your camera and tripod set up. You will need to set your ISO’s high, but keep in mind you don’t want them so high it destroys the image. You may have to play with your camera to see what it can and can’t handle. Night light is great for catching the night scene of cars, downtown area, or the milky way.
Have you been wanting to learn more about photography? Reach out today and let’s see how I can get you out of automatic mode and create the images you want to create! Reach out at 321-765-WISE (9473) or kt@wiseimagesphotography.com
Wise Images Photography is based near Orlando in Montverde, FL. KT has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years!
How to pick your location for your professional headshot photography session
In this blog, I will go over a few different genres of headshots and how to pick your location off of your profession and use of your headshot photographs.
Real Estate Agents
You will want your images to be friendly and inviting. These images can be in front of the types of houses you are selling, in a studio, or in a park. Agents should be in business attire and most of the images are taken from ¾’s body to 1/4 body shots.
Business Headshots
These images are best with a plain background in a business suit. They are often pictures taken from from ½ to ¼ body shots. You should have an inviting look to post on your website, business profile, or use for print.
Service workers Headshots
In these images you are placing yourself in the environment you are working. If you are a personal trainer, for example, you can be in a gym in training gear where you can show off those muscles. These images range from full body to ¼ body shots. If you are in the music industry, you may pose with your instrument of choice.
Acting Headshots
In these images you are selling a look. You do not want to give a comedic headshot to the director as you audition for a dramatic role. You will often want to create a variety of styles of images such as dramatic, comedic, and commercial. You will want to go with a plain background so the focus is on you as opposed to the background. You are also able to be in less formal wear.
If you have any questions about how I can help you with your headshot needs, please reach out at 321-765-9473 (WISE).