But food photography is not just about taking a pretty picture – it’s a precise art that requires a deep understanding of spacing, distance, color, and focus. With the right techniques and tricks, you can make your food appear irresistible and mouthwatering.

In this gallery, we share helpful tips and tricks to help you create stunning food photography. From lighting and composition to plating and styling, we cover everything to make your food look like the best money can buy.

Whether you’re a food blogger, a professional photographer, or someone who loves taking pictures of their meals, these tips and tricks will help improve your food photography. So why wait? Dive in and start creating stunning visual feasts that will leave your viewers hungry for more.

1. Equipment

Professional photographers use expensive digital backs on equally costly cameras, but the barrier to entry isn’t that high. All you’ll need is a DSLR or an advanced point-and-shoot that will let you make adjustments to your shots.

The most important characteristic of your camera is the ability to tweak its settings instead of relying on automatic modes. For DSLRs, interchangeable lenses are a must for taking photographs of different subjects. Tripods are also essential to keep your shots steady.

Optional tools include lamp stands for external lighting, as well as lens shades to control the light. Don’t forget the accessories to complement your food, like bowls, napkins, silverware, and flowers.

2. Camera Settings

We touched upon this in the last section, but for food photography, it’s essential that your camera has the ability to manually change the settings. It’s the only way you can focus on the minute details of the food and highlight the features you want to emphasize.

Take note of your aperture, which controls how much light will hit your sensor. A low aperture setting will let in more light, resulting in brighter photographs. Its partner, shutter speed, controls how long the shutter is open. You usually adjust both these settings to compensate for changes in one setting with the other.

The third important setting is ISO, which controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO is used in darker scenes, but will result in a grainier photograph.

3. Composition

Having the right equipment and understanding the camera settings is nothing if you don’t know how to compose your shot. Food photographs are usually crisp and well lit, bringing out the texture of the food. Your goal is to feed your readers through their eyes, making them want to reach out to the photo and nab the food.

When composing, remember that the food itself shouldn’t be the only thing in the shot. The bowl or plate that holds the food (or even a napkin or a spoon) frames the subject in such a way that the accessories emphasize its presence. Avoid blank spaces and create a sense of movement in the image—crumbs, flakes, all in a natural position.

4. Lighting

Natural lighting is always recommended for food shots. While your eyes (and brain) can adapt to any light and reconcile what the food is supposed to look like, cameras aren’t at the same level and need all the help they can get.

Ample light source is one of the most critical elements of food photography — find your light source and compose around it. Do you use the light shafts streaming through the window or the increased light available coming in the doorway? Lighting brings out the food’s natural color, which is very important in keeping your subjects appetizing and appealing.

5. Angle

Like in any mode of photography, angle is critical in bringing out the best in your subjects. This is particularly important in food photography because the shots are so close.

Some foods are best shot from above, like grains and cereal (with bits outside the bowl to create dynamism). Others, meanwhile, are best shot from an angle, such as cakes with layers.

Angle comes after composition—you don’t want to have to think about the silverware and the napkins when the food is ready to be shot.

6. Focus

Focus changes the primary elements of your shot. You wouldn’t want the fork to be the main subject in your picture of a cake, after all.

Focus is a result of the different settings and techniques working together, and is also influenced the camera’s distance from the subject. However, if your camera’s autofocus isn’t cutting it, you can also manually adjust this setting to focus on the subject you want.

How deep or short will the depth of field be? Because food photography relies so much on macro, having an understanding of focus is important.

Of course, these tips all lead up to the shot itself. If you want to do more with the photo, you can always edit them after the fact. But if your photo isn’t good in the first place, there won’t be anything to touch up.

Food Photography Inspiration

Food Photography Presets & Actions

The post 20 Stunning Examples of Food Photography & Tips for Effective Shooting appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Competition in photography can be tough. And unfortunately, clients often won’t look farther from a photographer’s logo to pick the right person for the job. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create a gorgeous logo for photographers so that new clients come to take a look at their portfolio. How? With these amazing logo templates for photographers.

These logo templates for photographers are tried and true. There’s something for all kinds of photographers, from wedding and portrait photographers to artistic photographers who want to secure their next exhibit. We’re going to give you plenty of ideas to work with on your next project, no matter the photographer you’re working with. You’ll be able to streamline your brainstorming and design process, give clients more options, and ultimately help them create a personal (and professional) brand.

The Design Principles of a Photography Logo

Let’s delve a bit deeper. Designing a logo, especially for photographers, requires a fusion of some fundamental principles:

1. Symbolism: A good symbol can encapsulate your brand. Be it a camera, a lens, a shutter, or even something abstract that symbolizes your unique photographic style.
2. Typography: Fonts convey feelings. Sleek, modern fonts may cater to urban photographers, while elegant scripts could be a nod to portrait or wedding photographers.
3. Color: In photography, colors convey moods. The same applies to logos. Monochrome can be classy and professional. However, if color is your playground, make sure it’s harmonious and reflective of your work’s tone.
4. Balance & Proportion: Like a well-composed photograph, all elements in your logo, from text to symbols, should be harmoniously balanced.

Photography Camera Logo Kit

In AI & EPS Formats

If you often work with photographers, you’ve got to have a great design kit by your side. This photography camera logo template kit is the perfect option! The kit features over 50 possible logo designs with diverse camera illustrations, so it’s definitely one for the books!

Badge, Label & Logo Photography Templates

In AI & EPS Formats

Showcase your tradition and quality with these photography logo templates. Perfect for photographers who want to show off their old-school vibe and charm, these logo templates offer 15 various logo versions. The best part? You can easily customize them and make sure they fit your clients’ styles.

Minimal Photography Logo Template

In AI & EPS Formats

Minimalism is all the rage, so if that’s something your clients are looking for, you’ll love this logo template for photographers. It’s a simple yet intriguing template with a monogram-style element for extra emphasis. It also works like a charm for creative agencies!

Vintage Branding Logo Templates

In AI & EPS Formats

Showcase your clients’ brands with these vintage logo templates, made specifically for artistic photographers and other creatives. Featuring a variety of elements and stunning font options, this vintage logo template collection for photographers (and studios) is an exquisite choice! Are you ready to make some (camera shutter) noise?

Illustrated Vintage Camera Logo Templates

In AI & EPS Formats

Photographers with a vintage aesthetic will love these logo templates! This vintage camera logo template collection features 12 interesting logos that feature diverse camera illustrations, from old-school cameras, that the Lumieres have used, to modern cameras, and more. Your clients will love these engaging logos (and so will their customers)!

25 Photography Logo Templates

In AI, EPS, PSD & SVG Formats

Photographers often go for the vintage aesthetic, but this is something completely different! These 25 logo templates for photographers offer a dash of retro, but they also incorporate vivid color palettes and interesting elements. Featuring badges, cameras, crowns, and more, these logos are the perfect choice for your extravagant clients.

Modern Photography Logo Templates

In AI, EPS & PSD Formats

Unique and minimalist, this modern logo template for photographers is perfect for already established photographers that want to drive brand awareness. Featuring a bold and intricate sans-serif font combination, as well as an outlined camera icon, this logo template is an excellent choice for clients that want to become timeless.

Two-Tone Photography Logo Templates

In AI & EPS Formats

Featuring a bold color choice (orange and black) with vintage illustrations and interesting combinations of fonts, these two-tone photography logo templates are one of a kind. These logos are perfect for photographers who want a more vintage brand aesthetic, but you’ll find a few cool modern options, too.

Retro Photography Logo & Badges Set

In AI, EPS, PNG, PSD & SVG Formats

A combination of beautiful retro insignia and minimalist labels, these photography logo templates are a perfect choice for photographers that want to stand out from the crowd. You’ll get 12 premade logos, as well as extra elements (ribbons, camera icons, and more) customizable in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator!

Outdoor Pics Logo Template

In AI & EPS Formats

This logo template is perfect for modern and dynamic photographers who want to attract more adventurous clients. Featuring a minimalist sans-serif font combination and a camera icon showcasing mountain illustrations, it’s definitely a memorable choice perfect for photographers’ business cards and other important branding (and marketing) materials.

Minimal Camera & Photography Logo Template

In AI & EPS Formats

If you’re looking for a modern and elegant logo for your next photography logo project, you’ve just found it! This minimalist photography logo template features a simple white outline camera icon with a combination of serif and sans-serif fonts that emphasize the photographer’s information.

10 Brush Photography Logo Templates

In AI Formats

Create a unique and professional logo for a photography business with these ten brush logo templates. Featuring handcrafted logo templates with fonts that suit a variety of brands, as well as unique icons (from cameras and shutters to drones and frames), this photography logo template pack is a great choice!

Photography Studio Logos, Labels & Icons

In AI & EPS Formats

Showcase your professionalism with these elegant photography studio logo templates. They also work great for labels, icons, and other branding materials! You’ll get nine logo templates featuring shutters and cameras in diverse styles, as well as different typography, from vintage, to modern. Customize them and wow your clients!

Camera Silhouette Logo Template

In AI & EPS Formats

Are you looking for the perfect icon for your next photography logo? You’ve just found it! This camera silhouette template pack is the perfect addition to the logo you’ve been working on. You’ll get camera, flash, aperture, lighting, and other symbols.

Minimalist Photography Logo Template

In PSD Formats

You’ll need a steady stream of photography logo inspiration if you often work with photographers. Enter: this photography logo template pack! With 50 minimalist logo templates for photographers, you’ll be set! You’ll get plenty of options, and every logo is customizable in Adobe Photoshop.

Collection of Photography Logo Templates

In AI & EPS Formats

Paint a vivid picture with these stunning logo templates for photographers. These 18 logo templates offer plenty of options, from minimalist photography logos to ornate logos featuring ribbons and intricate elements. There’s something for everyone! These templates also work great as labels and badges for other materials.

Vintage Photography Badges & Logos

In PSD, AI & EPS Formats

If your clients want to showcase their personal and professional brands, these photography logo templates work like a charm! You’ll get 20 vintage badge and logo templates for photographers, and you can customize them in Photoshop or Illustrator. You’ll love the authentic and vibrant designs!

Vector Camera & Photography Elements

In AI & EPS Formats

Give your clients’ brands some dazzling vintage charm with these stunning camera and photography elements and logo templates. These logos are truly unique, featuring both standard icons like vintage cameras and vibrant typography and golden outlines. If your clients want to charm their customers, pick this pack!

Camera Mascot Logo Templates

In AI & EPS Formats

If your clients want to come across as friendly and approachable, this illustrated logo template is perfect. This logo template for photographers is a charmer, featuring a cute camera illustration and a handwritten font combination! It looks beautiful both online and printed.

Vector Photography Logo Template Collection

In AI & EPS Formats

Spice up your logo designs with these fun photography icons and logo templates for photographers! From cartoonish and colorful camera icons to vintage logo templates, there’s plenty to pick from. You’ll also get a choice of icons: film cameras, standard cameras, flashes, polaroids, printers, and more!

How to Use Your Photographer Logo

Your logo is ready, and it’s a beauty! But where should it make appearances?

1. Watermarks on Images: This is perhaps the most obvious. It not only protects your images from unauthorized use but also ensures that viewers can identify and associate your work with your brand.
2. Business Cards: A must-have, especially when networking. It’s a tiny piece of you, left behind with potential clients or collaborators.
3. Social Media Profiles: Whether it’s your Instagram bio, Facebook page profile picture, or Twitter header, ensure your logo is visible. Social media is where most of the eyeballs are today.
4. Website: Your online portfolio showcases your talent, and your logo should take pride of place, probably in the top left or center of the header. It’s also a smart move to have a favicon of your logo to reinforce your brand.
5. Email Signature: A logo at the end of your signature lends professionalism and easy recall.
6. Studio & Equipment: If you have a physical studio, the entrance or reception area is ideal for your logo. Also, consider logo stickers on your gear. It’s not just about branding; it helps identify your equipment in crowded places too.
7. Promotional Materials: Hosting a photography workshop? Got a stall at a local event? Display your logo prominently on banners, flyers, and any merchandise you might have.

Conclusion

A photographer’s logo is the first step to a fantastic experience. Your logo is the first line of a thrilling story, and it’s especially important for creatives like photographers.

The logo can say so much, from the artistic direction a photographer specializes in to the way they behave. It’s your story (or your client’s story) in a nutshell. We hope our collection of amazing logo templates for photographers inspired you to create a fantastic logo.

Even if you’re feeling a little stuck, these templates are highly customizable, so you can easily adjust them to your client’s liking. It’s all a matter of finding and creating the right logo for your client. After that, it’s up to your clients to convince their prospects with their amazing portfolios, and an even better photoshoot experience.

The post 20+ Best Photographer Logo Templates for Creatives appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The Japanese are an incredible people with a rich culture and beautiful art. They have a unique approach to everything from poetry to photography. Bokeh is a style of Japanese photography that allows the world to fade away while bringing one specific subject into perfect clarity down to the last detail.

More specifically, bokeh photography is defined as a photography effect achieved by shooting a subject with a fast lens set to the widest aperture. You’ll then wind up with a soft, out-of-focus background that’s slightly blurred and produces an aesthetically pleasing effect. The faster the aperture, the better your bokeh will turn out, so ideally, your camera lens should have an f/2, f/1.8, or f/1.4 aperture.

The size and the shape of the bokeh are determined by the shape of the blades that make up the aperture of the lens. If your lens has more circular-shaped blades, the resulting bokeh effect will be rounder and softer. Contrary to that, a lens with more hexagonal blades will result in hexagonal bokeh.

This gallery has a curated collection of bokeh photography that truly captures the beautiful details of life, great and small. Use them to get familiar with the bokeh style photography or inspiration for your next photoshoot.

Showcase of Stunning Bokeh Photography

Polaroid Photos Bokeh

Photographed by Joanna Malinowska

Microcosmos

Photographed by Benjamin Balázs

Motor Speedway Lights

Photographed by Derek Thomson

Bokeh Plants in Bottled Water

Photographed by Nietjuh

Rainy Street in Evening

Photographed by Todd Diemer

Out of Focus Tram in Bokeh

Photographed by Burak K

Bokeh Daisy Flowers

Photographed by jrydertr

The Essense of Cool

Photographed by Dustin Diaz

Flowers in Bloom Bokeh

Santa Candle Decoration Bokeh

Photographed by Ylanite Koppens

Fungi in Forest

Photographed by Krzysztof Niewolny

White String Light Bokeh

Photographed by Kei Scampa

Send a Little Love My Way

Photographed by Sibel

Woman Holding Fireflies

Photographed by Matheus Bertelli

Bokeh Bubble

Photographed by John Spade

Close-Up Photo of Mushrooms

Photographed by Visually Us

Cuddly Bear & Bokeh Lights

Photographed by Akshar Dave

Vintage Globe Bokeh

Photographed by Artem Bali

Traffic at Night

Photographed by JJ Ying

Professional Headphones Bokeh Background

Photographed by Alphacolor

Man Playing Guitar

Photographed by Austin Neill

Multicolored Bokeh Christmas Tree Lights

Photographed by Tim Mossholder

White Summer Dream

Photographed by Honeycorn

City Skyline Bokeh

Photographed by Lon Christensen

Photographer at Night Bokeh

Photographed by Ryan Pendleton

Deep-Fried Scorpion Bokeh

Photographed by Yubo Mojao

What is Bokeh Photography?

Bokeh photography is about the visual appeal of the blur in the parts of an image that are not in sharp focus. This technique is used to draw attention to the subject by creating a soft, pleasing background.

Bokeh is achieved by using a shallow depth of field, typically with a fast lens at a wide aperture. The shape and quality of the bokeh depend on the lens design and aperture shape. Photographers use bokeh to add depth and a sense of atmosphere to their images.

The post 25 Beautiful Examples of Bokeh Photography appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

As it falls outside the visible light spectrum for humans, infrared photography is the art of showing the unseen. This means you will need special equipment beyond your standard camera to capture these breathtaking images.

If you are starting out, using an infrared filter will allow you to prevent visible light from hitting your camera’s sensor while allowing the infrared light to hit it. Alternatively, you can convert a DSLR camera by removing the infrared filter on the front of your camera’s sensor. This is more expensive, making it impossible for that camera to take normal pictures again.

You will have to consult your camera’s manual to properly set your white balance, whether you use a filter or had your camera converted. You will also have to pay extra attention to your exposure.

Keep in mind that infrared photography is better geared toward landscapes than people. The advantage to this is that infrared photography removes the need to wait for the blue and golden hours and works well even with overcast skies and stormy weather.

In this gallery, we showcase some stunning examples of infrared photography. We hope you enjoy them and that they inspire you to explore this style of photography on your own.

What is Infrared Photography?

Infrared photography captures images using infrared light instead of visible light. This technique produces unique photographs because it records light that is invisible to the naked eye.

The results often feature surreal landscapes with white foliage and dark skies, offering a different perspective on familiar scenes. Infrared photography requires special equipment, such as infrared filters or cameras modified to detect infrared light.

This method is popular among photographers looking to explore the unseen beauty of our surroundings.

Gallery of Infrared Photography

Pink Tree

Photographed by Michael Laukeninks

Horses Dreams Infrared

Photographed by Michael Laukeninks

Infrared Landscape

Photographed by Blackdaddy

Morning Work

Photographed by Musin Yohan

Lonely

Photographed by Azri Suratmin

Friends

Photographed by Lomoholicz Photography

Run Away with Me

Photographed by Zifeng Zhao

Sakura & Old Path

Photographed by Mohd Zaki Shamsudin

Torito at Pine Beach

Photographed by RTsan

Fotografia

Photographed by Rafael Taveras Garcia

Infrared Reflections

Photographed by Lomoholicz Photography

Summer Time at Upton

Photographed by Dave Dupéré

Catholic University

Photographed by Zach Stern

Summer or Winter

Photographed by Lister Fil

Infrared HDR Palmer Park Colorado Springs

Photographed by David

Chinese Gardens

Photographed by shin-ex

Lindo Lake Infrared

Photographed by Bill Gracey

Moulin de la Roche

Photographed by Roland.r

Tropical Garden Infrared

Photographed by Michael Laukeninks

U.S. Capitol

Photographed by M. T. Harmon

The Painted Desert Infrared

Photographed by Michael Pancier

By the Sea

Photographed by Aelita Intl

Open Gates

Photographed by Enkphoto

A Better Day

Photographed by Jeremy Chin

Tiger in Infrared

Photographed by Amoa Photography

Infrared Photography Presets & Actions

Infrared Tutorials & Guides

• Create an Infrared Effect in Photoshop
  This quick, step-by-step tutorial will show you how to create stunning infrared effects in Photoshop. It is perfect for both beginners and experts.
• Infrared Photo Effect With Photoshop
  With this detailed tutorial, master the art of infrared photography effects in Photoshop and transform your photos into otherworldly masterpieces.
• Basic Infrared Photo Editing
  Dive into infrared photo editing with this Lightroom and Photoshop video tutorial. It’s ideal for those looking to add a unique touch to their images.

The post 25 Beautiful Examples of Infrared Photography appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

By using the backlit technique, photographers can add depth to their images. However, when used incorrectly, it will lead to unintended shadows and the film being overexposed. Remember that not everything can be photographed well using the backlight technique because the stronger the light source is, the stronger the backlight will be.

If you are shooting in natural light during the middle of the day, the sun may be too high in the sky to create a proper backlight. Because the sun is high in the sky, the effect will extend from behind the subject to being on top of them. Take the pictures during the morning or late afternoon for complete backlighting, where the sun is at a lower angle in the sky and covers the subject.

If you are shooting with artificial backlighting, make sure your subject is placed in front of dark-colored backgrounds. This will make your subject stand out more, and the glow or rim light created by the backlight be more emphasized. We will show you some of the finest examples of backlit photography in this gallery. Use them as an inspiration for your own future photoshoots.

What is Backlit Photography?

Backlit photography is a technique where the lighting comes from behind the subject, creating a glow or halo effect around it. This method can highlight edges, create silhouettes, or impart a dramatic mood to the photograph.

Backlit photography requires careful exposure control to balance the light and maintain detail in the subject. It’s often used to enhance the mood of portraits, landscapes, and macro shots, adding depth and interest to the composition.

Gallery of Backlit Photography

The post 20+ Fine Examples of Backlit Photography appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Those of us building websites for smaller organizations were often left with less-than-ideal solutions. A lack of available resources made it all the more challenging. We were forced to settle for the likes of clipart (yikes) or low-quality images culled from stock CDs. Short of creating your own artwork, it wasn’t easy to craft a top-notch visual experience.

How things have changed. These days, stock photography is available from all corners of the web. You’ll find everything from completely free images all the way to high-end premium options.

Still, the mere existence of these images doesn’t necessarily translate to great design. It still takes a keen eye and smart implementation to find success.

Today, we’ll look at the impact stock photography has had on web design. We’ll cover both the good and the bad, along with some tips for finding the right images for your projects.

Bringing Visual Experiences to the Masses

Perhaps the biggest benefit of using stock photography on a website is the ability to create a highly visual presentation. Long passages of uninterrupted text are often frowned upon. They’re more likely to turn users off than captivate them. Adding some photography to the mix helps to break things up into bite-sized pieces.

In theory, this also enables a page that’s light on content to appear more substantial. Before the widespread use of stock images, it wasn’t easy to dress up a page that consisted of only a paragraph or two. Images can help provide a more professional and detail-oriented look.

The other big advancement is that these images make it easier to convey a message. That might take the form of an infographic that simplifies a complex idea. But it could also be a photo that sets the mood or an icon that makes user interaction more intuitive.

In this way, stock photography has brought the potential for a great visual experience to the masses. Now, even small and low-budget websites have an opportunity to stand out.

The Limitations of Stock Photos

In an age where we have access to just about every piece of recorded media, there are still limitations. For example, just because your music app has millions of songs doesn’t mean it includes all of your favorites.

Stock photography has similar constraints. The available images don’t always fit your exact needs. The size, format, and subject matter aren’t always a perfect match. There are occasions when web designers will have to settle for “good enough.”

There are a few factors that can further cloud the picture, so to speak:

Budget

Cost doesn’t necessarily correlate with quality. It’s possible to find some outstanding photos for free. But free resources don’t always have the greatest variety of images, either. Therefore, the lower your budget, the less choice you have.

Being Fenced-in By Membership Sites

A growing number of stock photo membership websites are popping up. You pay a monthly or yearly fee in exchange for access to photographs. If you find a number of images that you can use in a project, it’s often a good value.

Yet this type of deal can also be quite limiting. For designers who spend the bulk of their asset budget on a membership, you’re pretty much stuck with what they have to offer. Suppose their selection doesn’t fit your specific needs, too bad. You may have to find another resource for more relevant images or settle for what’s available.

Lack of Originality

While there are tons of stock photos available, it seems like a good chunk of what’s out there has become cliché. Photographers and service providers are attempting to cover common subjects and broad use cases. This has led to a certain sameness across various photo resources.

And there’s the rub of stock photography. It can’t possibly serve each website’s unique needs. There are only so many ways, for instance, to photograph two people shaking hands.

Copyright Confusion

One thing that hasn’t really changed over the years is copyright confusion. Back in the day, designers and website owners often grabbed images from other sites and posted them. They did so without a thought as to their usage restrictions. A steady stream of violation letters from copyright trolls put an end to that.

But licensing can still be difficult to understand – even from reputable stock photography resources. There are cases where images are for editorial use only. There have also been restrictions as to maximum image resolution for online posting. Figuring out how and where an image can be used may scare some people away altogether.

Finding the Right Stock Photography for Your Projects

Sometimes finding the right photos for your website is a bit like locating a needle in a haystack. What you need (or something close to it) likely exists, but you might have to dig through several resources before finding it. Situations that require client approval of images make things all the more difficult.

And while there are no guarantees that you’ll find the perfect match, there are some basic things you can do to better your chances. Here are a few techniques to employ when searching for the best stock photos:

Identify Your Favorite Resources

It’s helpful to have various stock photography websites that you trust. Some of these resources might cater to a specific niche and will come in handy on occasion. Others will have a broader focus and be great for your day-to-day needs.

The key is to avoid reliance on a single resource. Instead, find a handful of places that have quality images, clear usage terms, and different styles. This provides both you and your clients with a solid number of image options.

Think About Your Image Needs Ahead of Time

Each website project has its own unique needs when it comes to photography. They include factors such as a photo’s subject, color, size and any enhancements you may want to make. Having a general outline of these items should make your search easier.

Ideally, knowing this information will allow you to choose the best fit from your list of photo resources – right from the start. This (hopefully) means less searching and a more efficient process.

Be Flexible

Having a rigid definition of what you’re looking for can sometimes backfire. Even the best stock photo websites are unlikely to have images that are identical to what you envisioned. Therefore, it pays to keep an open mind.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with images that aren’t 100% aligned with your initial plan. Choose a few that look interesting and see how they work with your design. In some cases, the results may be even better than anticipated.

Stock Photography Is a Tool: Use It Wisely

Few design assets have the ability to transform a website quite like great photography. It can take a run-of-the-mill design and turn it into something with character and context. Stock photography, in particular, has brought this visual potential to everyone.

However, best practices still apply. Just like anything else, stock photos can be misused and abused. The result might well be a bloated website that’s too image-heavy. In addition, the wrong types of images can lead to a generic look that fails to stand out.

While it’s wonderful to have so many photographic resources, it’s up to designers to make the best use of them. For this reason, it’s good to think of stock photography as just another tool for us to utilize – not something to build a website around or save it from mediocrity.

Despite those caveats, stock photography has made a positive impact on web design. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine building a compelling website without it.

The post The Good & Bad of Stock Photography appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Apart from being one of the most popular and challenging genres of photography, wildlife photography is also full of stunning moments that make for a great photo-shooting experience.

The most important thing to remember is that wildlife photography can be an enriching hobby, but it also requires a serious time commitment. Not only do you have to work on mastering your camera and improving your photography skills, but you also have to become familiar with the animals you plan on photographing.

In this gallery, we have a collection of thirty stunning examples of wildlife photography for your inspiration. We hope you like them and that they encourage you to get out of your house and capture some wildlife moments yourself!

Showcase of Wildlife Photography

Close-up of Grizzly Bear

Photographed by Janko Ferlic

Elephant in Kenya

Photographed by David Clode

Deer in the Fog

Photographed by Asa Rodger

Edwards Fig Parrot

Photographed by Joel Sartore

Flying Kingfisher

Photographed by Monique Laats

Curious Young Turtle

Photographed by Kris Mikael Krister

Rabbit Looking

Photographed by Pixabay

Pink Flamingos

Photographed by Petr Ganaj

Eagle Catching Fish

Photographed by Buck Shreck / 500px

Mother Lion & Cub

Photographed by Geran de Klerk

Squirrel on Grass

Photographed by Pixabay

Tiger Laying Down

Photographed by Pixabay

Giraffe Eating in Kenya

Photographed by Howard Wilks

Swiming Elephant

Photographed by Jody MacDonald

Herd of Zebras

Photographed by Sutirta Budiman

Zebras Drinking From River

Photographed by Ian Za

Hippo Attack

Photographed by Marsel van Oosten

Yellow & Blue Macaw

Photographed by Couleur

The Sleeping Beauty

Photographed by Sudhir Shivaram

Warthog Blowing in the Wind

Photographed by Rob Daugherty

Red Panda Sleeping

Photographed by Ivan Cujic

Big Breakfast

Photographed by Angela Muliani Hartojo

Male Lion & Cub

Photographed by Brianna R

Bear Catching Fish in Alaska

Photographed by Roman Golubenko

Deer in the Mist

Photographed by Chris Ponzi

Green Vine Snake

Photographed by Shreeram M V

Hummingbird

Photographed by Joshua J. Cotten

Rhino in Etosha Park, Namibia

Photographed by Buck Shreck

Getting Serious about Wildlife Photography

If you’re serious about taking up wildlife photography as a hobby, make sure you choose an SLR camera with a manual mode, and this will give you complete control over your images. Another tip is to make sure to stock up on interchangeable lenses so you can easily take photos of the smallest and the largest animals around from both close-up and far away.

Don’t forget to protect yourself and your camera from the elements and invest in protective gear. The type of protective gear you need to buy will depend on where you plan on shooting your photos, but a waterproof camera bag or a backpack is a must, no matter what.

What is Wildlife Photography?

Wildlife photography focuses on capturing images of animals in their natural habitats.

This genre of photography aims to showcase the beauty, diversity, and sometimes the plight of wildlife. Photographers will spend hours waiting for that perfect moment to capture a shot that highlights the unique characteristics or behaviors of animals.

Wildlife photography can raise awareness about conservation issues and inspire people to appreciate and protect natural environments.

The post 30 Stunning Examples of Wildlife Photography appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The golden hour, also known as the magic hour, is a brief window of time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and bathed in a reddish hue. This unique lighting creates depth, warmth, and a sense of magic that can transform even the most mundane scene into a work of art.

But the golden hour is more than just beautiful lighting – it’s also a time of rapid change. As the sun rises or sets, the angle of light changes quickly, offering photographers the opportunity to capture a wide range of shots in a short period of time.

In this article, we explore the magic of the golden hour, from the science behind the light to the techniques you can use to make the most of this special time. So grab your camera and join us as we explore the enchanting world of the golden hour.

What is the Golden Hour?

In photography, “golden hour” refers to a certain time of day when the sun is at its lowest and creates a unique type of lighting that is considered particularly appealing for photography.

The exact time and duration of the golden hour will depend on where you are in the world and also on the season. Typically, the golden hour occurs in the very early morning and evening, and even though it is called an “hour”, the duration can vary greatly.

But why is the golden hour so special?

The Basics of Hard & Soft Light

To understand why the golden hour is so special, you need to know something about the lighting in photography. Photographers often talk about hard and soft light. A sunny day with no cloud cover will generate hard light; i.e. light from a single source that shines directly on the subject, casting sharp shadows and generating strong contrast.

Soft light, on the other hand, generates soft shadows and little contrast. It is generated when the light comes from multiple sources or when it is reflected or diffused. An overcast day is a great example of soft light. Here, the light rays are diffused or scattered by the clouds, creating lighting that is very even.

Photo by Sergiu Luculescu

For the most part, the best photography is done in soft light, since it better depicts the colors and shape of the subject. Some photographers do use hard light, particularly to generate specific effects, but overall soft light is preferred for virtually all kinds of photography.

What Makes Golden Hour Photography so Special?

In the golden hour, the light travels farther to reach us, since the sun is low in the sky and the light shines at an angle. This diffuses the light, causing soft, warm lighting with long shadows and reduced contrast.

The atmosphere filters the light, creating an effect that is quite unique. Anyone can create soft light, even by artificial means using a diffuser, but the color and feel of the golden hour is very special.

At this time of day, lighting conditions also change rapidly, allowing the photographer to get varied types of shots within a relatively short time span. Within that “hour”, the photographer will be able to experiment with all the intermediary types of lighting and shadows as the sun sets or rises.

Shooting during the golden hour is considered excellent for virtually any kind of photography, including people, landscapes, cityscapes, and wildlife. The versatility of the changing lighting conditions can create wonderfully warm pictures with vivid colors, and give the scene a three-dimensional feel due to the long shadows. It can also be used to create dramatic effects in landscape photography.

Photo by Simon Allanach

Notice the warm glow and pinkish color in the picture above, taken just as the sun had begun to set.

Calculating the Golden Hour

As mentioned earlier, the exact time and duration of the golden hour vary depending on where you are in the world. The easiest way to figure out when you should be out there is to find your location here.

Tips for Photography in the Golden Hour

So what do you need to know for great golden hour photography?

1. Make sure you have the right weather: Very cloudy conditions will block out that special light.
2. Come early and be prepared: Things change quickly and you need to be ready. Find the right location(s) and scout out interesting subjects (this can, of course, be done at an earlier time). A torch is always useful, particularly if you come before dawn.
3. Experiment with your camera settings: Often, auto mode will try to negate the effect of the golden hour, thus ruining all your hard work. Try using the camera in manual mode and setting your white balance to “cloudy”.
4. Use a tripod: Not only because of the practical difficulties of shooting in darker conditions but because you may need longer exposure times.
5. Experiment with angles and positions: Take advantage of this time and experiment with different subjects and angles. The effect of front vs backlighting can create very different kinds of pictures.
6. Take many pictures: Conditions change rapidly making it possible to take very different shots of the same subject. Furthermore, if you are experimenting with camera settings take many pictures to make sure that you learn what works best and also so you do not end up wasting your time.

The post Breathtaking Photography: Shooting in the Golden Hour appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Since most HDR photography is used to achieve difficult exposures with wider dynamic ranges, the subject matter of the art tends to be architectural or landscape in nature; however, there are many different forms of abstract HDR photographers. These photographers are setting the standard for stylized HDR work and are worth studying. Most of their portfolios are extensive, so check them out and let us know which photographers inspire you.

Alan Fullmer Photography

Alan Fullmer has an inspiring collection of HDR and other photographs of mostly buildings, bridges, and landscapes. While he is still new to HDR, Alan’s talent is already top-notch.

Giloramo Photography

Wow! This photographer’s portfolio of HDR photos will tempt you to spend more than a few minutes on his site. Gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, architecture, docks, and much more provide an inspiration for anyone, whether or not photography is your forte.

Chuck Robinson Photography

Check out Chuck Robinson’s site for beautiful examples of black and white photos, HDR photos, and photographs of amazing locations. New York, Charleston, Cape May, and the Smokies are just a few of the amazing places that Robinson has visited and photographed.

Albert Knutsson Photography

Albert Knutsson is an amateur photographer from Sweden with an eye for capturing subjects beautifully, and many in an unusual composition using HDR, unique angles, and other photography techniques. He is definitely worth following as he adds to his beautiful collection of photographs.

John E Adams Photography

Photography has been John Adams’ passion since he was 13 years old, and now his photos definitely show this experience. Much of his collection include boats, bikes, and cars; in 2009 V-Twin and EasyRiders magazines invited Adams to be their featured motorcyclist artist.

Matty Wolin Photography

Matty Wolin’s blog is aptly named ShutterRunner. His photography career began when he decided to bring a camera along to a marathon he was a part of one year. He had so much fun that he continued photographing landscapes and even dove into portraits. His work is quite stunning and definitely worth checking out.

Murphyz Photography

With a varied range of subjects and all equally well-shot, Michael Murphy has a beautiful collection of photos, mostly done with the HDR technique. Many of his shots are of urban places and people which show his eye for creating beauty out of ordinary or decaying subjects, but he does have a few photos of landscapes such as the one shown above.

Tim Clarke Photography

As a graphic designer as well as photographer, Tim Clarke’s eye for beautiful graphics is obvious. He has been photography since the 80’s, but only recently started dabbling in HDR. His HDR photos do not show it, though, as all are excellently done!

Warne Riker Photography

Warne Riker has an incredible portfolio full of portraits, action photographs, black and white images, HDR, and much more. His HDR photos have a certain "glow" that many photographers are unable to capture in their own HDR work. Brilliant!

Malcolm MacGregor Photography

Malcolm MacGregor’s blog is definitely one to keep up with, as his photos are incredible and his descriptions and stories behind each are so engaging to read. Many of his photos in his portfolio are of landscapes and portraits, along with a few different subjects such as the bridge photo shown above.

Frank Grace Photography

A photographer from Acushnet, MA, Frank Grace has quite the assortment of gorgeous photos in his portfolio. Some of his subjects include HDR, old cemeteries, light painting, photomanipulation, American theaters, and much more. If you are looking for a photographer with a fresh range of subjects, Grace is one you should definitely add to your list.

Michael Lewis Glover Photography

Michael Lewis Glover has been a photographer since he was given his first Santa Clause black and white camera as a child. His experience shines through in his photographs of nature, landscapes, automobiles, and HDR images.

The post 10 HDR Photographers Worth Watching appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to tilt-shift photography is that you want to take your photography from above, but not entirely from overhead. By not shooting from directly overhead, you will achieve the necessary depth of field, which will make your end photograph a lot more realistic.

You will also want to keep your scene as simple as possible as you won’t find an elaborate scene in a miniature model, which is what tilt-shift photography is trying to mimic.

One last thing to keep in mind is that you want to make sure your lighting is perfect, and if there are any people in the photo, they need to be relatively small. This will help you maintain the focal point of your image and avoid having too many details on people, just as you would in a model scene.

Once you have your perfect photo, you can begin the magical transformation with Photoshop or your favorite photo editing software. When you’re done, you’ll have a mini work of art that you can frame and enjoy for years to come.

If you would like to learn how to achieve this marvelous effect, we have posted some useful resources and tutorials at the bottom of this gallery. But first, take a moment to enjoy some of the best examples of tilt-shift photography from around the web.

What is Tilt-Shift Photography?

Tilt-shift photography uses special lenses or post-processing techniques to alter the plane of focus or simulate a miniature scene.

By tilting the lens relative to the image sensor, photographers can achieve selective focus, drawing attention to specific parts of the image while blurring others.

Shifting the lens allows for correcting or manipulating perspective, which is helpful in architectural photography. Tilt-shift photography creates unique and captivating images, often making real-world scenes look like miniature models.

Showcase of Stunning Tilit-Shift Photography

Tilt-Shift Photography Tutorials

Just in case you do not have a camera with a tilt-shift lens (it is an expensive piece of kit after all), then you can use these Photoshop tutorials to give your photographs the miniature tilt-shift look. Here they are:

• How to use Photoshop’s Lens Blur tool for tilt-shift fakery
• Tutorial: Tilt Shift via Photoshop

The post 30 Stunning Examples of Tilt-Shift Photography appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.