6 Things Every Photographer Needs to Know || Photographer Tips

A picture is worth a thousand words. So what is the difference between a great picture and a great photographer? A great photographer is consistent. We have all taken that one perfect photo. Everything fell into place and you managed to capture that picture perfect image, but the trick to consistency is being able to create picture perfect photos time and time again. Here are six things that every photographer needs to know to stay consistent and produce picture perfect photos.

1. Get to Know Your Camera

It is important to understand the settings and features of your camera. Not knowing the technical side of the camera can truly hold you back as a photographer. Learn how to control your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.  Every feature in your camera works together. The more you learn about these features, the easier it is to get the results you want. It is also important to learn about camera modes, focusing, and white balance. Always keep in mind that even a great camera cannot produce a great photograph unless it’s in the hands of a passionate photographer.

2. Light

Light is one of the primary ingredients in photography. Without light, we photographers cannot do our work. It is important to understand how to work with light. Lighting can be tricky, as it is always changing. There are all kinds of lighting conditions such as, sunrise, sunset, midday sun, and twilight. One quick tip to gain a better understanding of light is to observe it in your everyday life. Educate yourself and aim to recognize the different types of light. We have a whole post about lighting on our blog here.

3. Perspective

Perspective is the way our eye relates to special separation. Sometimes photographers fall into the habit of shooting from eye level. If you want to stay consistent, and make an impact, change your perspective. Changing your perspective can be done in many different ways. For example, get on ground level. Getting low can give your viewer a unique perspective, rather than their everyday eye level view. Other examples include, shooting upward, wide, far away, or even behind something. Next time before you snap away, take a moment to think about how you want your viewer to perceive your subject.

4. Every Photographer is Different

Each photographer brings their own unique style to their artwork. It is important to use your creativity at each and every photo shoot. By utilizing your creativity, your photography will stand out from the others. 

5. Composition

Composition plays a big role in photography. It is the key aspect to a great photo. Composition is the placement of relative objects in a photograph such as, lines, textures, shapes, and reflections. The Rule of Thirds is a great guideline to help you tell a story. The Rule of Thirds suggests that by placing your subject somewhere rather than the center of the photo, you can grab your viewer’s attention.

6. Connect With Your Subject

We cannot forget the most important part of a photograph, the subject. The recipe for a good photo entails much more than just your gear; it starts with the photographer making a connection with the subject. Before your shoot, put the camera down and get to know your subject. Laugh, joke, and have fun. This will create a fun comfortable atmosphere.

As a photographer, you will make mistakes. The key is to learn from your mistakes and better yourself as a photographer. Great photography comes from consistency and photos that tell a story. With each snap of the shutter, you will only get better. So grab your camera, get out there, and produce those award winning shots.

For more great tips on how to have a successful family portrait session, check out these tips from a past post.

Written by Julia Poole (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Tips for Choosing Your Favorite Photos || Kauai Family Portrait Photography

You and your family just had a fabulous photo session with Pacific Dream Photography and now, it's time to choose your favorite photos! By the next day, our team of photographers have your images professionally edited and ready to be viewed. For some, this is the most exciting part of the photo session. This is where the session comes to life as you get the opportunity to reflect on precious memories from your unforgettable trip. Although looking through many amazing images can be fun, it can also be a bit of a challenge narrowing down your favorites when there are so many great ones to choose from! Fear not, here are five timeless tips that will help ensure you with a collection you'll be forever ecstatic about.

1. Choose The Images That Reflect You and Your Family

This is a very important step when selecting your favorite photos. This is what makes your favorite images stand out from the rest. The best images are the ones that tell a story while allowing your personalities to shine through. 

2. Eliminate Photos That Are Similar

You may have photos that look similar. You don’t want both, but you would like to choose one. So which photo should go and which photo should stay? Choose the photo that speaks to you. Pick the photo that allows you to achieve what you hoped to gain from your shoot.

3. Don't Miss Hidden Treasures

Maybe you’re in love with the facial expressions in a photo, but there’s something a little off. Maybe it’s a small spot on your hubby's shirt, or a tiny distraction in the background. Don't be afraid to let your photographer know! With a little magical editing, the photo might end up being your absolute favorite. Look for photos with genuine emotion. Some of the best images aren't posed, but suggested by life itself.

4. Go With Your Gut Reaction

Going with your gut reaction is one of the best options. Ask yourself, does this photo draw my attention? What makes this photo stand out from the others?

5. We Have Tricks Up Our Sleeve

At your viewing party, it is time to sit back and relax. Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we have a couple tricks up our sleeve that allow us to help you pick your favorites. As Professional Photographers, we have the tools to help you choose the best. We wouldn't let you leave the islands without your favorite collection of your paradise getaway! 

- Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at The Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Group Portrait Photography || Tips from a Professional Photographer

Group portraits are a fantastic way for friends and families to spend quality time together and capture unforgettable memories. Whether you're taking a much-needed family reunion trip to the islands or looking to update your photos of friends and loved ones, who wouldn’t want group photos on a lush beach in Hawaii to remember your time in paradise? Capturing photos of a large group can be a difficult task, but fear not! With some helpful tips; let our artists at Pacific Dream Photography make your group photo session a success by providing you with ever-lasting commemorations.

A relaxed photo is important, but a little direction is always a great key to ensuring a successful photography session. Most of the time a group will pose themselves naturally with tall people in the back and short people in the front. But if needed, feel free to take control of your group and position others in visually ideal positions.  Here at Pacific Dream Photography, we like to make sure our subjects feel comfortable without feeling too forced, so loosen up and don't forget to take in the beautiful scenery!

When posing your group, place people according to families and couples. This makes it easier for everyone, as they are able to locate themselves easily when looking through their photos. If you'd like the session to be centered on two specific people, place them in the middle of the group.

It is very important to make sure that everyone's faces are visible. If they cannot see the camera, they will most likely not be seen in the photo! As a professional photographer, it is our job to scan the group and make sure that everyone is clearly visible. If one or more subjects are looking away, it may take away from a potentially perfect photo.  

To avoid awkward spacing in group photos, use a wide angled lens and tighten up the frame. Closing in any unwanted gaps between individuals is a great way to unite your group. One effective technique is to tell your group to lean their heads in close together. Allow your subjects to hug and hold each other and be ready to capture big smiles at any moment. 

As professional photographers in Hawaii, we take pride in sweet moments with family and friends. Your group will thank you for a great time and stunning group portraits.

- Written by Julia P. (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt Kauai)

Sunrise or Sunset? || Couple and Family Photography Sessions at the Grand Hyatt Kauai

One of the most important options to consider when booking your reservation with Pacific Dream Photography is whether to choose a sunrise or a sunset time. For some of us, who aren’t early risers, the sunset time is an easy choice; although, the sunrise light is exceptional! Here at the Grand Hyatt, Kauai, there are advantages and disadvantages to each time.

The sunrise session is one of our personal favorites. The quality of light is gorgeous! You’ll notice a crisp quality of light, soft flattering skin tones, and a rose gold hue to the color, on some occasions. It is also important to consider the metaphors associated with a sunrise, for example: new beginnings. If you will be joining us celebrating something like an engagement or baby-moon, you might want to consider this time. It can also be a little more private with less people on the beach.

Typically, the sunset session is the most desired time. The light is rich and golden with saturated colors and strong contrast, making for striking imagery. The sun sets in the west and lights up a golden Shipwrecks beach cliff, creating a beautiful color contrast between the blue sky and ocean. The one possible downside to a sunset session is that there might be more people on the beach, and in the background of your photos.

So, choose wisely! You can’t go wrong with either choice; but we certainly want to capture you the way you’d like to be remembered.

- Written by Michael (Pacific Dream Photography at The Grand Hyatt Kauai)