10 Shots to Inspire your Shadow Photography

One of my favorite forms of photography, is the Shadow Capture.  Next time you are out shooting, keep an eye out for the various elements around your subject.  You might find a well defined shadow that can stand out and give you an interesting, dramatic, or fun shot.

Shadow photography (SP) reminds me of when I was a kid at Disneyland, one of the only heirlooms I still have amongst the Mickey Ears, Pluto Hat with the long ears, and Nick-Nacks that held up was the shadow caricature.   

Reminder of Shadow Caricature at Disneyland

You can also place yourself in a scene with a self portrait.  I took this one while on a recent hike.  It was late afternoon and it took about 5 attempts to get it right, but worth the effort. 

Things are looking up - Self Portrait while on a recent Hike

 

This is the same hike.  I was up at Echo Mountain to capture the Sunset.  I turned around and noticed this scene on the wall behind me.

Couples are another great subject for Shadow Photography.

This was an engagement session.  While shooting the couple, the shadow on the wall offered a cool result.

Have fun with it.  The Wall and Door offer great texture.

"The Golden Hour" is one of the best times for Shadow Photography.

SP is a fun way to add your subjects viewpoint, without them being in the shot.

Admiring the view of Los Angeles from the Getty Center.

I took two shots while composing this.  The first was of downtown Los Angeles by itself.  The second is the one above.  The first shot was not as memorable.

To me, Shadow Photography adds a certain depth to a photo.  Light is fickle and fleeting, so keep an eye out for shadows next time you are out shooting.

This wall with all of it's texture was a great backdrop for this shadow shot.

Sometimes a great Shadow shot happens by accident.

I was practicing Macro Photography.  When I viewed this on the computer, I noticed the Shadow.

I hope this inspires you to get out there and shoot some shadow photography.  If you are looking for further inspiration, check out this link.

We appreciate your feedback, so please let us know if you have captured a cool shadow photo.  Have a great week and get shooting.

Get Up Close

Change your perspective and try shooting more macro photography, you will be amazed at the beauty and intricacy that exists all around you.  If you want tips on shooting better macro photography, try this article.

Orchid in Neighbors garden.  C2T Photography

Up Close, you can see the detail and the colors jump off the screen.  C2T Photography

Try shooting flowers or objects with a clear background to emphasize the subject.  Also, play with the light and see how it effects the mood.  C2T Photography

Try cooler colors or Black and White.  C2T Photography

Up Close, you can see nature at work.  Such as these two Lady Bugs playing leap frog.  C2T Photography

Get up close and change the angle of your camera.  C2T Photography

Macro Photography can show the complicated patterns or the simple beauty of nature.  C2T Photography

Check out this article on Macro Photography Techniques, it gives great pointers on how to improve your macro photography.  My advice, is to start looking at what's around you and imagine it in a photo.

Post a reply to this message with examples of your macro photography.  I hope this motivates you to "Get Up Close", and please share your results.

Have a great weekend, and good shooting!

Don't Let Cloudy Weather Get In Your Way

Spring is a great time of year for photography.  Warmer weather and late winter rains bring out the flowers, vegetation and create some interesting cloud patterns.  Use the cloudy weather and occasional cloud breaks to your favor. 

Had to wait for a sun break to capture this image

Cloudy or overcast conditions allow you to get some dramatic shots of the sky.  The clouds also work as a diffuser, creating even light and color saturation.

The dramatic sky adds to portraits and scenic photography

It is also nice to have a camera close by for those fleeting moments.  The two shots below were quick shots through the windshield.

Sun Break in Black & White on Interstate 15

Sun Break on Interstate 15

 

Here is a great link if you are interested in looking at more beautiful and creative cloudy weather photography.  Notice how the colors really pop against the sky and create a different mood.

Get out, enjoy the weekend and try shooting in different lighting conditions.  If you have any questions on how any of the above shots or the ones through the link were captured, send an email and I'll help or point you in the right direction.

Have a great weekend!

Set Yourself Apart With A Personalized Head Shot

Traditionally a professional Head Shot was associated with Actors, Real Estate Agents and Corporate Executives.  Actors used them separate themselves from a huge stack of people vying for a part.   Real Estate Agents used them to make a connection with possible buyers.   And Corporate Executives used them to put a face with the name of the person you are entrusting with your investments.  Setting yourself apart, association and creating trust are three important themes to remember when considering a professional Head Shot.

However, times have changed.  According to Internetworldstats.com North America has 266,244,500 daily internet users and 1,966,514,816 worldwide.  In order to get noticed in today's internet environment, it is becoming more and more important to personalize your portrait and show some personality.

 

Whose viewing your profile photos and what do you want that photo to say about you?

If you are in or around Southern California you can contact us at C2T Photography to schedule a professional Head Shot.  If you are out of the area and have interest in finding a photographer, you can conduct a search here.  Or give us a call and we will point you in the right direction.

  

Chasing his Dreams

"There is an immeasurable distance between late and too late."  That quote by Og Mandino is a fitting description for Bill Campbell.  Bill came to us at C2T Photography with his dream of working as an extra/character in Hollywood.  He is aware that the first step to getting noticed, in the crowded Hollywood environment, is an attention grabbing portfolio.  After meeting with Bill and finding out his interests and hobbies, we collaborated to create the first of four portfolio sessions.  This is the result of our first session. 

Bill Campbell seated Gun Draw, C2T Photography

Bill Campbell at Lester Moore Grave, C2T Photography

Bill Campbell "The Stare", C2T Photography

Bill Campbell at the Birdcage, C2T Photography

Bill Campbell at the OK Corral, C2T Photography

Bill Campbell ready to draw, C2T Photography

Bill Campbell Portfolio, C2T Photography

This father and grandfather is following his dreams and we are proud to be involved.  We look forward to our next session with Bill and his future in Hollywood.

Top 5 reasons to Visit The Getty Center

Getty Center sign as you enter the parking area

Continuing the theme of Southern California excursions on a budget, this weeks focus is The Getty Center.  "The Getty" is up on a hill overlooking downtown LA, the South Bay, the Pacific Ocean and on a clear day you can see the mountains surrounding the LA Basin.  With all that it offers, it is difficult to label just as a museum.  To me, it is so much more.

Here are my top 5 reasons "The Getty" should be on your list of budget friendly excursions in Southern California.

1.  Once you leave the parking area you board the tram and begin to rise above the traffic, congestion and busy pace of LA.   It is the best feeling watching the traffic and all that is LA get further away.  You round a bend, the traffic becomes hidden and you arrive at the center.  I am not an architecture buff, yet the presence and beauty of the campus is magnificent and moving.

View of Traffic on Tram to The Getty Center

Research Pavilion at The Getty Center

2.  I find myself getting lost in the variety of plants, trees and flowers on and around The Getty.  With over 300 varieties, you could spend an entire day capturing images of flowers with your camera.  This is an ideal place to practice Macro Photography.  I recommend a stroll around the Central Garden, conceived by artist Robert Irwin, who calls it "a sculpture in the form of a garden aspiring to be art."  If you get the chance, go in the Spring and catch all of the vegetation in full bloom.

Getty Center Central Garden

Macro Shot of flower in the Central Garden

Ladybug at play in the Central Garden

Silhouette of Tree at Sunset, The Getty Center

 3.  With so many different collections of European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture & decorative arts, and European & American photographs you can visit multiple times and not see everything.  The cool thing about it is that they have permanent installations, and keep your repeat visits fresh with traveling exhibits.  I love photography and that is where I end up spending most of my time, the bonus is that they tend to rotate this gallery frequently.

4.  The Getty is a great place to take a date, out of town guests and the family.  You can experience a romantic sunset overlooking downtown LA and the Ocean, introduce people to the treasure in your own back yard or let the kids run off their energy in the park located in the center of the campus.  A true bonus is that the Getty allows you to bring in food so that you can picnic amongst all of the beauty.  If you don't bring a picnic with you, you can visit one of their on-site cafes that also serves wine and beer.

Downtown LA from The Getty Center

Catalina, Southbay and Pacific Ocean from "The Getty"

View of Central Garden and Southbay from the Park

5.  This is my favorite part about "The Getty".  Thanks to the J. Paul Getty Trust, admission to The Getty Center is free.  The only charge to you is $15 per car load.  With the ability to bring your own picnic, get in for the price of parking and absorbing all of the offerings; the "The Getty" is great day to expand your mind while keeping costs lean.

Bust of J. Paul Getty

 Photography note:  You can take pictures throughout most of the exhibits.  No flash photography within any exhibits, and no photos at all in the Photography Exhibits.

Also, the Getty Center Volunteers are pretty vigilant about the flash photography and keeping you from touching any of the exhibits.  They are a serious lot, so be aware.

Docent keeping a close eye on the happenings

 Let us know if you pay a visit to "The Getty" with a comment or a photo.  Also, don't hesitate to drop us a line if you have any photography questions.

Featured Adventure in Southern California

The economy, rising fuel costs, and trying to stay within your means; encourages you to get creative with the activities in and around your area.  In this series of articles the focus is getting out and exploring your surroundings, keeping your costs down and creating memories that won't break the bank.  We are based in Huntington Beach, CA and this location offers a variety of family affordable outing options, from the beach to mountains to the desert to the glitter of Los Angeles.

A big winter storm dumped 4 feet of fresh snow on the surrounding mountains, and clear skies stirred thoughts of getting some elevation and enjoying the views. 

View of Mount Baldy from Huntington Beach

We set our sites on Mount Baldy. 

San Antonio Falls Road with Baldy up top

This is an intermediate to advanced hike depending on weather conditions, fitness level, route and experience.  Total mileage was just under six miles with total elevation gain of around 1900ft.  We parked at Manaker Flats, walked the mile up San Antonio Falls road, then continued up the single track trail to Baldy Bowl that is just past the Ski Hut.  We stopped there to enjoy lunch, and admire those who proceeded on to climb the face of Mount Baldy that rapidly rises 2000 feet from where we sat.

View of the LA Basin from the trail to Baldy Bowl

View from Baldy Bowl

The fresh snow required us to use crampons that were graciously provided by the REI rental department ($12 for the day).

We packed our lunch at home and brought along enough trail goodies to keep our energy up for the hike ($15 worth of food and snacks).  The driving distance clocked out at 120 miles round trip ($20 worth of gas).  You will need a parking permit for this area (daily $5 or you can purchase a yearly pass that gains access to most of the surrounding mountains for $35)

Chose to bring our new Canon G12 for this adventure.  For one, it is a new camera and we were anxious to test it on the trails.  Secondly, it is much lighter than our other cameras and every ounce helps when it comes to hiking in the snow.

This type of adventure is more of an exception versus the norm.  

Creek crossing near Baldy Bowl

Enjoying the fresh powder at Baldy Bowl

Usually you will find us enjoying locations closer to home.  Yet the snow, clear skies and photos from this excursion made the rewards vastly outweigh the dog tired feeling after wards.

Someone created a Snowtem Pole at the trail head

We recommend getting out in your environment as much as possible.  However, make sure you are prepared before embarking on any adventure.  Do your homework before going to places that are unfamiliar to you.  Check the internet, contact any local outfitters or drop us an email.  We will point you in the right direction.

Total cost for the day $47 plus the cost of the parking pass.

View the rest of the photos from the hike here.  Thank you and have a great week!