Review | Canon vs. Nikon

               The Nikon and Canon camera companies have been in an ongoing war for a long time now. I am a Nikon girl because that is what I grew up using from my dad, but I am interested in looking up the differences and comparing these two top quality companies. The features that makes up the perfect camera are their: video quality, megapixel sensor, screen quality, and photo sharpness. What I found is that they are comparable cameras, but each has different features.

               Digital Camera World did a review of these two cameras and their results came to Nikon having two wins and Canon having three. Although Canon seemed to have won more of the comparisons, they are tied my opinion. Digital Camera World compared these two company’s video quality and Canon won, giving them an advantage over Nikon, but if you are using the camera for photographs rather than videos, that point is mute.

               To begin with, Digital Camera World looked at each company’s high-megapixel sensor. Nikon won this comparison with a 36.3 megapixel sensor compared to the Canon’s 22.3 megapixel sensor. Next, they compared their vari-angle touchscreen LCD. Canon combined the vari-angle LCD and the touchscreen before Nikon did. Nikon still doesn’t have this option with their DSLR cameras, but does have it in the compact systems. Next, Nikon wins the anti-aliasing filter competition and produce sharper photos. Canon excels in having a better, hybrid autofocus and is better to use for shooting video. Both companies handling are equal and just depends on what the user prefers and are use to having.

               There is no straight answer to which company is a better choice. The best choice depends on what you are looking for in a camera. Unfortunately, you will have to do some research and maybe try out both companies and see which set up you like better. I have tried Canons as well as Nikon, but after using Nikon for many years, there is no going back for me.

 

To learn more visit:

Hawkins, Marcus. "Canon vs Nikon: The DSLR Comparison You've Been Waiting For!"             Digital Camera World

Canon vs Nikon the DSLR Comparison Youve Been Waiting for Comments. Digital       Camera World, 23 June 2014. Web. 06 Mar. 2015.

 

Opinion | Managing Unconfident Models

     One of the questions I get asked a lot as a photographer is how I deal with unconfident models. Personally, I have been in front of and behind the camera before and am severely insecure about myself; therefore, I understand both aspects of this. Insecurity is mainly an occurrence with women, especially mothers and senior models for me. Unconfident models are difficult to deal with if you are not a good people person, but can be easily turned around if you are by communication and honesty.

     To begin with, it may be beneficial to ask the model what their favorite angles are if you know in advance that they are insecure or if you are getting the hint throughout the shoot. Be sure to compliment your model on aspects they may seem concerned about, but do so honestly and non-sexually. Everyone loves a good compliment! Also, throughout the shoot, be sure to show the model their shots (of course, the good ones). This is the perfect time for another compliment.

     In addition, be sure to inform them that “they are their own worst critic,” everyone knows this, but it is necessary to be reminded sometimes. Also, sometimes models still feel insecure and don’t let lose after the photographer’s many compliments and positive comments. If this happens, you could ask the model what their best feature is and do your best to accentuate that attribute. When doing this, be aware of the model’s body type and take photos acclimated to their body type.

     Honestly, if you, as a photographer, believe that you’re getting good shots and they are still down on themselves, just focus on other things and keep shooting! They will feel better about it when they’re not thinking about what they’re doing and you will still be getting the shots you want!

     To recap, always remember that when you are working with an unconfident model, there is nothing more important than being honest when communicating with them. Positive reinforcement is another important aspect of being a photographer as well as making the model feel comfortable with themselves in front of the camera. Things you may do to help your model out are knowing their angles, asking their favorite attribute, changing the poses to their body type, and making sure to keep shooting! This issue is an ongoing challenge for photographers and for models and hopefully these tips help you find a solution, but know that every model and situation is different—guide your response appropriately.

Feature Story | Photography On A Budget

               As a college student with two part time jobs, I know how difficult it is to be a photographer on a tight budget. I also know the desperation when viewing “adorable newborn photography props” on Pinterest and then looking at their prices! This being said, thrift stores are my best friend!

Many people dislike thrift stores because they may sometimes be seen as “dirty” or “unsanitary,” all but that is irrelevant. When going to a thrift store, know whether or not that company sanitizes their products by asking the manager. Personally, it doesn’t matter to me whether they do or not, I do this process when returning home. This is important when using the materials with customers.

Instead of purchasing the expensive backgrounds, props, outfits, and other grueling photographer duties, you can get creative! When I am shopping at various thrift stores, I go straight for the furniture section! You can find so many child-sized, vintage, unique stools and chairs that may need a little love, but can be turned into beautiful props with a little paint! After the furniture, I head towards the linens, tablecloths, and blankets. This is where I have found some of my favorite backgrounds! You just have to make sure that the fabric will be large enough for a background. Other sections I check out are the décor and misc. sections which include materials like baskets, frames, hats, and other items that can be turned into unique and adorable props!

When you’re a photographer on a budget, you must think creatively! Other than just looking at thrift stores for great items, you need to think of any additional uses for said items. When you see an item, think of how you would photograph the item or how you can change the item into something else. For example, baskets can be used to hold flowers or anything else, but you can also fit a cute, little newborn in them as well! A frilly, old doily or oversized sweater can be turned into a beautiful infant’s hat or headband. Any old hat can be turned into a new and improved hat with the help of a glue gun and some flowers!

Being a photographer with a tight budget isn’t a setback, it is simply a reason to get creative and think outside of the box!

These records were found at a family friend's abandoned home!

This background is simply a cheap, white sheet from Goodwill (TIP: Iron first)!

This crate was a great find and I use it constantly (TIP: it also makes a great step stool)!

Frames can be used in multiple ways, get creative!

Use seasonal props like pumpkins and leaves and just carve them or embellish them with a sharpie!

Wallpaper makes for a great, cheap background! Use with dollar store Santa hats and ornaments and you're set!

This chalkboard was found at a local thrift store!

 

This "K" was actually the beginning of someone's old "KEYS" sign!

Use whatever you can find to add something to your photos!