Secret Diary of a Seasoned Snapper
What is ISO? Picture ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a film sensitivity rating, which was also known as ASA (American Standards Association). The numbers run from low sensitivity to high. In the days of film, your standard kit bag would have several rolls of film: ASA 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and … Read more
Photography mental health. All photos ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR As I explained in a previous post, there’s no such thing as a typical day for a pro photographer. If you’re a popular photographer, you’re going to be busy. I’m always careful to pace myself when I’ve got a really long, hectic weekend because if I spread myself … Read more
The Best Way to Get Work: Photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR Ask yourself the question: if you’re looking for a builder, what’s the first thing you do? You ask a friend. Look on Facebook. Whether they’re looking for a car valeting service, a plasterer or whatever, people ask, “Can anyone recommend…?” Personal recommendation is the best way … Read more
Selecting photos from a series. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR If you’re sending pictures in to an editor, they’re only going to use one out of any series. So, why not choose the best one and send it to them? If they’ve only got one image to use, you can take complete control over their choice, by sending … Read more
I’ve explained in a previous article on how to photograph sports, that it’s a good idea to choose your spot and wait for the players to come to you. But how do you make sure that your background is suitable? What makes a good background? What do you have to think about when it comes … Read more
Unless you are a paparazzo or a tabloid photographer, you are probably not trying to upset anybody with your photography. Nevertheless, there is always the chance you will capture a controversial incident. Here are a few possible scenarios along with some examples from my own experience. Scenario 1: Requests for photos as evidence I recently … Read more
Working as a second shooter should be fun! ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR A busy professional photographer will often need a back up photographer, a second shooter. This could be for a one-off event, to work with a specific client or for general support. Here are my tips for making a good impression when someone is looking for … Read more
Family portrait photography. All photographs © Al Macphee/MiraclePR I find the best way to do a family portrait is at home, with everyone playing, working or otherwise spending time together. People are more comfy and relaxed at home than if they were going into a studio. Everyone’s got a nice little area in the house, be … Read more
Fashion photography. All photographs © Al Macphee/MiraclePR Who’s in a fashion shoot team? Fashion photography usually involves a team of people. You’ve got your photographer, photographic assistant, model, stylist, hair stylist, makeup artist and usually a stockist, designer or manufacturer. You’ve got to keep all those people happy, but your end goal is to get an … Read more
I can’t stress enough the importance of an organised photo filing system. It’s best to file properly from day one. Start the way you mean to go on. Otherwise, it’s like trying to process a year’s worth of receipts for your tax return in one go. Filing properly means using the name of events and … Read more