Secret Diary of a Seasoned Snapper
How to photograph airshows: all photographs ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR Air shows are an exciting spectacle, but it can be tricky to capture the event on camera. With the English Riviera Air Show almost upon us, I thought it would be the ideal topic for this week’s blog. Here are some tips for getting some memorable photographs … Read more
How to take corporate training images: ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR When Cartwright Coffee asked me to take some pictures to help market their barista training services, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to blog about how to take quality corporate training images. The training was held at Below Decks, a harbourside restaurant on Beacon Quay, … Read more
When you’re shooting in a zoo, for instance, you can take photographs to make it look as if you are in the wild. So, how do you go about that: Removing signs of humans In most (but not all) cases, you will want to avoid showing any man-made environment. Lose any signs. If there’s something … 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
How to take professional headshots. All photographs © Al Macphee/MiraclePR The basic brief for a headshot is to get something that will show your client in a good light, and will get them some attention. However, every client will need something different. Clarifying the brief Before anything else, you’ve got to talk to your clients and … Read more
How to learn photography the smart way. Mark approached me wanting to learn how to take photographs of his dog, similar to the one I took above. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR If you want to know how to learn photography without wasting money, you need to find courses that fit your photography goals. My bespoke courses tick … Read more
How to photograph horses jumping. All photographs © Al Macphee/MiraclePR General tips on how to photograph horses jumping It’s mainly about timing so that you catch the perfect shot of the hoofs up over the fence. If you get the horse just as it takes off with the fence looking nice and high then you’re well … Read more
How to take photos in the dark: All photographs © Al Macphee/MiraclePR The brief of the Haldon Night run a Grammarcombe Woods, Ashcombe is, as usual, to get as many pictures of as many entrants as possible. We’ve got to shoot with flash. It would be much too dark otherwise, as the course is pitch black. … Read more
South Devon Football League action from Coach Road. As a club photographer, make sure you contact the venue in advance for permission to take pictures. © Al Macphee/MiraclePR Protecting your equipment – and yourself! Let’s start with something that a new club photographer might not think about: keeping their equipment safe. It’s not just a … Read more