Moving On

So this blog has been missing in action for a while now. To many different projects are pulling me in too many different ways, so for now I will be concentrating on our Facebook page.

Please visit us there for the most current information!

Shooting Fireworks

The sites, sounds, and smells of a fireworks display is always a joy to behold. With the 4th just a few days away, here are a few tips to help you bring back better images.

First, get a tripod. Ok, I know that not everyone wants to lug on around, but a stable platform is essential. If you don't have a tripod or your point-and-shoot can't be attached to one, try to find a way to brace the camera on a towel, stroller, or whatever is handy. A steady camera will mean the difference between beautiful trails of light and a glowing plate of spaghetti.

Most point-and-shoots have a preset shooting mode for fireworks. On the Canon G9 for example, select the "SCN" mode and turn the thumbwheel to "Fireworks". Some of the things that you may notice is that the shutter speed will get longer, probably around 2 seconds or more (thus the reason for a tripod) and the white balance will change.

If you have a DSLR or are comfortable with manually setting your camera, you can have more control. It image above was set at f/10.0 for 6 seconds, at ISO 200 - long enough to capture the rising trail and the explosion. A certain amount of experimentation is in order, both for individual conditions and taste. (Shorter than 2 seconds and they may not look much like fireworks.)

I hope that you all have good weather and enjoy the show this year!

-DG

Thank you...

...to everyone who came out to support Charlotte at the Business Bazaar this past weekend. Please keep watching her CaringBridge site for information on upcoming events.

Business Expo to Benefit Charlotte Reynolds

For those who follow us on Facebook, you've already met Charlotte. We are excited to be participating in a business expo to benefit Charlotte on Saturday June 27th. The expo will be held at St. Ann's Church in Ashland, Virginia from 10am - 2pm.

We will have a portrait set onsite, so it's a great opportunity to have a quick portrait made and help with a good cause at the same time.

Can't make it to the expo and want to help? No problem! From now until the end of September, we will donate 10% of any session (including weddings!) to Charlotte. All you have to do is mention the coupon code "bald chicks rock" when you schedule your session!

-DG

All's Not Quiet

I know that I haven't posted much recently, but we have a lot of great things coming up this year. Some of it will be great for our clients, and some will be geared more towards the professional photographer's community. You'll just have to wait and see what the year brings!

-DG