Marc Silber's Blog, page 16
September 28, 2017
Children’s Photography Tips
An excerpt from Advancing Your Photography, Chapter 7
Photo Credit: Lena Hyde, Family Photographer
Marc gathered some fantastic tips from Lena Hyde, whose work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, People,and LIFE. She’s an exceptional photographer of children:
1. Before she gets to the shoot, she talks to the parents to find out about the children and their personalities, who’s shy, what are they “into”, etc. She asks when the light is brightest in the home and when their children are the happiest (usually the morning) to plan the shoot time.
2. She keeps her bag light to avoid bringing in a lot of equipment, which can cause children to be afraid. Her go-to lenses are 24-70mm, 2.8, and she loves the 70-200mm, 2.8.
3. She shoots off tripod and with no lights or reflectors so she can easily follow the child, and to make it easy for them to move around and be comfortable.
4. Her first step is to look around the house for the best light and what looks good visually (without clutter and with good light and appropriate décor).
5. She’ll move the children near the light sources as needed to get good directional sunlight. She’ll sometimes shoot in a white room to reflect and even wear a white shirt to reflect.
6. With newborns, get the parents involved to get the emotions between them.
7. She gets to know the child, and to make them more comfortable she might pull out finger puppets (giving them voices) or a squeaky toy.
8. She recommends shooting from many angles and getting a lot of shots. (Remember to get down to the child’s level too, even sitting on the floor with them or crouching down low.)
9. And finally, have a good time with the children, and make it a fun experience.
Try our these tips and post your results on instagram #AYPClub.
Learn more:
Watch our interview with Lena to catch more of her tips. And be sure to get your own copy of Advancing Your Photography (order now to get bonus ebook Focus on Beauty.)
Check out Lena’s website and follow her on Instagram
The post Children’s Photography Tips appeared first on Advancing Your Photography.
July 31, 2017
How to Shoot Like a Pro
Shoot Photos Like a Pro
Award-winning photographer Bob Holmes is sharing his top tips for success
Buy Handbook.
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Just when you thought award-winning photographer Bob Holmes couldn’t be more inspiring…Bob is back in our latest installment of Advancing Your Photography Show. In this , Marc begins talking to Bob about visualization, the central point of the Handbook. Bob continues to dish out his no-nonsense tips on how you can improve your photography and shoot like a pro.
Top Tips:
To visualize you need to know how your equipment will “see”it.
Learn the ability to see something and KNOW how your device will record it.
Know how light is going to react. Every camera records light differently
Be aware of everything you look at (try the “watch exercise” explained down below)
Ask yourself, what is the purpose of your photograph?
How to Train Your Eye for Photography (watch exercise)
Bob shared his “watch exercise” with us in this . Here’s how it works: Cover up your watch. Now ask yourself, does it have the number 12 at the 12 spot or is it just a mark that represents the 12 O’Clock hour? Without looking at your watch, answer that question?
Bob says if we look at our watches, dozens of times a day, and we still don’t know if it’s a 12 or a mark — to be successful in photography, be observant.
“Be aware of everything you look at.”
Bob says you have to be consciously aware of what you’re looking at, whether it’s reality or a reproduction of reality. Ask yourself why you’re attracted to this image or scene, and what it is about it that you like? Over time you’ll refine the way you see.
Don’t Do This If You’re a Photographer
Think of the last time you took photos…What did you do immediately after pressing the shutter? Did you A) adjust your camera once, then keep capturing photos or B) stop and look at the screen to see how each and every photo turned out? If you’re like most of us, you probably answered B. Bob and Marc both agree, to STOP this “chimping” photography behavior in its tracks.
“When you’re looking at the back of the camera, your missing the photo in front of you.”_Bob Holmes
“You’re missing the connection.”_ Marc Silber
“It comes down to the purpose of the photography.”_Bob Holmes
Purpose: Personal vs. Professional.
Whether you are taking pictures of a beautiful sunset or photos of a fashion model, Bob says you need to ask yourself, ‘What is the purpose of my photography?’
Personal photography can be spontaneous because you’re reacting to your surroundings. “There are some things you are compelled to take a photograph of and you can’t explain it,” – Bob
Professional photography on the other hand, like a magazine assignment, is when you need to have more structure (aka using a shot list); because you have to think about why you are taking the photograph, what you need to show and how you are going to show it. The image needs to be relevant. Bob’s tip is to always use a shot list on assignment. Being consistent is important.
“We have to come back with the goods.”_Bob Holmes
Bob’s last bit of advice for us in this video… “Just live it [photography].”
Did this video leave you wanting more photography goodies?? Don’t worry, check out this with Bob Holmes we did a couple weeks ago. And if you’re ready for a photography binge, here is one of AYP Show’s Enjoy.
AYP SHOW IN THE HEADLINES
Host of the Advancing Your Photography, Marc Silber was just named as a world-famous photographer in this article on Berify.com.
You can read Marc’s top photography tip plus read tips from other photography giants. Click on the link, and enjoy this quick read!
“Advancing Your Photography is a work of art, about art! Silber delivers clear, concise content, for all levels of skill, and accentuates the details that matter most to getting the result you desire…” – David Lee Jensen, #1 Best Selling Author of The Naked Interview
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
“The whole conversation, about 10 minutes long, is well worth your time and packed full of little gems.”_ Digital Photography Review
AYP Show’s other with National Geographic photographer Bob Holmes is all about finding (and seeing) the light. You can check it out on our , or read this article from and watch the video!
Take 60 Seconds to do This Survey
AYP Show wants to know what YOU think! Click on , answer a few quick questions, and you will have helped AYP spread the photography love to more people!
Click to read the latest review of AYP Handbook and find out why you should today!
AYP RESOURCES PAGE
Be sure to check in to our AYP Handbook you’ll find all the videos and other resources (with some discounts) mentioned in the book, noted by chapter and page so you can follow right along.
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July 14, 2017
Learn How To See Light Using Art As Inspiration
National Geographic photographer Bob Holmes shares tips on how to find the light in photos
The most important thing you can do to change your photographs dramatically is to learn how to see and how to use light in your images. In this week’s episode of Advancing Your Photography, our friend and photographer Bob Holmes is back to share with us tips on how he uses art, more specifically, paintings to see light.
In this 10-minute video, Bob shows us how different paintings has taught him to see things more clearly and how he has translated it to his award-winning photographs.
The problem is that most people look but don’t really see. You have to learn to see. – Bob Holmes
One key point when learning how to see is to find your own sources of inspiration and reflect on why you respond to it. Among the many painters Holmes draws inspiration from, Joseph Wright’s use of the light source within the frame has inspired Holmes to do the same.
Below is a Joseph Wright painting:
And one of Holmes’ photographs that was inspired by Wright’s use of light:
When Holmes was in India recently, he happened upon this scene of a millet harvest:
This scene reminded him of this painting that he knew by Jean-Francois Millet:
Inspiration can be found everywhere, even in paintings that are centuries old. Learn to see it all around you, and then learn to apply it to your photography.
To see more great tips from Bob Holmes, check out these articles.
For more great photography tips, order your copy of Advancing Your Photography: A Handbook for Taking Photos You’ll Love.
The post Learn How To See Light Using Art As Inspiration appeared first on Advancing Your Photography.
June 13, 2017
AYP Book Resources
AYP Resources
Here are some of the resources found in the AYP book! Whenever I say “google” something (in the book), check here first to see if I did the “googling” for you. You may find a link just waiting for you to click on it. We made it super easy to follow along by using the page numbers from the book to correspond with this digital resource page!
There are a bunch of photography goodies on this page. Take your time and dig in to each one of the resources as needed!
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May 27, 2017
Photography Q&A with National Geographic Photographer Bob Holmes
Bob Holmes is an award-winning photographer who has traveled the world capturing remarkable photographs
In this latest episode of Advancing Your Photography, “Photography Q&A with NatGeo Photographer Bob Holmes,” we share never-before-seen footage from an interview we did with our friend, Bob Holmes. Bob has a way of explaining the world of photography that keeps us wanting more. During this quick, 5 minute episode, Bob talks about the lighting in Cuba and how pollution plays a role in photography. He also shares his thoughts on the world of Instagram (you can follow Bob at @Bobholmesphoto) plus he shares the inspiration for his work!
“For me, it’s [photography] one of the best drugs there is.”_Bob Holmes
New York Book Tour
Marc recently got back from a two-week book tour in New York City. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, listen to Marc’s podcast with B&H. Gearcast: Macro Lenses and Advancing Your Photography with Marc Silber.
As the title suggests, they talk: lenses, macro photography, techniques and of course tips!
“Marc” Your Calendars
A week from today, Marc Silber will be hosting two, FREE photography events in Carmel, California.
Harrison Memorial Library (Ocean Avenue and Lincoln Street)
(831) 624-4629
Saturday, June 3 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
River House Books
208 Crossroads Boulevard Carmel, 93923
Sunday, June 4. 1-3 PM
Bring your copy of Advancing Your Photography for him to sign, plus ask him your pressing photo questions!
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May 6, 2017
Take Better Photos with Every Click
Listen to part of AYP Show’s interview on NPR KAZU about how to take better pictures.
d’Orsay Museum in Paris, from Advancing Your Photography Handbook, BUY NOW
While people are walking around without the camera, what should they look for? What makes a picture?
(Continued from AYP Show’s recent interview with Doug McKnight of NPR KAZU. Listen to full interview here.)
MS: I think it’s based on what excites you. What triggers some emotional response in you. But if doesn’t start here with you, it’s probably not going to transmit to your viewer. So my rule of thumb is I’m looking, but I’m looking carefully. There’s a difference between, like for instance being a tourist in Paris walking around ‘oh this is beautiful. That’s beautiful’. That’s not really the zone you want to be in as a photographer. I gave the example in the handbook of photographing the Eiffel Tower. The trick there is there are 10 million photographs of the Eiffel Tower. How do I get one that’s not like a postcard that everyone has already seen?
DM: Why is that? Most people I know want to take a photograph that looks like a postcard.
MS: True. But I think a pro, you want to have your own stamp on it because you know if it’s been shot like that before there’s really nothing unique about it.
DM: You even suggest initially people walk without a camera?
MS: I do that all the time. You know, the thing is, a camera limits your vision. Generally if you are using an iPhone or this camera here is square and you are looking through something. If you walk around and look around without the camera, you might see something you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST LIVE VIDEO. WE CRITIQUED SOME OF YOUR PHOTOS USING #AYPCLUB
LIVE CLASS THIS WEEK IN NEW YORK! COME JOIN US @ B&H, May 10, 4-6 PM EDT
If you’re in the NYC area sign up for my free class at B&H, but hurry it’s booking up fast (bring a copy of the AYP Handbook with you.) It’s going to be fun and enlightening. If you’re not able to attend in person go to this link to watch it live.
AYP has moved into “#1 Bestseller” Photography Handbook on Amazon!
Thanks for your support. Please continue to help me help you:
1. Order the handbook (and please leave a review.)
2. Share with your friends on Facebook, Instagram and other social media, that AYP is an easy, fast and fun way to improve their photography. They can get fast tips at the end of each chapter and for shooting sports, portraits, weddings, children, and many other genres of photography — all easy to put to use, even if using a smartphone!
3. Let me know your ideas to promote AYP, just click here.
Save the Date!
If you’re in Carmel in June, come hear Marc talk (bring a copy of the AYP Handbook with you.)
Harrison Memorial Library
Saturday June 3, 10-11:30
Ocean Ave and Lincoln St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 • (831) 624-4629
River House Books
Sunday June 4. 1-3 PM
208 Crossroads Boulevard
Carmel, 93923, 831.626.2665
(The Crossroads, Highway 1 @ Rio Road)
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel. ‘Like’ us on Facebook. Tweet us @AYPSHOW
The post Take Better Photos with Every Click appeared first on The Marc Silber Show.
April 21, 2017
9 Photo Tips: Take Your Photographs to the Next Level
Photographer and author Marc Silber shares top 9 tips from his new book “AYP: A Handbook for taking photos you’ll love.”
It has been a busy week at Silber Studios in Carmel, California. If you didn’t know already, Marc Silber’s new book, “Advancing Your Photography: A Handbook for Taking Photos You’ll Love,” hit the digital shelves on Amazon earlier this month. Since then, Marc has been busy interviewing with the local media and promoting the book online. You can order your own copy here. Despite the busy schedule, we managed to bring you nine photography tips to take your photos to the next level. In this “behind the scenes” video, the tables were turned on Marc, when he found himself being interviewed instead of him interviewing other photographers.
The interviewer, Doug McKnight from KAZU-NPR for Monterey Bay Area. McKnight swung by Silber Studios for a casual conversation about all things photography. His first question: What makes a picture? Click here for Marc’s answer.
What makes a picture? Doug McKnight, KAZU_NPR
Geometry in photography _Marc Silber
Marc talks about geometry and angles in photography, but he says what makes a picture is “having an emotional response” to something. Your emotion compels you to capture the image. It is that emotion that you want to convey through the image.
McKnight asks Marc about how he got into photography, and “what makes people as passionate about photography as {he} is?”
“It’s just really that transfer of information from me to somebody else.”_Marc Silber
Decisive moment photography_Marc Silber
More photo tips from this episode:
Capture what excites you
Discover what triggers an emotional response
Capture photograph from different vantage points
Visualize when you take the photograph and when you process image
Think about how you want to use the image (frame it, postcard, instagram)
Communicate what you saw and felt
The “decisive moment”
Anticipate the action
Tell a story
Tell a story _Marc Silber
Check out the full episode of “9 Photo Tips: Take Your Photos to the Next Level.” Plus check out the latest article about Marc’s new photography book : A Photographer Distills Wisdom to Advance the State of the Art. You can pick up a hard copy of the Monterey Weekly and find it on page 30.
Don’t have the book yet?! Don’t wait, you can get it now on Amazon at a DISCOUNTED rate! www.aypclub.com
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April 6, 2017
Why and How I wrote the Book Advancing Your Photography
I’ve been a photographer most of my life and teaching is a role I’ve continually found myself in since becoming a mountaineering instructor at 19. After many workshops where I quoted notable photographers as having said this or that, a flash hit me—why not interview them and let others hear from them directly?
One of my many workshops
So in 2008, the early days of YouTube, I decided to create a video show and somehow managed for our first shoot to follow Annie Leibovitz (fellow Alumna from SF Art Institute) through her opening exhibit in San Francisco. We made another pilot and pitched the show to a big brand who said yes! But just as we were gearing up to begin shooting, in the summer of 2008, the economy went to hell in a hand basket, and they pulled back, dashing all plans on the rocks. Darkness set in.
I had already planned a trip to South Africa for an episode on shooting wild animals (I did make this video later and you’ll see these tips in the book) It was on a very early morning safari shoot, in a Land Rover tracking large game and very rare wild dogs and their pups, that the thought hit me “ you know — (rhymes with bucket) I’ll do the show on my own and find another sponsor!” And with that flash that’s exactly what I set out to do when I returned home.
Wild dog in South Africa
I shot another pilot with Chase Jarvis at his studio in Seattle, and took the footage back with a roll to find help getting it edited. Oh–did I mention that prior to these first few shoots I had exactly zero experience with motion, editing, audio and all the those new and strange components for a still photographer to absorb to produce a video? Fortunately I had a great producer/ editor in Rocky Barbanica (who was producing for Robert Scoble at FastCompany at the time.) Rocky was a good but tough teacher who threw me in over my head and expected me to swim, which I somehow did. Then I got a copy of FinalCut 7 and made regular visits to the Apple Store for coaching.
We put together a fantastic episode with Chase and I pitched it to SanDisk. But after weeks and no word back I hit the doldrums again. Chase would encourage me saying, “If it were easy, and there were no barriers, everybody would do it.” That helped a wee bit – at least I had hit the barriers part of the equation.
Then one day, I received an invitation from SanDisk to join them for lunch at the Four Seasons. I doubted they wanted to foot the bill just to say “we’re not going to hire you.” As it turned out, it was a production meeting; they never actually said “yes” we just went right into pre-production. So after this exquisite lunch (on many levels) I floated back to the studio and went to work on my show Advancing Your Photography, never looking back. It was a great run with SanDisk, indeed.
Capturing the style of surfing as only Chris Burkard can
My adventures with the show were wide and many but what a great opportunity to sit with so many stars in the photography galaxy: Chris Burkard, Joe McNally, Joey L. Bambi Cantrell, and scores more. I had the full impact from having already spoken to them, before the shoot, to meeting most of them at their studios, then shooting and finally editing and seeing and hearing their tips and advice dozens of times by then. It really sunk in.
I knew at some point this material had to make it into a book that condensed and distilled the wisdom I had gained. All the while I was learning and advancing too and working out what I called the “Cycle of Photography”—the natural steps that a photograph goes through to its final end point of being shared with the world and in many forms.
So a few years ago I began this project to write a fully illustrated handbook, the size that a user can carry around in their camera bag or have handy for processing by their computer. I wanted its information to be easily assessable, for fast use. But at the same time I wanted to cover all basics of the composition, camera use, processing and finally the many ways to share work and get it out into the world.
The post Why and How I wrote the Book Advancing Your Photography appeared first on The Marc Silber Show.
March 30, 2017
AYP Recommended Gear
AYP Some of the gear we use!
Recommended Gear
Did you ever wonder, how, we at AYP, come to produce our photographs and videos? At last, here is a sneak preview of the meaningful gear we are using!
Cameras
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
GoPro Hero
Lenses
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4
Oldies but Goodies
Hasselblad 503 CM
Zeiss 80mm Planar f/2.8
Photo Accessories
Canon 580 EX II Speedlite
Manfrotto Tripods
ThinkTank Shoulder Bag, and lots of other ThinkTank bags–we love them!
Westcott Soft Boxes
Audio Gear
Zoom H5 Handy Recorder with Interchangeable Microphone System
Sennheiser SK 100 G3 Wireless Bodypack Transmitters/Receivers
Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote
Audio-Technica BPHS1 Broadcast Stereo Headset
Countryman B3 Lavalier Mic
M-Audio monitors
Computers
Apple 27″ iMac with Retina 5K Display
Apple 15.4″ MacBook Pro Laptop Computer with Retina Display
G-speed Studio 12TB Storage
Apple Time Capsule
Apple Airport Extreme Base Station
SanDisk 64GB Memory Cards
Software
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Premiere Pro
Final Draft
Screen Flow
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