Archive
Workshop Recap – Making the Best of Bad Lighting
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04-16-11 Making the Best of Bad Lighting part of the April SoCal Photog ShootOut
by Nathaniel Kam Photography
(syndicated on our Photography Tips Blog)
MODELS:
Vanessa Cedeno, Yianni Petrogonas, Devon Alana and Travis Sandoval (in order of appearance)
STYLISTS:
Hope Stanley – Bridal Stylist www.marymebridal.com
Special thanks to: Nate at Friar Tux in Orange for the tuxes! www.friartux.com
Sussanna Davidson for French Buckets –www.frenchbuckets.com
Mary Lallande for Jay’s Catering and Serra Plaza – www.serraplazaevents.com
Pegy Rizzuto – Sweets Tables www.PremiereEventsGroup.com
HAIR AND MAKEUP:
Makeup –
Jeanette Pulecio – www.jennettepulecio.com
Lisa O’Conner – www.elementsofartistry.com
Hair –
Diego Ortega – DiegoOrtega.net
Assisted by: Kristin Macchio
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Last Saturday we had the awesome opportunity lead a segment at the April SoCal Photog ShootOut, and what can I say other than wow! Their organizers did such a great job getting models, stylists, florist, and photographers together in one amazing venue. If you’re a photographer looking for a community where you can share, learn, be challenged and grow,
I highly suggest checking out your local Photog ShootOut Group.
The purpose of the SoCal Photog Shootout is to connect photographers with different strengths, abilities, and talents to learn from each other, to network and make new friends.
SoCal PSO is part of the global Photog Shootout network! The group has thousands of members nationwide, so no matter where you travel to you will know what your fellow photographers are doing! This will be your one stop to find workshops, photographer GTGs and other photography related events!
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– April Photog ShootOut –
Robert Tran and Jessica Tincopa – “Finding and Creating Beautiful light.”
www.jessicaelizabethphotography.com
Erin and Gavin Wade – “Seeing Through Your Subjects”
Matthew Saville – “ Quick Thinking/Feeling the Light”
Corina Shauntele – “Searching For the Light”
Nathaniel Kam – “Making the Best of Bad Lighting Situations”
www.nathanielkamphotography.com
Tamara Young – “Creating Drama and Emotion with Light”
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If you’re just learning about Photog ShootOuts or couldn’t make it to the April one, no worries there’s another one coming in June! So get connected, join in, and shoot. Alright onto the recap for our segment, “Making the Best of Bad Lighting Situations”. Inevitably, as a photographer you will at some point be asked to shoot in bad lighting. For us wedding photogs, this is most often a beach ceremony at 2PM on what seems like the brightest day of the year. California is covered with beaches, grassy plains, and open flower fields completely void of any even shade. No matter what you’re shooting it’ll happen – so best be prepared.
Photography Tip – All lighting is not equal, don’t fight bad lighting make it work with you
Front lighting (above)-
This technique uses the sun as a giant hot lamp, it gives high contrast and high saturation to images. Excellent for giving context and surrounding to your subject. This technique is not recommended for portraits or close ups. When shooting with front light always keep in mind it’s pros and cons. Example, we all know high noon + direct lighting creates shadows under the eyes, so don’t make the focus of your photo the face or eyes. Remember a big plus of using this technique is that exposure levels for your subject and your background will be even (ie. blue skies, colorful sunsets) – take advantage of these pros.
Back lighting (above)-
This technique uses your subject’s shadow to create even shade anywhere and anytime. Excellent for giving even skin tones, no harsh shadows, no squinting, and no glossy skin – it won’t be as good as the shady side of a building, but you can’t move a building to the beach can you? This technique is NOT recommended for trying to get lots of surrounding context or skylines to your photos. If you are at a beach shoot, don’t expect to get a pretty sunset using a back lighting technique (unless you want to add flash into the mix). For best results make sure your camera is shooting from inside your subjects shadow (i.e. block the sun with their head or body). You will get washy backgrounds but then you aren’t focusing on the background are you? Just like “eye shadows” in front lighting – keep in mind what your pros and cons are and focus on the pros.
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A few shots from what I now dub the “impromptu” rotation
Photography Tip – Challenge yourself to try new things
For those of you who know me personally, I’m sure you’re thinking vintage photos?? While it is not exactly our specialty, even I can’t deny it’s the most fitting look for this setting.
One of my favorites, such an amazing scene
My absolute favorite
Like what your seeing? Looking to learn more about photography? Check out our Photography Tips blog on posterous.
Nathaniel Kam Photography –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com
Our Photography Tips –
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1-27-11 We’ve Added a New Photographer!!!
1-27-11 Kelly’s Shoot by Lina for Nathaniel Kam Photography
Main Photographer: Lina Limchaiyawat
Complete Bystander: Nathaniel Kam (I didn’t shoot or direct any of these images)
Model: Kelly Chang
Location: UCSD
Yes, we’ve added a new photographer to the Nathaniel Kam Photography team! Previously one of our dedicated 2nd shooters, Lina is making the move towards becoming a full primary photographer. What does this mean for you though? It means we can provide photographic services for TWICE as many people as we could in 2010! Now, I could tell you that it took half a year of searching and interviewing prospective candidates for a primary photographer position. Or, I could tell you that above all I was looking for someone who could maintain the professional quality and integrity of our images. But we all know, what you really want, is to see the images.
*** Like what you’re seeing and want to schedule Lina for Weddings, Portraits, Events or Commercial work ***
** Love Kelly’s look and want to schedule her for a shoot **
* Become part of the Nathaniel Kam Photography Team *
Let us know: studio@nathanielkamphotography.com
Also if you are looking to learn more about us or how to take photos like we do check out the following links
Nathaniel Kam Photography –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com
Bridal Blog –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com/blog
Photography Blog –
https://nkamphoto.wordpress.com
Photography Tips –
http://nkamphoto.posterous.com
Facebook Page –
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nathaniel-Kam-Photography/108451470572
On Wedding Bee –
http://www.weddingbee.com/wedding-vendor/nathaniel-kam-photography
On Wedding Aces –
On Martha Stewart Weddings –
http://tools.marthastewartweddings.com/biz/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e.html
On Project Wedding –
http://www.projectwedding.com/vendor/show/nathaniel-kam-photography
On Best San Diego Weddings –
http://www.bestsandiegoweddings.com/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e-page1.html
On Wedding Wire –
http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e.html
Flickr Galleries-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14557924@N03/collections/72157607032393312/
Twitter –
http://twitter.com/nkamphoto
11-13-10 Philanthro Productions: POP! @ the W Hotel
11-13-10 Philanthro Productions: POP! @ the W Hotel a Benefit for Pencils of Promise Images by
Nathaniel Kam Photography
Main Photographer: Nathaniel Kam
Team Photographers: Joseph Chow and Sang Han
Took an Entrance Photo @ the Step and Repeat?
Check em out in the “Portfolio->Events” section of http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com
Looking to order a photo? (storefront will be available within 24 hours)
http://www.pictage.com/client/event.do?event=957184
Also be sure to Check out Philanthro’s Media Page for more Photos to come
http://www.philanthroproductions.org/media/
A Benefit for Pencils of Promise:
Pencils of Promise partners with local communities to build schools and increase educational opportunities in the developing world. We focus on early education, high potential females and empowering a new generation of passionate young leaders to create profound good.
Join the PoP movement: www.pencilsofpromise.org
About Philanthro Productions:
Philanthro Productions a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to get more young adults involved in charity by hosting first-rate events in partnership with leading non-profits. Philanthro’s goal is to eliminate the trade-off for young adults between going out with friends and giving back by creating unique opportunities for charitable giving where there were none before. Three years after inception, Philanthro Productions has chapters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, which together have raised over $210,000 for partner charities.
– Sponsors –
Sang Enjoying Some POP Chip Modeling
Truly College Inspired “Coin Pong”
Awesome POP T-Shirt
Speed Puzzling!
Yea this was way harder than it looked
Face Painting by the Talented girls of Cinderella’s Crown (they do more than just princess looks – See Below!)
DJ Coda Collins tearing it up in the Living Room @ the W Hotel
UV Tatts, pretty crazy stuff
The Girls of Urbran Tribal Dance
*** Like what you’re seeing and want to schedule us for Weddings, Portraits, Events or Commercial work ***
Let us know: studio@nathanielkamphotography.com
Also if you are looking to learn more about us or how to take photos like we do check out the following links
Nathaniel Kam Photography –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com
Bridal Blog –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com/blog
Photography Blog –
https://nkamphoto.wordpress.com
Photography Tips –
http://nkamphoto.posterous.com
Facebook Page –
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nathaniel-Kam-Photography/108451470572
On Wedding Bee –
http://www.weddingbee.com/wedding-vendor/nathaniel-kam-photography
On Wedding Aces –
On Martha Stewart Weddings –
http://tools.marthastewartweddings.com/biz/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e.html
On Project Wedding –
http://www.projectwedding.com/vendor/show/nathaniel-kam-photography
On Best San Diego Weddings –
http://www.bestsandiegoweddings.com/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e-page1.html
On Wedding Wire –
http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e.html
Flickr Galleries-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14557924@N03/collections/72157607032393312/
Twitter –
http://twitter.com/nkamphoto
Ella and Valentine Engagement @ NTC Promenade Liberty Station
Another of my out of state couples, Ella and Valentine were referred to us by a mutual friend in New York.
Location: NTC Promenade Liberty Station – Point Loma, San Diego
Engagement Photography by Nathaniel Kam
Assisted by Sang Han
Be sure to check out all 16 highlights on our Bridal Blog
Congratulations Ella and Valentine
Liking the photos? Are you or someone you know getting married in San Diego, Orange County, Irvine, or Los Angeles? We’d love to hear from you and help put together and awesome wedding package that fits your personality, your story, and your budget.
Nathaniel Kam Photography –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com
Bridal Blog –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com/blog
Photography Blog –
https://nkamphoto.wordpress.com
Photography Tips –
http://nkamphoto.posterous.com
Facebook Page –
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nathaniel-Kam-Photography/108451470572
On Wedding Bee –
http://www.weddingbee.com/wedding-vendor/nathaniel-kam-photography
On Wedding Aces –
On Martha Stewart Weddings –
http://tools.marthastewartweddings.com/biz/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e.html
On Project Wedding –
http://www.projectwedding.com/vendor/show/nathaniel-kam-photography
On Best San Diego Weddings –
http://www.bestsandiegoweddings.com/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e-page1.html
On Wedding Wire –
http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e.html
Flickr Galleries-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14557924@N03/collections/72157607032393312/
Twitter –
http://twitter.com/nkamphoto
06-27-10 Brian and Marilou’s Wedding @ La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art
Marilou Reviews Nathaniel Kam Photography on Wedding Wire –
“I cannot say enough about the talent of Nathaniel Kam. I have raved about his work to my friends, my coworkers, and family members, who have seen our engagement and wedding pictures, and all were absolutely stunned as we were, by how beautiful they all turned out! His pictures and creative style, combined with his background experience outside the arena of photography, enable him to really approach photography not only from an artistic perspective, but from a scientific perspective, as well! (Check out his website and read his wedding blog– you’ll get an insight as to how he approaches each picture and composes each shot! It’s a very unique approach!)…
He truly has a gifted eye and we were so fortunate to find him. My husband and I searched extensively online and interviewed many different photographers….and for the price and service Nathaniel Kam Photography offers, along with the INCREDIBLE quality of pictures he produces, his price CAN NOT be beat. (My goodness, even the engagement portrait session was FREE!!!) Look no further, Nathaniel Kam is your man! I will continue to rave about him…. the proof are in his pictures. Nathaniel, without a doubt, you are the best!”
Congratulations to Brian and Marilou
Want to see more, check out the full blog post @ http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com/blog/06-27-10-brian-and-marilous-wedding-la-jolla-museum-of-contemporary-art/
Liking the photos? Are you or someone you know getting married in San Diego, Orange County, Irvine, or Los Angeles? We’d love to hear from you and help put together and awesome wedding package that fits your personality, your story, and your budget.
Nathaniel Kam Photography –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com
Bridal Blog –
http://www.nathanielkamphotography.com/blog
Photography Blog –
https://nkamphoto.wordpress.com
Photography Tips –
http://nkamphoto.posterous.com
Facebook Page –
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nathaniel-Kam-Photography/108451470572
On Wedding Bee –
http://www.weddingbee.com/wedding-vendor/nathaniel-kam-photography
On Wedding Aces –
On Martha Stewart Weddings –
http://tools.marthastewartweddings.com/biz/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e.html
On Project Wedding –
http://www.projectwedding.com/vendor/show/nathaniel-kam-photography
On Best San Diego Weddings –
http://www.bestsandiegoweddings.com/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e-page1.html
On Wedding Wire –
http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/nathaniel-kam-photography-san-diego/c155bcc6bd8fde8e.html
Flickr Galleries-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14557924@N03/collections/72157607032393312/
Twitter –
http://twitter.com/nkamphoto
Nathaniel Kam Photography 