3 Straightforward Tips For Adding Photos to Your Website

When it comes to websites, the phrase “less is more” often becomes the rule of thumb many establishments follow. Fancy scrolling banners, introduction animations, and other flashy extras now are considered unnecessary, since visitors usually don't have the patience for them.

Without these extras, though, how can your website stand out amid competition? Keeping it simple actually doesn't mean you can't add a photograph or two, especially if you're selling something. Item descriptions, after all, aren't the same as having good quality product photography Toronto.

Before you go overboard adding the essential photos to your website, though, here are a few tips to remember.

1. Pick a palette. While choosing a vintage look to the photos is tempting, will the yellow-brown, slightly faded colours fit in with the rest of your website? Or will it stick out like a sore thumb and give visitors a headache?

Full-colour photos are usually the best way to go, with a plain background. That doesn't mean you have to use white (although it's a recommended choice). Less saturated, lighter (i.e. almost white) shades of your company logo's colours are possible alternatives.

2. Hire a professional. If you want high quality photos, you'll need to invest in a photographer. Some companies do the do-it-yourself (DIY) route. But that doesn't mean you should, too, unless you know how to set the scene and have the needed equipment.

While you're at it, make sure you give the photographer all the details they need, particularly for the photo shoot, and be sure to put everything in writing. That way, you're on the same page and there would be less chances of miscommunication.

3. Plan ahead. Having one big photo shoot for multiple products is a good idea, compared to having several separate, smaller ones for each product, since you'll save in the long run. Also, make sure to have extra photos you can use in the future, enough to make your catalogue always look fresh and updated.

Planning ahead includes bringing any props you'll need for the shoot. At the same time, keep props to an absolute minimum, to keep the focus on your products.

You don't actually have to be an advertising photographer Toronto to use these tips well. Simply put yourself in your target audience's shoes and determine what they'd want to see. That way, potential clients are enticed, not put off.


                                 

3 Essential TRAITS Every Photographer Should Have

Beyond all doubts, we all know that photography is one of today's most admired art. People, whatever the social status could be are easily fascinated by its enchanting realm. Its various purposes along with its tricks and artistic concepts have definitely affected our daily lives.

As a Toronto commercial photographer, I also consider myself as part of the herd of photography fanatics. My undying passion for this art has led me to countless privileges like visiting various places for photography endeavor purposes.

In my recent visit to Europe, I met a photo artist whom I believe is one of the greatest photographers ever existed on the planet! Before I went home, he gave me these 3 tips to become a great photo artist.

1. Infinite Imagination

Perhaps, this one isn't new to you. That's great! However, what you probably don't know is the truth, “Everyone has imagination. Those who excel are the ones who know to use it.”

In your journey to be a great photographer, never be afraid to trust and follow your imagination. Don't let parameters suppress you. If you think your wildest thought is screaming within, unleash it! That's a masterpiece!

2. Creativity! Be Creative!

Think differently. Don't be afraid to experiment and apply new techniques. Ignore the trend and try to change your perspective. However, prepare for the numerous individuals who might criticize your output. Of course, you need them. They're the ones who could identify if you've done something remarkable or not.

Being creative is sometimes a risk. For instance, you're a photographer of a certain advertising firm. Then one occasion, you tried to incorporate new things to your craft. Unfortunately, your superiors didn't like the outcome. Then, you know what happens next.

Remember, art appreciation is subjective. You can't ask a person to like your work. So, if ever someone hates your creations, let it be. It's not the end of the world, right? Just be creative!

3. Undying Perseverance

This will hold everything! Even though you're extremely creative and you have that endless imagination, without the ability to persevere in your endeavor, everything will be useless.

Perseverance is holding on to your goals whatever happens. It's about being patient and dedicated amidst life adversities. If you don't have this attribute, your road to become a successful photographer would be a very dark path.

Ready to become a phenomenal photographer?

As I left the land of Europe, I realized that I have these three attributes. I knew it. Now, I'm ready to be the best advertising photographer Toronto.

Share this article to other aspiring photographers!

Toronto Product Photography | Learning Photography Basics

Technically, a photographer is a person who takes “shots of images”. The word comes from the combination of the Greek words 'phos' which means 'light' and graphê which means 'drawing or writing.' Together, it means drawing with light.

Amateur Vs. Professional Photography

You may have heard the words 'amateur and 'professional' photography Toronto. So, what's the difference? Basically, amateurs in this particular field are engaged mostly in shooting a wide range of images for the following reasons:

For personal pleasure like in a hobby; and
To record an event, emotion, place, and so on, without monetary motivation.

A professional photographer may also engage in said activities above, but, their practice of profession involves making money. Mainly, they generate profit by displaying, selling or making use of pictures.

Secondly, there are times when an amateur photographer gets considerable sums like when he emerges the winner in some art or photography competition, and gets the prize money. On the other hand, an individual can be considered professional by his academic study in pursuit of his photographic skills.


However, there are no hard and fast rules in photography, whether you're doing it professionally or amateurishly, or making money out of it or not. Because, anyone can really enjoy it as a hobby and at the same time, generate profits if he wishes. So, if you're interested to turn your creative talent into a money-making venture, professional photography is an excellent career choice.

Professional Photography As A Career

It doesn't require a college degree, even age. As long as you have a good eye, the right camera and other basic tools, and with basic knowledge, you can find fulfillment in this endeavor. As this field is  highly competitive, the best thing to do is to start small. Sharpen your skills and eventually build a portfolio of your best shots.

Another is to educate yourself to become a Toronto commercial photographer by reading books, magazines, and online resources about the latest tricks and tips. Here, you'll be learning about the new ways of using the cam and lenses that enables you to come up with fantastic results. 

Location Photography: 5 Must-Do Steps To Capture A Street, Village, City or Any Scenery

A picture can tell a thousand words, convey a wide array of emotions, and sell different products and services.  In the world of photography, one of the most challenging yet financially lucrative fields is “location” photography. Location photography is defined as “going to where the subject is, instead of the subject coming to your studio”. Taking location photos however, can be quite daunting, due to a couple of external influences. Here’s how to effectively capture a street, village, city or any scenery.

1. Choose A Location



The first step towards creating a collection of lovely, provoking and insightful images begins with choosing a location. Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential locations, think about what defines that place or setting, and what makes it unique or different from other places or locations. Try thinking of the sites that have been visited already, and make a note of its defining features and characteristics.

When determining and choosing locations, also make sure you keep a log of all the potential uses that such space or location will have. Bring along your digital camera to fully document the area, and keep a file of all the images, as well as itemize all the locations where you took photos of.




2. Pinpoint The Area’s Landmarks



The next step would be to identify the most notable and important landmarks within your chosen location. Regardless of whether your chosen area is big or small, the potential landmarks could be any important building or setting that has historical, commercial or cultural significance. You could walk around and take note of classic architectural landmarks like castles or court houses, as well monuments and statues, and even modern office buildings.



3. Create A Target List

Before getting your camera out and taking photos, professional photography Toronto experts stress that you need to plan on how to achieve your location shoot. Do this by creating a list of potential subjects that you think are good to capture.  You can create a map or route too, so that you can easily make your way to the chose destinations. This will provide you with lots of ground to cover on the day of your shoot, and give you the opportunity to get the best shots, too.



4. Keep Calm & Take Your Sweet Time

When doing a location shoot, veteran location photographers suggest not to rush around, as well as not to worry that you’re going to run out of time in capturing everything on your list. Allow yourself to soak up the sights and sounds, as well as consider how to best capture each individual photo.

It would also be helpful if you choose a location which “brings out the inner artist” in you. For example, if you choose an entire building, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the building’s most beautiful details. While the whole structure may not be totally used, you may only need a little doorway, alley or signage to create that perfect picture. 



5. Consider The Angles And Viewpoints

Once you’re out shooting, make sure you analyze and fully consider a wide array of angles and viewpoints. Remember not to shoot all the photos just from the eye level, or else you’ll end up with a collection of shots that look the same.

Once you’ve mastered the art of location photography, it’s now time perhaps to profit from it. According to commercial photography Toronto veterans, exploring different locations, and keeping your eyes open for any exciting photographic opportunities are a must. You could create a portfolio too, and then, perhaps, get in touch with advertising, stock photography and news agencies. Who knows, you might get lucky if they’ll like, and buy all your photos!

Photography Secrets in Achieving Professional–Looking Images

Photography probably has the most number of growing enthusiasts for this generation. It's all due to the way technology has granted everybody the luxury to play with it. If you want the semi–professional output, you could get yourself a half–framed DSLR. If you wish to have quick, easy and high quality outputs, you could get yourself a dedicated point–and–shoot camera or a GoPro. Basically, the art of digital imagery is now handed freely (with a reasonable monetary compensation) to everybody.



Coming to such amazing advancement, some photographic skills still need some improvement. You could have the most extensive DSLR in the world. But if you don't know the right framing, your ownership is futile. Your photos wouldn't come off as you desire them to be. Framing means everything in image – capturing, whether it is for casual or commercial photography, (Toronto is one of the countries that fervently observe proper framing, FYI) and it's essential that you understand the basics of it.

The imaginary wide line



When you come across an astounding wide view of a place (mountain ranges, city scape, vast coastline), do your best in defining a straight horizontal line. It can be imaginably placed in the middle or the bottom part of your picture.



If the view finder of your camera has grid lines, follow it. Do so, and you will get a really good shot of the scene's panoramic splendor. Also, include as much space as you can into it. The more you're able to capture, the better your picture will be.

The highlighted subjects


In taking pictures, make sure that you're able to highlight your reason for capturing such. Whether it be a planned group photo or a certain object, frame it in your camera where it stands out best. Also make sure that it has enough spaces to greatly define its artistic gravitation.

The accentuated focus



When it comes to Professional photography Toronto, they always take great measure in assuring the focus of their subjects. Most cameras these days have built in focus but did you know that half–pressing the shutter button of the camera actually lets you take hold of the focus better? Try to do that, don't press the shutter button all the way. Once you're able to master this, the focus of your camera should be fervently intact.

5 Unusual Part-time Jobs

One thing about business is that, if there’s a need for it, someone will try to cash in on it. Big or small, there’s at least one person who’ll try to get the job done. For some, it may be a way to pursue their hobbies while earning; for others, they’ll do it only part-time since they have a regular job on weekdays.

Sometimes, though, some roles emerge that truly aren’t easy, nor are they always sought after – for example, product photography Toronto.

Here’s a sampling of the unusual, wacky, or oddly fun occupations currently on the market.

1. Snake milker.



This may not be the weirdest job on the list, but it can be dangerous. You have to grab a venomous snake just behind the head and carry it over to a covered container. Then, you need get that snake to open its mouth and use its fangs to pierce the cover. Once the venom’s dripped into the container, the process begins again – with a different snake.

2. Embalmer.



Not too unusual, but definitely not for the squeamish. Basically, you need to get bodies ready for the funeral. This includes preserving the body – you don’t want it to rot in the casket immediately! – dressing it, fixing the deceased’s hair, and dressing it.

3. Auction assistant.



The person running the auction rarely holds the items being sold; that job goes to the auction assistants. They keep the goods in sight while people bid on the purchase.



4. Chick sexer.



Don’t worry, there’s no bestiality in this. All you need to do is segregate tiny, cheeping balls of yellow fluff according to sex. Catching a chick and holding it gently in your hands isn’t exactly easy if you’re amid a sea of them.

5. Dog food taster.



We have human taste testers – so why not for humankind’s best friend? Dogs

seem to be happy with whatever they’re fed, but you still want to make sure it’s edible. After all, they can’t tell their owners they don’t like the food.

Most of these jobs don’t take too much time; even if you have a regular job – say, in commercial photography Toronto – these can earn you extra cash. Plus, they’re a good change of pace, and you might never look at the world the same way again.

Product Photography Toronto | Have Hobby, Will Earn Money

Having a hobby is a great way to spend time. It's also a great way to earn money. Successful businesses often hinge on the passion of the person. Gardening enthusiasts make a living as landscape architects and floral designers. Animal lovers put up pet daycares or become animal groomers for some additional cash. No matter how you look at it, extra-curriculars can easily be translated into lucrative money-makers.

“Starving artists” don't necessarily have to starve. Whether you're a painter or a Toronto commercial photographer, there always has been a big demand for people who can design company logos, make web graphics, take photographs, and so on. Thanks to the boom in successful superhero movies, the comics industry is constantly on the look-out for talented pencilers and inkers. Writers looking to earn some good cash can opt to submit music and movie reviews to websites.

For the “shop 'til you drop” kind of women, how great would it be to spend someone else's money instead of your own and earn a little extra on the side? Many wealthy women and busy men are into the habit of hiring personal shoppers. From picking out the perfect dress for some fancy dinner party to grabbing groceries because the client's stuck in all-day meetings, personal shoppers are paid very well for their taste, their time, and their worn-out feet.

For the hopeless perfectionist, why not spread your gift of color-coordination and impeccable organization with people who just can't seem to get their lives in order? For a price, of course. Personal secretaries are often paid by the hour just to keep track of their client's appointments and meetings for the month. Event organizers are in high demand, especially for those special functions that just cannot be messed up (think debuts, reunions, sweet sixteens, etc.,). If you've got the mind for names, dates, numbers, prices, and places, then you should seriously consider getting paid for it.

Whatever you enjoy doing in your spare time, turning it into a business may be your ticket to financial freedom and success. Open a bakeshop and sell those lovely creations from your oven. Start an online store for all those extra clothes and books that you keep buying. Start a Toronto product photography service and get paid for snapping shots. Make your passion your profession, and you'll never have to work a day in your life.

Toronto Commercial Photographer | It's All About The Angles

Let's face it -- straight-on, full-frontal shots are boring. They're good for self-portraits and passport photos. But if you're trying to catch someone's attention, shots like this fall flat. Imagine a picture of a plate of food taken at eye-level. No rotation, no slight angling, no special way for the light to catch the edge of the plate just so … nothing.

One of the best ways to capture an eye-catching photograph is to experiment with the angles. Any professional Toronto commercial photographer knows that interesting angles are the foundation of interesting pictures. Anything crazier than interesting, though, and you risk the photo looking ridiculous. Balance is key.

ASSORTED

The color of the background and the video camera are both gray. The only thing different is the shade and color gradation, and yet the camera stands out beautifully.

This is because the slight tilt and rotation of the camera allows the viewer to see the details of the front and the side at the same time. The angle here not only looks artisitc; it gives the object dimension.

COSMETICS

This is an example of how angling the shot can really bring out the contrasting colors. While you're finding the right angle, remember that object placement is also very important, especially when there's more than one in the photograph.

By placing the black box at the back, the light-colored foundation bottles at the front stand out even more. If the box had been in front, their black-colored caps would be emphasized. Then the cream colors would have been covered, and the whole picture would just be one big splash of black on white.

The angle here is a slight bird's-eye-view; we're made to look at the set-up as though we're at a higher level, looking down. Again, this emphasizes more details, like how many foundation bottles there are. If the angle had been a simple straight-on shot, the contrast between white, black, and brown wouldn't have been as dramatic.

FOOD

The main problem when taking a single subject on a plain background is space. You don't want there to be too much space around the subject, so you come in closer. But you don't want there to be a lack of space either, or else the picture risks looking abruptly cut off.

Again, balance is key. The angle here cuts off a little of the plate, but it focuses on the truly eye-catching (and, quite frankly, mouth-watering) details of the food, such as the yellow of the eggs and the oily goodness of the bacon.

FURNITURE

You can use angles to accentuate and emphasize certain features of the subject. Composing makes use of the lines and light sources on the photograph to draw attention to certain characteristics of an object.

In this example, the eye is immediately drawn to the gold sculpting on the corner edge of the furniture. The angle makes the piece feel solid. Thanks to the position of the shadows, we can tell that the corner with the gold sculpture is at the very front.

The break in the lines of the wood also further accent the corner. When uniformity is disrupted, our attention is immediately drawn to whatever looks different.

INDUSTRIAL

You can dramatically alter your photo composition just by changing the angle of the camera. It doesn't even have to be drastic adjustments. Simply rotating the subject brings out fantastic results.

All experts in product photography Toronto understand the importance of giving the subject dimension. Just like the video camera in the first picture, the picture gives you a sense of the bulk, the weight, and the width of the machine. And all it took was a little angling.

5 Best Online Photography Courses

Do you want to learn more about photography but do not have enough money? Don't worry, there are tons of online courses that will surely fit your budget. Whether you want to take better photos with your smart phone or take photos underwater, one of these websites is for you.

1. PhotographyCourse.net



PhotographyCourse.net caters to all skill levels as it offers a variety of photography courses. In fact, experience is not a requirement when it comes to learning from this website – in fact, they can take you at any level. You'll even have the chance to work your way up the advanced stage. Surely, you'll become
a personal or advertising photographer Toronto in no time.

2. BetterPhoto.com


BetterPhoto.com offers a foundation course to help you get started in your chosen profession. They even have more that 100 lessons within a course, this is to make you learn the basics and improve your skills. As you move forward, you'll be learning how to become an advanced photographer in no time.

3. Digital Photography School


An online school wherein you learn via shooting tutorials and lessons. Here, you will learn the most simple tips and the instructions on using your camera and added equipment. Furthermore, you'll know how to amp up your shots and how to enhance the overall quality of your photos.

The best thing about this website is that the information shared with the students are used by the professionals and experts around the world.

4. Photo.net


If you want to know more about photography or want to expand your knowledge, then Photo.net is the site for you. To state, this has been operating for a very long time hence the reason why this page has grown bigger and holds thousands of information. With the help of Photo.net, your queries about photography will be answered. More so, this will give you the chance to pursue your skills as per your interests.


5. Digital Photography Review


This is one of those photography courses that will teach you how to take photos, how to improve its quality and how to enhance your strategies. This will even tell you the reviews on different equipment and what would be the best one to use for a particular shoot. Furthermore, you will learn all the basics and be directed to the advanced level, something that you might want to experiment with.

                               

These are just few of the online photography courses that you might want to try. Trust us, after you've signed up, you'll become an expert in any field – whether a Toronto commercial photographer or a wedding photographer in Paris.