Part 1: Introduction 

The post Memory cards are all the same, right? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

Memory cards are all the same, right?

Well, yes and no. I believe that if you’re simply a hobbyist and you’re not to worried about ever losing data on a card then it’s not going to make much difference if you get a pricey card or a cheap card. Though I would also suggest if you always get cheap cards, get small ones that don’t store too much data, that way, when, not if they fail, you don’t lose too many photos or videos.

There is an old saying, that goes “there are too kinds of digital storage, those that have failed and those that haven’t failed yet”. Cheaper and more expensive cards can both fail, they are both physical manufactured things. But the difference I have often found is that with some products that cost more, you’re not just paying for how they perform but also how the company that makes them performs when something goes wrong.

I have been exceptionally luck over the years, that I haven’t had more than 2-3 horror stories of hard drives or memory cards failing on me. Though most of the times when they have failed it hasn’t been a huge horror story as I am fanatical about backup, but that is for another article. 

I got my first set of ProGrade memory cards back in 2020. I was sent them for long term review and I think 5 years later definitely counts as long term. I got sent 1x V90 128gig and 1x V90 256gig and have been using them solidly for 4 or so years since. Not only that, but those two worked so well for me that I also bought 3 more of the 256gig cards.

I’ve have used them on countless projects for my production company as well as my Youtube channel over these last few years, they have captured probably thousands of hours of 4K and 6K high bitrate content, in some pretty challenging conditions and never missed a beat. 

I’ve used them in cameras ranging from Sony, Panasonic, Canon and Nikon.

Even though I’ve never really needed to make use of ProGrade’s support, they have some pretty useful features. They have a free app you can download for Mac or Windows called PreFresh Pro which you can use to check your cards health. After all my cards have been though they all still show as 99.9% healthy. The app suggests that if you card gets down by 10% then you should look at replacing it as soon as possible.

You can also “Sanitise” your cards with the ReFresh app which will wipe then clean, but also optimise them for best speed and use. Though I’ve never really noticed the cards having any issues with speed on read or write. Please note that you do need to use a ProGrade card reader in order for the app to recognise your cards and work with them. Also even though the software is free, you do need to “order it” via their website. I am assuming they do this to limit the bandwidth of people downloading it over and over again from them website.

ProGrade also sell a $49 USD app called Recovery Pro for recovering lost data from a card. Of course this will depend on what has gone wrong with the card if you can get anything off it or not. So your mileage will vary, but it’s nice that they sell an option for this. Also note the purchase price is for a one year licence only, but they do have a free evaluation copy you can use to scan your files and see if they app thinks it can recovery anything you can use before you buy.

Thankfully, I’ve never had the need for that app and fingers crossed I never will.

In conclusion, even though I generally hesitate to ever outright recommending something, I have no hesitation outright recommending the ProGrade SD cards. I’ve not used any of their other cards, but from the last 5 years of my experience with these cards, they work every time and have never given me any issues. Which is pretty much all you want from a memory card, isn’t it?

This article in from our friend and Filmmaker, Lee Herbet – Find out more about Lee here

The post Memory cards are all the same, right? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

The post How to Use Camera Memory Cards: 18 Essential Tips appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darren Rowse.

Memory cards are an essential part of digital photography. They record your precious files and keep them safe until you’re able to transfer them to your (hopefully) full-fledged storage solution – which means that it’s essential that you understand how to use memory cards correctly.

After all, a properly cared-for memory card will often perform flawlessly for years – while a poorly looked-after card will be prone to errors, corruption, and loss of files.

In this article, I share 18 tips for keeping your memory cards in good condition. I explain how you should correctly eject your cards, how often (and when) you should format your cards, and more.

Let’s dive right in!

1. Carry backup cards whenever you shoot

Card failure is unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot because your only card decided to act up.

Therefore, I’ve made it a habit to carry at least three cards with me on every shoot. And while it might seem excessive, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Imagine you’re capturing a breathtaking sunset or a candid moment at a child’s birthday party. Suddenly, your camera stops working due to a card error. If you have a backup, you just switch cards and continue shooting. But without a backup, that moment is lost forever. (Of course, it’s not just about having extras; it’s also about ensuring you have enough storage to keep shooting without worries.)

For different shoots, the backup cards you choose can vary. For a casual day out, a couple of smaller capacity cards might suffice. But for a professional gig, you might want to carry a handful of larger, high-speed cards. These backups will be your photography lifeline.

By the way, one thing I’ve noticed that’s true, at least for myself: having backup cards provides immense peace of mind. When you’re focused on getting the perfect shot, the last thing you want is to worry about storage space or card failure. The backups serve as a guarantee that no matter what happens, your photography can go on uninterrupted.

2. If disaster strikes, stop shooting

If you’re in the middle of a photoshoot and you run into a memory card problem – for instance, you accidentally delete your images or see a card error message – then stop photographing immediately.

Turn off your camera, eject the card, and store it in a safe place. When you run into one of these problems, all is not lost, and you may still be able to recover the images. However, it’s important that you stop using the card; otherwise, you might overwrite the files. Data recovery services and other tools are often very effective, especially when recovering accidentally deleted files, but once an image is overwritten, then it’s often lost forever.

If you do have a memory card issue while shooting, you can always continue the session with another card. The key is to safely remove the problematic card as soon as possible.

3. Treat your cards well

It’s crucial to treat your memory cards with care, especially when you’re out in difficult conditions. In the heat of the moment, switching cards quickly might seem necessary, but it’s also essential to take the time to handle them properly. I’ve seen too many instances where a little negligence led to big problems. A few tips here:

First, always ensure your hands are clean when handling memory cards. Dirt and oils don’t mesh well will the delicate connectors. And hold the cards gently by the edges, avoiding the gold contacts. This might sound like overkill, but it’s these small habits that can prolong the life of your cards.

Another key point is to be focused when handling your cards. Distractions can lead to accidental drops, especially in outdoor environments. I’ve heard of photographers dropping cards into puddles. Don’t let that be you!

Proper storage is also vital. When not in use, keep your cards in a protective case to shield them from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Avoid extreme temperatures and magnetic sources as these can damage the data. Think of your memory cards as fragile; that way, you’ll have the best shot at preserving the images they hold.

4. Avoid deleting files one by one on your camera

Did you know that repeatedly deleting images from an in-camera card while the card is still in your camera can actually shorten that card’s life? It’s true.

The rule is that the fewer times you add or remove data on your card, the better. So instead of selectively deleting files as you shoot, aim to erase all the images at once after uploading them to your computer. That way, you delete the files in a single cycle, not one at a time.

(Or better yet, use the Format function on your camera to wipe the card before each new photoshoot!)

5. Remove cards safely from your computer

It’s tempting to connect a memory card to your computer, transfer the images, and then pull it out of the card reader slot.

But that’s an easy way to cause problems, so after uploading images to your computer, make sure you take the time to eject the card before removing it from your card reader.

(If you use a Mac, you’ll probably need to right-click the relevant drive and hit Eject. If you use a Windows PC, you’ll need to use the Safely Remove Hardware option in your system tray.)

6. Multiple small cards can be better than one big card

These days, you can grab memory cards that store 128 GB, 256 GB, and beyond. But while these products do offer significant advantages – you need to carry far fewer cards, for one! – they also come with a significant drawback: You’re reliant on one (or a few) cards to get you through lengthy photoshoots and even week-long photo adventures.

I myself learned this lesson on a recent trip; I had a memory card die on me, and if I only owned one huge card, I would’ve been unable to continue using my camera. That’s why it’s at least worth considering multi-card storage solutions (plus, if you do lose the data on one card, not all of your images from a shoot will be lost).

7. Keep your cards organized

With memory cards, a little organization can go a long way! It’s easy to mix up cards when you’re juggling multiple shoots or locations. You don’t want to reach for a card during an important shoot, only to find it full. Or worse, realize that you just formatted a card that holds valuable images.

I’ve found that a clear system can be incredibly helpful. I use a memory card case for this purpose. My fresh cards always go on the left side, and the used ones on the right. It’s simple but effective. When I’m in the field, this system saves me from second-guessing. I always know exactly where my empty cards are.

Of course, what works for me might not work for you. Some photographers prefer labeling their cards with stickers or using different colored cases. The key is consistency. Stick to your chosen method so it becomes second nature.

8. Avoid filling your cards completely

My friend recently had an issue with a memory card. When he took it into the store, the clerk asked if he’d completely filled the card with images – and when he nodded, he was told that this could occasionally cause problems with some types of cards.

Let me be clear: I’ve not heard this advice before, and I’m somewhat skeptical about it myself, but it’s probably worth keeping in mind. The advice would be to regularly take images off your cards rather than only removing images when the cards are full; this is a good idea anyway because it’ll prevent significant heartbreak if you lose the card or the files are corrupted.

9. Periodically reformat your cards

This memory card tip is quick but essential:

Reformat your memory cards every so often, and do it with your camera, not your computer. This will clean the card and get it ready for a new batch of images. Of course, you should only do this after you’ve downloaded all files – otherwise, you’ll lose them!

10. Format your memory cards in the right camera

As I discussed in the previous tip, it’s a good idea to format your memory card in a camera. But you shouldn’t format the card in just any camera; instead, make sure you format it in the camera you plan to shoot with.

For instance, if you’ve been using your card in your Canon DSLR but want to start using it in your Canon mirrorless camera, you should safely store all the images, then reformat the card when you put it in the mirrorless camera for the first time.

11. Switch off your camera before removing the memory card

Years ago, it was said that a camera could give a card “voltage shock” when the card was pulled out of the camera without first turning the camera off. But while manufacturers seem to have since made improvements in this area, it’s better to be safe than sorry! That’s why I recommend you always turn off your camera before you remove a card.

(Additionally, if your camera is on, it might still be in the process of writing images – and if you remove the card, those images may become corrupted or go unwritten.)

12. Transfer photos as soon as you can

There’s a simple rule I follow: transfer your photos as soon as possible. Why? Memory cards are reliable, but they’re not infallible. The longer your images sit on a card, the higher the risk of loss, either through card failure or misplacement.

I’ve made it a habit: every time I return from a shoot, I transfer my images to my desktop hard drives. Then, once the images are safely transferred and backed up, I delete them from the card. This routine ensures I always have a fresh card ready for my next adventure.

But there’s another reason for this habit: untransferred images are easily forgotten. You might capture an amazing moment, only to forget about its impact and relevance when it sits unseen on a card for months.

13. Keep your camera up to date

Every so often, camera manufacturers will release firmware updates, which keep your camera up to date and include fixes for errors or problems that are identified with the camera.

Some of these fixes can relate to the camera’s interaction with the memory card, so I encourage you to check for camera firmware updates every few months and download them as needed.

14. Periodically update your cards

Memory cards can last a long time – even years. However, like all electronics, they wear down with constant use, so it’s important that you update your set of cards periodically to prevent issues.

Fortunately, memory card prices are always dropping, so updating your cards has become a surprisingly inexpensive task!

15. Replace batteries before they die

When you’re on a photoshoot, it’s important that you keep an eye on your battery levels – and if the battery does get low, either pause for a recharge or swap it out for a fresh one.

You see, when a battery runs out just as you take a shot, it can prevent your camera from writing the image to your card. This can also cause card errors, so make sure you keep an eye on those batteries!

16. Don’t switch off your camera too quickly after shooting

This one really depends on your camera model. If you fire off a burst of photos, your camera will need a little time to write all of the data to the memory card – and if you switch the camera off during this process, some cameras will simply lose the images and even end up with errors.

However, recent models will continue buffering even after you switch them off (thus avoiding the problem). If you’re not sure how your camera handles the issue, check the manual or do some Googling.

17. Keep your memory cards safe

Perhaps this memory card tip should go without saying, but whenever you’re shooting, do what you can to keep your cards safe.

Make sure the cards stay dry and clean – a dedicated memory card case is perfect for this – don’t expose them to extreme temperatures, don’t drop, bend, or puncture them, and don’t expose them to electromagnetic currents.

That way, your cards remain in good condition for years!

18. Prepare your cards in case they’re lost

This last one is optional, but if you’re afraid that you might lose your camera and/or memory card, you might try taking a picture of a luggage tag or business card complete with your contact details, then keep it as the first image on each of your memory cards.

Then lock the image so it’s not deleted. If you lose your camera or card and an honest person finds it, they’ll hopefully see the image and get in touch!

How to use camera memory cards: final words

Now that you’ve finished this article, you know how to take care of your memory cards – and you’re well-equipped to prevent common card errors.

Bottom line: Having backup cards, organizing them effectively, transferring photos promptly, treating them with care, and more – these aren’t just recommendations, they’re necessities for any photographer who values their work. Implementing these habits will save you from the heartache and frustration that come with memory card mishaps.

So remember the tips I’ve shared, keep your memory cards safe, and (with a bit of luck) you won’t run into any issues.

Now over to you:

Do you have any memory card tips that I missed? Share them in the comments below!

The post How to Use Camera Memory Cards: 18 Essential Tips appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darren Rowse.

The post Photo Walks: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Guest Contributor.

If you’ve never participated in a photo walk before, then you’re missing out. I love photo walks, I think they’re a great idea for a host of reasons: they challenge you to use your photographic skills in a new way, they help you meet people with similar interests, and they’re a ton of fun.

The great thing about enjoying a photo walk is that it doesn’t have to be a formal, structured occasion. You can be by yourself or with a group of friends. You can wander familiar streets, or you can explore an area that is brand new. The whole point is to get you out there, explore your surroundings, exercise your creativity, and take some pictures.

Below, I delve into the photo walk – what it is, how it works, and how you can find (or create) one near you. So whether you’re planning to attend an upcoming photo walk and you’re looking for some tips to make the most out of it, or you want to better understand how you can start participating, this is an article you don’t want to miss.

What is a photo walk?

Simply put, a photo walk is an organized outing where a group of photography enthusiasts journeys through a specific area to take pictures. But it’s more than a casual stroll with a camera. These walks are an adventure in observation, a chance to see the world in a new light—quite literally.

Photo walks have become a staple activity for many photography clubs and individual photographers alike. These are communal events, attracting lens-lovers from various corners of a city or even from different cities altogether. And the settings are as diverse as the photographers themselves. While urban areas often serve as popular backdrops, given the wealth of architectural and human subjects, photo walks aren’t confined to city limits.

You can just as easily find photo walks meandering through parks filled with the colors of changing seasons or the soft, dappled light of a late afternoon. Residential areas, with their unique blend of personal and public spaces, can offer a different yet equally enriching canvas. Whether it’s the pulse of a bustling market or the serenity of a secluded nature trail, each setting offers its own set of challenges and rewards. The locale dictates the mood, and the possibilities are endless. So, whether you’re a city slicker who thrives on street photography or a nature lover aiming to catch a bird in flight, there’s a photo walk out there for you.

How to find a photo walk near you

So you’re intrigued and ready to dive into the photo walk experience. Great! But where do you start? Locating a photo walk in your vicinity is often easier than you might think. A fantastic place to begin your search is Meetup.com. This platform caters to all sorts of interests, including photography. Search for photography groups in your area and check their events calendar. Even if they don’t advertise a specific photo walk, you can always reach out to the group’s leaders. A quick message can unveil hidden opportunities.

Another method to find a nearby photo walk is a good old Google search. Try keywords like “camera clubs near me” or “local photography groups.” Once you identify a few, a short email to inquire about photo walks can go a long way. Don’t hesitate to take this step; photography communities are generally friendly and open to newcomers.

And what if your search comes up empty? Well, that might be a sign for you to take the reins and start your own photo walk. All you need is a couple of interested photographers to get the ball rolling. Use social media or photography forums to connect with local photographers. You’d be surprised how many people are interested in something like this but just need someone to take the first step. Over time, your small get-together can evolve into a larger, thriving community of avid photographers.

10 tips for the best photo walk experience

If you’re embarking on a photo walk for the first time, it’s worth taking some time to prepare. As someone who’s attended quite a few photo walks, here are my top tips for enhancing your experience:

1. Be comfortable

You’re going to be on your feet for a few hours – at least. Wear supportive shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and dress in layers in case you need to warm up or cool off.

Put on sun block (I usually leave my hat and sunglasses behind since I’m never comfortable shooting with them on), and make sure you have access to water.

2. Reduce your profile

A cumbersome bag can weigh you down both physically and creatively. Opt for pants with roomy pockets and leave the big camera bag at home. Your extra batteries? Tuck them into a pocket.

Some photographers even ditch lens caps and filters to trim down further. A cross-body strap for your camera can be a real game-changer, giving you the freedom to use your hands when you need to. Basically, just do your best to avoid carrying lots of stuff.

3. Bring only the absolute essentials

This relates to the previous photo walk tip, but it’s so important that it deserves its own section. Photo walks often last longer than a standard photoshoot session with a client – but the pressure isn’t as high, and you won’t be photographing the whole time, so keep your equipment simple.

One or two spare batteries should suffice if your camera’s battery is fully charged. A couple of memory cards should be more than enough to capture the day’s inspirations. Toss a lens cleaning cloth in your pocket, and you’re good to go. Remember, the idea is to focus on your surroundings, not fuss over gear.

4. Be confident enough to bring only one lens

Traveling light often means making choices, and the lens you choose can be a game-changer. A zoom lens with a diverse focal range, like a 70-200 or an 18-135, offers flexibility without the fuss.

And don’t worry: You won’t lose out on that dream shot. You’ll simply challenge your composition abilities. If a unique shot eludes you, mark the spot mentally. You can always return later with a different lens.

5. Leave the camera on

It may feel counterintuitive, especially if you’re concerned about battery life. But while you’re out shooting, keep your camera on to capture spontaneous moments. Those split-second opportunities often result in the most memorable shots, and some photo walk groups can move pretty fast, so it’s important to be ready at all times.

Of course, if you do plan to follow this tip, make sure you carry extra batteries. That way, you don’t have to constantly think about whether you’re going to run out of charge.

6. Bracket your shots

A tip I picked up from Jay Maisel helps ensure you nail the exposure every time. Bracket your shots. This technique minimizes the need for heavy post-processing. The closer you get it in-camera, the less time you’ll spend in front of your computer later.

Sure, this method uses more memory, so just bring extra cards. If you’re sure of your skills, consider shooting in high-quality JPEG. It saves space and eliminates the need for RAW conversion, depending on how much post-editing flexibility you’re after.

7. Walk a lot, and sit a lot

Variety is key in photography. Some shots require agility and a keen eye for details you can only spot while moving. Other shots demand stillness, giving you the chance to deeply observe from a fixed vantage point. Don’t rush. Spend some time walking and scanning your surroundings.

But also pause. Sit for a while and immerse yourself in one location. The blend of movement and stillness enriches your experience and diversifies your photo collection.

8. Bring some business cards

Networking is a big part of any creative endeavor, photography included. You never know who you might bump into while you’re out capturing the world through your lens. So, make sure to carry business cards or mini cards with your name, email, and website. (Moo offers cost-effective options for creating personalized mini cards.)

As you wander the streets clicking away, people are naturally going to be curious. They’ll want to know why you’re so focused on that rusty gate or those vibrant flowers. Let these encounters pave the way for future collaborations or simply help people reach you to request photos.

9. Be aware of your surroundings

It’s easy to get lost in the world you see through your camera’s viewfinder. I get it; it’s a captivating, almost hypnotic experience. But life is still bustling around you. Traffic flows, pedestrians rush by, and there may even be some curious wildlife.

Always keep one eye on your surroundings to ensure you’re not obstructing anyone’s path or putting yourself in a precarious situation. This awareness is not just about safety; it’s also about courtesy. A polite photographer is a remembered photographer.

10. Know your rights, and know the rules

The laws differ in every country regarding photographers and the photos you can and cannot take. Chances are you’ll never be confronted by anyone regarding the photos you’re taking, but it’s better to be educated beforehand.

Look up a civil rights or professional photography organization for your area or country and see what they have to say about a photographer’s rights. For example, in the United States, the American Civil Liberties Union has put together this page to educate photographers on their rights.

A guide to photo walks: final words

By now, you should have a solid understanding of what photo walks are and how to find or start one. Remember, photography is as much about the journey as it is about the final image. Photo walks offer an enriching blend of social interaction, skill-building, and pure, unadulterated fun.

So why wait? Grab your camera, reach out to potential photography buddies, and embark on an adventure that promises to sharpen your skills while broadening your social circle. Trust me, your camera—and your soul—will thank you.

This guest post was written by Tiffany Joyce from Beyond Megapixels and updated in October 2023 by dPS’s Managing Editor, Jaymes Dempsey.

The post Photo Walks: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Guest Contributor.

The post Cloud Photography: 13 Tips for Breathtaking Results appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Guest Contributor.

The sky is the single most abstract and dynamic canvas that a photographer could ever encounter; for me, it’s an endless source of inspiration. Plus, the sky is ultra-accessible, and photographing clouds is just a lot of fun.

But cloud photography isn’t without its difficulties. Given how bright the sky often appears, it can be tough to nail the exposure. And your camera will often struggle to focus on clouds, especially when the sky is low in contrast.

Fortunately, there are several easy solutions to these problems, which I share in this article – along with a handful of additional tips and techniques to help you photograph clouds like a pro.

So if you’re ready to make use of the gorgeous photo opportunities that exist right above your head, then let’s dive right in!

1. Deliberately overexpose the clouds

Clouds tend to be bright white, which generally causes camera meters to go haywire. Your camera sees the bright white tone, thinks it should look a medium gray, and then dramatically underexposes the clouds in response, resulting in dull, unpleasant-looking photos that lack pop.

So instead of letting your camera do all the work, make sure you’re set up in Aperture Priority mode or Manual mode. Point your camera at the clouds, note your camera’s exposure recommendation, then boost the exposure by one to two stops.

If you’re shooting in Aperture Priority mode, simply dial in positive exposure compensation. If you’re shooting in Manual mode, then you can technically choose whether to increase your ISO, widen your aperture, or lower your shutter speed – but in general, I recommend making adjustments to your shutter speed and nothing else.

2. Seek out areas of contrast to focus

Camera AF systems often struggle to get clouds in focus. On overcast days, for instance, skies tend to be very flat and low contrast; this is an absolute nightmare, and your camera’s autofocus system will spend long seconds hunting for perfect focus (and often failing to find it).

So what do you do? You have a few options.

First, as I mentioned above, the real difficulty with autofocusing in cloud photography is contrast. If you don’t have contrast, your AF system won’t know what to do, which will lead to lots of frustration and out-of-focus photos.

So set your AF mode to AF-S (also known as One-Shot AF); this tells your AF system to find focus and then lock it. And set your AF area mode to its single-point option. You want to be able to carefully target areas of contrast.

Next, take a long look at the sky and see if you can identify any clear contrast. Carefully position your single AF point over the high-contrast edge, then half-press the shutter button to lock focus.

Finally – while keeping the focus locked! – adjust your composition until you get the result you want. When you’re ready, take the shot!

Another approach is to switch your lens over to manual focus, then carefully adjust your lens’s focus ring until the clouds look sharp. This option depends on your ability to focus manually, but if you zoom in on the LCD and you use a narrower aperture for a slight depth-of-field buffer, you can get consistently great results. It’s the slower method of focus, sure, but if your AF system is causing problems, it won’t let you down.

3. Always carry a camera

Clouds are visible everywhere, and they’re constantly changing – which means that you often have great photo opportunities forming right above your head.

So whenever you head out, make sure there’s a camera in your bag, in your car, or around your neck. You don’t want to be driving along, only to see an amazing set of clouds and be unprepared to capture it!

You can technically use any camera and lens combination for cloud photography. But if you want to capture detailed cloud shots, I’d recommend grabbing a DSLR or mirrorless camera (any recent model will be fine, and many older models will also get the job done). I’d also recommend using a telephoto lens, like a 55-200mm kit lens or a 70-200mm f/4 zoom.

The higher-quality camera will ensure that your cloud photos include plenty of beautiful color and detail, while the telephoto lens will let you zoom in and out for a mix of tighter and wider cloud shots.

4. Look for powerful compositions

If you want to capture the best cloud photography, you can’t just notice an interesting cloud, fire off a shot or two, then call it a day. Instead, you must think carefully about the composition. In particular, ask yourself:

• What is it about this cloud scene that I find interesting? How can I highlight it?
• How can I create a frame that feels balanced overall?
• How can I change my framing to add flow?

Composition is a complex topic, but when just starting out, I encourage you to think carefully about what makes the scene feel special. Then do what you can to emphasize those features.

You can also use the rule of thirds, which encourages you to position key elements a third of the way into the frame. While the rule of thirds isn’t really a rule and it’ll occasionally give you bad results, it offers a simple layout to create balance and flow within the scene.

By the way, composition isn’t just about studying theory; it’s also about experimentation! Don’t ever feel hemmed in by composition rules and guidelines. If you notice an interesting composition, then try it and see what you can create.

5. Try a minimalist approach

Minimalism is often associated with modern art or lifestyle choices, but it has a firm place in photography, too. In cloud photography, less is often more – so instead of filling the frame with complex elements, focus on simplicity.

A few clouds set against a vast sky can be incredibly impactful. You’re not just capturing the clouds; you’re capturing a balance of clouds and negative space, which helps emphasize the subject while giving the viewer’s eye a place to rest.

Note that minimalist cloud photography can evoke a sense of calm, grandeur, or even isolation. So next time you’re out with your camera, see if you can capture just one or two clouds in a sky full of emptiness.

Pro tip: Tinker with your composition to see how positioning the clouds in different areas changes the feeling of the images. A slight reframe can turn a good photo into an unforgettable one!

6. Think about geometry

We’ve all been children once, staring at the sky and identifying cloud figures – maybe a dragon or a human face. While this is a fun exercise, I’d actually recommend you take your cloud photography in the other direction. That is, instead of thinking about objects in the clouds, think about shapes; that is, try to view them as lines, circles, or even swirls.

This geometric approach can elevate your photography from mere representation to a form of visual poetry. With practice, you’ll find yourself arranging the geometric shapes in ways that are not only visually pleasing but also emotionally resonant.

And if you’re not sure how to arrange shapes within a frame, that’s okay! Start by using the compositional techniques I described above – utilize the rule of thirds to make the geometries pop, work with negative space to make certain shapes stand out, and so on. Imagine you’re an abstract painter and the sky is your canvas. Whether you’re creating tension or harmony, your photograph will elicit more than just a cursory glance. It’ll invite viewers to pause and feel.

7. Shoot at sunrise and sunset

It might seem obvious, but if you want cloud photos that are bursting with color, make sure you head out to catch the sunrise and sunset.

As you’re undoubtedly aware, at sunrise and sunset, skies turn red, orange, purple, blue, and everything in between. It’s a great time to photograph abstract, detailed shots with a zoom lens – but it’s also a great time to shoot wider images that capture the entire scene.

Some sunrises and sunsets are more spectacular than others. In my experience, you want a decent number of clouds in the sky, but not too many. I recommend checking the weather forecast in advance, and if the sunrise or sunset times promise partly cloudy conditions, make sure to head out with that camera!

8. Photograph beams of light

Capturing light beams in your cloud photography can make such a difference. These beams, often referred to as crepuscular rays, are created when light filters through gaps in the clouds and hits dust and other particles on its way through the atmosphere. The visual result? Shafts of sunlight that pierce the sky, providing a dramatic effect.

It’s not just about randomly stumbling upon these light beams, though. You should actively seek them out. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to find crepuscular rays, plus the light during the golden hours really makes the beams pop. The sky often has a range of colors during these times, which further enhances the effect.

Note that cloud cover plays a huge role here. If the sky is too clear, there won’t be any gaps to produce the beams. On the other hand, if it’s completely overcast, the light can’t break through. Aim for a sky that’s mostly cloudy but not fully covered. You want those little gaps!

And when you do spot a light beam, be sure to act quickly. The rays last for fleeting moments, and you often have only a few minutes – or even seconds – to capture that perfect shot before the clouds move and the beam disappears. Ready your camera settings in advance so that you’re not fumbling around when an opportunity appears.

9. Photograph before and after storms

While breathtaking sunrises and sunsets are great, you can also capture amazing cloud shots in other weather.

In particular, stormy skies look amazing and offer up all sorts of cloud photography opportunities. You can create gorgeous shots before the storm begins – when the clouds are still brewing in the distance – and you can also capture amazing shots after the storm has passed through. (Maybe you’ll even get to photograph a stunning rainbow!)

You can even try shooting during the storm, but make sure you stay safe at all times, and also take steps to protect your camera equipment. If you want to capture storm clouds in peak action, consider shooting through the window of your house; that way, you get plenty of photo opportunities, but you don’t have to worry about lightning or rain.

10. Try a long-exposure technique

If you like the idea of cloud photography but want to take that abstract, fine-art look to the next level…

…then long exposures are the way to go. You see, long exposure techniques will create stunning cloud streaks, which look absolutely gorgeous.

Unless you want to shoot at night, you’ll need a neutral density filter (the darker, the better). You’ll also need a sturdy tripod and a remote release to keep your camera steady as you expose each shot.

Here’s how it works:

First, mount your camera on your tripod and select your composition. (Bear in mind that clouds will move, so once you’ve chosen a composition, you’ll need to work quickly.)

Switch your camera to Manual mode. Then dial in a longer shutter speed to capture the cloud movement. Next, set your camera’s lowest ISO; finally, pick your aperture based on exposure considerations. (In other words, choose the aperture value so that you can capture a bright – but not too bright! – image.) Then use a remote release to trigger the shutter.

What shutter speed is ideal? That depends on the speed of the clouds and your focal length, so you’ll need to do some experimentation. However, 20 seconds is a good starting point; I encourage you to take a few shots, check the results on your camera LCD, then adjust the shutter speed accordingly. Eventually, you’ll hit on a speed that works, and you’ll end up with some amazing fine-art cloud photos!

11. Don’t be afraid to include foreground subjects

We often get so engrossed in capturing clouds that we forget the rest of the frame, and this often works great – it allows the viewer to focus on the clouds with zero distractions. That said, it’s okay to sometimes include other elements. By including a foreground subject, you can make your cloud photography not just about the sky but also about its relationship with the earth, and you can also elevate your compositions.

For instance, a solitary bird flying through the sky can add depth to a shot. It gives the audience an anchor point, a place to rest their eyes before they wander back to the clouds. So if you spot a bird soaring through the sky, don’t hesitate. Capture the moment!

Objects on the ground can also add flair to your cloud images. Think tree branches or flowers waving in the wind. They make the clouds look grander and more expansive, though caution is key. You’re still aiming to capture the beauty of the clouds, so make sure the foreground elements don’t dominate the frame. It’s all about balance!

12. Post-process your cloud photography

While it’s always important to nail the exposure, select the composition, and optimize the image quality in-camera, you can also dramatically improve your cloud photos with some careful processing.

I’d recommend using a program like Lightroom, but any basic editing software will do. Once you import a new image, make sure you:

• Crop as needed to improve the composition
• Correct the white balance
• Adjust the contrast for extra pop
• Add saturation or vibrance for more intense colors

And those are just the basics! You can also adjust specific colors using an HSL tool, add interesting hues via a color-grading or split-toning panel, and even dodge and burn with adjustment brushes. At the end of the day, you have to decide how much you actually want to tweak your photos, but a little editing can go a long way.

13. Learn about the different cloud formations

Imagine enjoying a glass of wine without knowing its origin or blend. Sure, it might be tasty, but knowing the details enriches the experience, and the same goes for cloud photography. Understanding what you’re capturing elevates it from a visual experience to a more in-depth one.

You don’t need a degree in meteorology to appreciate the difference between cloud formations, and you don’t need to read dozens of textbooks, either. Instead, just spend some time looking at cloud ID guides, and see what you can learn!

And as you study, think about what each cloud type adds to your shots. Cloud formations can indicate specific weather patterns, but they can also dramatically change the mood of your photos.

So get curious. Learn the basics. I guarantee that the more you know about clouds, the more you’ll want to spend time photographing. Plus, once you get the hang of identifying different types of clouds, you can start to predict the kinds of clouds that will appear in advance, which can certainly come in handy!

Cloud photography tips: final words

I love photographing clouds – and I’m guessing you do, too! (If you don’t already, you will soon!) Clouds are amazing subjects, and they offer plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities.

So remember the tips I’ve shared. Spend plenty of time practicing. And appreciate the sky!

Now over to you:

What type of cloud photos do you plan on taking? Do you have any additional tips that I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Ryan Cooper is the founder and president of jitZul.

jitZul is an online resource and company dedicated to helping aspiring artists market and monetize their creative talent so that they can turn their passion into a career.

The post Cloud Photography: 13 Tips for Breathtaking Results appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Guest Contributor.

The post How to Pose Men (Posing Ideas + Male Photography Tips) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Neil Creek.

This article was updated in January 2025 with contributions from Kaspars Grinvalds, Karen Quist, and Darlene Hildebrandt.

Want to know how to pose men so your portraits consistently shine? Posing men isn’t especially difficult, yet many beginner portrait photographers struggle to produce nice, clean, high-quality results – and that’s where we come in.

In this article, we share 21 male posing ideas, ranging from simple, beginner-focused ideas to complex options for experienced photographers. We include a mix of styles, including corporate, informal, fashion, and more – so no matter your preferred genre of photography, you’re bound to find a pose or two that works.

Plus, we offer a handful of expert tips for male portrait photography; that way, you can confidently handle your future photoshoots!

Let’s dive right in.

How to pose men: 21 ideas

Without further ado, here are 21 outstanding male poses that practically guarantee stunning results:

1. Upper body with crossed arms

Let’s start with a very simple male pose:

Ask your subject to stand up straight, cross their arms, turn one shoulder slightly away, bring their chin toward the camera, and smile.

It works for plenty of portrait styles: informal (e.g., family portraits or senior portraits), business portraits, and even fashion shots.

Two things to watch: The shoulders should be pulled back a little, and the stomach muscles should be kept in check.

2. Full body with crossed arms

Crossed arms work in full-height shots, as well.

So use the same posing guidelines as above, then ask your subject to cross one leg in front of the other. But make sure the body weight is not supported equally on both legs; that will look awkward!

This pose is especially nice for informal photoshoots, such as a family portrait session.

3. One hand on a hip

A recurring question from your subject might be, “Where should I put my hands?”

But while hands are often a point of confusion and awkwardness, the solution is actually quite simple. There are four places a subject can position their hands, and they can be mixed and matched in any combination:

1. Loosely by the side
2. On the hips
3. In the pockets
4. Crossed on the chest

Note that hands should always be relaxed, which means no muscle pressure (unless you’re photographing a bodybuilder!)

For this pose, the man should put one hand on his hip, stand square to the camera, and let the other hand dangle loosely – though feel free to experiment with different hand positions, too!

4. Full body with hands in the pockets

Here’s another casual pose for a man standing upright.

Ask your subject to square his body to the camera, with his weight equally distributed on both legs and his nose pointed at the lens. In general, I recommend that the hands go in the pants pockets, thumbs out; this is a surefire way to achieve a natural and relaxed pose. However, you can use jacket pockets, too!

5. Clothes over the shoulder

This pose is a bit edgier and fashion-conscious. It can work for corporate or fashion shots but should be avoided during family and senior portraits.

Ask your subject to cross one leg over the other, look at the camera, hook a thumb in their pocket, and throw an item of clothing – such as a suit jacket – over their shoulder. The more casual and relaxed they look, the better!

6. Sitting with one ankle on the knee

Sitting poses tend to be pretty casual, and this one is no exception. Provide your subject with a block or a chair, then ask them to cross their arms and lift one ankle over their knee.

For the best results, shoot slightly from above.

7. Leaning back against the wall

This is one of my favorite upright poses, simply because it’s ultra-easy and looks really great.

Just have your model put their back to a wall and casually recline. Their hands can go in their pockets, and – for a bit of additional flair – ask them to put one foot against the wall (while the other stays flat against the floor).

8. Leaning sideways against the wall

This is a variation on the above pose. Simply ask your model to turn so one shoulder presses against the wall, then encourage them to cross their legs.

While you can certainly use a hands-in-the-pockets look, try asking your subject to cross their arms instead. Crossed arms are more formal and work well for business portraits.

9. Upper body with an item in the hand

This one’s a very simple pose for a business portrait. Ask your subject to face the camera with one hand in their pocket and the other dangling freely, an item held in the hand (e.g., a laptop, a book, or even a tool).

(If possible, ensure that the items are clear indicators of the subject’s occupation.)

10. Sitting on a desk

Here, you’ll need a relatively sturdy desk. Ask your subject to sit firmly on the edge; you’ll get a very relaxed, yet professional, result. You can experiment with different hand positions, but hands in the pockets or resting on top of the legs works great.

11. Sitting at a desk

Here’s another simple male pose for a business portrait: A man sitting at a desk.

Ask your subject to sit forward slightly. You might also have him rest his chin on his hand while letting the other arm sit on the desk surface. Alternatively, you can have him place his hands together for a more relaxed look.

To reveal the subject’s profession, place work-related items around his arms, such as books, charts, or tools.

12. Sitting at a desk, one arm up

This is another business-style portrait, but with a little extra flair. Ask your subject to sit at a desk and lean forward slightly – but one arm should come across the desk in a V-shape, while the other should fade back.

When done properly, your subject’s shoulder should tilt toward the camera, and their nose should follow.

13. Turned in a chair (away from a desk)

To show the work environment while removing the distance created by a foreground desk, flip the shot around. Ask your subject to sit in their desk chair, but spin around so that they face the camera.

One hand can go on the desk, while the other arm can dangle off the chair. The result?

Formal and inviting.

14. Arms crossed on a desk

Continuing with the desk theme, this composition puts the desk off to the side, with your subject leaning forward, arms crossed on the desk surface.

Ask your subject to tilt one shoulder toward the camera, while pointing their nose at the lens. Again, you could place work-related items on the desk to hint at the subject’s profession.

15. Standing next to a chair

Chairs are great props, and they can easily make a portrait both engaging and interesting. So ask your subject to stand upright with their legs crossed. Add in the chair, then encourage them to place one hand on its back, the other in their pocket.

Professional looking? Yes. But also fun, eye-catching, and a little bit suave.

16. Relaxed in a chair

If you’re taking corporate or even fashion portraits and your subject is struggling to get comfortable in front of the lens, why not make them comfortable – literally?

Just ask them to sit in a chair, lean back, smile, and cross one leg. Later, you can move on to more complex poses, but you’re bound to get a good shot or two out of this simple idea!

17. Sitting on the ground

For business-style portraits, this type of pose is best avoided. But if you’re doing family photo sessions, senior portraits, or another type of informal shot, you’ll love the casual, relaxed images you can capture.

Simply ask your subject to sit on the ground, one arm holding them up from behind and the other dangling over the knee. You might also try a leg cross (as pictured below), as well as other shooting directions and angles.

18. Reclining on the ground

Here’s another variant of a man’s pose while sitting on the ground. Ask your subject to sit, then to lie back while supporting his weight with one arm.

Unlike the male pose displayed above, the subject’s second arm should dangle behind. And make sure the upper arm is completely hidden – otherwise, the shot may turn out a tad awkward.

19. Sitting on the ground with arms over knees

This one’s an easy and relaxed pose for a sitting man. It works well for family portraits, senior photoshoots, and other informal purposes, though it’s best avoided for serious corporate photos.

Ask your subject to sit on the ground with one leg out (knee bent!) and the other leg tucked slightly under the opposite calve. Have them bend forward and rest their forearms on their knees.

20. Reclining against a wall

Here’s one final informal male posing idea, and while it may feel overly relaxed for certain situations (even senior portraits), it’s a great fit for more carefree subjects.

Ask your subject to sit on the ground, supporting their back against a wall, a rock, or even a tree. Encourage them to lean back in a resting pose and bring one leg back while leaving the other straight. You can experiment with different hand positions, though I’d recommend using the illustration as a starting point:

21. Close-up headshot

This is a male pose that never fails, no matter your intent. Corporate, senior portrait, website shot – the close-up headshot won’t let you down.

Ask your subject to sit forward and rest their elbows on a solid surface such as a desk. The hands should overlap loosely and rest comfortably next to your subject’s chin. Test out different head positions, though begin with a look straight toward the camera.

Oh, and one last tip: Never be afraid to crop around your model’s face!

Tips for posing and photographing men

Of course, even once you have plenty of ideas for posing men, you need to know how to approach a male photography session – and you also need to know how to think about posing more generally. In this section, I share my best tips and tricks for great shots, including:

• How to create flattering male poses
• How to keep men engaged in the photography process
• How to get the best results when retouching your portraits
• Much more!

1. Include him in the consultation process

One of the most common complaints I encounter on portrait photography forums is that men tend to be very reluctant when involved in family photoshoots. They turn up to the family shoot looking like it’s the last place on earth they want to be, and their crankiness is infectious. Pretty soon, everyone is annoyed, and it makes your job of capturing all those joyful family connections close to impossible.

I confess that this was also one of my bugbears – until I realized a problem. You see, I was often leaving male partners out of the consultation process. And in every grumpy dad case I encountered, I mistakenly assumed that the woman I spoke with during the consultation would communicate everything to their partner and communicate any concerns their partner might have.

Following a major light-bulb moment, I started to include men in the consultations, and it made a world of difference. As it turned out, my male clients just wanted to be heard! The more you engage with men before the shoot, the more comfortable they will be when you’re wielding a camera, and the better the photos will turn out. (This applies whether you’re photographing a paying client, the guy next door, or your brother.)

So before you conduct a photoshoot that involves a man, talk with him. Ask him if he has any features he’s sensitive about (a prominent nose, a double chin, acne scarring, and a bit of a tummy are common sensitive areas). Allow him to express his insecurities without feeling silly, and reassure him that you can work around these via posing, camera angles, lighting, and post-processing.

Ask him what kind of clothes he feels good in, and make sure he understands how these may work for or against him in photographs. Tread gently; if it’s a family session, there’s a good chance his partner is already on his case.

Finally, if a man makes the effort to dress well for your photoshoot, show him the same respect by paying attention to detail in the editing process. Zoom in close and check for stray hairs his razor may have missed, loose threads, and even smudges left by a child’s fingers.

2. Find purpose and meaning

Before conducting your session, ask the man why he wants the photos taken. If it’s an individual portrait, what is he using it for? If it’s for professional purposes, what kind of work does he do? What kind of look does he want? Then tailor your compositions accordingly.

If he’s a passionate kite-surfing instructor, he may not appreciate a moody black-and-white portrait; instead, he’s much more likely to want an image full of color and action. On the other hand, a budding author may love the black-and-white look!

If you’re doing a family shoot, ask him questions about the family. It sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how often this important step is missed. What does the family like to do together? What is special about his partner? What does he love most about his child or grandchild? Dig deep, and listen to his answers. You’ll appreciate what he reveals, and you can incorporate the insights into your photos.

The image below shows dad with my eldest daughter, and it’s one of my personal favorites. He told me he loves the fact that, even though she is a teenager, she still takes his hand or his arm when they go for walks together through the forest near his home. I like how the arch of the trees frames them. To me, it suggests they are walking toward the future together.

The man in the photos below told me that he marvels at the smallness of his new daughter’s hands and feet. Like many young dads, he is at a very busy stage in his professional life. Often his baby is asleep by the time he gets home at night, so he cherishes the quiet moments they get to spend together.

The photo below features two cousins. They played together as children but have lived on separate continents since their families emigrated from their native country when they were young. I was astonished by how similar their gestures and body language were despite having lived apart for most of their lives, and I wanted to capture that in a photograph. The ocean is symbolic in this photo; though it usually separates them, when I pressed the shutter, they were both on the same side of it.

3. Give him something to lean against or sit on

Regardless of the amount of time you spend preparing, many men are profoundly uncomfortable in front of a camera, especially at the start of a shoot. And if your subject feels uncomfortable, that will come through in the photos, resulting in stiff, awkward, less-than-optimal shots.

So start by asking your subject how they feel in front of the camera. Observe their body language, too, as you take your first few shots. If your subject does seem awkward just standing, ask them to lean against a vertical surface such as a wall, fence, lamppost, or car. It will help them feel anchored and will allow them to angle their body without looking unnatural.

Another option is to find something for them to sit on, like a chair, a bench, or even a rock. You’ll be surprised by how easily it helps your subject relax.

4. Minimize a double chin, a prominent nose, or heavy jowls

Men often have certain features they prefer to deemphasize. It’s important to ask them about this in the consultation process; encourage them to be honest, and ensure that they feel safe sharing these insecurities with you. Often, the list will include double chins, prominent noses, and heavy jowls, so you should take steps to minimize these in your photos.

One way to hide a double chin is to shoot from above eye level with your subject leaning slightly forward. If he’s seated, ask him to rest his forearms on his thighs and angle his knees 45° away from you.

You can also use lighting to your advantage. Strong, directional light can visually slim a face or a torso – it’s a trick that often comes in handy!

The photo on the left was shot from below eye level (the subject was taller than me and was standing) with light falling on both sides of his face. But the photo on the right, where my subject was seated and leaning forward with their head angled away from the camera, is more flattering. Note how strong light reflected off a wall in the late afternoon casts his neck and the left side of his face into shadow.

5. Give him something to do with his hands

When people are facing a camera with their arms hanging down at their sides, they suddenly become self-conscious. “What should I do with my hands?” they ask. And they’re onto something: Dangly hands generally don’t look good! So what do you do?

Instead of letting the hands hang awkwardly, ask him to put one or both hands in his pockets or loop his thumb over his belt. If he’s sitting, have him interlink his fingers or clasp his hands together. If you’re doing a family photoshoot, have him hold a baby or clasp a child’s hand.

You might also consider adding props (depending on the type of male photoshoots you’re conducting). For instance, your subject could hold a book (if he’s an author), a guitar (if he’s a musician), or even an umbrella (if you’re going for a moodier image).

6. Pay attention to the little details

Details such as eyes, lips, and hands help tell a story, and they often depict the connections between people. Of course, you should make sure to get all the wider shots – but don’t forget to zoom in every so often (a close-focusing lens is a big help here) and capture the details, even if they don’t seem like showstopping portrait material.

Hands are a personal favorite of mine. They’re a powerful expression of emotional connection and tenderness, and because of their size, men’s hands are often visually striking when placed side by side with the hands of children.

The portrait below shows a tender and playful moment between father and daughter. His hand is large next to hers, and she smiles as he kisses milk froth from her fingertips.

7. Don’t forget about retouching

Let’s face it: Cameras can be brutal. They do a great job of capturing all those little imperfections the naked eye generally doesn’t see, and they hold it in a static image for the eye to contemplate.

In some styles of male portraiture, this is actually useful. Elderly men with craggy faces are popular subjects for travel photographers and photojournalists. However, wrinkles and blemishes are not something you want to highlight in family photos or corporate headshots, so it’s important that you spend some time removing or minimizing these items in the editing room.

Men will give you hints during the consultation and the shoot. If he cracks jokes such as, “Can you Photoshop me to make me look 10 years younger?” or “Can you make me look like George Clooney?” he’s probably only half-kidding. Just because he’s a man doesn’t mean he’s okay with acne or out-of-place nose hairs.

Now, when it comes to editing, much will depend on your personal style. While I’m not a fan of heavily edited portraits, I still follow a careful Lightroom workflow. With men, I use the Brush tool to soften skin, but the effect is always subtle (his skin probably shouldn’t appear softer than a woman’s or child’s skin in the same photo).

When it comes to blemishes, my rule of thumb is to remove anything that is temporary. Pimples, scratches, stray hairs – if it’s going to be gone from his face in a couple of weeks, I’ll remove it from his face in the post-processing stage. But unless the client specifically asked me to, I wouldn’t remove a mole or a birthmark.

Additional resources for posing men

Looking for additional advice on creating amazing male poses? First, check out this hands-on video from Adorama; in it, expert portrait photographer Emily Teague walks you through the basics of masculine posing:

In this second video by Creative Live, instructor Jeff Rojas talks about body language and things to watch for, and also to avoid when posing males. Do you know what clenched fists or hands below the belt line mean? Watch this clip and find out.

Finally, give this Jerry Ghionis video a watch. Yes, it’s long, but the tips that Jerry provides are invaluable, and he does an amazing job of showing exactly what you need to do for top-notch male poses.

How to pose men: final words

Hopefully, you now have a starting point for your male poses! Remember that there are no absolutes; each sample pose might and should be adjusted depending on your shooting environment and scenario. There is no need to overdo anything.

In reality, all you need for good people portraits is simplicity:

Simple backgrounds, simple clothing, simple poses, and natural expressions.

Now over to you:

Do you have any tips for posing men that I missed? Any favorite male poses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sitting on the ground with arms over knees”},{“id”:”reclining-against-a-wall”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”20. Reclining against a wall”},{“id”:”close-up-headshot”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”21. Close-up headshot”},{“id”:”tips-for-posing-and-photographing-men”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”Tips for posing and photographing men”},{“id”:”include-him-in-the-consultation-process”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”1. Include him in the consultation process”},{“id”:”find-purpose-and-meaning”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”2. Find purpose and meaning”},{“id”:”give-him-something-to-lean-against-or-sit-on”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”3. Give him something to lean against or sit on”},{“id”:”minimize-a-double-chin-a-prominent-nose-or-heavy-jowls”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”4. Minimize a double chin, a prominent nose, or heavy jowls”},{“id”:”give-him-something-to-do-with-his-hands”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”5. Give him something to do with his hands”},{“id”:”pay-attention-to-the-little-details”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”6. Pay attention to the little details”},{“id”:”dont-forget-about-retouching”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”7. Don’t forget about retouching”},{“id”:”additional-resources-for-posing-men”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”Additional resources for posing men”},{“id”:”how-to-pose-men-final-words”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”How to pose men: final words”},{“id”:”how-to-pose-men-ideas”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”How to pose men: 21 ideas”},{“id”:”upper-body-with-crossed-arms”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”1. 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Sitting with one ankle on the knee”},{“id”:”leaning-back-against-the-wall”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”7. Leaning back against the wall”},{“id”:”leaning-sideways-against-the-wall”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”8. Leaning sideways against the wall”},{“id”:”upper-body-with-an-item-in-the-hand”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”9. Upper body with an item in the hand”},{“id”:”sitting-on-a-desk”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”10. Sitting on a desk”},{“id”:”sitting-at-a-desk”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”11. Sitting at a desk”},{“id”:”sitting-at-a-desk-one-arm-up”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”12. Sitting at a desk, one arm up”},{“id”:”turned-in-a-chair-away-from-a-desk”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”13. Turned in a chair (away from a desk)”},{“id”:”arms-crossed-on-a-desk”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”14. Arms crossed on a desk “},{“id”:”standing-next-to-a-chair”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”15. Standing next to a chair”},{“id”:”relaxed-in-a-chair”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”16. 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Give him something to lean against or sit on”},{“id”:”minimize-a-double-chin-a-prominent-nose-or-heavy-jowls”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”4. Minimize a double chin, a prominent nose, or heavy jowls”},{“id”:”give-him-something-to-do-with-his-hands”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”5. Give him something to do with his hands”},{“id”:”pay-attention-to-the-little-details”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”6. Pay attention to the little details”},{“id”:”dont-forget-about-retouching”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”7. Don’t forget about retouching”},{“id”:”additional-resources-for-posing-men”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”Additional resources for posing men”},{“id”:”how-to-pose-men-final-words”,”permalink”:”https://digital-photography-school.com/21-sample-poses-to-get-you-started-with-photographing-men/”,”title”:”How to pose men: final words”}] };

The post How to Pose Men (Posing Ideas + Male Photography Tips) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Neil Creek.

The post 9 Tips for Beautiful Museum Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Christina N Dickson.

This article was updated in November 2023 with contributions by Kav Dadfar, Ana Mireles, and Jaymes Dempsey.

Museums offer incredible opportunities for photography; you can capture paintings, sculptures, educational displays, architecture, people interacting with exhibits, and so much more.

Unfortunately, while museum photography can look great, it’s tough to get right. Due to the large crowds, reflective glass, and low light, it’s easy to come home from a museum with a batch full of blurry, muddy, distraction-filled photos.

So how do you capture amazing photos at museums? Simply follow the nine tips I share below, which explain how to handle crowds, how to keep your shots sharp, how to deal with reflections on the glass, and so much more.

Let’s get started!

1. Check the rules

Before planning a photography trip to a museum, I highly recommend you start by checking the rules. Make sure you’re actually allowed to photograph inside the museum – not all museums are so photography-friendly! – and determine whether photography is off-limits in certain areas.

If photography is banned, you can always try contacting the museum and asking for permission, but don’t be surprised if you get rejected; photography can cause safety issues, and the flash can damage works of art, so museum staff likely won’t be so accommodating.

Note: Even if a museum does allow photography, you may not be allowed to capture commercial photos, and you may also encounter certain equipment restrictions. Tripods, for instance, are a big no-no at many museums, so make sure you read the rules carefully. You don’t want to prepare for a museum shoot, only to arrive and have your tripod confiscated.

Bottom line: Before capturing some museum photos, make sure you know what’s off-limits. The restrictions are created for a reason, so regardless of the situation, never intentionally break rules.

2. Consider what you want to convey

When it comes to museum photography, it’s easy to simply walk on through, point your camera at each exhibit, and press that shutter button. However, most folks will get bored after viewing just a few photos of a museum – so instead of trying to document everything, I encourage you to really think about what you want to convey to the viewer.

For instance, do you want to emphasize the movement and engagement that occurs inside a museum? Then use a wide-angle lens to capture the main hall with all of its hustle and bustle. Do you want to impress the viewer with the intricate details of a single artifact? Then get up close and exclude all other objects from the frame.

Every museum is different, and thinking about its key attributes can help you decide what you want to highlight. You might also consider researching the museum in advance; look to understand the architecture, the exhibits, and the overall feeling of the place, then hone in on what interests you most.

That way, instead of producing hundreds of lackluster documentary-type shots, you can come away with two or three key images that really showcase the venue and its exhibits in your own unique style.

3. Don’t forget about the building!

Museums are teeming with incredible works of art, historical pieces, and/or flashy exhibits – so it’s easy to forget that they are often housed in some of the most amazing buildings in the world. Think of the Louvre in Paris, the Natural History Museum in London, or the Guggenheim in New York, and you’ll know what I mean.

In my view, the buildings are as much a part of the experience as the attractions inside, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the museum architecture in addition to the artifacts and exhibits. I’d recommend doing a little research on the building before you go; that way, you can note any specific elements of cultural or historical importance. These small details are often missed by people (and photographers!) who focus on the main attractions, so by seeking them out, you can capture some uniquely powerful shots.

Make sure to photograph both the museum’s interior and exterior. When working indoors, pay attention to ceilings, columns, and doorways, all of which can make for beautiful images. And when you’re photographing outdoors, try to work during the early morning or late evening, when the light is soft and golden.

You can also try photographing the museum facade after dark, which will give you the opportunity to combine a moody atmosphere with beautiful artificial lighting:

4. Take steps to eliminate reflections

Have you ever tried to photograph a museum display that’s behind glass? It’s tough. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with reflections in your final shot, and while you can reduce these in post-processing, it’s much better to get it right in the field.

So what do you do?

First, turn off your flash. Otherwise, it’ll bounce off the glass and create an unpleasant white glow somewhere in the image.

Next, make sure you’re using a lens hood. A rubber hood is best, though you can make do with a plastic hood, too (and in a pinch, you can simply drape a coat over the front of your lens).

Finally, move your lens as close to the glass as possible. You’ll want to keep your front lens element parallel to the display, and you’ll want to keep any gap between the lens and the glass covered by the lens hood.

If you follow each of the above steps, you’ll eliminate most (or even all) reflections, and you’ll end up with images like this one here (yes, it was shot through the glass!):

5. Adjust your settings or stabilize your camera

Museum exhibits are sometimes kept dark for added ambiance or for purposes of preservation, and even when exhibits are fully lit, the artificial lighting often isn’t much compared to outdoor lighting. As a result, your museum photography will turn out unpleasantly underexposed or extremely blurry – unless you change your camera settings to compensate for the low light.

Specifically, you’ll want to switch your camera to Aperture Priority or Manual mode, then boost your ISO until you can keep your shutter speed at 1/80s or above. Yes, a high ISO will increase image noise, but most modern cameras can go up to ISO 800, ISO 1600, and beyond without significant reduction in image quality, so as long as you only raise your ISO as necessary, you should be okay. (Also, it’s better to capture a noisy image than a blurry one!)

As I noted above, you’ll want to keep your shutter speed at 1/80s or above – otherwise, your images will likely turn out consistently soft – but you’ll need to take steps to keep your body stabilized. While 1/80s is fast enough for sharp handholding when using a wider lens, it’s important to use proper technique (hold in your elbows, cup your lens with one hand, keep your camera close to your face, etc.).

That said, if the museum does allow tripods, then I encourage you to use one! You can also try resting your camera on a table or a bench, which is another great way to capture sharp shots while using ultra-low shutter speeds.

6. Try to get creative

Museums aren’t exactly new, and museum photography has been going on for decades – so it’s your job, as a photographer, to showcase what people have seen and captured a thousand times from a new perspective.

How can you do this? I’d start by adjusting your viewpoint. See if you can photograph an exhibit or hall from high up (by shooting from a balcony) or from low down (by kneeling down and shooting upward with a wide-angle lens).

I’d also encourage you to look for the little details: shadows, reflections, and even moments of interaction between the visitors and the artifacts. Small details often go unnoticed, yet they can be full of meaning and beauty.

Finally, you can try out various creative techniques. If tripods are allowed in the building, try to capture a long-exposure photo that hints at the movement of the museum’s visitors. If the museum is full of artifacts, try to use shooting-through composition techniques (where you position an out-of-focus element in the image foreground) to give the viewer a sense of immersion within the scene. Make sense?

7. Choose your composition carefully

When photographing art or an artifact in a museum, don’t try to just reproduce it; if all you want is a record shot, it’s generally just better to buy the postcard or the catalog.

Instead, think about what the piece is transmitting to you. Consider going wide: show the architecture of the gallery, make it interact with the other pieces of the exhibition, and try to capture the ambiance.

In other words, make it your own. Notice how in this next example, I didn’t photograph any specific artwork, just the space and the atmosphere:

8. Avoid crowds with research and patience

As any museum photographer knows, one of the main issues when capturing images of exhibits and halls is the crowds.

After all, museums are designed as tourist destinations, and as such, they’re often very busy. Try to capture a photo of a famous sculpture, and you’ll generally end up with dozens of people fragmented throughout the frame.

Fortunately, I have a few handy tips to prevent crowds from encroaching on your shots:

First, head to the museum on days and times when things are quieter. If you attend during the week and take care to avoid school vacations, you can often avoid visitors. And if you come early in the morning, you may get whole rooms to yourself! You might also try heading to the museum between around 11 and 2, as many tour groups eat lunch during these times. (Locals can sometimes offer this kind of insight.)

Second, spend some time photographing the less-popular portions of the museum – the back rooms, the permanent third-floor exhibits, etc. These areas are often quieter, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less worthy of photos!

Third, if you find an area you desperately want to photograph but you can’t seem to shake the tourists, just take a breath. Even in the busiest of venues, if you wait long enough, you’ll eventually find a gap in the flow of traffic. You’ll ultimately capture the shot you want, but you’ll need to give yourself plenty of time; patience is key!

Fourth, don’t be afraid to include people in your photo. Just be sure to wait until the right moment so that they complement your image!

9. Keep copyright considerations in mind

Last but not least, there is something that you won’t see on the museum signs, but it exists and it’s very important: the issue of copyright.

While getting inspiration from others is great, remember that you are photographing the work of a fellow artist, so it is covered by copyright. This can apply to artwork being exhibited as well as to the architecture of the museum, so it can be a very complicated issue to understand.

I encourage you to inform yourself in greater depth. A general rule of thumb is that you can’t use an image for commercial purposes without permission from the creator. And if you’re using the image for educational purposes, you should always give credit to the creator. Let’s be respectful of one another!

Museum photography tips: final words

Museums are often beautiful and are certainly key sights in most areas, so they should be on every photographer’s shot list.

And while museum photography can be tough for beginners, just remember the tips I’ve shared, approach each new museum carefully, and stay creative. You’re bound to capture some amazing photos!

Now over to you:

What museums do you plan to photograph? Which of these tips will you use? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post 9 Tips for Beautiful Museum Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Christina N Dickson.