There is something magical about a golf course at sunrise and sunset. When you’re photographing golf landscapes in Spain, you’re not just snapping a picture; you’re capturing the essence of a moment that blends nature and design. The right equipment, impeccable timing, and a keen eye for composition are crucial.

Have you ever wondered how to highlight the unique features of a course while anticipating the perfect action shot? Spain’s iconic courses offer a stunning backdrop, but there’s more to uncover about creating images that truly resonate.

Let’s explore techniques that will elevate your photography and make each shot a masterpiece when you next discover golf holidays in Spain.

Choosing the Right Equipment

When it comes to choosing the right equipment for photographing golf landscapes in Spain, you’ll want to start by investing in a high-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera, as these offer the versatility and image quality needed to capture stunning shots.

A camera with a full-frame sensor will excel in capturing the expansive vistas and intricate details of the greens and fairways.

Next, focus on lens selection. A wide-angle lens, such as a 16-35mm, is crucial for capturing the sweeping landscapes and dramatic skies. For more detailed shots, a 70-200mm telephoto lens will allow you to isolate specific elements, like a golfer mid-swing or a flag fluttering in the breeze.

Dialling in the right camera settings is essential. Start with a low ISO, around 100, to minimize noise and ensure maximum clarity.

Use aperture priority mode (A or Av) to control depth of field, adjusting the aperture between f/8 and f/16 for sharpness throughout the scene.

Don’t forget to experiment with shutter speed; slower speeds can add a sense of motion to swaying grasses or water hazards.

Understanding Light and Timing

Capturing the perfect golf landscape photograph in Spain hinges on understanding light and timing, both of which can dramatically influence your images.

Mastering these elements begins with recognizing the magic of the golden hour. This period, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, bathes the landscape in a warm, soft light, casting long shadows that add depth and dimension to your shots.

To truly harness the golden hour, you need to plan ahead. Check local sunrise and sunset times, and arrive early to scout the course. Notice how the light interacts with the terrain, highlighting the undulating greens and fairways.

Equally important are cloud patterns. Wispy clouds can diffuse sunlight, creating an ethereal glow, while dramatic clouds add texture and mood to your compositions.

Use weather apps to predict cloud cover and adjust your plans accordingly.

Mastering Composition Techniques

As you’ve mastered the nuances of light and timing, it’s time to elevate your golf landscape photography in Spain by focusing on composition techniques.

Start by exploring perspective techniques. Get low to the ground to capture the undulating greens or climb higher for a bird’s-eye view that reveals the course’s intricate layout. Don’t hesitate to experiment; each angle offers a unique story.

Framing strategies are crucial. Use natural elements such as trees, bunkers, or even the rolling hills to frame the fairway. This not only adds depth but also guides the viewer’s eye to your focal point.

Look for leading lines—such as cart paths or the edges of water hazards—that draw attention into the heart of the image.

Remember the rule of thirds. Position key elements like the flagstick or a majestic tree at the intersections of these imaginary lines to create a balanced and engaging composition.

Lastly, evoke a sense of scale by including golfers or wildlife, subtly highlighting the grandeur of Spain’s golf landscapes.

Highlighting Course Features

The allure of a well-designed golf course lies in its distinctive features, each meticulously crafted to challenge and delight players. As a photographer, your task is to capture these elements in their full glory. Start by understanding the course architecture—how the bunkers, water hazards, and greens are strategically placed.

Get down low to highlight the undulating fairways or climb higher for a panoramic view that showcases the layout’s complexity.

Seasonal changes dramatically affect how these features appear. In spring, vibrant greens contrast sharply with blooming flora, while autumn brings a tapestry of rich hues that can transform a landscape. Use early morning or late afternoon light to accentuate these seasonal variations, casting long shadows that add depth and drama to your shots.

Focus on signature holes, where the design shines brightest. Capture the intricate details of a well-placed bunker or the serene beauty of a water hazard reflecting the sky.

Pay attention to the interplay between natural elements and man-made structures, emphasizing how the two harmoniously coexist. By doing so, you’ll not only highlight the course’s features but also convey the essence of its architectural brilliance.

Capturing Motion and Action

When photographing the dynamic world of golf, timing is everything. You need to anticipate the moment of impact, the swing’s arc, and the ball’s flight. Use burst mode to capture a sequence, ensuring you don’t miss that perfect shot.

Dynamic angles are crucial; crouch low to the ground or position yourself at a high vantage point to add drama. A well-timed photograph can tell the whole story of a game in one frame.

Player emotions are the heart of golf action shots. Capture the intense concentration before a swing, the triumphant fist pump after a successful putt, or the contemplative walk down the fairway. These emotions connect viewers to the player’s journey, making them feel part of the game.

Use a telephoto lens to get close without disturbing the players, and remember to focus on the eyes—they reveal so much.

Consider the background and frame your shots to include elements that enhance the action. The rolling hills of Spain’s courses, the vibrant green of the grass, and the clear blue skies can all add context and beauty to your photographs, making each image a piece of the golfer’s story.

Utilizing Natural Elements

Beyond capturing the thrill of action, leveraging natural elements can elevate your golf photography to an art form. Start by focusing on the rich natural textures surrounding the course. Pay attention to the way sunlight filters through the trees, casting intricate shadows and highlighting the vibrant greens.

The early morning mist can add an ethereal quality to your shots, giving the landscape a dreamy, almost surreal feel.

Seasonal changes offer a dynamic palette for your images. In spring, capture the fresh, lush fairways in contrast to blooming flowers. Summer brings out the golden hues of sunlight, perfect for dramatic, high-contrast shots.

Autumn’s rusty reds and oranges can add depth and warmth to your compositions, while winter’s stark, barren landscapes can create a minimalist, contemplative mood.

Incorporate natural elements like water hazards, sand traps, and rolling hills to add layers and depth to your photos. The reflection of a tree line in a pond or the texture of sand in a bunker can serve as compelling focal points.

Post-Processing Tips

Mastering post-processing can transform your golf landscape photography from good to breath-taking.

Begin with colour correction to ensure your greens and blues are vibrant yet natural. Contrast adjustments can add depth, making the rolling fairways pop against the sky.

Utilize lens filters during shooting for balanced exposures, but remember, post-processing is key. Cropping techniques help refine composition—focus on removing distractions while maintaining the essence of the landscape. Image sharpening enhances details, giving clarity to each blade of grass.

Noise reduction is crucial, especially for early morning or late evening shots. HDR techniques and exposure blending enable you to capture the perfect balance of light and shadow, ensuring no detail is lost in high-contrast scenes.

Colour grading allows you to set the mood, whether you want a warm, golden-hour glow or a crisp, midday vibrance. Shadow recovery is essential to bring back details in darker areas without losing the natural look.

Best Courses to Photograph

Spain offers some of the most picturesque golf courses in Europe, each presenting unique opportunities for stunning landscape photography.

Begin your journey at Valderrama Golf Club, a historic course known for its meticulous course architecture and lush, green fairways. Capture the iconic landmarks like the famous cork trees and the stunning Mediterranean backdrop.

Next, head to La Manga Club, where you’ll find scenic vistas and unique terrains that make for exceptional panoramic views. The dynamic landscapes change with each season, providing endless variety and inspiration for your shots.

Don’t miss the Real Club de Golf El Prat, where modern design meets tradition. The course’s intricate layout offers excellent angles for golfer portraits amidst the rolling hills and pristine bunkers.

For a coastal experience, try Finca Cortesin. The dramatic elevation changes and the shimmering sea offer both breathtaking scenery and technical challenges.

Finally, visit PGA Catalunya, where every hole is a visual feast. The elegant course architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating perfect compositions for your camera.

These courses not only offer extraordinary golf but also invite you to belong to a community that appreciates the blend of sport and nature.

Employee retention is a responsibility to handle. We see every now and then people leaving their jobs or being kicked out for unfair reasons just like the recent case of P&O Ferries. Keeping your workforce happy and satisfied is very vital for a business to grow. Employees are sometimes not satisfied with their work environment or maybe not be able to grow professionally and skill-wise in their role and want to switch on these bases, so there can be many reasons. 

In this blog we will discuss all those reasons why this tends to occur and how we can stop our employees from leaving.

1.   Management Crises

It’s a generally expected articulation: “Employees don’t stop occupations, they quit managers.” When you lose your top ability, the primary spot to look is at management. Managing groups overall is hard. You need to figure out how to treat every person, and focus on finding what every individual from a group needs both at work and outside of work to take care of their business to the best of their ability. Tech ability anticipates straightforward and responsible management. The best ability needs to work where they feel their work has a genuine effect. In the event that they feel authority isn’t conveying results, they are bound to leave. Although it might sound irrelevant, just paying attention to employees’ interests and giving your very best for addressing those – or possibly making sense of why they can’t be tended to right now – can go far toward keeping the best and most brilliant.

2.  Growth Has Stopped

One of the primary reasons top entertainers leave is on the grounds that they feel their professional success isn’t going as planned. It doesn’t make any difference assuming they like what they’re chipping away at, who they’re working with and are remunerated decently or more than fairly. They need to feel there’s something in it for them actually, if not, they will be enticed to look for business somewhere else, or be powerless to recruiters. Your best individual patrons aren’t continuously going to need to oversee individuals. So you want to fabricate a nonmanagerial vocation way for them or they will observe another association that does.

Making instructive and professional success open doors accessible, regardless of whether they bring about employees growing up and out of your association, is an absolute necessity, since no one can tell when a representative could get back to your association, or when they’ll make a key reference.

3.  No Regular Check Ins

On the off chance that managers aren’t offering useful input consistently or talking about profession objectives somewhere around once per year with employees, then your association is in danger of becoming distant from your ability – and increasing the possibilities that they’ll leave.

Absence of verbal correspondence among the association is the principle driver for representative departures.IT initiative groups ought to urge employees to get the telephone or timetable a video meeting and have a discussion about their ebb and flow job and any worries they may have. Feedback is critical to the Millennial, X, and Y generations. Regular input will likewise give you really cautioning when individuals are feeling disappointed or separated.

4.  Policies are Too Strict

Adaptable planning and working from home were normal in IT even before COVID constrained far and wide reception of remote work. As per the 2021 Technologist Sentiment Report from Dice, 59% of technologists favour 100 percent remote or cross breed approaches versus 17% who say working in an office full-time is incredibly or entirely alluring.

Employees additionally need a degree of opportunity to change work plans. Engineers would rather not be affixed to their work areas from all day or 8 to 6 – or anything the supervisor directs working hours ought to be. They need to take their little girls to soccer practice and go to their child’s presentation. An are searching for adaptability to reside where they need, and the rest want part time adaptable in-available time.

5.  Not Enough Engagement 

Employees who feel occupied with their work environment will more often than not stay in their positions, however the converse is valid, as well, with laborers who feel separated from advancement open doors, management, or the association’s qualities being bound to leave.

They might be by and large fulfilled yet are not intellectually and genuinely associated with their work and working environment; they will as a rule appear for work and do the base required yet will rapidly leave their organization for a somewhat better deal.

Conclusion

There are several reasons for which employees tend to leave like mentioned above and good, successful businesses tend to not do them and not over burden their employees with these mishaps. They obviously need quality work over quantity and for that you need to take care of your employees as well.

 

The way that enterprise and tech companies need to market themselves is forever changing. You need to leverage the right tactics if you want to produce the right results because if you don’t, then you may end up getting left behind.

Original Video Content

Video content is becoming a very valuable marketing tool. It’s now more essential than ever for you to implement solutions like this because if you don’t then you risk losing customers. After all, not everyone has time to go through pages of text, or even endless links in order to find the information that they are looking for. Video is able to deliver everything they need and in a very short space of time. Tech companies also need to make sure that they invest in AI as well. Entrepreneurs like Tej Kohli have put millions into the industry of artificial intelligence and this has really helped the industry to skyrocket. If you want to see real results with your tech marketing, then don’t be afraid to explore this as well.

Great Stories

Your technology is probably very complex, and impressive. If you are using video to try and market your solutions, then you need to try and tell a very compelling story. Talk your viewer through how you were able to help a specific customer, or even how your company started. You might also want to tell them how you were able to develop a specific feature. If you can hook your customers with a nice and easy to understand story to begin with then it will be much easier for you to dig into the specifics at a later date.

Fun

Just because you might be in the B2B business doesn’t mean that all of your videos have to be both dry and technical. In fact, it actually means the opposite. Creating videos that are funny or even humorous will really help you to stand apart from the crowd.

Useful Content

Your video strategy needs to make room for educational content as well. This could include tutorials which explain to your users how to use your solutions, or even product demonstrations. It’s also useful to have webinars about industry trends or even the best practices that they should be using as well. If you are able to do this then you will be able to really use this to your advantage in the future.

Testimonials

If you want to really make more sales, then you may want to try and use testimonials from your existing customers. Ask them to leave a review in the form of a video message and then use it to promote your company. When you do, you will soon find that you can make way more of an impact with your brand and that you are also able to push things to that next level. If you aren’t sure how to get your customers to do this then simply give them a free trial of a new product or give them access to a paid-software for free.

I’ve been browsing the internet for “Myths About Photography” and it seems everyone is pretty much saying the same thing, over and over. It appears in many cases people make up myths in order to throw out a blog post and try to get some hits for their web site.

That’s not to say there aren’t any myths, or at least misconceptions, however. So, here’s…

“Myth” #1: Photoshop is difficult to learn

Photoshop is really not that hard if you break it down into basic functions. It’s virtually impossible for anyone to know everything you can do with Photoshop but instead of being intimidated by it, all you have to do is start at the beginning. When first using Photoshop, all you have to do is use the brightness and contrast, colour saturation, and tools for removing dust and specks. In other words, just go with the basics.

Expert Photoshop users do not know everything there is to know so it really is a lifelong journey in moving to the next plateau of learning the software. If you start with the simple functions, you will begin to become familiar with the Photoshop environment and build up your confidence. There are plenty of free tutorials on the internet to help you along.

Myth #2: The light is bad

You could probably make the cynical point that the light is always bad for a particular type of photography. And therefore, that means the light is always good for a different photography scenario. The point everyone is trying to make that there is no such thing as bad light, just bad excuses for not shooting.

But if you’re in Cairo and you’re there for just one day and it was your lifelong dream to photograph the sphynx and yet there is a raging dust storm, it’s going to be tough trying to make lemonade out of that lemon. Still, taking pictures of the sphynx in a dust storm is better than no pictures at all. So yeah, a bad day of shooting is better than a good day of sitting at home or your hotel room because the day didn’t bring what you wanted.

Myth #3: The Creative Rut

We’ve all been there. Just not inspired or don’t feel like shooting. Again, everyone out there says this as an excuse to not go shooting. But you know what? Sometimes taking a step back is the best thing to do. You can’t be going 110% all the time. Creativity and productivity are things that run-in cycles. Don’t let the downturns put you into a funk. Know it will turn around and keep your camera ready for when you’re ready to go shooting again.

Myth #4: I’d take better pictures if I had a better camera

We’ve all heard that argument before. Give an amateur a high-end camera and he’s still going to take bad pictures. But better tools mean better results. So, forget the myth here and the point being made that has become a cliché. If you want to be a better photographer, it helps to have a good camera, but you need to learn how to use it. You can still take good pictures with low-end cameras and cell phones. It still boils down to knowing how to use the tools currently in your hands.

Myth #5: You can make a living at photography

Well, yes, you CAN make a living as a photographer but what do you call “living?” There are many good jobs out there in photography and congratulations if you have one but dreaming to be a full-time photographer is not always living the dream.

I know people who are full-time photographers but are barely getting by with minimum wages. They are struggling to make ends meet and are unable to afford basic things, yet they stubbornly hold on to the notion that “I am a photographer!” Life is not always fair and perhaps the real myth is thinking you are a full-time photographer when you might have a happier life doing something else and letting photography be more of a hobby. The term “starving artist” comes to mind and I’m sure many of you know people like that. Their lives are ruled by their art, but the art world can be a cruel place to be at the same time.

You may be a very good photographer and artist and still not make it, at least not full time. Find your niche and if it leads to full-time employment, great, but calling yourself a “photographer” is not the end to a means, either. You can still cater to the creative part of you and keep it real while still making a few extra bucks on the side with something like selling stock images. Don’t let “not making a living” at photography ruin your dream of simply being a great photographer.

So that’s it, five simple “myths” of photography but with a little twist compared to general blogs you see out there. photography is a craft and no matter how good you are, you can always do better. So, don’t let excuses and so-called myths affect your photography, just stay on the journey and see where it takes you.

If you run a photography business, then you will have all the knowledge you need around taking good pictures for a living. As this is the main skill required, that is a great thing. However, all the time you have rightfully spent honing your photography skills may mean that your IT skills are not as fabulous as they could be.

This could actually be a real barrier to being able to make your photography business a success. Technology plays a huge role in not only how people find you but also how they research which photographer to use and how they engage with you. Not using modern IT effectively will see you lag way behind your competitors, however good your pictures are.

What can you do if you do not like dealing with IT or do not have the skills needed to use it? In these cases, an IT contractor could be just what you require.

Amazing ways IT contractors can help you succeed

Here are some specific reasons why it makes sense to bring someone in to complete those IT projects for you:

• Saves time and money – the problem with trying to handle all your IT jobs yourself is that it can sometimes need hours of research to learn what to do and then additional time to do it. If you get stuck or have to go back to fix any mistakes, then that is more wasted time. Do not forget that this is time you could be out meeting new clients or actually taking photos. Hiring an IT contractor stops you wasting valuable time and opportunities to make money. They simply get on with the job at hand while you focus on taking pictures.

• Helps to keep you secure online – many photography businesses now will use digital styles of photography and store pictures taken on their own computers. This is popular with clients who like the convenience of having them emailed over or want to view them via your own website. With new GDPR laws and general concerns over cybercrime, this makes having effective IT protection key. Hiring in an IT contractor can help here as they can review your security arrangements and strengthen them if needs be.

• Review and recommend – along with looking at how your IT security can be improved, hiring an IT contractor will allow you to have an expert review your current setup. This could be from the IT equipment you use to the software packages you access or the operating system you run on. An IT contractor can come in and complete this kind of one-off project before helping to implement any recommendations given.

• Design a website to attract customers – if you do not have a user-friendly website currently, then an IT contractor can design and build one for you. It is as simple as finding the contractor you like and agreeing their fee along with the timescale. This will help you be visible online, which is how many people will search for photographers to use now.
• Fills in IT skills gap – some creative people do not get on with IT – if this applies to you, then getting a contractor in is the quickest and simplest way to solve this. If you have a particular task you need help with, such as setting up social media accounts or creating a slideshow for your website, then they can be hired to do just that. If you get a contractor who is knowledgeable about IT products specific to photography, such as photography software, then they can also help you use this more effectively for better results.

Make sure to use an umbrella company

An umbrella company simply acts as a third party that operates between you and the contractor you hire to manage their payroll. Doing this yourself is a bit of a pain and will take up time that you could be out shooting new photos. If you use an IT contractor that operates via an umbrella company, then you simply pay the umbrella company and leave them to do the rest in terms of payroll management, HMRC compliance and dealing with the contractor’s wages.

IT is an area worth getting help in

As noted above, IT is an area that you cannot ignore if you want your photography business to flourish. Many photographers though will not have the need to employ an IT person on a permanent contract. With this in mind, IT contractors give the ideal mixture of fast, expert help that is quick to access but you only pay for when needed.

Travelling and cameras go hand in hand like peanut butter and jam. It’s almost unthinkable to imagine someone travelling to exotic places without having a trusty camera hanging from your neck and ready to snap the next killer picture that will land on your social media pages and garner all those virtual likes and tags. Almost unthinkable. Because let’s face it, in this digital age sometimes the whole purpose of going anywhere is to collect those precious pictures and show family, friends, and total strangers what an exciting life you’re having. But whether photography is your bread and butter or just a hobby, we all know that travelling with expensive equipment like cameras comes with its own risks. The camera could be stolen, misplaced, or damaged as you travel from one place to another.

Taking Care of Your Expensive Gear

If you have watched any movies or National Geographic documentaries about photographers in the wild you undoubtedly have noticed how rough those cameras have it. The photographer slings it to their shoulder as they run chasing the next picture and the cameras bump into each other and fly wildly behind the photographer’s back. Granted you won’t treat your cameras the same way because you won’t be chasing wildebeests or running away from lions in Africa, but air travel and luggage handlers at airports would have the same impact on your precious equipment.

So making sure you use a padded suitcase and wrapping your camera in a bundle of clothes before packing will protect it from damage. Or you can just keep your gear in a handbag and keep it with you on the plane. Also, remember to clean your camera every day. Depending on where your work or travels take you, the elements can damage your camera. Dust, for example, can get behind the lens and reduce the quality of your pictures.

Keeping it Safe

Another risk you face as you travel is thieves. Cameras are notoriously easy targets for thieves because how easy it is to yank them off your shoulder or cut the straps and making run for it. This is particularly more probable in busy cities where you literally rub shoulders against many people. Your branded camera is a magnet for would-be thieves.

So the first thing you need to do is remove or hide the branding. Debranding the camera so that it looks plain will make it less of a target. If it still looks shiny and alluring in its new bag, dirty the camera bag a little. On the same vein and to prevent camera snatching consider using a wire camera strap. The steel wire will make it a lot harder for the bandit to slash the strap and disappear in the crowd with your pricey equipment.

Another way to discourage thieves is to use old-fashioned cameras that shoot on film. Digital cameras are hot and any fence would have no trouble moving them. But film cameras are not easy to resell whether in person or online. So maybe keep your digital camera at home and take the film camera the next time you travel.

Claiming Insurance in case of Loss or Damage

Buying an insurance policy for your camera is a good idea especially if you’re travelling with expensive equipment. Look closely at what the policy covers. The more comprehensive coverage the better even if it means you have to pay a little more. If the worst happens and you lose your camera don’t delay the claim. Always keep your insurance policy details with you and make the claim as soon as you get back. The fine print of your policy would probably set a deadline of making a claim within the first 31 days after losing or damaging your equipment. So don’t delay your claim otherwise it might be rejected, or have to fight for your rights and hire an insurance claim solicitor.

Keep in mind that the insurance company doesn’t always, in fact rarely, pay the whole amount that your camera is worth. In most cases, they will decide what the camera is currently worth using a clause called depreciation. This clause stipulates that a piece of equipment even if it’s only one day old, loses value the more you use it. So you might end up getting only a fraction of the retail price you paid for your brand new camera.

Keeping your camera safe while you travel is easy if you follow some simple steps. Then you can learn to stop worrying and love travelling.

There’s a lot fo be said for the human need to create. For those living with the burden of mental illness, the need for an artistic outlet has proven to be of even greater importance, as it can literally tackle the symptoms of anxiety, depression and even panic disorders, simply with the use of creative expression. The greatest therapy, so they say, comes from behind the camera, where you can really be in the present moment, switch off, and take refuge in a world of imagination.

Approximately one in four people in the UK will experience mental illness each year, with one in six reporting a common mental health problem. The numbers are rising, in the UK and beyond, with more and more people reaching out to their creative instincts to cope. So what is it about photography that has such therapeutic benefits?

Professional photographer Elizabeth Costello believes it has a Buddhist nature, encouraging you to slow down and be in the moment. “Taking the time to observe light, scenery, people, and animals is very mindful, you are in the present moment. You are not thinking of problems, work, the children, the car, you are simply present, giving yourself the freedom of creativity in that moment, a freedom that can create peace.” She said.

“Creative expression can connect you to a part of yourself long forgotten, or buried under day to day life, it allows you to express yourself without being constrained by words. And expressing yourself is a positive off-load. Taking a good photograph requires you to slow down. It leads you to observe, makes you aware of the moment, in photography terms Henri Cartier- Bresson called it “the decisive moment”.Putting things into focus.

There are countless apps around these days for ‘gratitude’, as so they say, choosing things to be grateful for, even when the going gets tough, promotes positive thinking that turns into a habit. Photography can help cultivate mindfulness and gratitude as the entire purpose of creating photos is based around appreciating something which is visually pleasing. Tapping into the power of perspective, of introspection, not surprisingly helps with your overall wellness when practised often.

Elizabeth added: “Depending on your subject matter, much can be gained. In wildlife photography patience is rewarded by a glimpse of perfect nature. With portrait photography it takes you out of yourself and into your subject’s world. The same is true of street photography, you are observing other people’s lives, perhaps feeling empathy.

“Landscape photography is to walk out into nature, to feel good, taking the time to stop, frame a picture, waiting until the light is just right.

All of these things can have a positive effect on your mood. A friend of mine said it helped him focus his negativity and anxiety into the process, while providing himself with the protection of the camera.

“Henry Miller said ‘develop an interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music- the world is so rich, throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget  yourself.’ – and guess what? It does get you outside. Outside of your house and outside of your head.”

Picking up the camera for the first time

You don’t need to be a professional or even skilled photographer to reap the huge benefits of photography. While it’s true that the majority of us carry cameras in our pockets in the age of the smartphone,  there is a lot more to be gained from getting a real camera and some beginner equipment, you might find yourself very surprised by how quick you pick up the basics. Be sure to get yourself a hard camera case to go with whatever device you choose, especially if you are planning on taking on outdoor photography in damp weather.

If you’d like guidance on where to start  Expert Photography published a complete beginners guide which will help you get set up.

Testing is essential to building a top-notch body of work and forging the relationships that’ll further your career, but how do you get the most out of it?

As the creative force behind Manchester’s leading makeup academy who offer professional makeup courses, KLMA, Kiera Louise Harrison imparts some of her experience for those who are looking to follow in her footsteps:

Behind every great make-up artist and carefully curated portfolio, is always a whole catalogue of experimental test shoots. Not to mention a wealth of on-set experience garnered from testing with a whole host of different photographers, stylists, models and hairstylists, all keen to push the boundaries.

Testing is a vital part of building yourself up as a makeup artist with both established connections and an impressive book, especially if you’re trying to take your career in a new direction.

Of course, it can be time consuming, and connecting with the right creatives is imperative to making it worth your while.

What should a make-up artist hope to get out of testing?

Testing is a vital part of our industry and something all makeup artists should look to do as much as possible. It not only results in portfolio images, but the on-shoot experience and relationships that are formed from collaborating are invaluable.

Choosing who to shoot with and what type of tests is the challenge. I shot with amateur models and inexperienced freelancers when I first started and, although I made contacts, the work wasn’t great. Once I started shooting with artists at my level or better, I started to see the results.

In terms of what can go wrong on a test shoot, what should a makeup-artist look out for?

Anything, and it often does go wrong, so be prepared for every eventuality. The most common issue is someone not showing up.

Many shoots have an element of improvisation, so the ability to adapt is key. Try not to throw in the towel if something goes wrong, and look for other solutions. Practically speaking, bring kit that will cover all weathers when shooting on location. We once shot in 40 degree heat and the makeup artist’s kit melted. Turns out a cool-box is multi functional.

What’s going to compel a photographer to want to test with a makeup artist?

Photographers are no different to employers. They want to see quality, experience and your style. A lot of our industry is based on perception. They choose makeup artists visually (ie: based on their portfolio) so I’d always suggest a makeup artist spends time and money making sure their work represents their artistic vision, is presented beautifully and shows that they have worked with top talent where possible.

What’s the best way for a makeup artist to self-start a test shoot?

A good test shoot starts with a single idea. What do you want to shoot? What’s the concept? Who influences your work?

I used to come up with wild ideas for test shoots that were influenced by artists, nature, fashion, film… there should be no rules or limitations when it comes to conceptualising a test shoot.

Once you’ve got an idea, put a mood board together (Pinterest is great for this) and think about where you could shoot it and who would be right for your shoot.

How would a makeup artist go about finding the right creatives to collaborate with?

My trick was always to find people who I thought were better than me. Look for freelancers who you think will bring value to your shoot.

Hair and styling are very important but if you choose a bad photographer and model, it will really show. When starting out, it can be tricky to attract the more established freelancers to shoot with you, but you’d be amazed at how many will say yes if you ask.

If you’ve got your concept together, you can add a link to your professional looking moodboard which often deflects from the fact your portfolio is at its early stages.

How do you make sure everyone gets what they need from a test shoot?

• Sit down with everyone involved before anything happens. Make sure you’re all on the same page. We have a downloadable Test Agreement which outlines things like copyright, when the images will be given out, whether or not they’ll be retouched, and if you plan on submitting for publication etc.
•  Find the balance between managing a shoot and overpowering a shoot. If you are the one who has arranged the shoot then you are probably the one with the vision.
•  Remember, you’ve chosen the others for their talents, so once you’ve showed them your idea let them express themselves. If someone isn’t getting it, take them to one side and have a quiet talk. A test shoot takes a lot of effort from a lot of people so it’s important to get it right.
•  Be serious when you’re shooting, be fun when you’re done. I once worked with a top stylist in London who I’d met socially on a few occasions. As soon as our shoot started, he stopped joking about and focused. After the shoot we all went for drinks and he was back to his fun self. I learned two things that day; Don’t mess about when the shoot starts, and you make amazing contacts if you go for a drink after.

Is it ever time to stop testing?

The only time I stopped testing was at the height of my editorial career as I was shooting on-trend campaigns that kept my book up to speed and honestly, didn’t have the time. On the other hand, when I was shooting commercial jobs that were very much just for the money, I’d test in the evenings to stay in the loop and keep my fashion crew close to me. There’s never a time to stop learning, that much I know to be true.

Article by Kiera Louise Harrison of KLMA Makeup Academy, Manchester

Video games and photography may not go together on first sight, but zoom in and focus (get it?) and you will start to see just how being a gamer will help you become a better photographer.

You hear the criticisms all the time – games will rot your brain. They make you stupid and take your attention away from any real time to learn some essential life skills. In reality, the complete opposite is the truth and these people have no idea what they’re talking about. Games aren’t just one of the greatest entertainment mediums on the planet, they are an incredibly powerful tool in teaching many skills, with one of those being photography.

Compiling an entire degree’s worth of knowledge into one engaging game is the hidden beauty of the many hits you have played in the past couple of decades, so let’s go ahead and highlight just three of the ways in which video games can help your photography skills (yes, photography too!).

1. Framing a good shot and making it count

As the graphical detail in games reaches insane levels of clarity and artistic beauty, many people felt inspired to create their own photographic marvels in-game. Developers listened and soon enough, photo modes popped up in all kinds of games – from Horizon: Zero Dawn & Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, to Gran Turismo Sport and Firewatch.

Each game has its own set of individual quirks, with many giving you full control over focus, shutter speed, aperture and more, with plenty more manual functionality. Others, on the other hand, limit you to just a 360-degree wind-up camera – Firewatch uses one as a key element of the story. This teaches you the importance of planning each shot, to be economical with your shot count.

2. Making quick calculations

Despite what you thought about maths in school, they do have some real-world applications, including photography. Working out the correct shutter speed is a matter of understanding geometric sequence, as each increase multiplies the amount of light entering the lens by a factor of two – meaning one incorrect move leads to a blown-out shot (arguably something that’s more of a concern in analogue photography, though). Oh, and don’t forget to think about the lens diameter as you adjust the aperture! If you want to get serious about photography, getting mathematical is key.

And from the exercises on Nintendo DS’s Brain Training to rapid calculations of running a Theme Park, you can train your speedy mental calculations with ruthless efficiency. These can obviously help in many other situations in life, including making rapid-fire calculations while playing video slots through working out probabilities and understanding paylines and ensuring you stay on the right side of your monthly budget.

3. Choosing the right filters

Filters do not make a shot, but they can break one. Instagram has become a great tool for both pros and aspiring starters to hone their craft and receive immediate feedback on the quality of their photos. But for every perfectly framed masterpiece, there are thousands of over-saturated, over-filtered eyesores to scroll through.

Believe it or not, many video game photo modes also come with plenty of post-shot customisations including filters to choose from. Experimenting in-game and making mistakes in the virtual world is actually training you up for real-life photography, as you start to see what filters emphasise what elements of every shot!

Take The Last Of Us for example – separate of the whole “zombies are trying to kill you” thing, the photo mode has a whole array of filters, from the subtle to more extreme. In any situation, you can bet only 2-3 of the filters work for the shot you take (with the level tweaked for perfection). Any others would the picture, and this is the important lesson to learn. Just because you have a lot of filters doesn’t mean you should use them.