The human element in landscape photography: An overview

A richer visual story -- Larry Moskowitz

Whenever people think of landscape photography, it’s likely to conjure up images of mountains and the vast wilderness. But it’s also common to incorporate a human element in landscape images to humanize the image and tell a richer visual story, according to professional photographers.

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Larry Moskowitz. Landscape photography is, by definition, purely natural. It is intended to tell the tale of life’s astounding diversity as well as the continuing geological process on Earth. A person, however, can be a means to tell a richer tale. For one, a person set against massive landscape is a lesson in scale and perspective and can solicit a range of emotions including awe and wonder.

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People remove the dullness in ordinary shots of lighthouses, beaches, or wildlife. They add story to the picture, reflecting emotion and power through their portrait and its combination with the landscape. They demand composition and more careful positioning in order to translate as a high-impact component of the image. Larry Moskowitz.

Thus, as seasoned photographers explain, the next time people see a landscape photo, for example, what would be left if they remove the man on a boat on the shot of a sleeping river? How does it make the storytelling different? This is the power of the human element, and one that photographers should continue to explore. Larry Moskowitz.

Photography for everybody: Introducing children to the wonderful hobby

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Photography is for everybody, including children. However, when introducing photography to kids, here are some important considerations.

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First off, have children use cameras that are not too expensive. Kids can get pretty excitable and may bounce up and down and drop the camera, which can be very unfortunate if they’re holding DSLR. Larry Moskowitz

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If the child is still too young, let them get used to pointing and shooting. A tried-and-tested tip: Have them take pictures of both still and moving objects.

It is a great idea to take the children out on a walk and have the camera handy. Start with the nearest park or receptive and safe open space. Allow the kid to look for interesting subjects. Let then find and experiment with vantage points. Larry Moskowitz

Finally, another activity to get children interested in photography is to bring them to a photo exhibit. Exhibits have a way of inspiring children and educating them in terms of what a good image should be like. Moreover, through exhibits, they can learn the different types of photography and see great examples of them. Larry Moskowitz.

Monochrome photography: Tips and insights

I’m Larry Moskowitz, professional photographer. Here’s the one thing about stock photography – it can get incredibly boring. I find that to be a good thing though because I get to flex my creative juices to keep myself from being bored. I find time to experiment as much as I can.

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 For a few years now, I’ve been mixing in a bit of monochrome photography into my work. While stock photography mainly uses colored images, taking them in black and white helps me with learning how to take monochrome shots. I think of it as good practice for my hobby, which is all other sorts of photography.

And by golly, have I learned a lot.

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First, always shoot in RAW. That format can be modified as easily as any other format, but the quality of the image stays the same. Photographers who usually take black and white shots know the value of RAW. And so should you.

Next, mind your shapes. Stock photography has helped me with this a lot since the products I shoot come in all shapes and textures. I simply imagine how they would look like on a newspaper printed in black and white. It need not be boring.

Finally, don’t go for subjects that rely on their color. Yes, there are some images that need color, such as flowers and the sunset. Instead, look for images that can tell a story in monochrome.
If you have more monochrome tips, feel free to share them with me, Larry Moskowitz in the comments section below.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer focused on stock photos for sale as well as nature photography. He is married and has a son and a daughter, and they recently went on a holiday in the Virgin Islands. For more on Larry, click here.

How good is an iPhone for photographers?

I’m Larry Moskowitz, a stock photographer. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved photography. I own all kinds of cameras and I have all kinds of equipment. Yeah, it’s not just my hobby, it’s my way of life.

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I’ve seen and welcomed a lot of hobbyists who were looking to get into the photography scene. Many of them were young kids who were still in school. Since they didn’t have the money to buy quality gear, most of them only used their smartphones (mostly iPhones) – which isn’t a bad thing.

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iPhones have great cameras, better than most other smartphone cameras in production. As far as point-and-shoot cameras go, iPhones are in a league of their own. They’re great for beginners because they’re not as complicated as DSLRs, and what’s more is that an iPhone has editing capabilities built into its app.

DSLRs are still the top-of-the-line when it comes to photography, but the iPhone is probably the handiest. From taking photos to instantly sharing them online, it can be done in just a matter of seconds.

As for me, I believe having an iPhone as a camera is valuable to a person entering photography simply because it keeps the whole thing interesting and affordable. While newer iPhones are expensive, you can buy used iPhones online for a much cheaper price and still be able to utilize its many wonderful camera features. That’s a Larry Moskowitz tried-and-tested tip.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer focused on stock photos for sale as well as nature photography. He is married and has a son and a daughter, and they recently went on a holiday in the Virgin Islands. For more on Larry, click here.

Biggest problems faced by professional photographers

Being a professional photographer is no walk in the park. For photographers who don’t have an agent who helps them with booking gigs, it’s no news that the business can be difficult. Running your own photography studio or just being an on-site photographer on a daily basis has its fair share of problems. According to professional photographer Larry Moskowitz, you really have to be an artist if you want to survive in this profession. This is why a lot of people simply pack up and leave. Here are some of the biggest problems faced by professional photographers.

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Like most businesses, money is one of the biggest concerns of professional photographers. A lot of people don’t see why they need to pay $100 or more to a person who takes photos. Customers often lowball photographers citing reasons in the process. Some even ask starting photographers to cover their events for free in return for exposure and experience. Like most people, photographers need to eat, feed their sons and daughters, and pay bills. Keep in mind that what you are paying for when you hire a photographer is a combination of manpower, equipment rental, and skills.

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Another major problem faced by professional photographers is booking gigs. If you charge a decent amount, chances are there will always be a photographer that will charge less than your rate. They may not be as good as you, but these lowered rates hurts the entire business.

Lastly, another main problem professional photographers encounter in their career is diversifying. Whether in terms of specialization and the equipment that comes with it, a photographer needs to grow. According to Larry Moskowitz, photographers who do not invest in the future are doomed to fail eventually.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer who is fixated in returning to the Virgin Islands for a vacation. He sells stock photos for living and very much likes nature photography as well. To read more about Larry and his interests, visit this page.

Photography as a business enterprise

I’m Larry Moskowitz and you may know me from the photographs I’ve taken or the workshops I’ve held. I have a photography business, in which I mainly shoot products. But on many occasions I branch out to different types of shoots just to keep my creative juices flowing.

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 But what I really want to discuss today is how photography for me turned from being a hobby into a profession. I started taking pictures of the things that fascinated me in my old neighborhood when I was 13. Then I volunteered to photograph events for my high school. It was fun and every day was an adventure. Of course, things weren’t as high-tech back then, even though a few cameras had phones and digital photography was already on the rise.

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College was no different. At this point though, I began to seriously consider a career in photography since my course taught me a lot about business. I knew it would take a lot of hard work and I knew I shouldn’t expect much for the first few years. So, after college, I got an office job while I still photographed events and products during my off-hours.

I didn’t buy all my equipment at one go. I bought them little by little until I was confident I had all I needed to start the business, my portfolio included. It’s a good thing I made friends with many of the companies whose products I had shot back in college. They were still willing to work with me.
And that is how I started Larry Moskowitz Photography.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer focused on stock photos for sale, as well as nature photography. He is married and has a son and a daughter. For more on Larry and his interests, visit this page.

Five more tips for rookie photographers

I’m Larry Moskowitz, and I’ve been in the photography scene here in New York City for quite some time now. I’ve met a lot of beginners last year, many of whom seemed to be in it because they were influenced by friends. And that’s all well and good. However, in one of our social gatherings, I noticed that many of these rookies still need a bit of work when it came to the basics.
On this note, here are five more tips I can share with you.

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On surroundings: Always take the time to study the surroundings of your subject. Observe how the light hits it. Take note of the shadows that form. Look for things that can emphasize the story you want to tell.

On natural light: If you’re taking pictures outside, light will naturally have a different effect, depending on the time of day. Experiment. People know the name of Larry Moskowitz because I love to experiment.

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On children: When taking pictures of children, don’t force them to stay still. It’s always best to let them be their playful selves. Nothing’s as sad as a child that’s lost his playful spirit.

On gear: As a rooking photographer, some of the photography gear you own may still be a bit of a mystery to you. Learn how they work and how you can maximize them. Again, experiment.

On zoom: Always try zooming in with your feet. Don’t rely on the camera’s zoom capabilities if you have a choice and a chance to move closer to your subject.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer focused on stock photos for sale as well as nature photography. He is married and has a son and a daughter. For more on Larry and his interests, visit this page.

Tips for the beginning nature photographer

If it’s your first time to take on nature photography, keep in mind that you don’t need to buy high-tech gadgets to get those gorgeous shots. Innovations in mobile technology have allowed for even your phone’s camera to get you stunning photos of the great outdoors. It’s key to study the various shoot modes and make the most of these features.

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But before we get ahead of ourselves, the most important tip is to plan your shoot carefully and accordingly. It’s not all about the gear but the little, complementary stuff like clearly understanding the rules and guidelines for shoots in the location and wearing the right clothing. You shouldn’t go doing nature photography, for example, in a pair of sneakers; go for sturdy hiking shoes.

Secondly, we suggest that the beginner bring along a tripod. It’s not easy to maintain a steady hand, especially if the subject is moving or fleeting. A tripod will also prove helpful in achieving certain effects like blurring or when working with depth of field. And if you don’t one, make sure to place your camera in stable spots like on a rock or wedged between tree branches to achieve the best stabilization. Make sure, by the way, to carry a waterproof cover for your gear and a raincoat for yourself just in case it rains.

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Patience is very important when you’re looking for memorable shots like those of sunsets or wildlife, but don’t forget to try out taking pictures of your subject from different perspectives or vantage points if possible, as this will allow for more interesting photos. Finally, for dynamism, keep in mind the golden rule of thirds, dividing the frame into horizontal and vertical lines and positioning your subjects where the said lines intersect as that’s where the eye falls.

Larry Moskowitz is a nature and stock photographer based in New York. Larry, together with his wife and kids, and just recently visited the Virgin Islands, and he plans on going back soon. For more photography advice, go to this page.

Photography must-haves that won’t break the bank

Starting professional photographers may not want to have their banks broken by expensive gear, especially when there still isn’t a return on their previous investments. And since saving a few hundred to a thousand dollars may be one’s concern, here are some photography must-haves that are affordable.

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A camera bag is an important part of one’s photography arsenal. A used camera bag can range from $10 to $15, and you can get a brand new one for around $20 to $25. Another critical part of your kit is the camera strap. Most cameras, used or brand new, come with a strap. If your used camera happens to have lost its strap, buying a new one would cost less than $20. Research online to know which straps would best fit your camera to make an informed purchase.

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To keep your camera steady, purchase a tripod. Brand new ones may cost around $250. Used units would cost significantly cheaper. Tripod mounts and heads are as important as the tripod. A monopod costs less, having only one leg, but is perfect for when you’re shooting a fast-moving object.

Flash diffusers is a must-have especially when shooting with flash. This device is handy and inexpensive, eliminating the harsh shadows and burnout produced by the camera’s built-in flash. Reflectors may range from $20 to $25 and are essential for when your job requires you to light a scene or subject without natural light. A battery pack would let you shoot continuously without having to think of your camera’s power dying in the middle of a project.

Larry Moskowitz is a New York-based professional photographer whose work is focused on producing stock and nature photos. He lives with his wife and two kids. Head over to this page for more updates from Larry.

Three photography insights for travelers

One of the most important things travelers do is document their trips through photographs. And it’s a fortunate thing that technology has evolved to the point that cameras can take almost unlimited shots. For us, however, it’s not the quantity, but rather the quality of the images that matter.
On that note, here are three photography insights experts have shared with travelers.

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It’s still photography.
Taking pictures, whether you’re traveling or staying put is still and will always be photography. Therefore, the principles of photography still apply. Use the ‘rule of thirds.’ Don’t shoot against the light. Toggle settings. Change shutter speeds during windy conditions. While you’re at it, try learning basic photography.

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Your main subject is the place, not you.
Travelers, especially new and young ones forget what exploration is all about. The result is a bunch of selfies where their heads block historical monuments or beautiful scenery. It’s a sad thing, but it can be rectified. Always remember that when taking shots, the main subject is the place, not you.

The locals are a part of the place.
In line with our previous insight, local communities are also part of the place you’re visiting, thus, being part of your main subject. Don’t be afraid or hesitant to photograph people living in these areas. It shows depth and culture and humanity.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer focused on stock photos for sale as well as nature photography. He is married and has a son and a daughter, and they recently went on a holiday in the Virgin Islands. For more on Larry, click here.

Stock photography: A brief overview

Stock photography is a thriving niche in today’s digital world. The term comes from the internet, most the time referring to the selling and buying of photos through a stock photo site. On this site, anyone can sign up and upload their photos for buyers to purchase. The photos get sold for a variety of reasons, mostly for use by graphic designers, marketers, advertisers, and magazines and publishers.

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 Depending on their purpose, buyers need stock photos for purposes that make it easy to edit or access. They might need landscape, macro, or industrial subjects, or something that closely conveys what they are trying to sell.

Microstock websites serve as the avenue to present these photography products. Shutterstock is among the most renowned in the world, offering more than 14.3 million photos from 280,000 photographers. Other popular ones include Dreamstime, Fotolia, iStockphoto, and Freedigitalphotos.

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Photographers who count on licensing of stock images as a portion of their regular income, it’s important to keep abreast of developments in the field. They can host their portfolio of photos on their own website, letting people download some photos free while restricting some stuff for purchase. They can also build up a gallery for private clients, sell photos for use on merchandise, or simply upload to these microstock websites to make money with commission rate.

These different websites offer different payment structures and commission rates, so it’s highly advisable to take time reading FAQs, the Getting Started section, and other areas to better understand the trade and its potential.

Larry Moskowitz is a professional photographer focused on stock photos for sale as well as nature photography. He is married and has a son and a daughter. For more on Larry and his interests, visit this page.