{ PHOTOGRAFIAC }

Photografiac | INTRO

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it “– Unknown

These words may be confusing to some, but yet so true when you really start to understand photography.

The importance of a photographer’s ability to work with his/her camera together with a co-operative model and suitable environment, play such a big role in the outcome of the photo.

Part 1 | EDUCATION

I am frequently asked where I studied my photography and designing, and actually so scared to share it as people are so quick to judge. You sometimes get the impression if you don’t have a degree in your occupation, people won’t think you are capable, experienced or skilled enough. With photography and design, this just ain’t true. Photography and design is an occupation where you learn something new every day. The more you work, the more you learn. If this is your passion, you thrive in every moment you learn something new. You don’t need to study for 3 years to believe in yourself. 

There are many courses that teach you only the basics, and give you the opportunity to go and experience and teach yourself, which I believe is the best way to remember rather than being spoonfed or having a mentor forcing his personal style on to you.

Shoot and design as much as you can. Your work will improve each time!

" Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not...nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not...unrewarded genius is almost legendary. Education will not... the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. " - Calvin Coolidge

Part 2 | PASSION

I am very fortunate to say that my passion turned out to be my income. My love for graphic designing, art and photography, gave me the dedication, perseverance and stamina to be willing to learn more and not give up on my dream. I think it is very important to love what you do in any occupation. Without the will to succeed and grow, you will find it hard to achieve your goals. Photography and design, like any other occupation of choice, can’t make you successful just because you simply have the ability. You need the passion to drive you.

Part 3 | BRANDS

Now, I am a Canon babe. I have tried others and I don’t regret investing in them for one minute. Canon is not only very user friendly and a great camera for learning, but they are very economic and less expensive. Camera brands are much like cars. It is a matter of personal taste and experience.

Part 4 | STYLE

Every photographer/designer has different “styles” they develop over time. You will know this mostly by their edit work, angles used and use of lightning. ( Now, don’t deny that most of us check out others work for inspiration. We all do it one time or another, and it is great when you actually are able to learn a few things from each other. )

I love working with natural light. It is my personal choice of style but there is really no such thing as right/wrong in photography. Not every artist has been successful by only following the rules. Don’t be afraid to bend them! Experimenting is so important, especially when just starting with photography. You, together with the world, are your best teacher. 

Sometimes I even over expose my photos as it gives a softer look to the harsh shadows, where some photographers may see it as poor skill. There is no correct style, it is personal taste. But I believe in using different styles and staying with what is fashionable at the moment. Every shoot has a different atmosphere, and story to tell. Whether it is a business or a love shoot, it is our jobs as photographers to catch that moments and reveal it as it is not always seen through the human eye. Off course weather and environment also play a role in your style of choice.

I have experienced clients referring to one of my earlier shoots or somebody else’s work, but something you should keep in mind is not only do photographers avoid repeating an exact shoot style with another client to keep our work unique, but the time, weather and location of your shoot may be different and may force us as photographers to use different styling, or even so, go to studio. ***

Part 5 | PLANNING & PREPARATION

The work before and after a shoot is much more than you’d think. The weather needs to be checked, location picked out, poses brainstormed, colour scheme chosen, models must be prepped, if professional makeup is used; the artist will also have to prep with the colour scheme, only to name a few! 

To give you an idea for example the weather; if it is sunny, you must know where the sun is standing at that specific times and where the shade will fall. That is why I will always go to the location let’s say 2 days before a shoot to check out angles and lighting I want to use. Your colour scheme and location should complement each other as well. Every bit of detailed planning helps you get the shot you aim for.

Prep prep prep!

Part 6 | MAKE-UP

Now, if you are shooting a model for instance, it is good to know a thing or two about makeup if you don’t have a professional at hand. I have the luck of having a sister who is a very successful artist and beautician. Good make-up can really kick up the standard of your photos! Wrong base colour, stripes, outrageous eyeshadow, can make your viewers think “Eeeeeeeeeeeeek” and I can promise you it ain’t going to affect anybody’s reputation but the photographer’s. Try to keep it natural if you are not doing a crazy high fashion shoot. 

Check out my sisters page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bella-Faccia/185034358186706?ref=ts&fref=ts