Janique Goff Madison

  Janique Goff Madison encourages new photographers to invest in a good DSLR camera. While it can be a bit pricey, a quality camera will help a beginner master the skills in a short amount of time. A good model will also last for years. Here are some of the best entry-level DSLR cameras for 2021: Image source: Unsplash.com Canon EOS 850D Canon has always been trusted by photographers. Whether it's with the camera models or equipment, many await the brand's new releases. This new unit in the Rebel series is a nice match for beginners as it is fast and reliable. Aside from being a good camera for taking still images, it also has a 4K video mode that is just as good. Easy to carry and navigate, it will allow photographers to enjoy learning and exploring the craft. The long battery life is also a plus. Image source: Unsplash.com Nikon D5600 While this is quite an older model, it is still a good investment for the year 2021. Nikon cameras are known for being sturdy a...

  Many think it is easy to break into the world of professional photography. Some consider equipment to be the sole basis of being a professional photographer—it could not be further from the truth. And stroke of luck won’t bring one too far. Professional photography requires exceptional skills and more, including qualities that are not necessarily exclusive to the artform. Image source: pexels.com Image source: pexels.com Technical skills are undoubtedly the most important weapon a photographer can possess. Beginning photographers must note that their ability to shoot relies heavily on their attention to detail, composition, and understanding of lighting. It is also important for one to be adept with using their own camera. Being familiar with one’s gear enables them to shoot comfortably and swiftly no matter how much conditions change, says San Diego-based student photographer Janique Goff Madison. Being artistic and creative affords one the capacity to create shots that a...

It's still safer to stay at home. During these times, photographers need a creative outlet that will allow them to upgrade their skills even if they can't go out of the house often. Photography enthusiast and pet lover Janique Goff Madison shares some ideas for photo projects that will keep furry friends and their owners occupied indoors. Image source: Unsplash.com A day in the life Showing what a pet does the entire day can be a good creative exercise. Instead of shooting from the human's point-of-view, it would be better to use the animal's perspective to make things look funny and interesting. One can capture their pets taking a bath, grooming themselves, eating, playing, sleeping, or hanging out with their owners. Focusing on their expressions will also add to the storytelling, says Janique Goff Madison . Image source: Unsplash.com Bring the pets closer to nature No need to go to the park for this activity. Photographers can just take their pets to the bac...

Image source: neilpatel.com  Not all photographers are keen to use post-processing software on their computers to enhance the images they capture. Sure, most of the work still has to depend on how one composes images through their lenses. However, a little help from editing can make one a better photographer. See photos on a larger screen for instant feedback on one’s own work, says Janique Goff Madison . Getting images on the editing software helps a photographer check the potential in photos. Straighten and resize images for a more professional look . It's important to ensure that the horizon is straight to prevent viewers from noticing something off with the scene. Avoid thinking of post-processing to alter the reality of the photo, rather a way to become a better photographer. When photographers are not mindful of their camera's white balance settings, a distorted subject caused by bad lighting conditions is often the outcome. Shoot in RAW to quickly correct the...

  Photography has become largely accessible to children of all ages, all thanks to the advanced camera technology present in smartphones. While photography is within their reach, true love and appreciation for the discipline may take some time to develop in a child’s consciousness. Image source: sharpshotsphotoclub.co.uk One way to kindle a child’s interest in photography is by surrounding them with great photography, shares Janique Goff Madison. Kids are generally intrigued by animal photos, which makes it a good starting point. Once a child is familiar with the concept of taking images, encourage them to take their own photos and explore. Take it slow the techniques and methods. Allow them to discover the discipline on their own. Following their own exploration, teach the child about background and foreground. Framing starts with scanning the surroundings of the subject. Image source: claremurthy.com Teach them the proper way to handle all kinds of cameras. Kids these ar...

  Animals in shelters badly need new fur-rever homes, but it’s never easy to find the best for them. In many cases, the characteristics and qualities of animals in shelter are not captured well, causing prospective adoptive parents to take a step back to reconsider until they totally let go of the rescues.  Image source: petapixel.com Good photography is important when it comes to animal rescue, says San Diego-based student and photography fan Janique Goff Madison. Any composition with bad lighting is ultimately a bad photo. When rescue animals have their photos taken in a relaxed, fun, warm, and well-lit environment, their loving and cuddly sides can be seen. It would be a disservice to rescue animals just to post photos of them that look frightened, hostile, and injured when they possess the total opposite of those qualities.  Image source: boredpanda.com Most prospective pet parents first meet an animal through a social media post by an animal shelter. Such posts...

  Janique Goff Madison is a photography student who enjoys visiting national parks. Going to these places allow her to hone her skills. To truly make the most of a trip to these places, here are some guidelines worth remembering.  Image source: Unsplash.com Respect the wildlife Photographers should keep a safe distance from the animals. They should also avoid feeding and petting the animals for their own safety. While it's alright to take photos, one should avoid using flash as much as possible as it can scare or distract the animals. It’s also important to note that respecting wildlife involves preserving their habitat and keeping it clean.  Seek permission when working with models and sets According to Janique Goff Madison, photographers don't need to get a permit if they're just going on a photowalk or touring the parks on their own. However, if they're going to work with models or build sets, they need to get a permit from park authorities especially if the ...

For many photographers, staying at home means less opportunities to cover events, capture the beauty of nature, document people's reactions, and more. But while waiting for the chance to freely go out and enjoy the outdoors, photographers might need to keep their cameras for the time being. Janique Goff Madison shares some storage tips to keep these precious items safe. Image source: Pixabay.com Image source: Pixabay.com Remove the batteries and memory card Sometimes photographers accidentally turn on their cameras when it's not in use which can drain the battery. To preserve battery life and prevent potential hazards, one should always remember to power off the camera and remove the batteries. The memory card should also be removed especially if the camera won't be used for more than a month. Keep the lens cap Janique Goff Madison explains that the lens is a fragile part of the camera. Whether the camera is using a built-in lens or a det...

Photography student Janique Goff Madison says that lighting is crucial when it comes to taking pictures. While most people would just take photos without really considering the brightness or the depth, shutterbugs need to be aware of these things. Here are some things worth remembering about lighting.   Image source: Pexels.com  Image source: Pexels.com When to use flash Most people think that flash should be used when there's not enough light to capture the photo clearly. Others avoid using flash because it can be inconvenient for subjects, or it can make the photo look too sharp. Flash can be used to minimize shadows, to expose images properly, and to capture movement clearly. Learning to diffuse flash can also help make the images look softer and more realistic. Understanding shadows Janique Goff Madison recounts how some newbie photographers consider shadows as more of an enemy rather than something they can play with. Lighting from bel...

Photographers are doing the best they can to be productive during the lockdown. It's not business as usual for the world, but the improvement must continue. One of the best ways to stay on top of your photography game is by building a budget studio at home. Janique Goff Madison . Image source: pixelz.com The most common photography equipment a studio needs is a lightbox. If these are not available at home and if shipping is still allowed, purchase the following: two desk lamps, two led light bulbs (preferably 60W), and one roll of white paper . Look for any unnecessary coffee table or folding table at home. If there isn't any, consider purchasing one for the home studio. With everything bought and gathered, it's time to find the perfect spot for the studio. Janique Goff Madison . Image source: fixthephoto.com Place the table near a wall. Grab the white paper roll and tape its ends on the wall and let it roll down—the objective is to create a smo...

Gifts are a great way to show appreciation for someone. Loved ones who are into photography will surely enjoy gifts that will help them sharpen their skills. Photography student Janique Goff Madison shares some great gift ideas fellow shutterbugs will truly be grateful for. Check out this list. Image source: Pexels.com Image source: Pexels.com Camera and lens cleaning kit Instead of taking the camera to a shop for cleaning, why not give a photographer their own cleaning kit? Aside from removing the dirt and fingerprints on the lens, some kits involve cleaning materials for the body. No matter the level, a clean camera will always lead to clearer pictures. Pocket reflector For more advanced photographers, a reflector is a must-have equipment. However, for on-the-go photogs, this can be inconvenient to carry. Janique Goff Madison says that a pocket reflector is the perfect gift for those who are keen about the lighting in their images. Whether shooting wi...

First-time camera buyers aren’t the only ones in need of sound advice when purchasing a camera; amateur and professional photographers may also need guidance as to how to choose the best units for their use. Janique Goff Madison . Image source: shotkit.com Image source: borrowlenses.com Before heading to a camera shop to purchase expensive gear, it’s best to know a few tips to buy the most favorable one. If one’s budget is at the lower end of the price bracket, consider purchasing past models soon as the new ones are released in stores. Camera stores tend to hold clearance sales when new models are ordered and piling in their storage. Brands follow different releasing calendars. Be on the lookout for the best deals by staying updated with the camera world. Janique Goff Madison . When it comes to gear itself, consider the storage space. Hard drive space is incredibly important as it affects the megapixel count. Some cameras produce photos with bigger RAW files. ...

Film photography is coming back in style. These days more people are becoming reacquainted with the old way of capturing images. But along with this renewed love for prints, photographers and photo collectors also need to learn simple tricks to preserve the quality of their prints. Check out these tips. Janique Goff Madison . Image source: Pexels.com   Keep the pictures in a PVC-free box To make these print photos last long, it might be good to store them in a PVC-free box. These containers have less harmful chemicals that can damage the quality of the photos. Some even suggest putting acid-free paper in between the images when storing to avoid dust and moisture from ruining the prints. Janique Goff Madison . Protect each photo with a plastic sleeve or a clear sandwich bag For those who want to store their photos one by one, using a PVC-free sleeve or a sandwich bag can do the trick. Instead of using peel-and-stick albums, it might be better to place ea...

The best time to switch to mirrorless Janique Goff Madison Image source: bbc.com Image source: dpreview.com It seems like it hasn’t been that long since the world switched from using SLRs to DSLRs. Now, hobbyists and professional photographers are hustling to get the latest mirrorless cameras. Will going mirrorless improve image quality and composition? Janique Goff Madison. The answer is no. The latest technology in photography wouldn’t be effective without great lenses. The main selling point of mirrorless cameras is its weight and size. A camera as powerful as the heaviest DSLR weighing less than what the world is used to is the greatest edge mirrorless cameras have against DSLRs. Veteran photographers urge hobbyists and amateur photographers to invest in improving their craft and building an arsenal of quality lenses before deciding to switch to mirrorless technology. Janique Goff Madison If one decides to pursue a career in photography, going mirrorless...

Street photography can be an entirely different beast: it documents peoples in their daily environment, and it encompasses both living (humans) and non-living (places and objects) elements. Janique Goff Madison, a photography student and nature lover who studies at San Diego State University, offers a quick introduction to this type of photography. Image source: PhotographyLife.com     Digital Photography School compares street photography to “daydreaming with a camera.” Why? It’s a candid take on life and the various facets in and around it, from people to buses and trains to their everyday interactions. People don’t actually need to be present for an image to be deemed a street photography; the photo doesn’t even need to be shot in a city or a busy marketplace. It can be taken anywhere and can show any scene, which actually makes “street photography” a clunky term that a number of photographers dislike. When it comes to camera equipment, less is definite...

Photography, when treated as a passionate hobby can lead you to shoots that entail being exposed to extreme weather conditions. For moments like these, you would need to protect your precious camera gear. Photography student, Janique Goff Madison, shares some tips how to keep your camera safe for outdoor shots. Image source: shutterbug.com Wrap your camera in protective rain cover. Moisture is the main culprit for malfunctioning cameras, especially in humid weather. To prevent this from happening, purchase a protective rain cover. If you want to save some cash, Janique Goff Madison suggests using a non-biodegradable plastic shopping bag as long as all the rubber doors that cover your camera inputs are sealed. Always bring a dry cloth. Always keep a clean, dry cloth handy to wipe away any kind of condensed water on the outside of your camera and lenses. Keep three to four small cuts of dry cloth sealed in a plastic bag to keep them dry and reusable at all times. I...

I long for the day when people would hear the name Janique Goff Madison and think about my body of work. As an aspiring pro photographer, my love for the craft started when I was very young. When I started going to college and learning all the technicalities, taking photos started feeling like a chore. Even if I consider photography to be a passion, I started feeling burnt out. Thankfully, one of my mentors encouraged me to spend a part of my vacation without a camera. Here’s how taking a break from the shutterbug life can revive ingenuity: Image source: Pexels.com It forces you to be in the moment As a photographer, there are times when events passed by like a blur because I was busy capturing the highlights. While you need to be quick and creative on the job, there are times when you don’t always have to shoot. Having a time off from being the designated photog kind of forced me enjoy the scenery and the company. That day, I was Janique Goff Madison the friend a...

The most important and powerful tool available to photographers is natural light. Whether you’re a pro, a hobbyist, or a beginner in the field of photography, you can never go wrong with it. Having a good understanding of how natural light works and how to employ it in your composition is one of the keys to improve your photography skills. Image source: picturecorrect.com A critical thing to remember is that the characteristics of natural lighting change due to the time of day. Basically, there are different kinds of light which you can use according to the mood you’re going after. Learn to wait for the right natural light to achieve the results you want. Understand that there is no good or bad lighting, only more appropriate ones for the shot you desire to get. Take note of the golden hour; it makes everything look majestic and magical due to its soft and golden tinting characteristics. However, it’s also good to not depend on the golden hour for all the photos you t...

There are many great reasons to spend a fortune on photography gear. However, gear alone won’t help you improve your photography skills. Professional photographers would tell beginners that the best way to learn the art is by using a cheap camera, beat it up, then build from there. Image source: pinterest.com Some photographers might look down on others for using less expensive gear; that shouldn’t matter. Focus on enhancing your skills and learning new techniques daily with your budget camera. Post-processing can make or break a good photo. If you place the same photo in front of a professional photographer, taken by different cameras—one expensive, one budget-friendly—, they wouldn’t notice the difference unless they do an extreme zoom on an area of the picture. Avoid becoming the photographer who relies more on gear than on talent. Image source: jooinn.com Editing is important in this industry. You don’t need the latest MacBook to edit like a pro, although ...