The Past - Today

The picture below is a scan of a photograph that I took while in Germany.  

My mom was born in Germany in 1930.  The photograph below is the door that leads to her schoolhouse where she went to school from 1936 to 1938.  I think it's amazing that this door looks exactly the same today as it did over 76 years ago, especially since world war two destroyed much of the surrounding areas.  

For you photographers, I took this photo with a Leica M7 camera and Fuji Reala film.  No edits, direct scan and post.    

True Professional

I have had a few people ask me what does it take to become Certified as a Professional Photographer?  
First you must submit twenty images from twenty individual paid photo sessions. These twenty images will then be reviewed by five independent judges.  All judges must pass your image submissions.  Once all five judges sign off on your images, you are now ready to take the CPP exam, below is an outline of what to expect.  This is a three hour exam with multiple choice and essay questions.   A minimum passing score of 70% is required to pass.  If you pass both the image submissions and the written exam, congratulations, you are now one of less than 2500 CPP's in the US! The certification is valid for five years, at which point you need to go through the process again to maintain your CPP status.


CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER (CPP) TEST SPECIFICATIONS
EFFECTIVE FOR ALL EXAMS BEGINNING 1.20.13
I. CAMERA, LENSES AND ATTACHMENTS (12%)
Items relating to this category will include digital and film cameras as well as the various lenses, menu settings and attachments that might be utilized on either type of camera. The primary focus will be on digital cameras.
A. Select the appropriate camera for subject matter and output requirements. (22% -- 3 items)
1. Knowledge of the types and specifications of digital cameras appropriate for photographic assignments (file size, sensor size, sensor type)
B. Select the appropriate lens based upon size and distance of subject matter as well as desired perspective. (39% -- 5 items)

1. Knowledge of the types of lenses and their impact in terms of different effects
   
2. Knowledge of the limits of lenses (i.e., angle of view)
   
   • Field of view
     
   • Image size
     
3. Knowledge of how to control distortions created by height, distance, and
   angle of camera relative to subjects
   
4. Knowledge of the effects of depth of field based on reproduction ratio and f-stop
   
5. Knowledge of hyperfocal distance
   
6. Knowledge of how size of the camera format influences the effective focal length of the lens
   
7. Knowledge of how size of the image sensor influences the magnification of the lens
   

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C. Use camera, camera menu settings, and camera supports to create a quality image. (28% -- 3 items)

1. Knowledge of camera controls and settings
   
2. Knowledge of the effects of extreme temperatures or humidity upon operation of equipment
   
3. Knowledge of appropriate use of camera supports (tripods, gyroscopes, monopods, bean bags, etc)
   
4. Knowledge of methods used to set white balance
   
   • White balance target (gray card)
     
   • Calibration disc (e.g., expo disc)
     
   • Color temperature
     
5. Knowledge of the impact on file size and format (TIFF, JPEG, Raw, etc)
   on final image
   

D. Select and use the appropriate lens attachment (11% -- 1 item)
1. Knowledge of lens modifiers (e.g., bellows, hoods, polarizing filters, protective filters, UV filters, vignetting, neutral density, extension tubes)

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II. COMPOSITION AND DESIGN (25%)
Items relating to this area will focus on the following topics: (1) Subject placement within image area; (2) Special effects, including props; (3) location; (4) clothing; (5) posing; (6) color harmony/color wheel; and (7) coordination of background and subject.
A. Determine the best color relationship to complement subject(s) to achieve the desired effects. (15% -- 4 items)

1. Knowledge of color harmony, interactions, and effects in order to coordinate subjects with backgrounds and enhance the final image
   
   • Reflective light environment
     
   • T onal values and hues
     
   • Contrast
     
   • Saturation of color
     
   • Effect of patterns
     
2. Knowledge of the color wheel
   
3. Knowledge of how colors portray mood
   
4. Knowledge of color schemes:
   
   • Achromatic,
     
   • Clash,
     
   • Neutral,
     
   • Primary,
     
   • Secondary Split Complementary,
     
   • Tertiary,
     
   • Monotone,
     
   • Analogous,
     
   • Monochromatic,
     
   • Harmonious,
     
   • Complementary
     
5. Facets of color:
   
   • Warm.
     
   • cold,
     
   • bright,
     
   • pale,
     
   • hot,
     
   • light,
     
   • dark
     
   • Recede (cool) versus Project (warm)
     

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B. Analyze the natural environment to complement subject(s) to achieve the desired effects. (15% -- 4 items)
1. Knowledge of how to adapt to the environment (understand the environment to achieve a photographic advantage)

• Color harmony
  
• Patterns
  
• Subject placement
  
• Direction of lighting
  
• Distractions
  
• Balance
  

C. Frame or crop the picture within the camera’s viewfinder. (10% - - 2 items)

1. Knowledge of cropping pictures to create desired effects
   
2. Knowledge of aspect ratios
   

4. Use angle of view to produce the desired effect (mood, power, size, strength, etc). (23% -- 6 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of perspective effects and how to achieve these effects (perspective, camera angle, camera position)
      
   2. Knowledge of the elements of composition that create different effects (Rule of thirds, leading lines, positive/negative space, etc)
      
5. Position subject(s) with selected background, special effects, and props to achieve the desired effect. (14% -- 3 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of how to compose the elements within a scene to create the desired effect
      
   2. Knowledge of using props as complementary accessories to the subject matter
      
   3. Knowledge of how to achieve what the client desires – scenarios
      
6. Pose individuals and multiple subjects to achieve the most flattering results (23% -- 6 items)
   

1. Feminine/masculine posing (S-curve, C-curve)

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2. Group posing (Pyramid, triangular, spacing, connection)
   
3. Body posing (full face, 2/3, profile, breaking the plane [Rule of 2], appendage and weight placement)
   

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III. DIGITAL POST PRODUCTION (13%)
Items measuring this specification will include: (1) color space; (2) file formats and resolution; (3) color management; (4) digital manipulation and (5) storage. Basic knowledge of post-production software (e.g., Photoshop) will be necessary.

1. Understand the best color space in which to work. (10% -- 1 item)
   
   1. Knowledge of color spaces (RGB, CMYK, SRGB, Adobe 9, Adobe Pro RGB)
      
   2. Knowledge of color space for printing and reproduction
      
2. Select appropriate file format. (19% -- 2 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of file formats (TIFF, DNG, JPEG, EPS, PSD, PNG, BMP, PICT, GIF, RAW, etc)
      
   2. Knowledge of PPI versus DPI
      
3. Create/employ a color management system. (27% -- 4 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of monitor calibration and viewing characteristics
      
   2. Knowledge of color/ICC profiles
      
4. Select appropriate file management and archival systems. (17% -- 2 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of back-up/archive media (CD, DVD, clouds, flash drives, hard drives, etc)
      
   2. Knowledge computer operations (active RAM, storage, virtual memory)
      
5. Manipulate digital images (27% -- 4 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of available techniques to manipulate digital images (exposure, color correction/balance, adjusting levels, details, dodge & burn, etc.)
      
   2. Knowledge of cause and effect in the manipulation of digital images
      

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IV. EXPOSURE AND METERS (15%)
Items measuring this set of specifications will include (1) how to meter for the correct exposure; and (2) the relationship between shutter speed and f-stop.

1. Employ a light meter properly to achieve desired exposures. (38% -- 6 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of proper use of incident, reflective or spot meters
      
   2. Knowledge of the conditions under which meters should be used
      
   3. Knowledge of how to interpret light meter readings
      
2. Set f/stops and shutter speed based upon exposure and desired effects. (35% -- 5 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of relationship between shutter speed, f-stop and ISO to produce the desired result
      
      • f-stop for depth of field,
        
      • shutter speed for stop action,
        
      • dragging shutter,
        
      • control of noise or grain
        
   2. Knowledge of equivalent exposures (reciprocity factor)
      
   3. Knowledge of exposure compensation relative to lighting situations (light absorption and reflection values, skin tones)
      
3. Verify proper exposure. (27% -- 4 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of how to use a gray card to achieve exposure value
      
   2. Knowledge of how to read and interpret a histogram
      
   3. Knowledge of exposure compensation (bellows factor and filter factor)
      

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V. IMAGE CAPTURE, AND OUTPUT (10%)
Items included in this section will measure of image capture and output options (paper, electronic, web, etc.).

1. Select the appropriate capture media for subject matter, format requirements, and final job requirements. (38% -- 4 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of appropriate use and effects of different ISO values (noise)
      
   2. Knowledge of limitations of file size relative to enlarging capabilities (Need to write generic items or locate a standard to use)
      
   3. Knowledge of appropriate selection of capture file format (JPEG, RAW, TIFF)
      
   4. Knowledge of the various capture media (compact flash, write speed, micro drives, etc)
      
2. Identify and correct problems in images. (24% -- 2 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of possible problems in image capture (white balance, dust spot on chip, flash synchronization)
      
   2. Knowledge of how to correct problems in image capture (white balance, moiré, noise reduction, lens flare, sharpening, halation)
      
3. Output/Print image to desired medium. (38% -- 4 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of file sizes relative to final output
      
   2. Knowledge of the necessary instructions (use of cropping guides, monochrome vs color preference, etc) to provide the lab (Look for a reference first as may be difficult to reference)
      
   3. Knowledge of the different output devices relative to the reproduction requirements (scanning, printer, web, printing press)
      
   4. Knowledge of different delivery methods (e.g., film, CD, paper, FTP, internet)
      
   5. Knowledge of resolution required for output (ink jet, photo lab, Dye sublimation printers, and web, etc.)
      
   6. Knowledge of output devices and longevity
      

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VI. LIGHTING (25%)
This portion of the examination will measure (1) how to best light the subject; (2) possible types of lighting (Studio, Ambient, Flash, Daylight); (3) lighting design; and (4) lighting equipment.

1. Evaluate the source(s) of light at the location where subject(s) will be photographed to determine the tools necessary to complete the assignment. (15% -- 4 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of various light sources and specialized light equipment to created desired effects
      
   2. Knowledge of how to use remote triggering (infrared, photosensitive, or radio)
      
2. Determine the lighting ratio. (11% -- 3 items)
   

1. Knowledge of establishing desired lighting ratios (main light and fill light versus main light and reflector fill)
C. Understand light modifiers (light blockers, black reflectors, gels, spots, flags, etc.) and their uses. (12% -- 3 items)

1. Knowledge of use of modification devices to achieve desired effects (gels, reflectors, umbrellas, soft boxes, foil, parabolics, etc)
   
2. Knowledge of additive and subtractive light
   

4. Determine the type of lighting design (Rembrandt, split, broad, short, etc.) to be used with the given subject(s). (17% -- 4 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of soft, hard and diffused light sources for producing desired effects
      
   2. Knowledge of desired light pattern effects that can be obtained on different subjects and/or background (e.g., individuals, groups, weddings, tabletop, outdoors, etc.)
      
   3. Knowledge of directing and combining lights (corrective lighting) with different subjects to create desired effects and complement them
      
5. Determine the appropriate lighting usage (main, fill, etc) for subject(s). (24% -- 6 items)
   

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1. Knowledge and placement of main/key, fill, background, accent lights to achieve desired effects (control shadows, create depth, enhance subject matter)
   
2. Knowledge of techniques for controlling/utilizing light (natural light, window, outdoor, studio, mixed, incandescent, florescent, painting with light)
   
3. Knowledge of backlighting for producing desired effects
   
4. Knowledge of lighting products (reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque)
   
5. Knowledge of using flash fill techniques (indoor and outdoor; Sunny 16 rule)
   
6. Knowledge of on-camera and off-camera flash techniques (TTL, manual, guide numbers)
   

6. Understand the theory of light. (10% -- 3 items)
   
   1. Knowledge of the light spectrum, color temperature and color balance
      
   2. Knowledge of the properties of reflectance (angle of reflectance equals angle of incidence, influence on color, etc.)
      
   3. Knowledge of the properties of light (fall-off, size of light source, depth of light, inverse square law, distance to subject, etc.)
      
7. Select the appropriate filter for color correction of the light source. (4% -- 1 item)
   

1. Knowledge of filters used for color correction
H. Use lighting techniques as composition and design elements. (4% -- 1 items)

1. Knowledge of how to coordinate composition and lighting to create the desired effect
   
2. Knowledge of the use of gels, grids, or cookies to alter the relationship among subjects or products
   

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A Veterans Day Thank You

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I ended. This day became known as "Armistice Day." In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Similarly, unknown soldiers had been buried in England at Westminster Abbey and at France at the Arc de Triomphe. All of these memorials took place on November 11th to commemorate the end of the "war to end all wars."

In 1926, Congress resolved to officially call November 11th Armistice Day. Then in 1938, the day was named a national holiday. Soon afterwords war broke out in Europe and World War II began.

Soon after the end of World War II, a veteran of that war named Raymond Weeks organized "National Veterans Day" with a parade and festivities to honor all veterans. He chose to hold this on Armistice Day. Thus began annual observances of a day to honor all veterans not just the end of World War I. In 1954, Congress officially passed and President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veteran's Day. Due to his part in the creation of this national holiday, Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Ronald Reagan in November 1982.

In 1968, Congress changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, the significance of November 11 was such that the changed date never really got established. In 1978, Congress returned the observance of Veterans Day to its traditional date.

Each Veterans Day should be a time when We Americans stop and remember the brave men and women who have risked their lives for the United States of America.  Without these brave men and women our great country would not exist.  

Our small way of giving thanks to our Veterans is to give ALL VETERANS 25% OFF ALL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY.  Please contact us at this link: Veterans Contact Info and give us the details for your personal or family portrait, and we will give you the best service and price possible.  

Thank you for your Brave Service!

Five Looks

I recently spent about an hour and a half with actor, and voice artist Chad Quidor.

We met face to face for the first time just minutes before we started shooting.  We did have a few phone conversations prior to meeting where we talked about exactly what Chad needed.
Chad is creating a new professional web-site and he needed about "five looks" that show his dynamic range of personalities.  Once his site is completed I will add a link directly so you can check it out.

These seven photos are a great example of five distinct looks ranging from the professional and studious, to the cowboy-rancher, don't you agree?

In the little time I spent with Chad, it was easy to see that he was a true professional that takes his craft seriously.  His easy going personality and great sense of humor will also serve him well.

As promised, here is a direct link to Chad's site:  thekeyvoice.com 

If you are looking for an emcee for your upcoming event, need a great voice for your commercial, or a model or background actor for your film project, be sure to contact Chad at his link above.  Be sure to listen to the cool voice demo on his site as well.

Photographic Style

With digital cameras becoming cheaper and better than ever before, it's no surprise that everyone seems to be a "photographer!"  Anybody can push that shutter button and take a fairly decent photo.

If you are planning a Wedding and are looking for a photographer, "decent" should not be what you are looking for in a photographer.  This, of course, applies to Portrait and Event Photography too!  While it is true that cameras are better than ever, it does not mean that anyone is automatically a great photographer.  What it means is that they are owners of great cameras.  I own a real nice guitar but Eric Clapton I'm not.  That's for sure!

One of the biggest mistakes people make when looking for a photographer is to do a goggle search and sort by price.  Did you know that in many photo websites the images posted were not even taken by that photographer?  Sad but true, and very bad for our industry!  I hear all too often the horror stories about the wedding photographer that didn't show up at all, or that the pictures were mere snapshots.

While price is important, potential clients need to get to know their prospective photographer.  Talk with them, get to know them and ask about their STYLE of photography.  A professional photographer that knows what he or she is doing will be able to quickly and intelligently answer that question.  While the amateur  photographer will struggle to answer.  There are many great photographers out there, you just need to take the time to find and talk with them.  Your efforts will be well rewarded with photos you will be proud to share and own.


Please take a look at our STYLE of Photography by clicking the link below.  If you live in Southern California and are in the market for a photographer, your consideration would be appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by!
Terry

Our Style of Photography

Gabriel Rite: The "Rite" DJ for you!

Over the last few years, we have photographed many weddings and worked with many DJ's. When you have been a part of so many weddings you begin to truly realize the importance of all the elements that make up a successful wedding;  From the wedding planner, the caterer, and the DJ.

A good DJ not only plays great  music, the music the bride and groom want, but he controls the energy level of the room!  Gabriel is one for these DJ's that really keeps things going!  He does a great job of "reading the room" so there is never a dull moment!  Something else that impressed me about Gabriel is the way he dressed and the way he conducts himself.  He's very professional and respectful!

So if you are looking for a truly great DJ for you wedding, your next party, etc; be sure and give Gabriel a call and check-out his web-site link at the bottom of this page.

Mr. Gabriel Rite 

Me & Gabriel

http://www.musicallymixedup.com/#!philosophy

Fall is for Senior Portraits too!

The fall season is one of my favorite seasons.  The temperature drops and the leaves start dropping too.  But not before they transform into all those beautiful fall colors!

Fall is also the perfect time for High School or College Senior Portraits!  Not only are the  landscapes beautiful,  the cooler temperatures are welcomed by all, especially the seniors, which makes for a fun photo session for sure!  And when all is said and done, you'll have all those great photos and a few you can use for Holiday cards as well.

If all this doesn't convince you, prices for senior portraits are typically lower than they are durning the start of the year as well!  So why not give your local pro a call and schedule a session for your senior today.

And if your in Southern California, I'd love to shoot your senior (with my camera that is!).

The beautiful senior in these photos is Macy.  Her charming personality, sense of humor, and genuine smiles, shine through in these photos.

Fall Time is Family Time!

Fall Time is Family Time, if not, it certainly should be!  In fact Family time should be all the time right!

This is the time of year  when we start to think about Thanksgiving and Christmas, and right now is the perfect time to take family photos so you can get your Holiday cards sent out in time!
You'll also have some pretty new family portraits to show off during all those family gatherings to come.  Of course they make great gifts for grandparents and aunts & uncles too!

We have put together some amazing deals for your holiday portraits, so please click on the link below an have a look.

http://www.kuhlphotos.com/Investment/Promotions/25101126_Vtmm8r

Head-Shots

Here are a selection of Head-Shots I took for a client recently in Temecula Ca.  We only spent about an hour together, but look at all the variations of portraits we shot in such a short time.

Teresa is a professional performer so I wanted to be sure and capture her personality from different perspectives.
She brought five wardrobe changes to the session and you can see here that this allowed us to create quite a diverse set of Head-Shots in just an hour!  Proof that proper preparation is key to a successful photo shoot.  And when you are properly prepared, you'll have a lot more fun during the session as well!