What is Photography?

Photography is a way to express ourselves and share our perspective with others. It can be used to tell stories, convey emotions, and capture the beauty of the world. With the advent of digital photography, it's become more accessible than ever before, with anyone able to take photos with their smartphone or a simple point-and-shoot camera.

But while anyone can take a photo, not everyone can take a good photo. A great photograph requires not just technical skill, but also an artistic eye and a sense of creativity. It's about understanding light, composition, and colour, and knowing how to use these elements to create a compelling image.

Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, there's always more to learn about photography. From understanding the technical aspects of your camera to developing your own unique style, there are countless opportunities to improve your skills and create images that truly speak to you and others.

As a wedding photographer, I see myself as a storyteller, documenting the unique story of each couple's special day. It's about capturing the love, joy, and relationships between people in a way that is authentic and timeless. The best wedding photographs tell a story and will be cherished for years to come.

What is Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO in Photography?

Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are three fundamental elements of photography that every photographer should understand. These three components work together to determine how much light enters the camera, and therefore, how bright or dark your photo will be.

Aperture refers to the opening in your camera lens that controls how much light enters the camera. The larger the aperture, the more light will enter the camera and the shallower your depth of field will be. A shallow depth of field is great for portraits, where you want to blur the background and focus on the subject.

Shutter speed determines how long the camera's shutter stays open, and therefore, how much light enters the camera. A faster shutter speed will freeze action and reduce motion blur, while a slower shutter speed will create motion blur and allow more light to enter the camera.

ISO refers to the camera's sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the camera is to light, allowing you to shoot in low light situations. However, a high ISO can also introduce digital noise to your image.

Understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is essential for taking control of your photography and creating the images you want. With practice and experimentation, you'll be able to find the perfect balance between these elements to create stunning photos that capture your unique vision.

We can get creative by using this knowledge to alter how photos look! The below images show how a off-camera flash can freeze a subject during a long exposure (longer shutter speed).

What is Bokeh?

Bokeh is a term commonly used in photography to describe the out-of-focus areas in an image, typically in the background. It refers to the quality of the blur, which can range from smooth and creamy to rough and edgy.

Bokeh is often used to create a sense of depth and separation between the subject and the background. The bokeh effect can also add a dreamy and romantic feel to an image, making it a popular technique for portrait and wedding photography.

To achieve a beautiful bokeh effect, you need to use a lens with a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or wider. The wider the aperture, the shallower the depth of field, which means the background will be more out of focus and the bokeh effect will be more pronounced.

Bokeh is a creative tool that can be used to add interest and depth to your photos. By controlling the aperture, you can create a soft and dreamy bokeh effect, or a more intense and edgy one. So experiment with your camera settings and lenses, and discover the power of bokeh in your photography!

Some examples of Bokeh balls can be seen below by shooting fairy lights in the background at f/1.4.