Bojana Korach Photography

10 Easy Ways to Get the Most out of the Wedding Portrait Shoot

2011-12-06T14:04:00.001-08:00

Portraying romance into timeless images is not as easy as it seems for a newlywed couple. It's usually a brand new and completely unfamiliar experience for both people involved. It certainly doesn't help that there is a time limit and that there is an unknown person/photographer holding a camera directing them what to do.
Romantic image is idealized and to be achieved requires a small amount of effort. I put together a list of 10 different tips which while quite simple can make all the difference when trying to translate romance through the lens of the camera.

Here you go:

1. The key to a romantic image vs. a standard portrait is that there is no interaction between the subject and photographer. As soon as the subject looks at the camera, the feeling of intimacy and romance disappears.
2. Timing is quite important when creating a romantic feel. The absolute best time for a romantic photo shoot is the hour before the sunset and about 15-20 minutes after the sun is down, also known as the Golden Hour.
3. Location is quite important as well. The location needs to have an intimate feeling without too many distractions. For example, beach is an amazing spot but can be quite challenging especially when there is a lot of people around.
4. Closing the eyes can create a relaxed, dreamy look.
5. A woman gazing down or off to the side while the man directs his gaze towards the woman is another posing option which has a beautiful effect.
6. Hands need to be in a relaxed position. Clinched fists for example can have quite a negative effect.
7. When kissing, try not to smash faces together. Take it slow and hold about an inch before lips make contact. Don't pucker lips and relax your face.
8. Look at your partner straight on without tilting your head too much to the side when kissing.
9. Being playful and natural is encouraged, but just keep in mind romantic images tend to be of more serious nature.
10. Holding hands while walking toward the photographer and away can create quite a natural and romantic feel. While walking lean in for a kiss without completely stopping.

These tips are easy and simple and can make all the difference.

Thanks for reading.

Family Session at Baker Beach in San Francisco

2011-11-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day in San Francisco. Baker Beach can be cloudy and windy especially in mid November, but not this time. An amazing day and even more amazing family. A real treat for a photographer, in this case ME. :)

My goal with every photo shoot is to portray subjects with as much honesty as possible. I like to capture true emotion, fun, beauty and love. I don't like directing much. Directing usually gets in the way of what I try to achieve. Rather, I try to have my subjects relax, play around, and enjoy their time. I want them to forget about my camera and feel comfortable.

Thank you Respicio family for letting me into your world. I hope I captured your family's spirit.

My Very First HDR Image

2011-11-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

Last week I jumped at the opportunity to finally try out HDRI, a fairly new technique in photography. I wanted to do it for quite some time. Finally, I got the necessary software and went out to the beautiful Baker Beach in San Francisco to photograph Golden Gate bridge in a whole new way (at least for me).

What is HDRI?
- HDRI stands for high dynamic range imaging. High dynamic range imaging is a method to digitally capture, store, and edit the full luminosity range of a scene. It allows for all the visible light to be captured, from direct sunlight to the fine shadow details. Having a wide range of luminosity available in one image opens great opportunities when post-processing. HDRI is said to be the ultimate digital representation of light.
What is the basic process of creating HDR images?
- HDRI process require two basic steps. One is at the point of capture and the other is during post-processing. First, a photographer needs to take multiple standard photographs using exposure bracketing in RAW format. Once, those are taken, 3 images (overexposed, normal and underexposed) are merged into one. Post-processing is a little more demanding and it depends on what you as a photographer are trying to achieve. It can be anything from a very realistic photo to a Harry Potter type of scene.

Without further ado... my first such image and looking forward to creating more...

Saska-Mom to Be

2011-07-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Vera & Milan

2011-07-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

What a great wedding!!! It was a beautiful day in San Francisco. We started off in Hyatt hotel, then went to the amazing San Francisco city hall where the ceremony was held. Immediately afterwards we boarded a cable car bus and hit up all the major destinations San Francisco has to offer: Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate bridge, China Beach, Legion of Honor, Painted Ladies.

The idea of a smaller wedding created such an intimate and fun atmosphere. Vera and Milan and their closest friends and family celebrated in a true style. Their love and awesome energy translated well into my photos. Take a look and enjoy!!!

baby Cooper is One!!!

2011-04-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Simple Fun can yield Great Results

2011-02-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

I guess my most simple advice would be for you to grab your digital camera (DSLR or point and shoot), film camera, Iphone, phone camera... whatever can produce an image... and get out and shoot. Sometimes, the best way to learn is to just do it. Equipment matters when it comes to the quality of image, but great composition and creativity is possible with any imaging tool at your disposal.

Photo below was taken with and manipulated using my Iphone. It turned out quite interesting. That is the beauty, you never know what you can get until you hit the pavement and roll up your sleeves.

Have FUN!!!

Quick and Easy Way to Taking Better Landscapes

2011-02-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

Many of you have recently expressed (well not many of you, one to be exact) that my last posting, the one about lenses, was a bit wikipedieshly boring. This leads me to conclusion that technical "mumbo jumbo" might not be your forte and that you might enjoy yet another "quick and easy" sort of lesson. This of course doesn't mean I won't write about technical complexities of today's digital imaging environment in the future. It just means that this lesson will provide the most simple advice that can be simply executed. So all of you out there brace yourself and here we go.

In order to take better landscape shots, set your camera on Aperture Priority (turn your dial mode to A). Set your aperture to f/11 or f/16 (smaller aperture might be needed). Keep you tripod handy. As you narrow the aperture opening, smaller amount of light will be able to enter therefore the shutter will have to stay open longer. In order to preserve sharpness of the image, you will have to stabilize it on a tripod. If you don't have a tripod, you can use a rock or some sort of object where you can place your camera. You can always try your luck by pressing your arms against your body, holding your breath and keeping camera as steady as possible.
For landscape shots it is best to use wide angle lens. This will allow you to focus on a close object (if needed) and still capture much of the background. Use these close objects/subjects as composition tools for your landscape image. Remember don't place any object from the foreground in dead center. Also, keep horizon line below or above the middle.
Ideally, you would want to shoot during the so-called magic hours near sunrise or sunset. This particular timing will allow for directional lighting. Directional lighting adds shadows to the images, creating texture and separation between elements.
Pay attention to the sky. Clouds can add drama and great compositional value to your image.
Don't forget to set your ISO according to available light. Keep it as low as you can in order to avoid noise.

Depending on the light in your scene (or if there is a waterfall you want to photograph) you might have to go entirely manual. Again, this is for the quick and easy lesson and in no way do I consider myself to be an expert on the subject. In lessons to come I will try to go into detail about shooting 100% in Manual mode.
Thanks for reading.

About Camera Lenses

2011-02-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

Understanding camera lenses will expand your creative capabilities. In this posting I will try and explain lens basics so you can improve your digital photography.

Camera lens is an optical lens which when used with a camera body creates images. Basically, main purpose of lens is to bend/concentrate light rays so that digital sensor can record the scene.

There are two main aspects to every lens, so called parameters: focal length and aperture.

Focal Length determines angle of view: Short (wide angle of view) and Long (telephoto).

Here is the rough estimate on how lenses are used according to their focal lengths:

Less than 21 mm - Extreme Wide Angle - Architecture

21-35 mm - Wide Angle - Landscape

35-70 mm - Normal - Street & Documentary

70-135 mm - Medium Telephoto - Portraiture

135-300+ mm - Telephoto - Sports, Bird, Wildlife

For example, when shooting landscapes, wide angle lenses are the best because you can focus on a very close subject and still have a lot of background in your image. Wide angle will allow you to use a tree, rock, shrub to create a better composition and with that create a 3D illusion, a sense of great depth.

Or, when shooting portraits medium Telephoto lens is recommended because you can get closer without compromising shooting distance and perspective. It is also considered to be more flattering because it doesn't exaggerate features such as noses.

Aperture is a mechanism in a lens which can be opened or closed down to control the amount of light going through. Aperture controls the depth of field. If it's opened at maximum, it will give a max narrow depth of field. Aperture is specified as f-stops. It kind of works opposite, smaller the f-stop, larger the opening. Quality of your lens depends on the maximum aperture it can achieve. To put it simply, when buying a lens try to get the one with the smallest f-stop capability.

Smaller f-stop = Larger the Opening/Aperture = Narrower Depth of Field

Zoom Lenses are great but...

Zoom lens lets you change focal lengths without changing lenses but they tend to be much slower. They admit less light than prime lenses. Longer the zoom range, the slower they can be. If you would like a relatively fast zoom lens (i.e, f/2.8), it will cost you. Such lenses tend to be pricey.

Another drawback of zoom lenses is that it can limit one's perception and creativity. When using zoom lenses it is easy to forget your feet and not move around. If you do so, you will lose out on different possibilities and perspectives.

When choosing your lens, consider focal length and it's maximum aperture (smallest f-stop) capability. Choose focal length according to what you like to shoot, and maximum aperture according to your budget. Thanks for reading.

Quick and easy way to taking better portraits

2011-01-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

There were quite a few people who asked me in the past if I can help them with their DSLR camera and who expressed the desire to learn more. It's kind of a tricky situation for a photographer like me, because I am not always as good in gauging exactly how much the other person is interested in knowing or how much he/she knows already. There is so much information and little time, where to begin and where to end.

That is exactly why I decided to point out a few bascis which will be quick and easy. Trust me, anyone can do it and it can really improve your photography.

In this Lesson, you will learn how to take better portraits. I don't consider myself an expert by any means, I just want to help by providing simple advice.

SHORT AND QUICK

-----Turn your mode dial (usually located on top left of your DSLR) and turn it to the letter A. Letter A represents Aperture Priority. Once you are on letter A in your mode dial setting the camera will allow you to set your Aperture manually. So now, (usually on the right side) is a knob which you can turn in order to adjust aperture settings. Without going into detail, aperture should be as low as it can go (3.5 in most cameras). Once this is set, turn to your subject and shoot. Don't be afraid to get closer. Closer to your subject you are (greater magnification) narrower the depth of field. Shallow depth of field is what photographers strive for when taking portraits. You want the background to be blurry and the subject very sharp. By separating your subject from background you will achieve a more appealing and artistic portrait. For a better composition try not to put your subject into the center (see what looks best).

*Note: ISO should be set in advance and according to the light you are working with. If you are shooting outside during a bright day set your ISO to 100. If it's later in the day or cloudy, 200 and increase it as its getting darker. Be careful, higher the ISO, you will get more noise in your image. Also, make sure FOCUS is not on manual.

Thanks for reading and let me know how it goes.

Easiest way to get more out of your brand spankin' new DSLR

2011-01-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

So, you've finally saved enough for that cool looking DSLR camera yet you are not fully satisfied with your pics. It doesn't really matter if it's Nikon, Cannon or some other brand/model, it only matters if your purchase is well justified, meaning your pics are amazing and everyone on Facebook is clicking on LIKE buttons.

How are you going to learn to use your DSLR quick and get those amazing photos posted so all your friends can see? Well... you'll just have to wait until I catch some time and explain ins and outs of easy yet beautiful photo capturing techniques.

:) to be continued....

Woof Woof IV

2011-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Maya and her Boston Terrier Brzi (translation from Serbian-Speedy)

Sonoma

2011-01-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo I took yesterday in beautiful California wine region of Sonoma.

WOOF WOOF III

2011-01-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

This is my dog Fozzy. Always beautiful, cute and amazing. :)

View of Emerald Bay-Lake Tahoe

2011-01-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken last weekend. Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places for vacation, skiing, hiking or for taking pictures. I wanted to share this view with you. Enjoy. :)

Boutique Wedding Photography

2011-01-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

If I had to classify myself in the world of wedding photography I would have to say that I am a Boutique Wedding Photographer. This style of photography is all about capturing fun and romantic moments in a new, exciting and honest way. I approach every wedding with an open eye for design and sensibility to the flow of emotion. I believe that details and single moments, unscripted make for the most tender images. My goal with every wedding is to translate each couple's love as authentic as possible.

There is no specific guidelines when it comes to the Boutique style. Guidelines are set by the people involved, by the event itself and emotional moments which transpire throughout the wedding day.

Big Sur, California

2011-01-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

Wedding Photo - Before and After

2010-12-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the examples of what can be done creatively using Photoshop techniques. The photo on the left was not altered in Photoshop. It was not digitally altered, while photo on the right had about 1 hour of Photoshop work done to it. My goal with the photo on the right was to achieve an old sepia look that would be used for a first page of the wedding album. In addition to cropping faces tighter and making a sepia coloring, I used special brushes to enhance the old worn out effect. In addition, I wanted to achieve a 3D look by separating the image from the page so I added the border with shadowing beneath.

Technical knowledge, eye for composition and creativity during the wedding shoot are all crucial to any successful wedding photographer yet often it is not enough. Today, in order to stand out from tough competition photographers must apply extensive knowledge of Photoshop in order to enhance the beauty of the image and show it in a whole new way.

The above example is a good example of creative digital enhancement. One shot, two different outcomes.

Fantastic Muir Woods

2010-12-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

Woof Woof II

2010-12-09T12:56:00.001-08:00

...and this is Moses. He is an amazing little (although he is not aware of his 4 lb physique) Yorkshire Terrier. A true poser. Enjoy!!!

Woof Woof

2010-12-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

I just love-love-love taking pictures of dogs. Above, is one of my favorite dog models, Wally. He is super cute and loves to pose for the camera.

In order to get great photos of your best friend, follow these simple guidelines. When taking pictures of dogs it is important to chose comfortable and familiar setting. Basically, any patch of grass, shade, park, beach will do. I suggest using only natural lighting. No dog likes strong bursts of light in their eyes. In most cases, I recommend using a wide angle lens and shooting with a shallow depth of field when possible. Have fun with your dog-model and don't forget the most important tool-TREATS. They will do just about anything for a piece of meat.

Proper Etiquette while Shooting Weddings

2010-11-12T11:57:00.001-08:00

In addition to taking beautiful images it is crucial that wedding photographer dress and act the part. Photographer should not distract from the wedding, rather she/he should be seamlessly integrated with the wedding day.

There are etiquette guidelines which should be followed by every photographer.

Some of those are:

- Dress in neutral colors. Black works well in most situations.

- Dressy and classy attire. Comfortable.

- Smile goes a long way. Be friendly, courteous.

- Stay flexible and creative at any situation that might come up.

- Photographer is there to cover the day, not take part in it.

- Address parents and family with great respect. Try to remember names of the closest relatives.

- Be polite.

- Don't show frustration.

- Take charge when and if necessary.

- Remain unobtrusive as much as possible.

- Bad mood will show in your work. Stay positive!

- Absolutely, do not drink alcohol.

- Do not expect to be fed.

- Be helpful.

- Stay alert.

Creating Romance in the "Golden" Hour

2010-08-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Engagement shoots for some couples can be quite stressful. Understandably so cause not very often we have a photographer with a huge camera photographing our most intimate moments. We all want photographs to look natural and not set up but how can you really achieve that in a short amount of time with a stranger behind the lens.

My main goal when approaching every engagement shoot is for couple to be themselves, to relax and have fun in front of my lens. Only then I as a photographer can capture the true you and be able to translate existing emotion into an image. I like to do very little posing. I find that pictures tend to be more unique if I stand back and let the couple interact. I am not shy in giving directions and I will gladly do it, but natural and non-posed photographs are the most beautiful ones and most honest.

The stress and worry about your engagement photos is totally unnecessary. My guidelines (listed below) make you prepared so when it comes to the "Golden" hour all you have to do is be yourself.

- Location - Pick a location that you are familiar with. Beaches and parks always have the most amazing backdrop but you should not be limited to those. Engagement photos should be all about you and your personality. If downtown San Francisco is your favorite spot, don't hesitate.

- Time - Best time for taking engagement photos is in what photographers call "Golden Hour". One hour before sunset and about 20 minutes past sunset. The light is low, golden and very soft.

- What to Wear for Engagement Photos - Wear what feels most comfortable for you. My focus is on you and I always recommend to wear something simple that's not going to distract. Strong patterns and busy outfits will not work well. Simple and monochromatic neutral colors work the best. Also, stay away from current trends. Timeless fashion is always the best choice. Every location dictates different colors. It's best to match with natural colors which surround you in a photo shoot. For example photos on the beach work best with white, tan and blue hues. Also, it is not necessary that you match your partner just make sure colors are from the same color scheme.

- Basic Posing Tips -

*Don't smash your faces together when you kiss. The most romantic part of the kiss is that moment before your lips make contact. Take it slow and linger in the place where there is about an inch between your lips.

*Try not to tilt your head to the side when you kiss. Face straight on at your partner.

*Don't pucker your lips when kissing. Kiss with a relaxed face.

*When draping your hands over your partner make sure they are relaxed. Clenched fists and stiff fingers translate into a strained feel into the whole image.

*Always make sure your arms are not just hanging straight down. Either hug your partner, place your hand onto your hip or put them into a pocket. This is especially important for men.

I hope my guidelines put your mind at ease. Engagement shoots are supposed to celebrate your love and commitment, not cause stress and anxiety.

Thank you for reading.

Sports, Photography and giving back

2010-07-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

I must say that one of the aspects I love most about being on my own as a photographer is that I get to give back to the community. Whenever I can I try to help and offer my photography services to different organizations. I feel as though I am able to do what I love because of the community I live in therefore I am in a way obligated to give back. Not only that, I get a lot of pleasure in doing so.

One of my favorite such projects was the work I did for Vladi Radmanovic Children's Foundation. Vladimir is one of my all time favorite basketball players in the NBA. He is from Croatia just like I am and he is known for his charity work just as much as he is for his three pointers. His foundation aids orphaned children. When I heard about the auction event he was preparing at the Serbian Orthodox Church in San Francisco I immediately jumped on it.

I grew up in a war torn area and my only escape from all the craziness around me was basketball. I played for a few years and I can honestly say that basketball in a way saved my life. It brought a sense of normalcy and piece. My personal experience embedded in me a firm belief in the power of sports and the sense of community to which we all belong to.

I want to say that by helping your community you are actually helping yourself. I am lucky to do what I do for a living and I am grateful for the opportunities to help out. At Vlade's event I had a blast. I got to meet him and I had a lot of fun. I think the image above says it all. :)

Flow of Creativity

2010-05-24T17:30:00.001-07:00

The above photo was taken at the Santa Barbara harbor. At the time of taking this picture, I immediately sensed the drama this tree brought upon me. Darkness of the tree branches which are magnificently intertwined and lightness of the sky clashed together in an extremely contrasting manner. Even though dark and light collided in such an extreme way I felt that the composition was uniform and balanced thanks to the one and only element. This element is the strong red color of beautiful blooming flowers cascading down tree branches.