Blog

A theme is a concept or idea that is used as the central focus for a photograph or a series of photographs. A theme can be a great way to jump-start your creativity or expand the boundaries of your photography by trying new genres. The key is to pick a theme and “complete the assignment”,…

With so many activities happening during the summer months, it’s the perfect time to go out with your camera! Here is a list of ideas/locations to include on your summer photography list: The local Farmers Market – photograph all the vibrant colors of fresh produce on display A County or state fair – from carnival…

As WPS Founder and Director E. David Luria has often said, “…It’s the photographer who makes the image. We firmly believe you can take a good or bad picture with ANY camera!” Most people think that to be a good photographer, you need to have the latest and greatest gear. In reality, if you don’t have…

All photography requires a point of view. The phrase “point of view” in photography simply means the position from which the camera captures the scene. Are you above the subject, looking down? Are you below the subject, looking up? How close are you to the subject? Is there anything between you and the subject? Every…

Subject selection is the process of choosing certain people, places, or things that appropriately fit a given photography task Subject selection as a skill gives you the ability to master that process, no matter what genre of photography may be preferred. Subject selection is a necessary skill to be able to recognize scenes that are…

  The subject is the essence of a photograph. Granted, many other elements go into making a successful image, but a great subject – or a mundane subject presented in an unusual way is essential. There are many treatments that can be used to select and accentuate the subject in your image: Where you place…

Limitations can be a catalyst for unleashing creative expression and pushing creative boundaries. It compels you to explore beyond the obvious and discover new ways to capture a scene. LImitations are a condition for the creation of true art. In photography, the adage “Less is More” can be applied in many different ways: It can…

Shenandoah County Fair, Woodstock, VA County and state fairs have been an agricultural tradition in the United States for over 200 years and the late summer months are “prime time” for county and state fairs in the DC Metro area! Fairs trace their roots back to ancient times where they began as commercial events for…

Color photography is a beautiful medium, especially when color is essential to the subject of the picture, as it should be in pictures of flowers, dresses, food, landscapes, sunrises, sunsets, products, and abstract work. But there are times when the beauty of color distracts from the meaning and the message of the picture. Think of…

Sometimes we get so caught up in the moment when we are out photographing that we forget the very basic tips and tricks that help us create that memorable shot! Here are a few reminders: Learn which settings matter – there are a million combinations of aperture, shutter speed and ISO – learn which ones…

We wish all of our clients and friends a very Happy New Year as we enter 2024, the 25th Anniversary year of Washington Photo Safari with 45,500 customers who have signed up for more than 6,600 photo safaris since 1999 and have given us hundreds of 5 star reviews! You have made us one of…

Although Winter officially starts on December 21, Meteorological Winter starts on December 1! According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, because of El Niño – the natural warming of ocean water in the Pacific, which affects the Jet Stream and how much cold air comes down from Canada – the DC area should expect to see…