City Photos and Books, Inc.

Three Important Portrait Tips To Help You Look Your Best

2010-09-25T17:55:00.003-04:00

Because most people do not have professional portraits taken very often, the photo experience can create some anxiety and tension. The tips below are intended to help you feel more relaxed and confident. A good professional photographer will coach you through posing tips, but if you have some basic knowledge before the photo shoot, you increase the likelihood of capturing even better images and your can feel a little more relaxed. Knowledge is power!

1. Keep your back straight. There is nothing quite like a photograph of a sloucher. The best photo can be undermined by a hunched-over look. Visualize someone placing a finger in the small of your back and gently pushing it in. By straighten up and throwing your shoulders back, you project a strong, positive image. It is that simple.

2. Position your body and face to be slightly away from the camera, NOT straight on. A common, very flattering pose is to turn your body 45 degrees from the camera and also turn your head in the opposite direction from your body (towards the main light source). Some prefer a 7/8 or 2/3 rotation of the head from the camera. In many cases, your eyes still look toward the camera, but the slight angle of your face creates more dimension and can also serve to slim the face (when lit properly).

3. Lean slightly towards the camera. When you lean towards someone in a conversation, it reflects your interest; it shows you are engaged. The same is true for portrait photography.

For more information, visit my Facebook page and www.cityphotosandbooks.com. I also post photo tips on Twitter (@mycityphotos)

Senior Photo Session with Maia Along Detroit Riverfront

2010-08-27T22:11:00.002-04:00

The downtown Detroit Riverfront has been dramatically transformed over the last few years from industrial and pedestrian unfriendly to a stunning, walkable place that is family friendly, clean, and beautiful. This is particularly true of the area east of the RenCen, where Rivard Plaza and Milliken State Park & Harbor have emerged from abandoned and neglected property.

Maia asked to have her photo session in Detroit, and the Riverfront was the perfect setting. The shots included a wide variety of backdrops, and the sunset sky gave us lots of color and tones to work with. The former Globe Trading Company building was an awesome urban setting with rich textures.

As I returned to the Beverly Hills / Birmingham area, I realized how fortunate we are to be part of the Detroit area and its great resources. For senior photos, a downtown Detroit setting is really cool!

Senior Photo Session with Anais in Birmingham

2010-08-16T07:49:00.000-04:00

I had a great time with Anais last week shooting her senior photos in Birmingham. It was a hot summer day, but we found shady places and all kinds of great backdrops, ranging from nature to urban.

Belle Isle Sessions

2010-08-04T09:05:00.000-04:00

I had a great time working with five different models on Belle Isle in Detroit last Saturday. The weather was perfect, and the models really captured the various themes: sports, glam, soft and sweet, and edgy.

Bryan

Alix

Sophie

Haylee

Shannon

Photos from Tarpon Springs, Florida

2010-04-14T22:37:00.000-04:00

I was able to get away last week to Florida to visit family and the weather was amazing. Here is one of my favorite photos from the trip.

What a First Time Wedding Photographer Needs to Know

2010-03-29T18:30:00.001-04:00

The news that you are photographing your first wedding often leads to emotions ranging from excitement to apprehension, and in some cases, fear. Assuming you have experience with your equipment and have developed the necessary skills to take great photographs, the wedding event has a greater likelihood of being a successful one if you follow some key steps.

This article provides an overview of important steps to follow before, during, and after the event. As with any important job, the keys are preparation, focus, and follow-through.

Before the Wedding
Proper preparation before the event is the best way for a photographer to have a successful outcome. I spent several weeks before my first wedding visiting other photographer's web sites. I read books on wedding photography, and I researched photography blogs and forums. It is amazing how much information is available for little or no charge. These tips and other photographs can inspire you and get you thinking about what you want to accomplish and how you are going to make it happen.

It is important that you have a standard written agreement that is signed by the bride- and groom-to-be and the photographer. There is no excuse for not having this document in place. It should describe the deliverables and the fees associated with the service and products. It should also incorporate a model release. It is highly recommended that you contact an attorney and draft a standard agreement that protects you.

At the time of signing the agreement, there are two other opportunities to enhance the process. First, get to know the bride and groom. Spend some time chatting so you will know their story and they will know you. When the wedding day comes, they should feel comfortable with you so their true personalities will shine. If possible include a no cost or low cost engagement shoot so everyone can gain even more of a comfort level. It is a good opportunity to give them some posing tips that they can use on their wedding day.

It is also imperative to know the schedule. When you are meeting with the bride and groom, go over the agenda for the time you are expected to be at the wedding. Get to know their expectations. Let them know when you expect them to devote time to photographs with you in charge. This is a good time to talk about a wedding coordinator. If they will designate a friend or family member that will help the you identify important family members during the wedding day, it can be a tremendous help.

Another important component of preparation is checking your equipment. Check it thoroughly at least four or five days before a shoot. A check prior to my first wedding revealed a faulty auto-focus mechanism on one of my camera bodies, and I had to borrow a second camera for the shoot, but I was ready.

A proper equipment check also requires making sure you have backups of everything. You need two camera bodies and two flash units at a minimum. If you do not have them, you can rent them. On my first senior photo shoot, the wind blew my tripod and camera to the concrete surface. You never know when something will drop or just fail.

Check your batteries and memory card supplies, and bring more than you think you will need. It is not uncommon to take 2,000 to 3,000 images at a wedding. If you are using flash, you will burn through batteries very fast at that rate. For memory cards, it is better to have several smaller cards than just one or two big ones. If a card fails, you minimize your loss by using multiple cards.

Visit the venue(s) prior to the wedding day in order to scope out lighting and shot locations. Do you need to gel your flash for proper white balance? I often find that if I take a few test shots with and without flash, and perform a custom white balance check with my camera, that there are competing colors from the various light sources. For indoor venues, I often have to gel the flash to match the color of the venue's lighting. This will save you much time and aggravation later in the process.

To prepare yourself physically for a tiring day, have a light meal before you go. It is a good idea to bring granola, energy or candy bars or other portable snacks. Bring water too just in case.

If you are prone to headaches, have a pain reliever with your in your pocket or bag.

Part of blending into the event is dressing appropriately. Talk to the bride and groom about their expectations before the event. In all cases, wear comfortable shoes.

The Ceremony
When you arrive, begin by taking outdoor venue shots. Here in southeast Michigan, you never know if the weather will turn on you later, and the same is true in many locations. Get some key building and landscape elements without people, just to have them.

Calibrate your camera's white balance as soon as you walk indoors; do it for all of your cameras. Also, turn camera sounds off; you don't want your camera to make noise during the ceremony.

Bring a fast lens; the faster the better. Indoor lighting at churches and reception halls is notoriously poor and dim. Be prepared with a fast lens (f 2.8 minimum - f1.8 preferred). If you don't have one, rent it.

If you are in a place of worship, have a clear understanding of where you can go and what locations are off-limits. Also, flash is usually not permitted in places of worship, but you can ask.

Consider bringing an assistant. Let them carry equipment, help set up shots, hold off-camera flash, and more. If you are working a 6-8 hour event, be prepared for the physical impact it will have on you. Having an assistant will ease the burden on you and should result in better photographs.

If you have a break from the bride and groom, start shooting the very young and very old early. They can get tired fast, and some may leave early.

If you have a camera bag, lock it down or have your assistant carry it. If you are on your own, consider using a cable lock for your camera bag and hide it out of sight. It serves as a deterrent from theft. You may feel comfortable with the bride and groom, but you never know about their friends and family or the staff at the venue.

Never reformat memory cards at the event. Backup when you can, but do not reformat. Check everything on your computer and complete backups before reformatting.

Take shots of the bride and groom as soon after the ceremony (or before) as possible. After people start drinking and celebrating, it will get harder to assemble people and have them look their best.

Most of the time, the photographer's role should be to blend in and be discreet. Disappear in the background and try to capture people when they are relaxed, happy, emotional, etc.

If the wedding and reception are indoors, make sure to take shots of the bride and groom outside. Try to get away during the reception and get some outside shots - even if it is nighttime.

Be insured. If someone trips over your equipment are you covered?

Take a group shot of everyone. This is a great way to have everyone in attendance in one photo. It makes for a great enlargement and an opportunity for sales to others in attendance at the wedding.

After the Event
After the event is over, I believe it is important to process the images as fast as possible. There is something to be said capturing taking the energy of the day and carrying forward. Posting images quickly to a web site will make everyone happy.

Keep in contact with the bride and groom and schedule a time to meet with them to go over the images and discuss ordering details. It is as important to provide a high level of customer service after the event and before it. If you establish a relationship with the couple, they will think of you for family portraits and portraits of their children in years to come.

Finally, take notes about what went right and what went wrong. This may help you do an even better job next time around.

For more information about the photography of Rod Arroyo and City Photos and Books, Inc., visit http://www.cityphotosandbooks.com or you can also follow us on Twitter. Our photography services include weddings, high school seniors, families, and more. We are based in the Metro Detroit, Michigan area.

The Wedding of Virginia and Jon

2010-03-21T15:47:00.008-04:00

Jon and Virginia were married in late February. This happy couple had a warm gathering of family and friends at their ceremony. It was a happy and festive mood as they exchanged their vows. They were moving speeches by the Best Man and Maid of Honor, children dancing, and good spirits all around.

Web Site: City Photos and Books, Inc.

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Jon and Virginia Engagement Photo

2010-02-03T18:07:00.002-05:00

I had a great time visiting with Jon and Virginia to talk about their upcoming wedding. We met at the reception venue, which gave me an opportunity to get to know them and check out the lighting at the venue. I have lots of great ideas for shots of them and I will post them after the big day.

City Photos and Books, Inc.

Hour Magazine

2009-11-22T15:27:00.000-05:00

The December 2009 edition of Hour Magazine features a photograph of Red Knapp's Dairy Bar, which appeared in the City Photos book, Rochester, Michigan Photographs.

New Video Features Senior Portraits

2009-11-16T21:03:00.000-05:00

I made a new video to showcase several recent senior portrait sessions in Birmingham and Detroit. For more information visit the City Photos web site.

City of Rochester Municipal Web Site

2009-11-16T19:31:00.001-05:00

The City of Rochester is using photos from our Rochester, Michigan Photographs book and calendar on the City's new web site. The City of Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority's web site also has and continues to feature one or more of my photographs from my Royal Oak books.

City of Rochester Municipal Web Site, originally uploaded by CityPhotos by Rod.

Portraits of High School Seniors and Families

2009-11-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

City Photos and Books, Inc. is pleased to announce that it now offers portrait photography in the metro Detroit region. Our goal is to capture people in comfortable clothes and familiar surroundings. If the location has meaning to the client, the photographs will have more relevance and create a lasting memory.

City Photos sets itself apart from others by personal service, high-quality images, exciting locations, and creative photo processing. The goal is for our photographs to have a timeless quality.

Black and white images are a significant component of the photographer’ s work. Each image is individually inspected and processed to provide the highest quality result. Blemishes are retouched at no additional charge. The personal attention given to each client, from creative processing to the quality composition of the images, produces photographs that are classic.

Typical photo session locations include downtowns, parks, and back yards. If a high school senior has great memories spending time with friends in a local downtown district, it makes sense to take photographs there.

The portrait service of City Photos and Books, Inc. is priced using a simple, easy-to-understand approach. There is no forceful salesperson pressuring clients to buy packages they don’t need. The photo experience is designed to be relaxing and enjoyable.

For senior portraits, students from the following high schools are expected to be part of our initial coverage area: Birmingham Seaholm High School, Birmingham Groves High School, Bloomfield Hills Andover High School, Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School, Brother Rice High School, Cranbrook, Detroit Country Day School, Farmington Harrison High School, Farmington High School, International Academy, Marian High School, North Farmington High School, Novi High School, Rochester Adams High School, Rochester High School, Rochester Stoney Creek High School, Roeper School, Southfield High School, Southfield-Lathrup High School, Troy Athens High School, Troy High School, Royal Oak High School, and West Bloomfield High School. Many additional locations will be included.

To view sample photos, visit the City Photos image site.

More Press

2008-12-02T22:41:00.001-05:00

My first two books, Royal Oak, Michigan Photographs and Birmingham, Michigan: A Year of Photographs, are getting some nice press. I am honored to be included in articles from the Detroit News, Birmingham Eccentric, and Royal Oak Mirror. Also, check out this blog:

http://www.urbaneapts.com/urbanereflections-blog/?p=573

I am writing checks today to the Birmingham Historical Society's Museum Endowment Fund and Royal Oak Historical Society to share a portion of the proceeds from the book sales. It feels really good to give.

Royal Oak Michigan Book Released

2008-11-14T16:17:00.000-05:00

Royal Oak, Michigan Photographs is now in stores and available online. This book features photographs of Royal Oak, Michigan, and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Royal Oak Historical Society (ROHS).

Royal Oak offers a photographer so many opportunities. The iconic commercial signs, eclectic mix of architecture, traditional urban form, and beautiful parks are just some of the amazing visual elements that this great City offers. I hope to promote Royal Oak businesses and encourage people to shop, dine, and enjoy this vibrant City.

The City of Royal Oak fosters creativity, and this creativity can be found in elements ranging from historic structures and commercial signs to storefront windows and flower gardens. A stroll in downtown Royal Oak is invigorating and lively, and it is unlike any other place you will find in southeast Michigan.

Another goal of the book is to partner with a non-profit organization in the Royal Oak area and offer this book as a fund-raising opportunity. The Royal Oak Historic Society will be selling the book as a fund-raiser and a portion of the proceeds from all retail sales of the book in Royal Oak stores will go the Historical Society. For more information on the Royal Oak Historical Society, contact Jay Dunstan, President (jdunstan@ameritech.net).

The Royal Oak book is available at: The Ladybug Shoppe, 210 W. Sixth Street, Royal Oak; Frentz & Sons Hardware, Inc., 1010 N. Main Street, Royal Oak; Royal Oak Books, 28806 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak; Royal Oak Historical Society, Churchill Community Ctr, 707 Girard Ave., Royal Oak; Sue’s Hallmark, 17690 W. 13 Mile Road, Beverly Hills; and Amy’s Hallmark, 655 S. Adams, Birmingham. It is also available at http://www.royaloakbook.com, Amazon.com, and Target.com.

My first book, Birmingham, Michigan: A Year of Photographs, was published on October 1, 2008 and it is available via http://www.birminghambook.com, Amazon.com, and Target.com.

Next up, Northville's Mill Race Village: Photographs of a Living Museum, which is due out in early December, 2008.

Birmingham Book Update

2008-10-24T23:28:00.001-04:00

The Birmingham book is now online and in stores. It can be purchased at Amy's Hallmark, 665 S. Adams and Upstairs Downstairs Studio, 311 E. Maple Road in Birmingham. It is also available at www.birminghambook.com.

New Birmingham Book Now Available

2008-10-13T22:14:00.000-04:00

It is finally finished. Over the last year, I have been taking photographs of Birmingham, Michigan. My primary focus has been on buildings, landscapes, and streetscapes. The book - Birmingham, Michigan: A Year of Photographs - is available at www.birminghambook.com.