How Green Screen Photography Works.

At Aimee Michelle Mercado Photography, we offer our clients the option of having their photo session done with a green screen background.  Now what exactly is Green Screen Photography and how does it work?  Green Screen Photography is usually referred to as “Chromakey.”  It is a method of photography in which the work is done digitally.  The bright green color of the background allows for it to be separated from the foreground, and be removed or “keyed” out, so that it can be replaced with another image.   There are several benefits to this.  So for example, we a have a sweet sixteen whose theme is “butterflies.”  We can change the background to an image that has several butterflies flying around in the garden.   Or when winter is near and the weather does not allow for an outdoor photo shoot, green screen is the way to go.  With the green screen, we can actually make it seem as if the photo shoot had been done outdoors.  A very popular theme is fantasy.  We can easily place a sweet sixteen inside a castle surrounded by columns.  With green screen, the possibilities are infinite.  It opens up an entire world and can easily create a personalized photograph that is custom tailored just for you.  Here are a few examples:

                                                    

                                                              

Green Screen Photography is very fun and it allows you to be very creative.  It can be tailored specifically to your tastes and needs.  These are just two of the many examples that you can view on my website.

                                                                                                          www.aimeemichellemercado.com

Enjoy,

Aimee Michelle

What to do when YOUR in the picture. Bringing out the Emotion.

What do you do when YOUR in the picture? Do you panic?  Do you get nervous?  What do you do?  RELAX.  Breathe in and let out a big sigh.    You will find that by being able to relax, that your photo session can actually become really fun.  It is great to be in a wonderful pose and in the best angles, but as a portrait photographer, I realize that it is all about your face.  Body language is fantastic; however, if your face is telling another story, it does not work.  How do you get that certain facial expression?  Once you are in your pose and settled in, think about something, ANYTHING!  Think about someone that makes you smile or maybe a joke that makes you laugh.  Think about that special someone and all the great moments.  Go into character.  Think that you are a sexy spy or that mischievous librarian that is talking too loud.  The point is to have a thought in mind and react to it while in front of the camera.  In that way, your emotion will come through and bring your photographs to life.  This will make all the difference between a lifeless photograph that is without emotion, and a brilliant photograph, that has that certain sparkle in your eyes.  

Happy Photographing,

Aimee Michelle

What to wear for a family portrait photo session

Many people wonder “what do I wear to a family portrait session?

      During a family photo session, the photographer is attempting to capture the essence of the family and create a sense of unity.  But what do you wear?  Everyone in you family has different tastes and styles, is there something that will work?  Yes there is.  This can easily be done by having all of the family members wear similar clothing.  Similar clothing?  Yes, simple solid colored clothing.  No logos, pictures, or wording, they will distract from the photograph.  Also, no busy prints or loud colors.  They will also distract from the photograph.  If you are wanting a casual look, everyone can wear blue jeans and a white shirt.  Or if you want the portrait to have a more formal feel, then everyone can wear black slacks and matching dress shirts and blouses.    It is very important that you and your photographer discuss attire before the photo shoot.  What you are wearing will affect the types of poses and positions that you will be placed in.  If you wear casual clothing, then this will allow for a more relaxed type of poses.  If you are planning on going formal, then the poses for the photo shoot will be very different. No matter which style of family portrait you are going for, don’t forget to “always wear a smile.”

How to take better pictures with your camera

Who doesn’t have a camera these days? Whether it be a point n shoot or a camera phone, these few suggestions will help you to start taking better pictures with your camera. 

1. Don’t chop off heads
2. No bright backgrounds. A bright background may cause the person to look dark.
3. Your subject should be well lit.
4.  Don’t take pictures from the bottom up.  They cause your nose to look big, and nostrils aren’t very sexy.
5. Take pictures with the camera slightly above your head tilting it towards you.
6.  Zoom in.  They make pictures more personal and let your subject be the star.
7. When pushing the shutter button to take the picture, slowly breathe out and this will avoid shaking.
8. When counting to 3, take the picture on 2 1/2, you will have better chances at having everyone with their eyes open and smiling.
9. Clean your lens with a lens cloth to avoid fingerprints and specs showing up on your pictures.
10.  Try to discover new angles and have fun practicing!