Gerald Fagan's Blog

How to photograph fireworks

2012-07-04T14:01:00.002-07:00

Im sure many people will be trying to photograph some fireworks tonight! So I thought I would give some advice for those that want better results!

The basics:
- If you have a tripod, use it
- Don't bother using a flash
- You do not need to use a high iso/asa.

This is easier with a camera that has full manual options like a slr or dslr.

If you have a camera with manual settings, put the camera on a tripod, set the camera to iso 100, F8 and as long of a shutter speed as you want - for example 2 seconds. The longer of a shutter speed you use the more fireworks you may get in the exposure. If you have a bulb mode that keeps the shutter open as long as you hold the shutter release button, then you can get the exact lengths that you want. You can either pre-focus to infinity or use the first set of fireworks to focus and the second set to take pictures of. Do note that slr lenses tend to focus beyond infinity. If you find the picture is a bit to dark at F8, Try F5.6. Or if its a bit to bright, try F11.

If you have a point and shoot with limited options, try a mode that gives you longer shutter speeds, perhaps night mode.

The fun part will be to aim the camera at the part of the sky that you think the fireworks will be in. The more you zoom in the greater the odds the fireworks will be cut off or missed all together. The more you zoom out the more empty space you will have in the picture but you can crop to get the picture you want. But the more you crop, the more quality you loose compared to a non cropped version. I try to find a middle ground here, and do some close ups and some wide angle shots.

If your camera let you use a shutter release cable then that will help prevent camera shake from pushing and holding the shutter release.

If you hand hold the camera, you will get motion blur from the longer exposure which may give an interesting result, but it wont be the type of image you see in magazines.

And take many pictures, odds are most will be ok and a few will be outstanding. And most importantly, have fun. :)

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2012-06-11T11:03:00.001-07:00

I am always trying to improve upon my photography business and deliver a better final product! Which includes upgrading the studio flashes periodically to something better.

Here are a couple flashes that I plan on getting very soon, the Elinchrom Dlite4 strobe set.

With these I will able able to have more control over my studio lighting setup and have a faster recycle time between flashes compared to the flashes I am using now for the background.

I have also picked up a few new backgrounds that I think will be very popular this coming fall once the focus goes back to in studio portraits where it will be a bit warmer than outside. :D

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Please visit my website
or my facebook fan page

Prom Portrait Contest - Win a prom portrait worth up to $640

2012-03-14T10:56:00.004-07:00

WHO WOULD LIKE TO WIN A

PROM PORTRAIT SESSION

WORTH UP TO $640.00?

How to enter:
1 - Email a picture of yourself in your prom dress to Gerald@GeraldFaganPhotography.com before March 31, 2012.
* The photo must be taken by yourself or a friend/family member, not a professional.
* By submitting the photo you are stating that you own the copyright and it is ok to display the photo online.
* If I deem the picture to be inappropriate I will not accept the entry.

2 - Post the following on your facebook profile/timeline: "I have just entered the Gerald Fagan Photography Prom Contest for a chance to win a prom portrait session for one worth up to $640! Visit http://blog.GeraldFaganPhotography.com if you wish to enter!"

** If the winner of the contest happens to be a fan of my facebook fanpage before the voting process begins, then they will receive two extra sets of wallets of one pose with their prom portrait, a $70 value. http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com

The deadline to enter the contest is March 31, 2012.

The Voting:
On April 1, 2012 I will create a photo album with the accepted photo submissions for people to cast a vote on. On April 5rd, 2012 at 6pm voting will end and I will determine the winners.

The Prizes: (for one person)

First Place:

* If we have less than 10 entries: The prize will be a $75 studio portrait session that includes 30 minutes of photography, and 2 sheets of prints.

* If we have between 10 and 24 entries: The prize will be a $150 portrait session in Abingdon that includes an hour of photography and 4 sheets of prints.

* If we have between 25 and 74 entries: The prize will be a $300 portrait session in Abingdon that includes an hour of photography, 4 sheets of prints and a collection of 40 designer wallets and one custom b&w conversion.

* If we have between 75 and 124 entries: The prize will be a $425 portrait session that includes an hour of photography, 4 sheets of prints, a collection of 40 designer wallets, and a 11x14 wall print.

* If we have over 125 entries: The prize will be a $640 portrait session that includes an hour of photography, 4 sheets of prints, a custom 11x14 storyboard with up to 9 poses and a 11x14 wall print.

Second Place:
The second place winner will receive $75 off a portrait session $150 or greater.

Third Place:
The third place winner will receive $50 off a portrait session $150 or greater.

Fourth Place:
The fourth place winner will receive $25 off a portrait session $150 or greater.

The Rest:
The rest of the contest entries will receive $10 off a portrait session $150 or greater.

* This prizes can not be exchanged for cash. Limit one person in the portrait.

The Fine Print
The free prom portrait will be taken on Tuesday April 10th, 2012 in Abingdon Virginia.

The winner and at least one parent must be available that day. The winner and one of their parents/guardians must sign a model release giving us permission to use the pictures.

Free Prom Portrait Drawing Results

2012-02-29T17:26:00.002-08:00

The results are in, here are the results from random.org

Winners:
1st Place winner is post # 3 - Whitney Rose of Honaker Highschool
2nd Place winner is post # 11 - Danielle Bunton of TCCS
3rd Place winner is post # 2 - Kayla Bennett of Marion Senior Highschool
4th Place winner is post # 6 - Erica McVey of Abingdon Highschool

Congratulations to the winners! I decided to include additional awards for everyone that participated.

Here is the list of awards:
1st Place - A Free $150 portrait session on March 3rd in Downtown Historic Abingdon
2nd Place - $75 off any portrait package of $150 or greater, offer expires March 31, 2012
3rd Place - $50 off any portrait package of $150 or greater, offer expires March 31, 2012
4th Place - $25 off any portrait package $150 or greater, offer expires March 31, 2012
Everyone else - $10 off any portrait package $150 or greater, offer expires March 31, 2012

2012 Prom Portrait Giveaway - $150 value!

2012-02-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

It is almost prom season again, and I thought I would give away a one person $150 prom portrait package to one lucky person!

How to enter:
1 - Visit our Facebook Fan Page and click "Like" at the top of the page if you are not already a fan.
http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
2 - View this image on facebook and click the "share" button to post it on your facebook profile page. It has to be posted publicly for me to confirm you did this.
3 - Then come back here to my blog and leave a comment telling me you have done the first 2 steps. Also leave your name, school, class year and email address so I will know how to contact you if you win.

The deadline to enter the contest is February 29, 2012. I will then randomly pick the winner and announce it here as well as send them an email.

The Fine Print
The free prom portrait will be taken on Saturday March 3, 2012 in downtown historic Abingdon Virginia. The winner and at least one parent must be available that day. Also the winner and one of their parents must sign a model release giving us permission to post the pictures.

This prize can not be exchanged for cash.

The portrait package includes:
* Up to 1 hour of photography in Abingdon VA
* 4 sheets of prints of 4 poses
* And 4 complimentary small resolution digital files of the selected prints.

Valentines Day - Portrait Special - Save $300!

2012-02-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

It is almost valentines day once again. Is it me or does each year go by faster and faster?

We still have a few appointments available, and gift certificates are available for those that want to give a surprise gift.

Valentines Day Special - from 9 poses - Save $300 on this $600 package
- 1 hour of photography
- one set of wallets
- 11x14 storyboard
- Three identical 3x3 accordion albums
- up to nine small res with logo digital files

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Gerald Fagan Photography
www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com -
Facebook - 276-415-0025

Enter to win a free Portrait - Halloween

2011-11-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

We need a few sets of pictures to use in next years marketing for Halloween, so we are having a contest for a portrait giveaway or two. If you are selected for the free portrait, you will receive two free prints of your choice in exchange for a signed model release.

We need pictures for a wide range of ages, including children, teens and adults.

To enter, submit a picture of yourself in your Halloween outfit to Gerald@GeraldFaganPhotography.com along with your name and age. If you are under 21, a parent or legal guardian will have to be present and sign the model release for you.

Its that easy. If you are selected for this free portrait, you will be notified right away.

Thanksgiving special

2011-11-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Now that Halloween is over, its time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. I wonder at what hour walmart started to play Christmas music on Nov 1st, if they waited at least a few hours or if they started right at midnight. :D

Thanksgiving is a time for family to travel to visit each other and share a great meal and a great time together. And what better time to setup a family portrait than when everyone is home?

So we are offering a Thanksgiving family portrait special for the day before and day after Thanksgiving. We'll be to busy with family to do any portraits on Thanksgiving itself :D.

If you would like to schedule a portrait for Wednesday Nov 23rd or Friday Nov 25th, give us a call at 276-415-0025 or send us an email at Gerald@GeraldFaganPhotography.com.

We have 3 specials:

Special 1 - $50 - 30 minutes in studio - Three sheets of your favorite pose.

Special 2 - $100 - 60 minutes in studio - Three 3x3 accordion albums. Keep one for yourself and the other two for the grandparents, siblings, etc.

Special 3 - $200 - 60 minutes either in studio or on location - A 5x5 base level leather keepsake album.
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Gerald Fagan Photography
http://www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
My personal facebook page
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Left Side entrance

4th of July Portrait Special!! $75 package for $40!!

2011-07-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

Update: I have extended this special for 2 more days, until July 6th, 2011 at 11:59pm. The reason for this is I thought of this special last minute and did not get time to advertise it, and with everyone celebrating on the 4th, not everyone got to find out about it in time. So it is not to late to get in on this deal!!

Click here or on the above image to purchase this deal with PayPal

Click here to see a larger version of the picture/deal

If you have any questions, send me a message on facebook, email me at Gerald@GeraldFaganPhotography.com or give me a call at 276-415-0025.

I will be with my family today for the 4th of July celebration so I may not be able to check my mail or answer my phone, but I will try to get back to you as fast as I can.

The portrait will take place at my portrait studio in Abingdon VA, and will last 30 minutes from the scheduled time.

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Gerald Fagan Photography
http://www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
My personal facebook page
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Left Side entrance

Maternity Time Laps Video

2011-07-03T21:11:00.001-07:00

Maternity Time Laps Video
Created from 211 still images taken every 5 seconds for 15 minutes, give or take. :)

Its amazing how much the baby moves. I did not think the baby was moving that much but I was wrong! :)

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Gerald Fagan Photography
http://www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
My personal facebook page
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Left Side entrance

Kristen Glass - Rye Cove 2013 Representative

2011-05-28T14:57:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Kristens portrait session. The weather co-operated for the first while, but our session at State street got cut short due to rain. :)

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Gerald Fagan Photography
http://www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
My personal facebook page
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Left Side entrance

Judy and Doug Smith

2011-05-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

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Gerald Fagan Photography
http://www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
My personal facebook page
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Left Side entrance

Jordan Maupin - Dobyn's Bennet 2012 representative

2011-05-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

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Gerald Fagan Photography
http://www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
My personal facebook page
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Left Side entrance

Victoria Wheeler - Bristol TN Junior Representative

2011-05-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

I am a bit behind in posting on here. Things sure have been busy lately, with creating the representatives albums, processing pictures, doing some gymnastic portraits, and a beauty pageant. :)

Here are a few pictures from Victoria's session. :)

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Gerald Fagan Photography
http://www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
http://facebook.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
My personal facebook page
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Left Side entrance

Lightning

2011-05-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a lightning picture from the other day. The lightning was behaving weird, rolling across the sky most of the time, with only a few touching the ground. Some even rolled across the sky horizontally and towards me a bit. :) i wish I got those on video.

Click on the image to see a larger version of it

This picture has been resized to fit on a wide screen monitor. Feel free to use it as a wallpaper.

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

poll testing

2011-05-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am thinking of doing a new contest for high school students to win a free Senior portrait. I am still working on the details and I am trying to figure out a way to conduct the voting.

Normally I would use facebook but they changed their rules and contests on facebook are now not allowed with out paying them $20,000 in advertising or something like that. Im not ready to do something like that. :D
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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

Cutest Baby Contest Winner - { Aira } - Child Portrait

2011-05-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I had a contest for the cutest baby, voted by fans of Gerald Fagan Photography. The winner was little Aira and we were finally able to schedule a portrait session last week. Here are a few processed images from that session. :D

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

{ Allison and Josh } - Engagement Portrait

2011-04-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I had an engagement portrait session with Allison and Josh from Tazewell at Sugar Hollow in Bristol Virginia. :) Here are a few of the pictures I got that day. :D

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

Prom portrait with Miranda Martin

2011-04-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Here are a few Prom pictures that I did with Miranda Martin. A week or two before this session, Miranda won the beauty pageant in Lebanon, Va. :)

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

Jordan's Second Session - Lebanon Representative

2011-04-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

I had another portrait session with Jordan yesterday, and here are a few pictures from that session. :)

This one has an effect applied to it. I think the skin tones are a bit to bright, I may retweak it. :)

And this one is infrared, light from the visible spectrum has been removed, leaving only infrared. :)

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

April High School Senior Portrait Special

2011-04-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Gerald Fagan Photography - April High School Senior Portrait Special
Offer ends April 30, 2011

Purchase a minimum of package A and receive the following:
* Up to an hour of photography
* A Bonus $50 studio print credit
* $50 off of a custom enhanced leather printed Album
* Free doubles of 8x10 and smaller regular prints

** Locations **
Pictures can be taken at my studio located in Abingdon Virginia or they can be On-Location.

** Portrait Packages **
There are 8 packages to choose from, starting at $150.00.

My Senior Portrait packages includes basic airbrushing to make the pictures look great!

Each package includes up to an hour of photography. There is no limit on locations or clothing changes, as long as it is done during your sessions available time.

** Appointment's **
A non refundable $50 appointment retainer is required to confirm an appointment. This can be mailed or sent by Paypal. This retainer will be applied to your selected portrait package.

There is limited availability.

** This deal can not be combined with any other specials or promotions.

To schedule an appointment, contact me at 276-415-0025 or send me an email at Gerald@GeraldFaganPhotography.com.

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

2011 Prom Special

2011-04-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Gerald Fagan Photography - 2011 Prom Portrait Special
Offer Ends May 15th, 2011

My Prom portrait packages begin at $75, with 7 more to choose from. The sitting fee is $50 for a 30 minute session, however this will be waived for you and a friend if you can get a friend to schedule an appointment as well, at the same time as you!

There is no limit on clothing changes, as long as it is done during your sessions available time.

My Prom Portrait packages includes basic airbrushing to make the pictures look great!

** BONUS **
If you can get some friends to sign up for the same day, I will waive the sitting fee for yourself and your friends if they are taken at the same time.

** Locations **
Pictures can be taken at my studio located in Abingdon Virginia or they can be On-Location.

** Appointment's **
A non refundable $50 appointment retainer is required to confirm an appointment. This can be mailed or sent by Paypal. This retainer will be applied to your selected portrait package.

** This deal can not be combined with any other specials or promotions.

To schedule an appointment, contact me at 276-415-0025 or send me an email at Gerald@GeraldFaganPhotography.com.

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

2013 Senior Portrait - Jordan - Lebanon Representative

2011-04-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I met up with Jordan and her mother Missy, along with a couple of their friends and we went to a barn outside of Abingdon. This location was great for pictures!

Jordan is a Sophomore Representative for my studio in Lebanon. I think she did an incredible job.

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Ive got many more from this session that I will post a few of eventually. :)

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

Haley's Senor Portrait { Abingdon 2012 Senior Representative }

2011-04-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures that I have processed from Haley's Senior Representative Portrait session from last week.

We walked around Abingdon to get these and drove to a couple of spots as well. We persevered through the cold drizzling rain. Well I should say Haley did, I was wearing a nice warm jacket. :D And a special thanks to Haleys mother for helping out, at one point she was holding 3 umbrella's. :)

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance

Jessica's Custom Album Design

2011-04-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

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And finally, Jessica's Rep Card

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Gerald Fagan Photography - www.GeraldFaganPhotography.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GeraldFaganPhotography & www.facebook.com/GerryFagan
Portrait Studio - 15600 Porterfield Hwy, Abingdon, VA - Carport Entrance