Who is Kelvin?

Light has temperature;  (www.wix.com/georgecordero/best)

Have you ever wondered why some photos shot indoors show a green cast?  It's because of Kelvins.  No not Kevin...Kelvins.  Light actually has a color temperature and it is measured in something called Kelvins.

Color Temperature                                  Light Source


  1000-2000 K                                                     Candlelight
  2500-3500 K                                                   Tungsten Bulb 
  3000-4000 K                                                   Sunrise/Sunset
  4000-5000 K                                                Fluorescent Lamps
  5000-5500 K                                                   Electronic Flash
  5000-6500 K                                             Daylight with Clear Sky 
  6500-8000 K                                            Moderately Overcast Sky
  9000-10000 K                                Shade or Heavily Overcast Sky

The above chart shows in Kelvins the output you get in more commonly known terms.  Some of the color that results from various light sources can be pleasing.  As an example "candle light", or "Tungsten" which is the color cast in most homes from light bulbs.  However take a photo under fluorescent lights and you get a green cast, and unless you are photographing a green bean it's not an attractive color for skin tones on people or pets.  The way you keep things neutral is to keep on your flash.  Flash will white balance your light source so that you get a result similar to being out doors on a clear day.  What you need to keep in mind is that a small compact camera or camera phones flash is limited in power and cannot balance the light in an entire room.  So you need to get close to your subject so that the skins tones of the people in your shot will benefit from the flashes white balance capabilities.

Some compact digital cameras and even cell phone cameras have the capability to have their white balance adjusted.  If your does you should take advantage of this and make your adjustments based on your shooting conditions. You will always get a better result from starting with the correct setting rather than trying to correct the color temperature after.  For those of you with a DSLR you have a much better chance of getting the right color in your cameras "Auto White Balance" mode, however helping the camera whenever you can by setting the "White Balance" to the correct setting based on your shooting situation will always improve your results.

A photographers view: Professional or Amateur?

How do I pick a photographer?

I often read Craigslist and other similar forums where people look for photography services for various types of events, everything from weddings to portraits.  In many of these ad's people claim to be willing to take on an armateur, novice or student for their event looking at saving money.  I understand the wanting to save money and wanting to get the best possible price, however let me ask you this.  Do you look for a novice doctor, lawyer, mechanic?  I would think you don't.  The reason is that over time you have come to realize that experience means an expertise and knowledge far and above someone that is a novice.  I realize that photography is not rocket science or brain surgery.  It is however a medium that takes years to perfect as one moves towards becoming a professional.  Then there are the tools of the trade which often cost thousands of dollars and you have to multiply that times 2 for a pro since they require backup equipment to ensure the job gets done.  

If you are prepared to spend thousands on a wedding day you should budget for a professional.  You can expect to pay between 100.00 and 250.00 dollars per hour for a professional wedding photographer.  However often a package which includes a set number of hours and various types of included services will be packaged at a specific price.   An hourly sum usually only comes into play if you go over the hours contracted for.  A professional head shot session can cost as little as 200.00 dollars for about 1 hour with a couple of wardrobe changes and a CD with copy right release and touch ups.  Having a stylist or make up artist is done at an additional cost to the client.   Portrait sessions run about 150.00 which will include a sitting fee and package of prints.  These are just some basic guidelines and prices vary depending on geographic location and reputation of the photographer. Keep in mind your big box stores and department stores do not have Professionals working in them, but rather an employee working a camera.  This is why their prices are lower then the cost of a Pro.  Additionally the equipment and supplies used are inferior to those that a professional would use.

You should also know that any photos taken by a photographer of any type (Pro or Non Pro) are the property of the photographer.  They do not need your permission to reproduce them or to showcase them on their website.  They are however not allowed to profit commercially from the photo unless a release has been signed by the model or client.  Remember this, you are usually contracting a photographer for what is a once in a lifetime event, as such do you want to trust your special day to one who is just learning their craft?  I hope the answer is no, but if you are willing to risk the outcome of your event on a novice you must also be willing to be somewhat disappointed in the result.  What is it they say?   "You get what you pay for".

http://www.wix.com/georgecordero/best