Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Get The Creative Commons Licenses That Fits You Best!

I've recently been doing a lot more photography and uploading my photos to flickr. I've been researching on the type of creative commons license I'd like to use and I thought I'd share the knowledge and links!

Link to the 6 types of licenses you can choose:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/

If you are still confused... Here is a simple licence chooser:
http://creativecommons.org/choose/


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Phoenix Comicon 2012 [#PhxCC]


SOO EXCITED!!!! Just thought I would share the link to all of the photo ops they will have this year!! I'm soooo getting the Star Trek group pack for $175!!!

View Phoenix Comicon 2012 Photo Op List!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Find the Best Digital SLR Lens

I've been taking photos semi-professionally for a while now. I can say they were professional because I got paid for them, right? Haha!! Well... Now that I have my awesome ninja-like camera (Many thanks to the best boyfriend in the world, my boyfriend, for getting it for me!!) I guess the shopping doesn't stop once you buy the camera.

LENSES -- FOCAL POINTS -- APERTURES --- OH MY!!

I have one awesome set of photography friends who have been trying to guide me in the right direction but I was still a little unsure about lenses.  With a price tag like some of these lenses, you want to be sure! I started googling around and I ran across the BEST website talking about what SLR lens you should get. It teaches you all of the lens basics. I just wanted to share the link and the love. Here it is:

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/best-digital-slr-lens.html

Thursday, April 19, 2012

100 Things About Photography

Someone emailed me this list the other day. I thought I'd share the pure awesomeness with the world!!! Feel free to add any of your tips!!



100 Things About Photography

1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn’t mean that they’re a good photographer.

2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.

3. Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer.

4. Photo editing is an art in itself.

5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.

6. Macro photography isn’t for everybody.

7. UV filters work just as well as lens caps.

8. Go outside and shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.

9. Capture the beauty in the mundane and you have a winning photograph.

10. Film isn’t better than digital.

11. Digital isn’t better than film.

12. There is no “magic” camera or lens.

13. Better lenses don’t give you better photos.

14. Spend less time looking at other people’s work and more time shooting your own.

15. Don’t take your DSLR to parties.

16. Girls dig photographers.

17. Making your photos b/w doesn’t automatically make them “artsy”.

18. People will always discredit your work if you tell them you “photoshop” your images. Rather, tell them that you process them in the “digital darkroom”.

19. You don’t need to take a photo of everything.

20. Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.

21. Ditch the neck strap and get a handstrap.

22. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better.

23. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.

24. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting.

25. Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography.

26. Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.

27. Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.

28. The more photos you take, the better you get.

29. Don’t be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.

30. Only show your best photos.

31. A point-and-shoot is still a camera.

32. Join an online photography forum.

33. Critique the works of others.

34. Think before you shoot.

35. A good photo shouldn’t require explanation (although background information often adds to an image).

*36. Alcohol and photography do not mix well.

37. Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them.

38. Grain is beautiful.

39. Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.

40. Simplicity is key.

41. The definition of photography is: “painting with light.” Use light in your favor.

42. Find your style of photography and stick with it.

43. Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.

44. Silver EFEX pro is the best b/w converter.

45. Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.

46. Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life.

47. Don’t pamper your camera. Use and abuse it.

48. Take straight photos.

49. Shoot with confidence.

50. Photography and juxtaposition are best friends.

51. Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.

52. Give your photos to friends.

53. Give them to strangers.

54. Don’t forget to frame them.

55. Costco prints are cheap and look great.

56. Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s).

57. Join a photo club or start one for yourself.

58. Photos make great presents.

59. Taking photos of strangers is thrilling.

60. Candid>Posed.

61. Natural light is the best light.

62. 35mm (on full frame) is the best “walk-around” focal length.

63. Don’t be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.

64. You don’t need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go

65. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.

66. Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be “artsy” is exploitation.

67. You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.

68. Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.

69. You can’t “Photoshop” bad images into good ones.

70. Nowadays everybody is a photographer.

71. You don’t need to fly to Paris to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.

72. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Beautiful Video of the Second Largest Aquarium Tank in the World

I ran across this beautiful video today and I've already watched it 3 times, that makes it share worthy.

Not only was the video beautifully done, I think the song took it to a whole new level of beauty where you just couldn't look away.  Maybe it's the Pisces in me, but I love the sea life and water.  One of my life long dreams is to swim with the dolphins, go figure.  Haha!

Please enjoy the aquarium tank video. I recommend making the video full screen and turning the music up.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sedona, Arizona and all of it's beauty!

Check out this Sedona, Arizona photography video I made showcasing some of my favorite photos from a recent vacation I took.


This summer I had the opportunity to head up to Sedona, Arizona with some good friends. If you have never been, you should stop your ninnywagon ways and head up there already. The coolest part, for us Phoenix folks, is that it's only an hour or so to get up there all you need is some gas money and you can even bring your own treats.

Our first stop on our mini vacation to Sedona, Arizona was Montezuma Castle National Monument. It is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America and a sight to see. I enjoyed the rocks and the mini forrest like features on the north side of the dwellings. We got some amazing photos, and a mini workout from our mini hike. Haha, so far everything was mini, but very enjoyable for a weekend get away on a budget. Even better, Montezuma Castle National Monument is only 30 mins away from Phoenix. It could be a spur of the moment super mini vacation.

Here are some photos from Montezuma Castle National Monument


We didn't stop there. We headed on north up to a little river where the rocks work like a natural slide, Slide Rock.  Other than the hour long wait to park, it was pretty amazing once we got in. People slide down the slick natural water chute or wade and sun along the creek. It was pretty amazing, so simple but yet a lot of fun.

Our first run down the slide was pretty intense. Even in the Arizona sun, the water was FREEZING... It made me think of Jack, from the movie Titanic when he said "The water is so cold that it will feel like 1,000 knives piercing your skin" he wasn't kidding. My attempt on staying halfway dry was ruined on the first trip down the slide. Sunglasses included, I was engulfed by the current and taken for a little trip. The loss of my awesome sunglasses was heartbreaking news on such a sunny day, but we ended up finding them later sitting by the side of the river with a few scratches but still good enough to wear [Praise the lord!].  I STRONGLY recommend going to Slide Rock, you will never forget it. I want to go back again sometime soon.

The day was an adventure with great friends and I feel pretty lucky that we got to go and have such a fun time. To be honest, we didn't even spend that much money either [Shibby!].  You don't really need to be a high roller to have fun in Arizona! Ok, don't make this weird... go up to Sedona already we won't judge you [Hahaha, I don't even know who "we" is but it sounded good].

[unrelated note: I really wanna watch Titanic right now but I don't own it on DVD, tear. Dang movie reference! Next time I should reference something I own like Point Break.]

Sunday, May 16, 2010

New Tempe Aquarium - Opens to Public at the Arizona Mills Mall

Get your camera and imagination ready for some fun. Arizona has done it again! There is something awesome to go and check out!

A friend sent me the link to the information and I thought I would share it with you as well. It looks like tons of tickets have been sold and everyone is really excited about it!

I cannot wait to go and check it out! I'm going to wait until the hype dies down a little bit though. It will be more enjoyable with less people around for me.  Plus, I'll be able to get better photos. If you go and take some photos I'd love to see them!

I am really looking forward to having a slice of sea life here in Arizona. If you don't already know me, you should know that I love the ocean and sea life.  I could go to San Diego's Sea World every day if I could.  One of my goals is to pet a dolphin [and swim with one] and to hold a penguin. I think they are the cutest animals ever! If I could, I would move to California or Hawaii in a heartbeat, it has always been a lifelong dream of mine. I'm in Arizona, I'm getting close! Haha

Have a wonderful weekend!


Link to full article: http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2010/05/14/20100514tempe-aquarium-opens.html


Friday, February 05, 2010

The beautiful store called...they want their Arizona views back

I recently went browsing through my photos to take a trip down memory lane and I picked out a few photos I thought you might enjoy. 


Over the past year I have fallen in love, with hiking. I'm not hard core or willing to climb crazy rocks [yet] but I do enjoy a leisure hike to the top of a moderately sized mountain. I really enjoy the trail by my house because it's a nice steady incline. Not too hard... Not too easy... Just right!


My friend Melissa got me into hiking, I'm surprised she got me to go. At first I was NOT excited to be stomping around in nature [bugs, birds, rocks, snakes, and who knows what else - scary!]. After the first time we went - I was HOOKED! 

If you haven't ever been on a hike or anything like that before I think you should try it! I don't know if it's because I'm artistic but my personal feelings of the world and Phoenix have changed a lot, because of hiking. It's like an entire different world up there, plus you're getting a work out too! Personally, before my hike adventures I didn't even notice all of the mountains around town. I just saw Phoenix as this flat desert with a few palm trees with rock landscape instead of grass, boy was I wrong.  Looking around there is a mountain almost ever couple of miles and always in looking distance.  It's really quite beautiful.

I think the one of the best things about hiking in Phoenix would be the photo ops. I have taken so many photos on my hiking adventures that it is just crazy. I have even woken up at 6am [and I'm not a morning person at ALL!] just to be sure to get a hike in my day. A hike a day keeps the laziness away?? Is that the saying? haha!



Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Dew you want to take a look at this photo of the day? - By Heather Kant

Here are some photos I took of my beautiful plant. One day the sun was beaming in after I had finished watering. It made the water drops look like they were glowing around the edges. I had no choice but to have a photo-shoot! Right here in my living room!

Funny, I'm actually new to owning plants.  I've always wanted plants but they always seemed expensive.  My good friends Brooke and Melissa started telling me they had some great plants at the Home Depot and they would take me to do some plant shopping! I think I went plant crazy! I bought 3 small plants [including this one] and one larger plant that looks beautiful, large, and very tropical.  In my care I have only lost 1 so far.  In my defense it was a discount plant that was already on it's way to it's doom.

After finally owning plants - I strongly recommend owning a plant or two. Not only does it feel nice to water the plants but it makes your home look fresh.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Heather Kant's Photo of the day! Downtown Phoenix Arizona

Believe it or not...This photo was taken with my cell phone [Motorola Rokr].  I think it turned out pretty sharp.  I took it about a year ago from one of the buildings downtown Phoenix while I was waiting for the elevator.

What a spectacular view!  Can you imagine working in an office that overlooks that every day? Actually I can! I worked in a building down town Phoenix once [Cableone]...and truthfully it was VERY distracting. Everyone would catch their-self looking out during meetings and training classes. Ha ha! It was sure a nice location right by the freeway too.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Photo of the Year [National Geographic - 2005]

The following is a picture taken of camels in the desert. It is considered one of the best pictures of the year [2005]. Look closely, the camels are the little white lines in the picture. The black you see is just the shadows!!


Thursday, January 14, 2010

My Travels to the North for the Holidays - Great Photos!

What a great holiday season I've had this year! I had the best time getting to travel and see my family! I am one lucky girl getting the opportunity to do that during this rough economy.

My travels didn't go without notice to some lovely photo ops! I thought you would enjoy a few (posted below).  I took some of these from the airplane window and I think they look beautiful. If you are wondering, that was in *sunset mode* on my super awesome/cute/orange/nifty canon cyber shot camera. It was a gift a couple of months back from Adrian and I'm in love. It takes the best photos! The more I toy around with it, the more I love it.

Here are my favorite photos from the trip:
Click them for a larger view

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Heather Kant's Photo of the Day - Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale AZ

A week ago my cousin Kelly was lucky enough to come to Phoenix for work and she got to see me! It was great to see her and hang out.  Funny Story, we both have the photo <3 gene we got from Granddad (he does it too, lol).

During our conversations by the beautiful pool at Hotel Valley Ho we decided to take some pictures.  I think this one turned out great! You gotta love the beautiful Arizona nights...perfect!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Photo of the Day


Beautiful Arizona Sunset - Photo Taken by Heather Kant

I took this photo on a hike this past Sunday with my cell phone (sadly my camera batteries were dead). Very Very Beautiful sunset! I thought you would enjoy the view as well! Stay active and live every day as enjoyable as you can. :)

Photo of the Day


Here is a photo of my brother's adorable puppy.  This photo was too adorable not to share with the world!



New Custom Business Cards Designed by Heather Kant

Pretty Exciting!! Look at those bright vibrant shades of hot pink and beautiful orange (my 2 favorite colors). I finally printed off my sweet business cards last week.  I am really pleased on how they turned out. In my opinion these cards are so me! I'm really digging the rounded corners as well! Lookout world, I'm soooo ready to pass these out! I feel very proud!!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Lightbox 2 Tutorial

I found this great tutorial this weekend and I thought I'd share it!  I've been wanting to update my website's photo gallery for a while now and I think this is going to do the trick!! I'll be sure to send out an email and a new blog update when everything is live and updated!

Lightbox 2 Website
Tutorial Website