Things have been quiet on the wedding / portrait scene over the last month but this was to be expected due to the very cold weather we have been experiencing. All the leaves have dropped making outdoor settings look a little drab.

It is still a great time for inside sittings and most of the work I have done in the last few weeks has been indoors. I always carry two studio flash units to supplement the natural light where this is very low or of poor quality.While things have been quiet it has provided me time for reflection and an opportunity to consider different ways I can improve my business and the services I provide. I am always open to your valuable feedback so please do not hesitate to flick me an email or two.

I have recently ordered a new wide format professional printer which will enable me to gain greater control over my final product. It will improve my delivery times and assist in avoiding delays which can occur when using an outside processing laboratory. I will be able to produce high quality prints up to 20 inches wide, including canvas.

The subject in this photo will receive a free 10x8 inch print of this shot from Don Burt Photography valued at $30.00. Pregnancy is a great opportunity for a special portrait, particularly when it is followed up with a series of infant portraits after the birth.

Congratulations! the winner of this month’s free sitting valued at $100.00 goes to Yvonne Linstead. You have to the end of August to claim your prize.

On Saturdays I am at the Lanyon Markets I am hoping to have a stand at the Old Bus Depot markets at Kinston in the near future and possibly the Hall Markets. Watch this space. I will announce this in the newsletter when the arrangements have been made.
At the markets I am able to display a number large high resolution images. This gives people an opportunity to see the full quality that I can produce rather than to low resolution web and newsletter images.I am always at the end of a phone and I check my emails several times a day. I welcome any feedback or questions at any time.

Photographing your Children
When photographing your children try and capture them when they are happy and doing something they enjoy. Trying to get children to look at the camera and telling them to smile so often produces a silly forced smile that looks completely unnatural. As a professional it is not always possible to see the children when they are in their “best mood” however parents are around their children all the time and know them best are able to capture their own precious moments in time. You do need to be aware of the lighting conditions, have a steady hand and, if you want larger than post card prints, a reasonable camera. What then are the advantages of using a professional if a parent is presented with more great photo opportunities? Well there are several. In most cases the professional will have invested several thousand dollars on high-end equipment, use high quality printing services and have developed skills in “seeing” a situation through trained eyes. A good professional will also have developed skills in engaging children and adults in a positive manner and be able to get them to “relax” in front of the camera. Experience does count but do not let this stop you from taking photos of your own children and the more you take better you will become. Experience has to start somewhere. Parenting is a busy time and it is not always possible to stop what you are doing to get the camera every time a great situation presents itself. Memories are valuable as they will never happen in exactly the same way again. Happy shooting. Readers’ questions are welcomed and the answer may be included in a future photo tip. Please direct any questions or feedback to don@donburtphotography.com