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How to Look Good in Race Photos – Eugene Marathon 2013 Edition

Yesterday was the 2013 Eugene Marathon and LaDuke Photography had the awesome opportunity to shoot the start of the race from a boom lift over Agate Street as well as having exclusive access to the finish line in Hayward Field. It was truly inspiring to see everyone running through the streets of Eugene. Runners are some dedicated and sometimes crazy folk! The sense of community was also touching, so many finishers ended the race with their hands over their hearts as a show of support for victims of the attack on the Boston Marathon. I couldn’t help but get choked up a couple of times.

In photographing 8900 dedicated souls crossing the marathon finish line I learned a thing or two about what is going to make for the best finish photos, and I feel like the photo says plenty, but I have also included a few pointers below.

  • Enthusiasm is EVERYTHING! It is my job to capture everyone who crosses the line, but if you are looking at your watch you get one or two quick snaps. People with a big smile who are celebrating their achievements are like magnets and get many more photos.
  • Emotion of any sort will be gravitated to by photographers.
  • Unique outfits – Did you know The Devil is a Red Sox fan?
  • Also, kudos to the guys who had the energy to do push ups at the finish line after the run!

Smiling faces and big emotional moments are what we love to photograph and what will REALLY look great on your desk to motivate you for the next big race.

To see more Eugene Marathon photos visit this gallery!

Are you involved in organizing a run, walk or other event? I’d love to photograph it!

To check my availability for your sporting event contact me here.

Lacey LaDuke Photography

Call me: (541)954-2458 or (509)954-3885

Email Me: LaDukePhoto@Gmail.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LaDukePhoto

Instagram: LaDukePhoto

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BIG Print Sale – 50% off Fine Art & Portrait Prints

If you were in successful in your spring cleaning endeavors then it’s time to redecorate! Today through Wednesday, April 24th I am offering my large prints for 50% off. All you have to do is contact me directly and ask for the special. This covers any portrait session you may have had with me or any of my fine art prints. Please feel free to browse the following galleries, I’d love to see some of my work up in your home!

As always I’m here for free consultations, just ask if you’d like an opinion prior to placing your order!

See My Entire Gallery – Weddings, Seniors, Families & Fine Art!

 

Lacey LaDuke Photography

Call me: (541)954-2458 or (509)954-3885

Email Me: LaDukePhoto@Gmail.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LaDukePhoto

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Photography Discounts from Eugene to Spokane!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, AND Happy Birthday to Me!

eugene oregon photography discounts

It’s my birthday and I want to give YOU a present. Photography is my passion and I love helping people bring beautiful images into their lives. Creative family portraits, the kids at the park, high school seniors about to spread their wings and of course weddings. From quirky funny weddings right down to the most romantic moments of your wedding day. I want to capture every minute of it! Since I split my time between Eugene, Oregon and Spokane, WA these gift certificates apply to both locations and everywhere in between including Salem, Portland and The Tri-Cities.

For 50% OFF any of my available gift certificates visit this link and use the code “HAPPYBIRTHDAY” Please note that because of the nature of the product you will be contacted separately to provide payment via cash, check or credit card in person or over the phone.

-or-

Give me a call, wish me a happy birthday and place your order directly. (509)954-3885 or (541)954-2458
This offer is only good through Sunday evening on my Facebook Page, but I will extended it through the 22nd for my faithful blog readers. Just give me a ring or shoot me an email if you would like the extension!

 

Due to the nature of the product I cannot offer refunds. Purchased gift certificates do not apply to weddings that have already been booked.

Visit the Gift Certificate Gallery

See My Entire Gallery – Weddings, Seniors, Families & Adventures!

 

Lacey LaDuke Photography

Call me: (541)954-2458 or (509)954-3885

Email Me: LaDukePhoto@Gmail.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LaDukePhoto

Filed Under: Blog, Engagements, Events, Family, Maternity, Photography Tips and Tricks, Senior Portraits, Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

How to Photograph Fireworks

Have you ever tried to snap a picture of a fireworks display and ended up with a bright rainbow squiggle or completely dark frame? Photographing fireworks is a bit of a daunting task for some.  Once you know the basics you will be able to capture the classic images and have the skills to experiment and make them creatively unique to you. Below you’ll find a list to get you on your way, so grab your camera and head out to Alton Baker, Island Park or The Eugene Rodeo and hone your firework photography skills!

  • Bring a tripod. Firework photos require long exposures, sometimes several seconds. If you are trying to hold your camera by hand you’ll end up with lots of brightly colored squiggles from the movement, but no breath-taking fireworks.  Setting the tripod so that it is secure is also important. Keeping the legs short and level will help avoid camera shake from wind or from you adjusting the camera itself.
  • Manually Focus. There are two main ways to go about this. One method is to autofocus on something that is a great distance away, such as buildings that will be in your shot or a bright star, or even on the first set of fireworks and then switch it over to manual. The other way (and my preferred method) is to turn the lens to manual focus and turn the focus ring to infinity (∞) and leave it there. Fireworks are generally far enough away that this will work just fine.
  • Use low ISO. This is your camera’s light sensitivity. Set it low to a number between 100-200 to avoid getting grainy noisy photos. This will also help force a longer shutter speed if your camera does not have manual controls.
  • Slow Shutter Speed. If your camera has manual controls set it to Shutter priority (Tv) or to Manual (M) and select a shutter speed that is a few seconds long. If you are setting your aperture in manual f/8-f/16 will usually serve you well and can be adjusted as needed.  If your camera has a Bulb (B) setting and you have a remote definitely use this. Set your aperture between f/8 and f/16 and open the shutter to capture the entire firework and then click the button to close. Adjust aperture settings as needed for desired brightness (f/5.6 will give you brighter skies, f/16 will be much darker)
  • Remote/Timer. If you have a remote for your camera use it. If not set the 2 second timer. by doing this you avoid any camera shake that may happen when you press the shutter button.
  • No Flash. Unless you are lighting a subject in your foreground I would advise you to turn it off. Even if you ARE lighting a foreground subject you may want to use a flashlight rather than a flash for a more interesting painted effect.

Last but not least once you’ve had a chance to figure out what settings you really like take some time to get creative. Think about interesting compositions, light painting your foreground or maybe adding longer or shorter exposures to manipulate your images. Flexing your creative muscles to personalize your images is one of the greatest joys of photography. Good luck and Happy Independence day!!

See more images from last years’ display at Kings Beach on Lake Tahoe!

Fourth of July fireworks

Lacey LaDuke Photography

Call me: (541)954-2458 or (509)954-3885

Email Me: LaDukePhoto@Gmail.com

Give me some love on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LaDukePhoto

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Action Photo Tips – Terrain Mud Run

On Saturday May 12th the Terrain Mud Run descended upon Camp Harlow in North Eugene. With several great obstacles and lots of mud  a messy dirty amazing time was had by all. I had the pleasure of photographing the event for the organizers. I usually am posting to show off my latest wedding photography album or a really neat set of senior portraits, but I also love to get out and capture some action! Below I’ve outlined a couple quick tips for making sure your action shots turn out as crisp and clean as possible.

  • Most sports shots will require a fast shutter speed. I rarely go below 1/500th of a second. If your photos turn out too dark at 1/500th then boost the ISO to compensate.
  • Consider using flash if you are within 15 feet of your subject. Just enough to light the face of your athlete will help even the exposure.
  • Position yourself to avoid background clutter. Safety nets, cars, advertisements, etc. can draw attention away from your subject.
  • Use a long lens if you can, it will make your subject stand out from the back ground.
  • Turn your camera to ‘burst’ mode. Things happen fast in sports, make sure you can keep up!
  • Think about your angle, will shooting below the athlete make them look ‘larger than life’ or is it better to shoot from above and display them as part of their environment.
  • Most importantly, timing is EVERYTHING! Anticipate movement, use predictive focus and wait until the peak of the action to shoot!

On another more specific note, if you’re going to be shooting anything muddy and dirty wear clothes that can get messy and use the longest lens you can. I was zoomed to 200mm most of the day on Saturday and I still ended up crusted in mud from the tip of my lens hood all the way down to the insides of my socks. If you do not have a weather sealed camera you might consider an easy trick that I use – grab a clear plastic bag and make a poncho with just the lens sticking out. On most cameras you will still be able to manage the controls even with it bagged up. good luck on your action endeavors, happy shooting!

To see more of my mud run photos visit the album

To check my availability for your sporting event contact me here!

Lacey LaDuke Photography

Call me: (541)954-2458 or (509)954-3885

Email Me: LaDukePhoto@Gmail.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LaDukePhoto

Instagram: LaDukePhoto

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Senior Portrait Photo Tips

Hello Class of 2013 Seniors! As an experienced Eugene portrait photographer who loves doing creative senior portraits I know a thing or two about how to create great photos that really express who you are.

I have done many senior portrait sessions and every shoot is different. In order to make things go as smoothly as possible I’ve compiled a short list of steps you can take prior to your session. We’ve only got a couple hours to to make amazing photographs so coming prepared is going to be vital!

Pre-planning:

When you book your session let me know the things that interest you. Are you involved with any sports or clubs at school? Do you have a favorite pet you want to bring along? What do you enjoy doing outside of school? These are all things that we can use to make your photos unique to you. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever have another opportunity like this to do a photo session that so boldly encompasses exactly who you are. Do you love mountain biking? Are you captain of the debate team? Have you been doing gymnastics your whole life? These things define you as a person, why not include them?

What to wear:

  • Avoid strong patterns (plaid, paisley, overly floral blouses, etc). They can be distracting. If you want to wear patterns layer them under a jacket or blouse.
  • Darker colors such as black, navy and dark green will slim you. Shirts with 3/4 or long sleeves are also slimming.
  • Light colors such as white/beige or light grey can dominate the photo and make you look ghostly if you are already pale or they will make you appear orange if you have tan skin.
  • Bring at least 3 different shirts, jackets or dresses. If you can dress in layers it will add variety. Don’t forget letter jackets and sports uniforms.
  • Accessorize! Sunglasses, bracelets, scarves and hats all personalize your ‘look’. Pay attention to how your shoes go with your outfits – they will be in some photos.

Make-Up:

Less is more. Wear it light and natural for your session. Go easy on the eye make up especially. Also NO glitter! It will reflect light and leave you with shiny little pock marks. Some eye make-up has a certain ‘shimmer’ which is okay, but body glitter and lip gloss tends to reflect light unevenly. Consider bringing a matte or transparent face powder to cut down on shiny skin.

Posing/Locations:

Don’t stress over posing, you might practice your smile in the mirror that morning, but otherwise I’ll help you pose once the session begins. The general rule is, “If it feels awkward, you’ll look awkward.” Always look for a comfortable natural feeling pose as close to what the photographer suggests as you can.
As far as locations go, if you have a place that is special to you like the high school track, your favorite park or your family’s own backyard speak up! I’ve got a ton of great suggestions from Alton Baker, to the top of Spencer Butte or even in an urban setting like downtown Eugene or Springfield.

The day before your session & morning of:

  • Drink plenty of water. Being hydrated makes your skin vibrant and fresh and will ward off dehydration headaches.
  • Get a good nights rest the night before to avoid tired eyes.
  • If you aren’t feeling well please reschedule – You need to feel your best to look your best!
  • Eat a small meal and bring a light snack prior, it will help stave off hunger but not leave you feeling bloated.

senior portraits eugene oregon

I realize this is a lot of information to digest, just take a deep breath and know that I am here the whole time to help you out. Let’s go out and have some fun while taking memorable senior portraits that you will be proud to show off!

Contact me today to book your session! I am available for portraits within a 50mile radius of Spokane or Eugene. A small travel fee applies outside of my service area.

 

Lacey LaDuke Photography

Call me: (541)954-2458 or (509)954-3885

Email Me: LaDukePhoto@Gmail.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LaDukePhoto

Instagram: LaDukePhoto

 

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Hiring a Second Photographer Vs. Assistant – Wedding Photography

“What’s the difference between a second photographer and an assistant” and “Should I have a Second Photographer at my wedding?” are two of my most frequently asked questions and it’s time they get their own blog!

The Second Photographer

A second photographer is a trained wedding and event photographer who is able to work independently to accurately capture the intricate details of your wedding day. My second photographers are usually independent wedding photographers themselves and my years of experience have taught me how to be very selective in choosing who to work with. I look for someone with a style similar to my own, but with a unique eye that will help to deliver a slightly different perspective to your photos.

One of the most important aspects of a having second photographer is our ability to give you greater photo coverage and depth. While my second photographer focuses on the Groom and Groomsmen getting ready (or sneaking off to toss a football or what have you), I’m able to spend most of my time with the Bride and Bridesmaids to capture every intricate detail. Also, using a second photographer for the ceremony allows us to capture multiple angles to ensure that we don’t miss the perfect shot while minimizing how much we need to move around.

When it comes time for the posed and bridal party shots, the second photographer generally plays the role of my assistant, but also continues to capture those candid and personal shots that may otherwise be missed.

The Assistant

The assistant is essentially a “photographer in training” and their purpose is to be with me at all times to help with lighting, organization, and workflow. For the larger photos (bridal party, family, etc.), they are my second set of eyes. They look for loose strands of hair, misplaced hands, and other imperfections. Depending on their skill level an assistant may take candid photos or detail shots, but their overall role is still an assistant capacity. They mind my equipment and carry my ladder so I can get all of the best angles. They get to move around light stands and chase down your groomsmen or grandparents who wandered off to visit with guests and family. An assistant is very helpful to me, but they rarely increase the amount of finished wedding photos that you receive and they don’t necessarily do a whole lot to speed up the formal wedding photography process. This can be a big concern if you are doing your formal wedding photos during a rushed cocktail hour.

At your wedding there are so intricate details and moments to capture. No matter how talented a photographer is, a second shooter will always make a positive contribution to your wedding day. Even if you are on the fence about it, you know you want to give yourself every opportunity to get the best photos possible. I highly recommend adding a second photographer to your wedding package. You only get married once, so make sure I’ve got you covered from every angle! 

Spokane Valley Wedding

All of these images were taken within minutes of each other thanks to employing a 2nd photographer

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A Generation of Lost Memories

Your family’s precious memories are in danger. It’s happening right now, but there is something that you can do about it. With the widespread availability of digital cameras people are taking more pictures than ever, but what happens once they are taken? Most of them stay on the camera where a few are deleted here and there to make room for the next event. That or they go onto your hard drive where you say, “Oh, I’ll fix the red eye and crop those soon.” And then they are forgotten when the next big holiday or event happens. Quite a few of us make the transition from camera to editing program to Facebook, Flickr or email, but even then how secure are your memories?

Memory cards and hard drives fail, sometimes computers have to be reset to their factory settings losing the hundreds of pictures that you were going to get around to posting ‘eventually’. If you delete a social networking page all of the images go with it. It’s just too risky to not back up your images in a manner that is tangible and never crashes. Plus, who actually has to time go back and look fondly at the cute pictures that you posted on your Facebook wall 2 years ago? It’s just not a convenient medium for archiving.

The photographer as a child.

Because you never know what will be important 20 years later.

Right now a whole generation (and potentially all generations to come) is going to grow up without a family album. Think of the nostalgic feelings you get when you open an old shoe box filled with images and sort through them. Even the most mundane images spark fond memories. A day at the lake, the Christmas morning that you didn’t get that pony, little league games, picking fruit with your parents; these are all things that are more vividly remembered when you have that 4×6 in your hand. I’m not saying you need to print every picture you take of yourself in a bathroom mirror, but if it is a momentous occasion it would be silly to not make a print for your family album.

Only backing up your images online is just silly, give your kids something to look back on that they can hold in their hands and feel. It’s hard to get excited about a digital image on a computer screen, but the magic of prints never gets old. Whether it be ordering prints from your photo session with your favorite photographer or just getting some 4×6 prints of a day at the pumpkin patch it is our responsibility to preserve these memories rather than letting them get lost in the digital void. Give your empty shoe boxes a reason to feel good again, get printing!


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Destination Photography – Taking The Photographer With You

The right photographer is like a good pair of pants. They perform exactly how you need them to, they fit and mold to your personality, and their quality is consistent and dependable. Like a good pair of pants, a good photographer is tried on beforehand, before your big wedding or before your extended family portrait session. I hear countless horror stories from clients who’ve hired a destination photographer at the last minute to only be disappointed with the final product… hundreds of dollars and countless missed memories later.

If you’re planning a destination wedding or event where your photographer is critical for preserving timeless memories, consider hiring a photographer at home and having them travel with you. This may sound like an expensive option at first, but many photographers are flexible and are eager to add a destination photography shoot to their portfolio. You may even find that the additional costs are still much cheaper than hiring a photographer at your destination.

Even though I’m based out of Spokane, WA (and the Pacific NorthWest), travel and destination photography have always represented some of the highlights in my portfolio. Some of my favorite locations have been: Lake Tahoe for family portraits, Oregon for weddings, and Utah for adventure photography. I always welcome the opportunity to travel and explore a new destination. This helps me to both expand my portfolio and also ensures that my clients receive the quality photography that they’re looking for.

Earlier this month I was asked to go to Lake Tahoe, California for a couple of family photo shoots and happily jumped at the chance to explore a new area and widen my client base. I had a blast shooting the portraits and getting out to explore the area. Below are some of the photography highlights from my 4th of July Lake Tahoe photo shoots!

Lake Tahoe Family Portrait Sessions:

The setting summer sun provided great lighting for these photos, taken off of Highway 267 near Truckee, CA. Aspen trees, wildflowers, and fallen tree trunks created a fantastic backdrop.

 

Kings Beach July 4, 2011 Fireworks:

Kings Beach, CA had an amazing turnout for the 4th of July fireworks this year! The beach and the lake were packed full of spectators enjoying the festivities and explosive display. You can see more Kings Beach fireworks photos here.

Filed Under: Blog, Photography Tips and Tricks, Weddings Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Making The Most Of Your Portrait Session

As an experienced Spokane portrait photographer I have had the opportunity to shoot many wonderful people in countless settings; from Riverfront Park, to the Palouse, to Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene. As a courtesy to all my clients I’ve used my knowledge to create a list of tips and tricks to help you get the best possible photos from your family portrait, senior portrait, or individual portrait session. From kids sessions to engagements, these are useful hints here for anyone who is preparing to go in front of the camera.

In preparation for your portrait session:

Darker colors are more slimming. Dark colors also draw more attention to the subjects face. It doesn’t mean you have to wear all black though, be creative just bear in mind that if you are self conscious about your weight already stay on the darker end of the tonal range.

Bright colors draw attention away from the face. Using them to accent an outfit is great and helps personalize a shoot, but overpowering bright colors (think neon or tie-dye) are going to make it so no one sees the real subject.

Solid colors or subtle patterns are preferable to loud attention grabbing patterns for the same reason you should stick to darker more muted colors.

Bring a change of clothing; most photographers don’t mind taking a minute to stop for an outfit change. Even if you just bring a different shirt or a jacket to go over your shirt it adds depth and dimension to the whole shoot.

Bare arms add weight. If you are self conscious about weight to begin with it may benefit you to wear long sleeves. Having a lot of exposed skin draws the eye away from the face.

Shoes - If you are shooting outdoors and plan to wear fancy shoes be sure to bring along shoes that will be comfortable and allow you to walk from one location to the next.

Couples - Outfits should compliment each other. This doesn’t mean you must match but if one of you is wearing a ‘cool’ color like blue or green the other should as well. The same goes for warmer tones like yellows, reds or browns.

Men – Shave and moisturize a few hours before your shoot. Doing it a little while ahead of time helps reduce the appearance or razor burn and irritation.

Ladies – Avoid sheer tops or anything that undergarments will show through. It may not look ‘that bad’ in the mirror but add in the flash and you never know what you’ll see.

Ladies - Lipstick or lip gloss will draw more attention to your face. Lighter shades may not show up in photos. Avoid glittery lipstick if at all possible as it may catch light and create a glare.

Hair cuts should be done 1-2 weeks prior to photos. This allows time for things to grow out and look more natural.

Accessorize – simple jewelry, belts, scarves, etc all add a personal touch.

Hydrate – Do your skin a favor and drink plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your portrait session.

If alcohol generally makes your skin red or blotchy please avoid it for 18 hours prior to your session. You want to look your best for the photos.

If you are not feeling well for any reason let your photographer know and reschedule your session. If you feel sick it will show in the photos. You want to come to your session bright, alert and ready to take some amazing portraits.

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