MY FAMILY/PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP TO BENIDORM, LANUCIA, CALPE AND ALTEA
Hey all,
this week blog post is just nice and relaxed photo story of my last family trip to Spain. The places we have visited Benidorm, LaNucia, Calpe, and Altea are all amazing Spanish cities, where you can have a great time with your family or yourself only, in those places you can feel all the real Spanish atmosphere and everything here is absolutely fantastic - the food, the people, the views and all these small little things around us...I am not going to try to convenient you about these places, I think my photos said everything so just enjoy my photography walk here..:)
MY ESSENTIAL GEAR LIST
Hello.:)
I often get asked what kind of photo gear I use, so I thought I'd share all about it in a blog post.
Before I present you my essential gear list I would like to remind you something very important - your camera DOESN"T take the photograph - YOU DO! Your camera is just a tool to create images but the most important thing is to know how to use your camera to get the best results and to learn about photography in more detail - lighting, focusing, appertute, shutter speed, manual mode and many more.
So here is it my ESSENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR LIST:
- CANON 5D MARK IV - I use this camera for most of my photography.
- CANON 6D MARK II - I use this as a backup camera and also often when I shoot events because of the ISO range of the camera - ISO 100-25600
- CANON LENSE EF 24-70mm F/4L - I use this lens for almost everything from studio and environmental sessions to travel and lifestyle photography. I wish I had the expensive version of the lens - 24-700 F2.8 L but it's on my wishlist for now..:)
- CANON LENSE EF 85MM F1.8 USM - this one is one of my favorite outdoor portrait lenses. Shooting more telephoto with an 85 MM allows you to capture more details.
- SIGMA ART LENSE 35MM F1.4 DG HSM - I am using this lens for longer effective focal length portraits (especially in my small home studio) but use it for street photography, architecture and macro photos as well.
- CANON LENSE EF 50MM F1.8 STM LENS - I use it mainly as a backup lens for my portrait photography.
- CANON 430 EX II SPEEDLITE CAMERA FLASHGUN - MUST have gear! I use it for ANY event and some outdoor sessions as a fill light.
- CANON 600 EX-RT SPEEDLITE FLASHGUN - again is MUST have gear! But please note you will need more energy for using that one so you really need extra batteries!
- HOYA POLARISING FILTERS - Essential for most photographers.
- FLASH BATTERIES - make sure you always have more and there is 2500mAh. I personally find this brand and model the best and lasting more and also be sure there is rechargeable.
- EXTRA CANON LP-EGN BATTERIES - when you buy your camera it comes with one battery only so shooting for a long period of time will require at least three batteries! Batteries are an ABSOLUTE MUST! You always need more of them in your camera bag! I personally prefer CANON ones because they last more and are with the best quality but obviously, they are the most expensive ones too.
- BATTERY GRIP BG-E13 - this one is just for my 6D Canon Body but definitely very useful, the only concern is that you need to bring more batteries with you all the time. I hope to get one for my 5D Body soon..:)
- EXTRA SD MEMORY CARDS - Photographing events can eat into your memory like a heavy night on the tiles. The bigger camera sensors get, the bigger the files that come out of them are, so always make sure you have extra memory cards with you! Personally, I bring at least four (64GB) and prefer SANDISK EXTREME PRO - the most expensive ones but with the best quality. Also, the speedy ones are the better ones!
- CANON CHARGER - Always in my bag!
- TRIPOD - it's good to have it all the time with you but honestly I only bring it with me when I know I will need it or my husband will be with me to carry it..:) When you get one of this just be sure the one you chose will hold the weight!
- EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE - Whenever I transfer important photos onto my computer, I make sure that I import them into an external hard drive at the same time. This means that I have access to separate back-ups. Bigger size is better..:)
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- MANFROTTO CAMERA BAG - Must have! Especially travel with all gears, this one will protect your equipment and will keep it safe!
- CLEANING TOOLS - I am using this all the time and definitely I am happy!
- LIGHTROOM - I use Lightroom to edit all my photographs. This software is specifically designed for photographers, and it makes editing very easy and quick. I have the photographer subscription, which gives me access to the latest versions of Lightroom and Photoshop.
- PHOTOSHOP - I use Photoshop after I have edited my photos with Lightroom, to add some finishing touches (mostly getting rid of specks of dust, cat’s hair, and imperfections in the flowers).
I have personal experience with every item on this camera essential gear list and would recommend them all. I’ve spent a fair bit of money in the past on equipment I didn’t need, so learn from my mistakes and bookmark this list now!
Thanks for reading! I hope it was helpful for you..;)
Petya xx
COLOR VS BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Hello dear friends,
nowadays there are so many different areas in modern photography but what is really an interesting topic is black and white vs color photography.
So how do you pick one?
To answer this question I think is a good idea to see the benefits of both styles.
BENEFITS OF BLAK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
- B&W images are more timeless and classic
- no color no distraction - B&W photography keeps you focused on the actual composition and texture in the images
- B&W photography hides imperfections in the photos ( irritated skin and facial complexions will be masked)
- more artistic look
- emotional state
- getting attention with dramatic shadows and backlit
- reminds us of the past days
BENEFITS OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
- catches the eye
- mood the images (warm colors convey joy and happiness, cold colors - sadness and loneliness)
- you can experiment with a different combination of colors
- using colors can define your unique visual style
- emotional state
- better for some kind of photography (product, macro/nature photography)
Both black and white and color photography can be artistic and emotional. There is no right or wrong answer when deciding whether to convert that shot, but it’s not something that should be done automatically. The question is whether the image works better in black and white or color and which emotions it evokes.
You can see some examples of images in both styles below.
And it will be interesting for me how do you decide whether to make an image black and white or color? Share with us in the comments below.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR BABY'S CAKE SMASH PHOTO SESSION
Hello all,
a cake smash photo session is all about the fun experience and the memories. It's a GREAT way to add a little bit of extra sparkle to a first birthday celebration.
I know every photographer has their own way of doing things so I would tell you how a first birthday and cake smash photography session happens here at Petya Nikolova Photography..:)
Cake smash birthday session takes about 1 hour and happens in two parts (for now) - portraits and the smashing. Later on, I think to add a third part - bubble bath so please check my webpage for updates regularly!
Session starts with me photographing the baby dressed in a cute outfit prepared by parents. I will have a colorful backdrop in grey and blue and grey and pink and accessories for the shoo, such as bunting, balloons and paper flowers. I am using lots of props as well - teddies, toys, and others. The portrait portion of the session can include baby only or siblings and family portraits.
Then the next part is THE CAKE SMASH!
I personally do not provide the cake fort he session, but I do know great cake bakers and I will be happy to provide you with their information!
We start by changing clothes with cake smash outfits provided by me or you can bring your own favorite one.
Be prepared for a mess..:)
I recommend bringing a change of clothes for you and the baby. This part of the shoot often goes quite quickly and it's typically child-led.
After the smash part, we just clean up the child with cleaning wipes and change the clothes with a new and clean outfit.
Cake smash photo session can happen in the studio or outside. It also doesn't have to be a cake - could be cookies, donuts or just an ice cream..:) This type of sessions can be done for more than one year old too - it works well for two and three years old children.
So whenever you've already booked a cake smash session with me, or you are thinking of doing so, you can be sure that you will have an experience like no other!
What should I keep in mind regarding the Cake?
- Safety - please note a baby may be allergic to wheat, egg, refined sugar among other things. For that reason, I always ask the parents to bring the cake. This also allows them to choose the design and color.
- Smash cake colors - pink, white, yellow and green and blue photograph well and match most of the backdrops. Avoid chocolate and red unless it's very suitable for a special themed session.
- Smash cake decorations - go with whipped or buttercream frosting so it's easy to dig into. Avoid fondant - it's tough to break and can be choking hazard.
The Cake Smash clean up plan
- In the studio - I make sure to keep baby wipes, kitchen paper rolls, brush, dustpan and trash bags in my studio at all times!
- Parents bring - extra part of clothes for all family members attending and bags to take the dirty clothes home.
CAKE SMASH TIPS for parents
Schedule session around 11 to 13 months age.
Think about the theme and colors you would like to use.
I recommend you purchase your own cake.
Cake with regular soft frosting is ideal.
Avoid frozen cakes and chocolate frosting.
Small cakes 6" to 8" inches work best.
Pick an outfit that matches your chosen colors.
Outfits will get messy so keep that in mind.
Enjoy the memories!
BOOK TODAY
[email protected] / www.nikolovaphotography.com
My photography services
Hello dear friends,
this week my blog post is going to be about the photography services I offer and what to expect when you book a session with me. As most of you know I am doing professional photography from not too long time and probably this is going to be useful info for you or future clients of mine.
So let's start...:)
Petya Nikolova Photography is a London and Essex based professional portrait and event photographer specializing in children and family photography and as well as lifestyle and events photo shoots. Services include studio portraits, location shots, and milestone sessions.
Children Sessions - 1 hour - 10 digital edited images - £130
The children's sessions last up to 1 hour and can be done in my home studio in Woodford Green (IG8), in your home or favorite location. Different backdrops are available for different occasions and the natural backdrop of the local park or outdoor place. Up to two backdrops per session are allowed and up to two different outfits. Mini children sessions are also available - 30 min session, 5 digital edited images for £65 and children mini sessions in different theme ( Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, mother's Day, Halloween) are running all the time through the year in promotional prices - please check my website regularly to find more about them!
Family Sessions - 1 hour - 10 digital edited images - £130
Your family photo session lasts up to 1 hour and is always fun. We start with shots of the whole family together in a variety of poses, moving on to shoots of the children together and individually both close up and full length. Family session can be done in the studio, your home or outdoor in a favorite place. After the session, you can expect 40+ images to view in an online gallery to choose your favorites. Mini family sessions are also available - 30 min session - 5 digital edited images for £65 and family mini sessions in different theme ( Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Halloween) are running all the time through the year in a promotional prices - please check my website regularly to find more about them!
Maternity Sessions - 1 hour - 10 digital edited images - £130
The best time to photograph them is about 32 weeks of pregnancy. The shoot typically lasts about an hour and is meant to be fun, partners and children are very welcome to join in too. Mum to be can change a few outfits to create a full gallery of beautiful images. I am providing props and some pregnancy dresses but you are very welcome to bring everything makes you comfortable and relaxed with you. After the session, you can expect 40+images to view in security protected online gallery to choose your favorites. You can see the images 2 weeks after shooting. Natural outdoor maternity sessions are also available in your preferred local park or favorite place.
Newborn Natural Sessions - 1 hour - 10 digital edited images - £130
In my newborn natural sessions, I really try to capture the newborns in their very natural and authentic way, which means I do not pose or prepare the babies for the session. I just capture those unique moments of stretch, yawn, kicks, turn and open their eyes or sleeping in the natural pose. The best way to photograph this simple and very natural lifestyle session is in your own home but I can hold the session in my home studio in Woodford Green as well. Please book your session in advance to secure the time slot and provide the necessary nappies for changing, food for the baby and clothes! Again you can choose from an online gallery the best images from 40+ files two weeks after the shooting.
Baby Natural Sessions - 1 hour - 10 digital edited images - £130
These sessions are for babies 12 weeks and over. this is a great time to capture those amazing first smiles, the crawling and exploring in a very natural and simple way. The baby sessions are held in my home studio in Woodford Green or in the comfort of your own home. You can choose the best images from an online gallery two weeks after the shooting.
Event Photography - £60 per hour - 100 digital edited images
Cover all types of events in London and Essex from birthday parties, prom parties, christening, hen parties, gala dinners, award ceremonies, networking events to product launches, trade shows, concerts, school plays, and conferences. The images are going to be ready 72 hours after the event and you can download them instantly from an online security protected gallery that could be shared with many different people - emails of the people are required for the smooth and quick sharing.
London Sightseeing Sessions - 2 hours - 10 digital edited images - £150
These sessions are great for the whole family and they are a fantastic way to spend the time together and explore the most beautiful London places. We photograph these sessions in a very natural way trying to capture all the smiles, emotions and joy of the family creating priceless memories which will last forever. You choose the place, the time and the date of the session, in case of bad weather conditions we can always reschedule for another time. You can choose the best images from an online gallery two weeks after the session.
Nursery School Sessions - 10 min per child - £6 per digital file
If you are a leader of a local nursery school or parent of a child looking for a photographer please consider me! I can visit you and set up my portable studio in a specially cordoned off area or separate room. On the day I will spend up to ten minutes with each child, in the presence of a member of staff, aiming to get a variety of close-ups and action shots. I will try to make the experience as much fun as possible. Two weeks later, each parent will receive an email with a selection of digital images of their child to choose from. I am DBS checked and have Public Liability Insurance.
Gift Cards
Photoshoot and professional portraits are the perfect gifts for the whole family as they bring everybody closer. Gift vouchers are valid for maternity, newborn, baby, children and family photo sessions! Once the payment is made, please allow 1-3 days to receive the Gift Card by post or you can choose to receive the Gift Card by email and download and print it yourself.
Please note that for every photo session 50% deposit non-refundable is required to secure the booking!
Travel expenses fee of £10 is also required for all milestone sessions!
