Dr. James DeVellis

Color contrast is one way to make your photos pop and garner more interest. There is a certain simplicity and charm to these kinds of pictures – but only if one knows which colors pair well and work together. Here are some tips to consider.  Image source: HGTV.com Achieving color entails a basic understanding of color, or knowing what primary and secondary colors are and what they also represent. Color has become so crucial in identifying and differentiating between specific things and their states, and it can signal critical situations that need attention, such as a red traffic sign. White evokes purity and cleanliness, while green is linked to life, nature, and the environment.  Among the simplest forms of contrast is black and white, which makes photographs in this style look effective. But color contrast photography is a bit more complex than black and white. It happens when a cold color is paired with a warm one or opposites on the color wheel. For ...

Apple’s iPhone is one of the most iconic gadgets to come out in the past few decades. It has also evolved in leaps and bounds. Many of the iPhone’s features are quite easy to use. And there’s so much it can do for your photography.  Image source: Iskysoft.com While the built-in grid allows you to follow the rule of thirds to a tee, it also helps you balance the image and angle your shots. Like other phones, the filtering function of the iPhone allows for several different textures. Digital alterations are a cinch.  The panorama function is amazing as well. You can take wide shots of picturesque places and even have a person appear in a single shot as many as three times.  iPhone camera apps available at the App Store enable photographers to enhance their images further. The combinations are endless, and even the most inexperienced photographer can come out with quite a creative shot.  While veteran photographers might frown and questio...

Pennsylvania has a lot of photographable scenes and locations. The state is just teeming with natural resources that would surely capture the interest of any nature photographer. As long as you are willing to go beyond your comfort zone to explore nooks and crannies or exercise those limbs for an unexpected walk or hike, Pennsylvania can satisfy the desire for taking breathtaking images. Various geographical formations and terrains offer numerous surprises to the patient enthusiast. Here are some of the best spots in the state that any shutterbug should take note of: Image source:  flickr.com Gettysburg Of course, everyone knows this historical place as the site of that famous battle during the Civil War. But any nature photographer can get ample views of farms punctuated with military objects here and there to add texture to the landscape. Susquehannock State Park Photographers may need to hike a bit to reach the best sections of the area for nature photography. Two o...

New York City is one of the best avenues for street photography, and with the advancements of smartphone cameras nowadays, it’s the best gadget to capture it with.  Image source : jamesmaherphotography.com Here are 5 tips to capture New York City with your smartphone:  1. Find a good location   A good location is essential because it provides an interesting backdrop for your photo. Find something that’s not too teeming with people. Being able to isolate your main subject from the background will make them stand out much better.  2. Use burst mode   Capturing action shots of moving objects is difficult, and you only have a couple of seconds to do it. Fortunately, there’s a feature in smartphones to let you capture up to 10 shots in a second called burst mode.  3. Photograph interesting architecture   Street photography isn’t all about photographing people. Especially if you’re in a place like New York, there ar...

Very few things can compare nature photography. You have the beauty of the world all around you. You’re breathing fresh air. And there’s absolutely nothing stressing you out – well, almost nothing.  Image source: iso.500px.com If you’re into photographing wildlife, which is part of nature photography, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First off, it may prove a bit of a challenge – not just in trying to capture quick and elusive animals, but also in making sure that you’re safe most of the time.  You need to know if the areas you’ll be shooting in have predators that can do more than a bit of harm. The American wilderness is full of wild animals that are potentially lethal. Keeping an eye out or at least keeping a safe distance can save your life. It is also recommended that you bring a companion to spot incoming danger.  If you’ll be shooting mountain tops, and there are no predators around, be sure to check the weather and bring...

One need not be a genius to learn how to operate a camera and take gorgeous photos, given the conveniences of modern technology. Even our smartphones now carry high-quality and high-pixel cameras and lenses for practicing our shooting skills. The same is true even before the advent of modern and handier photo devices. We all have, at some point, picked up a camera. Maybe during a trip, a wedding, or just because the camera was there and we were instructed by a family member just to click away. Image source: techradar.com Photography is inherently fun and offers lots of room for the imagination. Taking photos lets us capture and immortalize moments. It’s an instant way to document places and people and things. Secondly, it channels the creativity within us. As we become more familiar with the camera, we begin to play around and experiment with lighting, various hues, filter options, and more complex gear. Image source: webneel.com Also, the world is riddled with ...