Author: DanaNPhotography

Buying Photography Equipment

Written by DanaNPhotography on September 18, 2019. Posted in Blog, Informative.

What I have.

Buying photography equipment can be so confusing! When people find out I’m a photographer, they always ask what kind of photography equipment I use. Canon is the answer. Photographers will want to know what model and how old it is and if it has been a reliable camera. So much thought, money, reading articles and reviews goes into purchasing professional equipment. Tastes change as well!

Cameras I have purchased

My photography equipment and camera choice progression has been this : Canon AE-1, Canon Rebel, Canon 50D, Canon 6D and presently a Canon 5d Mark 3 (which apparently has been discontinued. Oh dear.) Recently updated to the Canon mirrorless R5 in 2021! You see, once you are with a brand you typically stay with it. Why? It’s not because you just love that camera body, but along the way you have purchased lenses that only work with that camera brand. That’s right. Nikon and Canon don’t play with each other. Those film camera lenses don’t work on the digital cameras. Even some Canon lenses won’t work on certain Canon bodies. Wouldn’t that be great for the consumer if they did!!! We might all switch to Sony mirrorless and bring our lenses with us!

Lenses Rule!!

I do have a number of lenses that I love. and definitely make up the bulk of my photography equipment. Actually, I love them all 😉 Because I am a portrait photographer, I have portrait lenses. There are specific lenses for wildlife photographers and others for underwater photography!

What do I use the most?

My Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 with image stabilization if I have the room! If I need to take wider shots, I use the F/2.8 24-70mm L series. This is the most versatile lens I have! It is my 2nd one 😉 My first lens purchase was a 50mm F/1.8 lens. I then bought a 50mm F/1.4. The sticker shock at the time was crazy until I thought I couldn’t live without the 50mm F/1.2. Well, apparently you can live without that one…for a little bit 😉

I treated myself to the 70-200mm F/2.8

and didn’t use it much for the longest time! Now it is on my camera for every session at some point! I love the clarity. When I don’t want the weight of this lens, I reach for my 100mm F/2.8. Beautiful for portraits and macro shots if you are a wedding photographer and love those ring shots! When I shot weddings, I bought a 16-35mm F/2.8 for those beautiful wide church shots! I still use it on my 2nd camera at events for crowd shots and fun close ups. The 85mm F/1.8 has been a great lens as well. (The 85mm F1.4 is on my wish list!) Prime lenses (those that have a fixed focal length–they don’t zoom) are always a great choice for portraits! I have a fun Rokinon fish eye that I bought very early on that only works on my 50d cropped sensor camera, but it is a very specific look! Would love the Canon Fish-eye 😉

Next up!

If you are just starting out, I would suggest researching your camera brands. What type of photos do you want to take? Wildlife? Kids? Family? Flowers? Macro? Search lens prices. You may be shocked! Those gorgeous flying eagle photos? The lens used may be a great downpayment on a car!

Me? I guess I will be researching that Canon 5d Mark IV…

Next up>>>Buying tips for your first camera

Cheers!

Desai Family Photography

Written by DanaNPhotography on December 21, 2018. Posted in Blog, Family.

When Dipty called and inquired about a family portrait session, I knew it was going to be wonderful! She knew how she wanted to photos to feel and she knew she wanted a large portrait in a certain place of honor in their home.I arrived at their home for the consultation and we immediately set about finding the perfect spot for a more formal portrait. The entry to their home was gorgeous and all that was needed for a little flair was the beautiful velvet sofa that was to be moved to the front landing and a family who loves each other!

FAmily sitting on beige velvet couch in front of their home in front of their front doors. Dressed in navy, blues and white

How to Prepare for your Corporate Headshot Session

Written by DanaNPhotography on August 4, 2018. Posted in Blog, Business Head shots, Head shots, Informative, Professional Headshots.

Most people are not super excited for their Corporate headshot session, but I am here to HELP YOU OUT with a checklist! The only thing you do not have to prepare for is posing. That is my job!!

1-Personal grooming: You are paying for a Professional Headshot, so take some time to prepare.

Gentleman–Go to the barber and get a nice shave/beard grooming nose and ear hair trim. If you have severe tan lines, get the haircut a week out and return for the shaving and hair trimming.

Ladies–Go to the salon and have your highlights/color etc touched up. Also eyebrow and lip grooming 😉 I have a makeup & hair artist that can help with styling day of in studio!

For both: No tanning! This will show up red and harsh in a photograph. A “little color” usually comes off sunburned or an artificial tan may show up orange!

2-Clothing: Please choose your clothing according to your company specs and colors best for you!

Gentlemen:A professional headshot usually requires a well fitted suit and tie for gentlemen. These must be wrinkle free. Best if the shirt is straight from the dry cleaners. The tie must be free of stains. Check. Sometimes stains show up after being worn! Try on that suit you may only wear for special occasions…like headshots 😉 Make sure the jacket does not have “pills” (little rolled up pieces of threads usually in blend fabrics). Check with your company for photography specs and send them on to me! This helps with my lighting and background setup.

Ladies: Sometimes a company requires you wear a jacket. I suggest a well fitted one as it will be buttoned in the front and no double breasted jackets! Usually darker colored jackets work best. Check with your company for specs 😉

No busy patterns. No pilled T-shirts or jackets.

Most headshots are just that>>Headshots, but typically a Corporate shot is waist up with both shoulders in view with one more prominent to the camera. If your company requires something other that this, I need to know! If this is a session just for you for your own company and website/marketing material, then obviously we can be more flexible!

These sessions are stress free. My goal is to photograph you and have you like what you see so that the first impression for your clients is a great one!

Contact me to discuss your individual session or for your entire company!

Cheers!

Dana

CrossFit Engagement

Written by DanaNPhotography on January 28, 2018. Posted in Blog, Clients, Couples, Engagement, Portraits.

CrossFit is a culture and apparently an avenue for engagement! Just watching a workout makes me sweat! Emily and Robbie met at Maverick Cross Fit in Melbourne, FL and decided that is where their engagement session should be. I was ALL on board with that! We shot on a Sunday morning and had an open gym with gorgeous light streaming in from the roll up doors. After discussing their vision for the session, we set to work with a few dress shots and then on to the athletic shots and gear CrossFit is known for– kettle bells, boxes, ropes and free weights. Below is the slideshow from their session. Much love to you both!!

The Costume Shop

Written by DanaNPhotography on July 13, 2017. Posted in Blog, Theater, Uncategorized.

I am so fortunate to have a studio located in a historic theatre in a thriving downtown! I am amazed daily at the creativity The Henegar Center for the Arts produces in all aspects of it’s productions. The costume shop is no exception. Did you know that the summer program’s costumes are all hand made right here??! Under the stage where the costume shop is located, our summer Costumer Shannon Reppert, volunteers and interns are sewing, measuring, painting, cutting out and batiking for this summer’s middle school production of “The Lion King Experience”. It was amazing to witness the thought and hard work that went into every costume with each child in mind. Here is a short video I put together showing a very small part of the costuming machine! “The Lion King Experience” opens on the Henegar main stage Friday, July 14th at 7pm and Saturday, July 15 at 2pm and 7pm. Purchase your tickets at the box office at 625 E. New Haven Ave. or on line HERE. Get out of the summer heat and bring your family! We can’t wait to see you! HACUNA MATATA!

Wardrobe for a Feel Beautiful Session?

Written by DanaNPhotography on September 14, 2016. Posted in Blog, Informative, Portraits, Women, Women's Photography.

What do you wear for a Feel Beautiful Session? Choosing garments for a Feel Beautiful Session is easy! The focus is you, of course, but as women, once we feel like we are wearing a beautiful outfit, our entire outlook changes! I can see it when it happens! Hair is complete. Makeup is complete. Wardrobe is on and BOOM! You turn around toward my camera…I love that.

First, make sure the color complements your eyes and skin tone. Black or white if all else fails. Second, make sure that the top or the top of the dress is fairly fitted. Women with ample bosoms (as my grandmother used to say) look great in a well supported bra and a top that is fitted underneath their aforementioned bosom. Heck, anyone looks great with a good bra 😉 Third, some type of sleeve is always more flattering. However, butterfly sleeves may look great on you, but they do not photograph well! I am a fan of the 3/4 length as I get older… Forth, Foundation garments (Grandmother speak again). Those can be full length for a dress or whatever length for whatever you want to smooth out and tuck in 😉 Fifth, any top or dress with a texture can camouflage. Lace overlay is beautiful and a favorite. A monochromatic top and bottom for continuity is always flattering.

What is really important is how you feel in your frocks! It is my job to use lighting, posing and camera angles to bring out the very best YOU. A consultation to discuss it all is included in your own Feel Beautiful Session. Contact me to find out more!

Here are a few examples of dresses that I love! Not my photos, but the links are attached!

Black dresses with lace are always beautiful!Find this dress here

blackwaistlace

Find this dress here

Who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

golddress Find this dress here

black-cocktail

Find this dress here

A styled shoot customized just for you…

1905-1910-victorian-dress-satin-jpg_640x640

Find this dress here

screen-shot-2016-09-14-at-1-35-30-pm

Gemini Elementary forms a new Theatre Club!

Written by DanaNPhotography on April 28, 2016. Posted in Blog, Theater, Uncategorized.

2016-04-28_0001
As the resident photographer for The Henegar Center Theatre in downtown Melbourne, it is so great to see elementary school age kids loving theatre! Maureen Fallon recently directed The Jungle Book when she was asked to bring theatre to the beachside elementary! The response was incredible! Students from West Shore Jr. Sr. High School Theatre Troupe #6034 assisted Ms. Fallon in choreography, hair and makeup, lighting and technical support. The auditorium was sold out and the crown was awesome! Maureen will be directing the Henegar Center’s children’s summer theatre . It’s an incredible experience for kids and the shows are so fun!

Here is a link for the photos from Gemini elementary Theatre Club’s performance of The Jungle Book!

Sara and Tom get Married!

Written by DanaNPhotography on February 17, 2016. Posted in Blog, Couples, Weddings.

Lally-2856e

After torrential rains the day before, a Beautiful Florida day dawned and Sara and Tom got married! Love, Love, Love with a handsome groom and a bride in a white dress with a long veil. Be still my wedding photographer’s heart! Enjoy their day!

Sara and her Bridesmaids laughed and danced, drank Starbucks and sang to their favorite songs, while Sandy Malamisure-Darling worked her magic with hair and makeup!

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church was the setting for the First Touch, First look with the Father of the Bride, Bridesmaids Prayer and Groomsmen photographed in the beautiful stained glass light filled chapel!–

And then there was the ceremony with a full mass–

On to Up the Creek Farms for Bridal party photos, drinks, dinner, laughter and dancing the night away!!

A Gorgeous Day working with the following who helped make it possible!

Ceremony Location: Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church

Event Planning and Florist: Nave Event Design, Rachel Nave Hobgood

Hair and Makeup Artist: The Colour Box Hair Studio, Sandra Malamisura, 321.323.4473

Reception Venue: Up the Creek Farms, Jess Tuten

DJ: Sophisticated Gents, Fredrick Smith

Caterer: The Green Turtle Market

Cake and Guest treats: Deb Kempf Desserts

Bride’s and Bridesmaid’s gowns: Elda’s Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse

Photographer: Dana Niemeier Photography, Dana Niemeier

Feeling Beautiful

Written by DanaNPhotography on January 6, 2016. Posted in Blog, Informative, Uncategorized, Women, Women's Photography.

Feeling Beautiful. What does that mean? I suppose it has a different meaning for everyone, don’t you think?

For little girls it may mean dressing up like Cinderella or Elsa with pretty sparkly shoes and a crown. For teenagers it may mean a beautiful prom gown with a bump up in the normal hair and makeup. For the 20 & 30 year olds maybe its a cute cocktail dress, fun hair and makeup or that wedding gown! So what is it for women in their 40’s +?? Hmmm. Maybe a chance to leave the Mom role for a few hours and step back into the world of carefree pampering. A chance to step away from the day to day routine of your job and the responsibilities. Having someone else style your hair & apply beautiful makeup while you sip sparkling water or wine. Stepping in front of the camera and having a professional capture the beauty and wisdom that you have earned while making your mark in this life by working in your profession, taking care of children, parents, partners. Laughing about your life experiences and Feeling Beautiful in this world while I capture it in photographs and print them for you and your loved ones to treasure.

A Life Preserver. That’s what printed photographs are, really. Preserving memories for yourself and for those you love. A Feel Beautiful Session is relaxed, fun and a little exciting! Beautiful Memories. Beautiful Photographs. Beautiful You. Beautiful matted prints, albums and wall art are yours to choose from! Call 321.446.5236 or use this Link to get in touch.

Here is another link to more information on Feel Beautiful Sessions

Cheers!

Dana

The Wizard of Oz at The Henegar Center for the Arts!

Written by DanaNPhotography on December 5, 2015. Posted in Blog, Theater.

What an iconic show to photograph! The colors are amazing and the actors bring all of your beloved characters to life! The munchkins are super precious and of course, the Totos are sweet and lovable!

The Henegar Presents

The Wizard of Oz

December 4-20, 2015

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm.

Special 2:00pm show on Saturday, December 12th.

Tickets can be purchased here-> TICKETS

Here are a few photos- You can purchase all of the show photos yours HERE!