Photography Tips with Ismail Sirdah

Ismail Sirdah is a photographer that was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He specializes in photographs for events and headshot photos. Sirdah is also an entrepreneur where he owns and operates Ismail Sirdah Photography company and the Ismail Sirdah School of Photography located in Savannah, Georgia. Sirdah’s love for photography grew as he worked as a photography assistant and followed his passion throughout the way to becoming a self-taught photographer. Today, I will share some of Sirdah’s photography tips with you:

Know when to Use your Flash

• When indoor use an external flash – this will bounce light off the wall or ceiling for a more natural look. Do not use the flash at a similar angle as the lens, to avoid getting a dull, flattened image. Take measures when using your flash indoors.
• On a sunny day use flash to overpower the sun and get a dramatic effect.
• Make use of alternative light when the subject is poorly lit in natural lighting.

How to Master the Headshot Artistic and Non-Artistic Photography Tips

• Capture the best angle of the subject
• Make use of artistic lighting
• Edit blemishes
• Ask for your client’s insight
• Master the types of formal non-artistic headshots
• Invest in good lighting
• Instruct and/or position your subject properly
• Take measures when using flash

Photography is an art. With a good camera, lighting and the subject, you will be on your way to capturing the perfect shot. Some of the top DSLR cameras that are recommended by Sirdah are the Nikon D850, Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Nikon D7500 and the Nikon D3400. These cameras are of high-quality and they are able to capture the moment to create the best memories.

When taking photos don’t be afraid to be creative. The more creative you are the better images you will receive. Here are some easy DIY Photography Backdrop ideas from Sirdah:

• Using the wall – this does not necessarily mean doing a complete paint job. Tape objects to the wall such as balloons, paper flower, decals or kid friendly theme.
• Hang items from the ceiling – use party streamers, helium balloons and have them float away into the ceiling.
• Simple wall or building – if you live in the country area a barn side as a backdrop, brick home or any other creative building.
• Fabric designs – a wide variety of fabric is available to select from any fabric store. These make for a very pretty backdrop and are able to be reused.
• Create a scene – be creative with your background by using props.

Whether you are just starting out as a photographer it takes time and patience to develop your skills. While a lot of knowledge is on the internet from Youtube videos to blog tutorials it is important for you to go out and shoot. Perhaps you can create your own at home studio, you can also make use of a softbox studio to take pictures of smaller objects. There are also a lot of photography sites to share your images.

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