My Blog » Photography

Getting the Best Out of Your Social Media/Networking Avatars

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:16:50 +0000

With the rise in Social Media Networking, it has become very important to have several photos that you can use as your profile picture (your “avatar”). This is the image that everyone first sees when your profile appears in a search, or when viewing your personal page. Every social networking site uses them. Profile pictures allow someone searching you to confirm they have chosen the right person. (Think of someone searching for Tim Hill—there are many Tim Hill’s in the world, and many of us are photographers.)

I believe it is best to have a portfolio of images you can use on the varying sites. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter all have different audiences and different “feels.” I think it is best to have a professional look to your LinkedIn profile, and something that shows more of your own personality on Facebook and Twitter.

Keep in mind that while Facebook and Twitter are not geared strictly for “doing business,” you should have a presence on each. On these sites, you really want to appear approachable. Personality is everything on these sites.

Below are a few examples of photos I have used on different sites this past year:

Tim Hill

My friend Jack

admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:49:30 +0000

Jack is my “next door dog,” and recently, he stopped by to play for a little while. After some rough housing, he was a little tired.

Holiday Lights: Winding Down

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:46:33 +0000

Happy 2010 everyone! I thought I would post one last holiday light picture to close up the season. This is the tree in front of my building on Lenox Ave (aka Malcolm X Blvd).

I hope you all have a safe, happy, prosperous 2010!

–
Tim

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Holiday Lights

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:19:17 +0000

I love a tree filled with lights. It makes me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This tree is located at the Time Warner Center in Manhattan.

Christmas Snow

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:43:31 +0000

Here we are the day after the first big snow this winter in NYC and we are 5 days away from Christmas. I feel like I’m in the Charlie Brown Christmas special looking at this picture.

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…more Snow Pics

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:31:23 +0000

One more post of iPhone Snow Pictures. Here’s the last of them.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:50:50 +0000

The weather outside is frightful…yuck…rain. Soooo, in order to lift my spirits a little, I am posting a few more iPhone photos from last week’s snow in Boston.

Growing up in North Carolina, I didn’t see snow all that often, and now, as an adult, I turn into the biggest kid when it snows. Tis the season…BRING IT!

Schroon Lake Thanksgiving

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:24:20 +0000

This is where I spent my Thanksgiving vacation. Great times.

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Capturing Good Holiday Photos

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:46:05 +0000

Often, I am asked to give advice on capturing good snapshots…or, I find my clients saying, “I’m not good with a camera.” I think anyone can capture a photo that will make your friends say wow. So, today, in the spirit of the upcoming holidays, I have decided to to give away a few strategies I employ for getting that cool family shot or holiday shot.

1. Find an unusual angle or perspective. As adults, we are used to seeing each other and our family from a particular point of view. Looking at the world from a different perspective (through the lens, and at a different height) will make the picture “pop.” So, try a photo from a kid’s point of view. Look at that turkey or Christmas Tree from “down low” or if there is a ladder or steps in the room your shooting in, take the picture from “up high.” A change of perspective, or even simply a tilt of a lens can completely change the look and feel of an image. One special note: don’t shoot your family and friends from down low. Shooting up on a person will often bring out dreaded double chins, or show what is hiding deep in their nose. No one wants to see that.

2. Get in close. When framing your shot, get in close, or crop the picture tight in post processing. This will enable you to block out distracting backgrounds. Sometimes less is more. Give the viewer only enough information to see what you want them to see.

3. Don’t put your subject in the center of your frame. Have a look at this Wikipedia entry on the Rule of Thirds: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds. It was something great painters of the past followed, and holds true today in our photography. The center of a picture is a pretty dead space (note the common phrase “dead center”). A subject slightly off the center (in the left or right 1/3 of the frame) draws the eye to it. This could be your kid next to your tree, or a close up of your child’s face when they open that fabulous gift, with their eyes in the upper third of the frame.

These simple steps will certainly help you to create better photos. Happy Holidays!

Tim

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September bookings full! Summer/Recession Special Rates Extended!

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:25:22 +0000

Wow, what a great response to my summer special. I’m really grateful for all this business during such a tough financial time here in the U.S.

My September is booked and I only have a few left in October. SOOOO, with that said, I have decided to extend my Recession Rates. Any person who books with me by October 31, 2009 will receive a $200 discount off of my Deluxe Package.

Check out the images on my main site and contact me through the contact page there for rate information or any questions you may have. Visit tim hill images