Talking Cameras with the Photographers Behind Some of Your Favorite Blogger’s Content: Part 4 featuring Gina Palermo
There is a quality standard that goes into creating consistent visual content for bloggers. These days, there are so many different cameras to choose from, so many apps to make use of, and so many editing techniques.
To help give an idea on what product you should be looking at if you’re interested in achieving quality content like your favorite bloggers, we have talked to some notable photographers in the New York scene who work with some of the most popular, and influential bloggers today. They’ve teamed up with us to give you some of their best tips and tricks when it comes to professional photography. Today’s edition is featuring NYC photographer, Gina Palermo.
Name: Gina Palermo
Location: Queens, NY
Instagram: @ginapalermophoto
Website: www.ginapalermophoto.com
Previously Shot For:
Igee Okafor (igeeokafor.com), Diego Leon of Dandy in the Bronx, Taylor Camp of The Tie Guy, Nick Sewell of Dapper Nick NYC, Justin Jeffers of FYG Blog, Reza Moreno of Reza Crisitan, Josh Aaron of The Urbane Savant, Veneto Soberanes of Veneto Soberanes.
What camera do you use?
I use a Canon 5D Mark iii. On occasion, I use my 1961 Pentax Honeywell Spotmatic when I'm feeling adventurous!
I was extremely lucky with buying my camera (the Canon). I was able to purchase it from a co-worker at one of my jobs outside of the apps that pay instantly to cash app I used who was selling his. I copped it for $1,500, which is an incredible price!
What is your main aesthetic?
I'm a huge fan of lens flares. I love using sunlight and natural light in my photos, and I rarely shoot with a flash. So keeping that in mind, my “aesthetic” is probably open, natural, warm lighting. A very earthy and warm feel.
What’s your go-to editing technique?
Editing is something I use to complement my photos. I always try to shoot so my color and exposure is correct, and I use editing to simply enhance what I have. That being said, I tend to not edit too much. But when I do edit, I keep it simple and never go overboard. When I'm editing a photo on my phone, I exclusively use VSCO.
Best photography tip you’ve ever learned?
The best photography tip I've ever learned was probably to always make sure to stop, look at your surroundings, assess, and then continue shooting. Sometimes, it's so easy to get wrapped up in ‘getting the shot' that you can miss a really cool location or some really cool light. So always remember to stop shooting for a second (your subject will wait for you) and just look around and let the creative juices flow!
What is your secret to getting the best light for a photo?
It's all in the time of day. Shooting at 1pm is going to give you this crazy hard light. Shooting at 5pm is a lot easier because the light is softer. My ‘secret' is just shooting later in the day. I also like to have the subjects back to the sun. That way there is cool edge lighting and no harsh shadows.
Best tips to make sure beginner shots look as professional as possible?
Never be afraid to go higher in your shutter speed. A lot of the time, beginer photos can come out to be a little blurry. If it's motion blur, then increasing the shutter speed will simply fix that. Also, don't be afraid to put the subject of your photo off centered (the rule of thirds). This can turn a boring photo into something quite dynamic when done right.
Any great tricks or tips for “on-the-go” shots on an iPhone?
I don't shoot on my iPhone too much; but when I do, I never ever use the zoom. I simply just get closer to the subject. I also try to shoot with an iPhone in a place where there is enough light or in daylight, which is always the most flattering light. Also, for iPhone shots, a little bit of editing goes a long way. When shooting, it's hard to change exposure. That's why post is pretty important with iPhone photos, but it's always important to never over-edit.
What makes the perfect shot for you?
The perfect shot for me usually involves a killer lens flare. I'm a big fan of lens flares and always try to incorporate that in my work. I'll have the subject stand right in front of the sun (which usually involves me laying on the floor for that) and then have the light peek out from the left side of their head. That way, there's an awesome edge light and lens flare all in the same photo. Talk about perfection!
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About Gina:
Gina Palermo hails from northern New Jersey and now resides in Queens, New York. She is currently in her final year at St. John's University pursuing a BS in photojournalism with a minor in environmental science, hoping to combine both for her career.
Thank you for the tips, I am still beginner in photography and this post really mean s lot ^^
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