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Tips on Capturing Photos of the Northern Lights

Posted on October 10, 2024 by dabourphoto

Capturing the northern lights with a cell phone can be a magical experience, and with the right techniques, you can achieve stunning results.

How to Capture Stunning Photos of the Northern Lights with Your Cell Phone

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. While professional cameras are often recommended for capturing this phenomenon, modern smartphones are equipped with powerful cameras that can also do the job. Here are some tips to help you capture the magic of the northern lights with your cell phone.

1. Use a Tripod

Stability is key when photographing the northern lights. A tripod will help keep your phone steady, reducing blur and allowing for longer exposure times.

2. Adjust Camera Settings

Night Mode: If your phone has a night mode, make sure to enable it. This mode is designed to capture more light in low-light conditions.
Manual Focus: Switch to manual focus and set it to infinity. This ensures that the stars and the aurora are in sharp focus.
ISO and Exposure: Increase the ISO to make the camera sensor more sensitive to light. Start with an ISO of 800 and adjust as needed. Set a longer exposure time, around 10-20 seconds, to capture more light.

3. Use a Remote Shutter or Timer

To avoid shaking the camera when you press the shutter button, use a remote shutter or set a timer. This will help keep your phone steady during the exposure.

4. Find a Dark Location

Light pollution can significantly affect your photos. Find a location away from city lights to get the best view of the northern lights.

5. Composition Tips

Foreground Elements: Include interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or water to add depth to your photos.
Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to compose your shots. Place the horizon or the most interesting part of the aurora along the grid lines.

6. Post-Processing

After capturing your photos, use editing apps to enhance them. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation to bring out the colors of the aurora.

7. Experiment and Have Fun

Every aurora display is different, so experiment with different settings and compositions. Enjoy the process and have fun capturing this incredible natural phenomenon.

Joys of Sports Photography

Posted on September 25, 2024 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Sports Photography

There are at least two things I love about doing sports photography for the same leaque over a period of time.

The first is NOT the fact that it hasn’t rained here for 3 weeks and of course it starts raining during my 2 hour portrait time slot 😦

The first is the silly faces I always make the teams do in addition to a regular team photo. I’m always impressed how much the coach’s get involved too!

Greenwich Fall soccer 2024 photo day 1 September 23, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

The second thing is watching how fast the kids grow up! I probably should take the time to go back and find a photo from 7 or 8 years ago and look for the same athlete that still plays the same sport.

Do you have a sports team or league that needs some sports photography? I offer both team and individuals as well as sportraits. Contact me for more information.

Bad To the Bone

Posted on September 10, 2024 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley PA Photographer

Frequent readers of my blog and photography posts on social media should know this is the time of year I offer spooky portraits. These are great for dancers, athletes, and everyone of ALL ages!

Spooky portraits on Saturday morning, September 7. 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

What many people don’t realize is how good a dancer Bones is! He’s a big hit with the ladies!

Spooky portraits on Saturday afternoon, September 7. 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

He also knows his share of Dad jokes! I think they’re corny, but the models love ’em!

He did take it a bit too far later in the day and got “busted!” From the look on his face I think he was surprised!

I’m still offering spooky portrait sessions for the rest of September. I have extremely limited availability so if you are interested, I recommend reaching out to me ASAP to get on my calendar. To do so and find out more information please visit https://app.myphotoapp.com/zjh5/Spooky_Portraits or visit the spooky section of my website at https://dabourphoto.com/spooky-portraits

I’ve been training my whole life to create this image

Posted on September 1, 2024 by dabourphoto

Portraits for Leia F in August 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography.

I’ve been training my whole life to create this image.

That headline may seem a little strange if you follow my photography career. But it’s true.

Let me start off by introducing you to Leia. She’s a beautiful 7-year-old girl that is autistic. Autism in females is extremely rare. So why have I been training my entire life for this photo? My younger brother has autism. I’ve grown up with autism and its impact on his life as well as my own. I’ve become knowledgeable and accepting of people with autism.

As a dance photographer, I need to be ready to capture motion sometimes with very little notice. As a studio photographer, I need to have lights set up and working in a welcoming environment. Since I mostly photograph dancers, my lights need to be able to freeze motion and capture movement. Then there’s color balance and framing. But that’s boring stuff compared to the subject matter. The important part is being ready to capture a moment.

During my portrait session with Leia, she initially was uncomfortable with having her portraits taken. It was something unusual to her. She went into a strange studio with people she never met before (except for her mother of course) with funny flashing lights and was asked to sit on a stool by herself. Who could blame her? But she enjoys wearing dresses and started being herself.

Is it a perfect image? Of course not. I can list several things I would like to have done differently. But that’s not as important as the subject matter.

I captured four times the number of images than I normally would in a session like this. But it was needed. It was required.

At this one moment in time, she was having fun flinging her hair back and forth and I was lucky enough to capture the moment. That’s good enough for me and hopefully her family will agree, and Leia will like the image as much as I do.

Capturing Grace: Olivia’s Dance Portrait Session in a Sunflower Field

Posted on August 25, 2024 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley PA Dance Photographer

Olivia K in the sunflower field August 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Capturing Grace: Olivia’s Dance Portrait Session in a Sunflower Field

This year, I am thrilled to introduce Olivia as one of my new dance ambassadors. Olivia’s passion for dance and her vibrant personality made her the perfect addition to our team. Recently, we had the pleasure of doing a dance portrait session in a stunning sunflower field, and the results were nothing short of magical.

A Blossoming Talent

Olivia’s love for dance is evident in every move she makes. Her grace and poise are truly captivating, and she brings a unique energy to each session. As a new dance ambassador, Olivia has already shown incredible dedication and enthusiasm, making her a joy to work with.

The Perfect Setting

The sunflower field provided a breathtaking backdrop for Olivia’s dance portraits. The golden blooms and the warm, late-summer light created a dreamy atmosphere that perfectly complemented Olivia’s elegance. The contrast between the vibrant sunflowers and Olivia’s fluid movements made for some truly stunning shots.

Behind the Scenes

During the session, Olivia’s professionalism and creativity shone through. She effortlessly transitioned between poses, each one more beautiful than the last. Her ability to connect with the camera and express emotion through her dance is truly remarkable. It was a pleasure to capture these moments and see her talent come to life in such a picturesque setting.

A Bright Future

As we move forward, I am excited to see Olivia continue to grow and inspire others through her dance. Her passion and dedication are sure to take her far, and I am honored to have her as part of our dance ambassador team. This sunflower field session is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey.

Final Thoughts

Working with Olivia has been a wonderful experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to capture her talent in such a beautiful setting. The sunflower field session was a perfect way to showcase her grace and elegance, and I look forward to many more sessions with her in the future.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Olivia’s dance portrait session. Stay tuned for more updates and stunning portraits from our amazing dance ambassadors! https://dabourphoto.com/ambassador-program

5 Ways to Get Your Senior and You Ready for Their Last Year

Posted on August 25, 2024 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Senior Portrait Photographer

5 Ways to Get Your Senior and You Ready for Their Last Year

The final year of high school is a monumental time for both students and their families. It’s a year full of excitement, reflection, and preparation for the next big step. Here are five ways to help your senior (and yourself) get ready for this milestone year:

1. Start Early with College Prep

The college application process can be overwhelming, so getting a head start is crucial. Encourage your senior to research schools, prepare for standardized tests, and begin drafting their personal statement over the summer. This will ease the pressure once the school year begins and allow them to focus on maintaining their grades ¹.

2. Plan a Senior Year Calendar

Senior year is packed with deadlines, from college applications to scholarship submissions, extracurriculars, and all the senior events like prom and graduation. Sit down with your senior and map out these important dates. A well-organized calendar will help keep everything on track and reduce last-minute stress ¹.

3. Discuss Finances

Whether it’s tuition, living expenses, or budgeting for senior activities, having an open conversation about finances is essential. Talk about savings, scholarships, financial aid, and even the cost of senior year activities like class rings, trips, and graduation parties. This will help your senior understand financial responsibility and make informed decisions ¹.

4. Encourage a Balanced Schedule

Senior year can be academically challenging, with advanced courses and college applications. Encourage your senior to strike a balance between academics, extracurriculars, and downtime. Help them build a schedule that allows for studying, hobbies, and relaxation to avoid burnout ¹.

5. Cherish the Moments

This is the last year of high school, so make time to celebrate the small moments. Attend their games, performances, or whatever they’re passionate about. Plan a few family outings or even a weekend getaway. Encourage time with their friends before they are separated by college. And, even if they hate you for it, take lots of pictures! These memories will be cherished long after graduation ¹.

Senior year is a time of transition, not just for your student but for the whole family. By staying organized, communicating openly, and taking time to enjoy this special year, you can ensure that both you and your senior are ready to take on the next chapter with confidence.

I hope these tips help you and your senior make the most of their final year of high school! Do you have any specific plans or traditions for this special time?

Dave Dabour Photography offers senior portrait session in my studio, on-location or both!

http://www.dabourphoto.com/portraits

Thank You 2024 Rain Machine Participants!

Posted on August 20, 2024 by dabourphoto

A big THANK YOU to all 58 dancers, athletes and antendees who attended one of my nine (9) record-breaking rain machine experience sessions this season!

Just when I think I’ve seen all the poses along comes several of you that brings it up a notch!

I was the only one offering a rain machine experience in all of northen New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley this summer! Several improvements were implemented in my rain machine experience this year and I look to implement another big one next year!

To get on the list to be notified when I offer this again next year, please click here.

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Rain Machine Experience

Favorites from Dance Recital Season 2024

Posted on July 4, 2024 by dabourphoto

A busy dance recital season has finally finished! Here are a few of my favorites. There are MANY more I love but here are a few:

Recital action photos for 5-6-7-8, Showbiz Kidz, and
Mary Help Dance Studio’s in 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

New Jersey dance photographer/videographer

Have a dance studio in New Jersey or Eastern Pennsylvania and interested in photo and video services? As a full time professional photographer most of my photography is delivered in 1-2 days and video in less than 1 week! For more information visit here: https://dabourphoto.com/services

Second Freddy Awards Rehearsal for 2024

Posted on May 11, 2024 by dabourphoto

Photo of the second 2024 Freddy Awards rehearsal on Friday May 10, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR

On the second night of rehearsals, students are more comfortable with the music and the routine. More music is introduced along with how best to deliver it.

After some music, it’s back to choreography

And more students write their name on the wall in the break area

To view and purchase HUNDREDS of additional images from the rehearsal please visit my website here: https://www.dabourphotography.com/Freddy-Awards/Freddy-Awards-2024/Second-Rehearsal

To view and purchase THOUSANDS of images from the past 12 years of the Freddy Awards please visit here: https://www.dabourphotography.com/Freddy-Awards

First Freddy Award rehearsal of 2024

Posted on May 11, 2024 by dabourphoto

The first rehearsal for the 2024 Freddy Awards took place this past Thursday evening. The first rehearsal is all about seeing old friends and learning new music and choreography.