Wes Moore Photography

What's up, guys! Today we're going to talk about something that's been on my mind lately: the importance of personal projects in photography. Now, I know a lot of us out there are making a living off of our photography work, which is amazing. But sometimes, we can get so caught up in client work that we forget why we got into photography in the first place: our love for capturing moments, telling stories, and creating art. That's where personal projects come in. Personal projects are all about giving yourself the freedom to create without any boundaries or limitations. They're a chance for you to experiment with new techniques, explore different genres of photography, and push your own boundaries. Plus, they're a great way to keep your creativity flowing and your passion for photography alive. Now, I know what you're thinking: "But Peter, I'm already so busy with client work. How am I supposed to find the time for personal projects?" Well, my f...

Hey everyone! Today's topic is one that I'm really passionate about: why we as photographers shouldn't be afraid to call what we do "work". I know that there's a common misconception out there that being a photographer is somehow not a "real job". But let me tell you, that couldn't be further from the truth. Photography is hard work. It takes skill, dedication, and a whole lot of hustle to make it in this industry. But here's the thing: that doesn't mean it's not worth it. In fact, I believe that pursuing a career in photography is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Not only do you get to do something you love every day, but you also have the opportunity to make a real impact on people's lives. So why are we so afraid to call what we do "work"? I think it's because we're afraid that it somehow takes away from the creativity and artistry of our craft. But the truth is, calling photography "work...

This past Saturday I participated in an event as a vendor. I had the pleasure of speaking with a young photographer.  One of the conversations that this young lady and I had was about how photography is a subjective art form and how different people can have different opinions about what makes a good photo. We talked about how it's important to listen to constructive criticism and feedback, but also how we should never let negativity or criticism stop us from pursuing our passion. She shared with me some of her favorite photographers and we talked about different techniques and styles that we both found interesting. It was clear to me that this young lady was very passionate about photography and that she had a bright future ahead of her. Giving her one of my prints for free was a small gesture, but I hope that it will inspire her to keep shooting and to never give up on her dreams. As photographers, we pour our hearts and souls into our work, trying to create the perfect image tha...

  Events can be a fantastic way to connect with people, showcase your work, and potentially make some sales. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer or artist, participating in events can be a valuable experience. However, it can also be overwhelming if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to make sure you're ready to make the most of your next event. Plan Ahead: Make sure you have all the equipment and supplies you need to set up your booth. This includes things like a tent, tables, chairs, display racks, and signage. Don't forget the small details like extension cords, tape, scissors, and business cards. Display Your Work: Choose a variety of your best work to display at the event. Make sure it's easy to view and attracts attention. Have prints in different sizes, mediums, and styles to appeal to a wider range of customers. Pricing: Decide on your pricing before the event. Make sure it's clear and visible to customers. Consider offering packag...

 As photographers, we are constantly striving to create visually stunning images that capture the essence of our subject matter. One way to achieve this is through the use of color theory. Color can have a profound impact on the mood and emotion of an image, and understanding how to use it effectively can take your photography to the next level. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of color theory and explore how to use it to create captivating images. First, let's start with the basics. Color theory is the study of how colors interact with each other and how they can be combined to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing image. It is based on three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. These three colors are then combined to create secondary colors: orange, green, and purple. From there, tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color. Now that we have the basics down, let's explore how to use color theory in your photography. O...

As a photographer, I'm always on the lookout for interesting subjects to capture through my lens. One day, I stumbled upon the iconic Lucky Strike smoke stack in Reidsville, NC, and knew I had to photograph it. The Lucky Strike smoke stack stands tall at an impressive 180 feet and is a symbol of the rich history of Reidsville. The Lucky Strike building was built in the early 1900s and was originally used as a tobacco factory. The building's prominent feature, the smoke stack, was added later in the 1920s. It was used to release smoke from the tobacco curing process, and it quickly became a distinctive feature of the Reidsville skyline. As I walked around the building, I couldn't help but feel the weight of its history. This building has seen so much change over the years, from a thriving tobacco factory to its abandonment in the late 1990s. The building was eventually bought by a local businessman who has been working to renovate and restore the building and the smoke stack...

As the great Anthony Bourdain once said, "Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride." Well, I say the same goes for photography, particularly when it comes to capturing the perfect sunset. So, let's dive in with some tips that will have you riding the waves of a stunning sunset photo. 1. Timing is Everything Just like in the kitchen, timing is everything when it comes to capturing the perfect sunset shot. Arriving at the location at the right time is crucial, as you'll want to have enough time to scout out the perfect spot for your shot. This will also give you the opportunity to adjust your camera settings and composition as the sun moves lower in the sky. 2.  Your Location Scouting your location ahead of time is crucial to capturing the perfect sunset shot. Consider factors such as the landscape, the direction of the sunset, and any potential obstructions that may impact your shot. You don't want to find yourself scrambling for a good...

As photographers, we've all been there - you get home from a shoot, upload your photos to your computer, and start sorting through them. And then you see it: a photo that just didn't turn out the way you wanted.  For instance, the photo you see above of the cow is a photo that I took around Christmas this past year. At that time this photo didn't jump out at me. It wasn't until I was looking through my hard drive for a photo to use as an example for this blog post that this precious moment in time said "Pick me".   When you are reviewing your photos after a shoot your first instinct might be to hit the delete button and move on, but before you do, consider these reasons why you shouldn't delete "bad photos". Perspective can change over time What looks like a "bad photo" today might look completely different a year from now. Maybe you'll see it in a new light or notice something you didn't before. Or maybe you'll have a new p...

As a beginner photographer, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the technical jargon and settings that come with a camera. One of the most important things to understand is the photography triangle.  The photography triangle, also known as the exposure triangle, is a fundamental concept in photography that is essential for understanding how to achieve proper exposure in your photos. This concept was introduced by photographer and author Bryan Peterson, and it involves the three key elements of exposure: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Aperture: Aperture is the opening in your lens that allows light to enter the camera. It's measured in f-stops, with a lower number meaning a wider aperture and a higher number meaning a narrower aperture. A wide aperture (lower f-stop) will give you a shallow depth of field, meaning the subject will be in focus while the background will be blurred. A narrow aperture (higher f-stop) will give you a greater depth of field, meaning both the subj...

As Easter approaches, we are reminded of the beauty and magic of springtime. This season brings new beginnings, blooming flowers, and warm weather. It's a great time for photographers to capture the essence of this beautiful time of year. One of the most popular subjects for Easter photography is, of course, the Easter Bunny. Whether it's a professional photo session or just capturing candid shots, the Easter Bunny is always a hit. It's a great opportunity to get creative with your photography skills and capture some memorable moments. Another popular subject for Easter photography is Easter eggs. Whether it's a traditional egg hunt or a creative display of beautifully decorated eggs, it's a great time to capture some colorful and vibrant photos. Use your creativity to experiment with different angles, lighting, and backgrounds to make your photos stand out. Spring is also the time when many families gather together to celebrate Easter. It's a time for laughter,...

Have you ever felt like you needed to spend a small fortune on expensive camera gear just to take a good photo? I know I have. But the truth is, you don't need to break the bank to capture a beautiful, meaningful photo. In fact, some of my favorite shots have been taken with nothing more than a cardboard box, a portable LED panel, and a little bit of creativity. Let me explain. A while back, my daughter gave me a black coffee cup for Father's Day. It was a thoughtful gift, and I wanted to find a way to capture the sentiment in a photo. I enlisted the help of her small coffee cup that she likes to drink hot cocoa from and got to work. I set up a makeshift studio using a cardboard box with a hole cut into the top for my lighting. I placed my portable LED panel with color temperature control, brightness control, and a diffuser inside the box to create a soft, even light. I used some black poster-board for the backdrop and started shooting. Now, you might be thinking, "This al...

As a professional photographer, there are a few things that are absolutely necessary to bring along for any photo shoot. One of the most important items on that list is an SD card. Unfortunately, I learned that lesson the hard way after a recent evening out with my wife and daughter. We were driving home after grabbing a quick bite to eat when the sunset caught my eye. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen and I knew that I had to capture it with my camera. I pulled over to the side of the road and began to set up my shot, only to discover that I had left all of my SD cards at home. I couldn't believe it. I had been so focused on getting out of the house quickly that I completely forgot the most essential part of my photography gear. I quickly searched my camera bag and pockets, hoping to find even a spare SD card, but to no avail. I was left feeling frustrated and disappointed. But then I remembered the old saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade...

As a photographer, I have always been fascinated by the beauty and wonder of the world around us. My goal is to capture that beauty and share it with others through my photography. For me, photography is not just a hobby, it's a passion. I spend countless hours scouting for locations, waiting for the perfect lighting, and capturing those breathtaking moments that inspire and awe. It's a thrill that never gets old, and it's something I look forward to every day. One of my favorite subjects to photograph is the natural world. From the majestic mountains to the tranquil lakes, from the vibrant sunsets to the delicate flowers, I strive to capture the essence of nature and bring it to life in my photos. But nature photography is not just about taking pictures. It's about connecting with the environment, understanding its rhythms and patterns, and appreciating the intricate details that make it so unique. Whether it's the way the light filters through the leaves, the way ...