Andy White Photography Blog

Welcome to Andy White Photography, a space dedicated to sharing the passion and joy behind my work as a photographer. My mission is simple: to capture moments that uplift and brighten your day. Through the lens of my camera, I aim to find the beauty in everyday life and translate it into images that bring smiles, inspiration, and positivity.

This blog will be a journey into the world of photography, where I’ll share the stories behind my favorite shots, tips for creating cheerful imagery, and the creative ways I bring my photos to life on unique items like mugs, mousepads, and other promotional products. It's a celebration of art, innovation, and affordability.

Thank you for joining me in this adventure. Whether you're here to enjoy a splash of brightness in your day or to explore creative ideas, I’m excited to have you along for the ride!

Taking pictures around Tampa 11/29/24

Tampa’s rich culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse landscapes (e.g., Historic Ybor City, Bustling Riverwalk, University of Tampa, Historic Churches,  Serene Beaches), these are just a few spots of what Tampa has to offer.


How do I get that unique shot? A few suggestions.

The Tampa Theatre is a historic gem, full of character. To highlight its height and depth:

Step 1: The Perspective
Instead of standing directly in front of the building and shooting at eye level, position yourself closer to the ground.

Tilt your camera upward to emphasize the towering façade, drawing the viewer’s eye toward the ornate details at the top.

Step 2: Adding Foreground Elements
Frame the shot with something in the foreground, like a pedestrian crossing the street or the edge of a tree branch. This layering technique creates depth and invites the viewer into the scene.

Step 3: Play with Lighting
If shooting during golden hour, the soft, angled sunlight can accentuate the building’s textures and shadows, enhancing the depth even more.
At night, use the glowing marquee lights of the theatre for dramatic contrast against the dark sky.

Each Blog I will be giving away some cool stuff. Take a pitcure and use the tip I gave you and submit it to me via email address. andy@acwhitephotos.com

Over the coming weeks I will be adding more tips and different Tampa locations on getting the unique shot where your friends and family will be in aww!

Blurred Background Tips 12/6/24

To take a photo where the front is clear and the back is blurry, follow these simple steps:

1. Set Your Camera to Portrait Mode

On your camera or smartphone, choose the "Portrait" mode. It automatically blurs the background for you.

2. Get Close to Your Subject
Move closer to the person or object you want to focus on. This makes the background blur more noticeable.

3. Keep the Background Far Away
Make sure there’s a lot of space between your subject and the background. The farther away it is, the blurrier it looks.

4. Tap to Focus
On your smartphone, tap the subject on the screen to make sure it’s sharp and clear.

5. Use the Right Lens (For Cameras)
If you’re using a camera, pick a lens that lets in a lot of light (like 50mm f/1.8). Set the f-number low (e.g., f/2.8 or lower).

Summary:
Use Portrait mode or a lens with a low f-number.
Get close to the subject.
Keep the background far from the subject.
Tap to focus on the subject.
That’s it! You’ll get a sharp subject with a soft, blurry background.

This is one of my niece and her husband with a clear shot of both of them and a slightly blurred background. Your focus should always be on your main subject. I was so honored Zoe wanted me to take her wedding pictures, it was an amazing day!

This next example is of Nick Pfister when we were taking his senior Pictures in downtown Tampa. This one has a little more blur but you still can tell it's the University of Tampa. This was a fun day and I had a great time with Nick and his family.

As an exercise, take a photo of something or someone that has a clear foreground with a blurred background. This will open your creative side and really help you explore unique opportunities, don't forget the location must be taken into consideration when your are taking the picture.

Email me your photos each day so I can post them on my social media accounts. andy@acwhitephotos.com

Always remember "A photo is the pause button for life"

Andy White