Staples Photography

01/26/2020

Staircases! A list of photogenic ones in Chicago for those visiting. I can’t wait to capture some.

A photographic tour of the modern and historic staircases throughout downtown Chicago.

01/26/2020

Here are some good photography ideas for those going to Chicago, a list of photogenic staircases. I can’t wait to visit.

A photographic tour of the modern and historic staircases throughout downtown Chicago.

12/03/2019

Buy 2020 Calendar by Staples Photography by Martin Staples (Calendar) online at Lulu IE. Visit the Lulu Marketplace for product details, ratings and reviews.

11/10/2019

It was overcast and calm this morning when I went to take sunrise photos at Atwater Park. While the dramatic color was missing you can still come up with some dramatic shots. On mornings like this, I tend to look for simplicity. If I'm near the water I'll extend the exposure so it will smooth out any waves and definition in the water. If there is definition in the clouds, a long enough exposure can add some nice movement to the sky, but that was not the case today.

Long exposures are good for smoothing everything out and removing definition. So you get simplicity, but for that to work you need to find a strong subject to make the composition. At Atwater beach, there are a series of jetties that work great as a strong subject. Today there was a bonus of a plastic chair that would also work.

To get the water to smooth out you need to have a longer exposure. How long is a matter of taste. Also, the more definition in the water the longer you need the exposure to be. The water will start to smooth with a 1-2 second exposure. With the photos this morning I ranged from 20 seconds to 1 minute. With an exposure that long the water becomes silky smooth and ghost-like. For those types of exposures, you need a good tripod to hold the camera steady.

Getting a long exposure before sunrise is not hard. There just isn't enough light to give you a problem. You can tell these photos where during the "Blue Hour" that occurs an hour before sunrise. The sky is literally blue at this time.

I think the blue cast is nice, but can sometimes be distracting. In this case, furthering the simplicity by converting to black and white can add to the drama.

Let me know what you think. Are these better in color or in black and white?

11/10/2019

10/25/2019

Winter seems to be on its way to Wisconsin. There was a nice frost on the ground this morning. It is wonderful to look at up close. What do you think?

10/21/2019

A fun fall photo shoot with my two fantastic daughter. www.staplesphotography.com .shapers @ Milwaukee, Wisconsin

09/21/2019

It was another wonderful morning in Milwaukee. On mornings like this, I'm glad I woke up to see the sunrise.

The calm winds made for a perfect morning to capture reflections of the colors in the sky. Today's sunrise didn't disappoint with its soft pastel colors.

There are so many great photographers taking photos every day in Milwaukee the problem is trying to find a new composition. Sometimes I use their photos as a jumping-off point for my own as I did with the photo of the walking bridge. I was inspired by Kristine Hinrichs Photography's photo of the same. If you don't know her work check it out.

09/15/2019

Another Fun Family Portrait Session with Staples Photography - www.staplesphotography.com - @ Fox Point, Wisconsin

09/13/2019

I really enjoyed working with Natalie to capture these photos. She is a wonderful person and a lot of fun to work with. www.staplesphotography.com - @ Klode Park

09/12/2019

Really enjoyed working with Patrick and Zach on this photoshoot of friends. They are great friends. We had a lot of fun. www.staplesphotography.com - @ Klode Park

09/07/2019

I had a great proposal shoot with Maiya and Matt. What an wonderful couple. I had to capture the special moment in stealth mode. Maiya didn't know it was coming. I really enjoyed getting to know them both. I wish them all the best. www.StaplesPhotography.com