Archive for Shooting
How to Use Your Flash Outdoors for Some Interesting Effects
Posted by: | CommentsThis might sound strange but it is possible to get interesting effects with a flash on a very sunny day. The classical application is to use fill flash to get the proper exposure in the shadows, but there are other possibilities as well.
I decided to experiment with cheap gear, so that anyone could give it a try: I am still using my simple Nikon D40x on a regular basis to have some fun… I added a flash (a simple Nikon SB-600, but any other similar or better flash will do, like the SB-800 or the more recent SB-900) I also (re)discovered the use of an iTTL flash cable conecting the flash to camera body hotshoe to flash from various angles with cameras without the wireless possibilities of CLS (and without the delay introduced by CLS, the wireless Creative Lighting System by Nikon)
Here are a few examples in the sun, using the 60mm AF-S micro lens, diaphragm closed down to f13-16, with a touch of flash.
Flash from above just to show the flowers.
One of the most common questions that I get asked by readers is how does While Balance and Color Profiling play into my HDR work flow. I think it is an extremely valid question to ask and it is critical that you address in your own work flows. Unfortunately, I don’t think that many people consider this when shooting brackets. So, I wanted to add this blog post that I wrote for X-Rite some time ago and breathe new life into it. I hope it helps give you a better idea of how integral it is to achieve correct white balance and color profiles.
Click on the image to enlarge
As photographers, we all have stories about how we have grown, refined, and crafted our individualized techniques, all with the goal of capturing the best picture that is within our means. For me, it has been more of an evolution than actual growth. It wasn’t so much building on top of what I knew as it was morphing it into something different. It was about addressing a mental itch and experimenting with all sorts of deviations until I took my next evolutionary step in digital photography. And that is how I found myself truly immersed in High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging. Read More→
How To Light a Beauty Shot: by John Ricard
Posted by: | CommentsIn this video John Ricard gives a breakdown of lighting theory for a beauty shot. The main principle explained in the video is that it is necessary to light each element of the photograph separately.
Photography Burn-Out: How to Avoid It: by Marc Sadowski
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Photographing weddings for a living is fun. The way I see it, I get to do what I love. I get to go to a kick-ass party and get free food at the same time! This is the life! What can possibly be bad?
For long time wedding photographers, there is one little issue that adds up as the season goes. Repetition.
When you look at it, the routine for a wedding is essentially the same. Get photos of the bride getting ready, the ceremony, the portraits, the reception. Even the music is the same. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the song
“I Gotta Feeling.”
Adding to this: wedding photographers have to constantly be aware of what is happening. Our job is to be where the action is. We can’t afford to miss a beat. The constant awareness increases that sense of repetition.
So how do you shake the repetitious feeling?
For me, I take a Zen-like approach. At least once a month, I take a day trip. It doesn’t matter where as long as it’s interesting and as long as I can enjoy the location. Read More→
5 Tips to Create Great Actor Headshots: by Joseph Cristina
Posted by: | CommentsWhen becoming an actor, Actor Headshots are one of the most important requirements and can make the difference between getting casting calls or not. Headshots for actors help agencies place their talent with Film Makers, TV Producers and alike. No matter if you’re looking to become a Hollywood Super Star California Actor or star in a Disney Production in Orlando, FL a high quality acting headshot by a professional headshot photographer is critical!
Last week I received a bunch of requests via my Twitter and Facebook account requesting that I would place a few examples of what actor headshots look like and explain what makes one better than the next.
Well, all of you with this question are in luck. Just yesterday a great guy named Benjamin James came into my photography studio to have his Acting Headshot photographed before leaving for LA California to pursue an acting career. Read More→
6 Tips for Better Pet Photos
Posted by: | CommentsWe love our pets, they’re part of our family and our everyday life. Those cute little kitties and crazy canines bring us a lot of joy and happiness. Here are 6 tips to help you capture those little personalities for a lifetime of memories.
Patience is a virtue – Unless your pet is very well trained, the odds of them doing exactly what you want when you want them to are very slim. Take your time, relax and go with the flow. You can encourage them to get in certain positions, but you’re better off letting nature take its course. Try photographing them during normal activities rather than creating a photo session. To get their attention, try squeaking their favorite toy just before you press the shutter button. Simply calling their name or making an unusual sound may help to create an inquisitive expression.- How low can you go – So many people photograph their pets from a standing position. This is how we normally see them so we think this is how they should be photographed. Let’s try something different. Get down on the ground so you’re eye level with them. It will give you a new perspective and give your photos a sense of intimacy. Read More→
Compose Then Shoot – Don’t Shoot Then Compose:
by Joseph Cristina
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So many photographers have 20+ megapixels cameras and brag about how they now have more latitude when cropping in on a photograph. This is very true but is it really as great as it sounds?
Personally, I’m of the old school film days and have always tried to get what I wanted in the camera at the time of the shutter release and not after in the darkroom. Of course, things are much easier now within our “digital” darkrooms but still today just like years ago our photographs suffer from cropping.
Let’s look at it this way…
- posted on 09/08/2010
