Archive for the ‘Creativity’ Category

Jump Into Creative Outdoor Lighting

Friday, July 30th, 2010

Here’s the first installment in a series I plan to post on quick lighting tips. Let us know if you want to see more stuff on lighting –  indoors and out.

These pictures were taken by Vered Koshlano, the co-author of my book, Studio and On-Location Lighting Secrets.

In the top photograph, a remote flash, mounted on a stand and placed in a softbox, was used to freeze the action of the model jumping. Compare the contrast and detail in that image to the second image. That image looks flat, because the day was overcast, and overcast days produce flat lighting.

The pictures below (clockwise, from top left) show:

• flat, overcast day lighting;

• how a reflector can brighten up the subject…

• how a flash creates even more contrast;

• and the remote flash set up that Vered used.

Explore the light,

Rick

Follow Rick and Juan Pons at the Digital Photo Experience.

Check out Vered's website here.

Tips For Great Fireworks Images

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Glory

Fourth of July is right around the corner. For all shutterbugs of all levels, that means we are all thinking about capturing that most quintessential of Fourth of July image – fireworks.

If this will be your first time shooting fireworks, or if even you are a seasoned pro, I’ve put together some tips that I hope will appeal to you.

Out of all of these helpful hints, I'll give you an important pointer up front: do some research! See what various people are recommending on the net. Don't just read this article–read a bunch!  Just like a a recipe, there are a hundred different ways to make the perfect meatloaf. Pick and choose which recipes you follow. Bon Appetite!

Ready for my recipe? Here we go…

First, and most important, let’s all put down our camera(s). Come on…. I can wait all day… did you put it down? Good.

This first tip is 100 percent unrelated to your camera. In fact it's more important than your gear. My first tip is to scout your location in advance.
Lake Dillon Fireworks - 3

The old landscape rule of a strong foreground is important here. Look for items/people/things, which will give your fireworks shot some perspective and some context. Keep in mind that foreground objects do not always need to be right next to you.

This rule is a little vague and it’s intended to be so. Think creatively. Look at fireworks photos online and determine what you like about the ones that you respond to positively.

The best rule in location scouting is to avoid making a photo of just the fireworks. We’ve all seen 'em. Heck, many of us have shot 'em! You want to capture something unique, don’t ya? First part of the unique formula is perspective. Include some trees, people, boat, a dog with a Frisbee, and so on.

Also, check the wind for the evening. If you can, you want to shoot upwind.  (Less smoke in your image!)

Keep your hands off those cameras… I see you in the back there. We’ll get to your equipment in a second -  I PROMISE.

Second tip… get there early. One of my favorite fireworks shooting spots here in Colorado is also very popular with spectators. our show usually starts at 9:00 p.m. We usually arrive at the location around 4:00 p.m. Get there early, make your claim to the best spot (watch your foreground, stay away from any street lights, etc.), and enjoy the day.

Oh and PS, don’t get your gear out right away when you arrive early! I know more people who have lost good equipment to an errant football or that Frisbee-catching dog than I care to share. Keep your gear in the car. You’ve got a long wait in front of you.

OK, OK, OK!  On to the camera itself. Yes… you can pick up your camera now and embrace it as you read on. Feel better? Moving on…

Lake Dillon Fireworks - 1
Tripod, Tripod, Tripod!

Not quite as good as Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. But I digress.

There is no way of getting around this issue. You will need a tripod to get those iconic fireworks shots. Equally important is a cable release for your camera. Don’t have a cable release? Use the self timer.

Fireworks shots are all about the long shutter speed. Hand holding, even with Image Stabilization, usually will not get you the results you want.
 
Use a Long Shutter

The name of the game when you shoot fireworks is a long shutter speed. This gives you the long, spider like light trails. If you are new to fireworks photography, I would say start at ISO 200, F8-10, and a Shutter Speed of ~4 seconds. Check your histogram and adjust as needed.

It will be dark so knowing your camera is important.  A hiker's headlamp is helpful here.

Also, if you have in-camera noise reduction, use it. A warning though. This will prolong the writing of your images to your memory card. Still worth it in most cases.

Manual Focus

Set your focus to Manual and focus out to infinity. If you don’t, your camera will be wasting precious moments trying to autofocus. This is one time where you will kindly say:  "Yes, thank you Mr./Ms. Camera. I know you are usually very good at finding focus points, and usually I appreciate it. However, in this rare case, I know what I want and you will only get confused. No, I promise, I will turn the AF back on during the car ride home. There… that’s a good camera."

Lake Dillon Fireworks - 1

Shoot in Manual Mode

You want and you need to be in control of each and every element that makes a good photograph. Shooting in Manual will give you that freedom.

If you don’t usually shoot in manual, it’s ok. Take a deep breath and step outside your comfort zone.

If you live in an area with fireworks displays before the Fourth, or have some fireworks for your back yard, go and practice shooting in manual.  Don’t fear the Manual. The Manual is good.

If you want to get more advanced, shoot on Bulb mode. If you don’t know what Bulb mode is, don’t worry. Stick to a shutter speed of ~4 seconds to start. If you’re more seasoned, try Bulb mode.

Let Freedom Ring

Change Your Orientation

Simple.  Shoot both in Portrait and Landscape mode for a variety of images.

Leave The Flash At Home

It won’t help you. Yes, there are edge cases. But, nine times out of ten, flash will not help you. Leave it at home. You’ll thank me later.

Use Your Lens Hood

Yes, I know… some of you think I am crazy… Using your lens hood for fireworks is highly recommended. This will help keep a lot of the unwanted light away from your lens. You never know when the person next to you will pull out their camera phone or turn on a flashlight to find their dog and Frisbee. Do what you can to protect your lens from stuff like this.

Shoot in RAW

Perhaps I am stating the obvious here, but you have more control and you are capturing more data if you capture your fireworks in RAW. I have heard every counter-argument in the book when it comes to RAW vs Jpeg.

Shoot in RAW. When you bring something back in Raw Conversion and you get that impressive shot, you can thank me.

Consider Under Exposing

Under Exposing will make your colors pop a little more. This is not for everyone, but I tend to underexpose with my fireworks. I find it gives me more flexibility in the digital dark room.

Bring LOTS of Formatted Memory Cards

Be prepared. Have them ready. Trust me, if you don’t, your card will fill up at the worst possible time, and you'ill spend an entire year regretting it.

Be Safe

Do not put your safety in jeopardy to get your fireworks shot. Use some common sense. Stay clear. Watch out for that dog.

Learn From your Experience

Take mental notes and write them down later. Observe what worked and what didn’t work. You may have to make changes on the fly,so know your camera. Don’t have regrets. You know what? Fourth of July is not going to be canceled so even if you didn’t get your money shot. There’s always next year.

Learn and grow. Strive to have this year’s fireworks photos be better than last year's. 

Don’t Forget To Enjoy The Show

Too many times, we as photographers get so wrapped up in the moment that we miss the event going on. Remember this is a HOLIDAY. Enjoy the fireworks show. If you do, it will be way more enjoyable when you get into the digital darkroom.

Lake Dillon Fireworks - 4

Extra Credit:

 Ok 2 extra credit ideas…

If you are a seasoned pro at fireworks try to shoot them in HDR. That should spice things up!

Also, if you want less light trails and more explosion, cover the lens with a black sheet, cardboard, etc. while the fireworks climb and then remove the sheet to just get the explosion. Bulb mode is highly recommended for this!

OK that’s all. Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July. Pet the nice dog. Throw the Frisbee. Go make some photographs!

Check out Ted's work on his website, and follow him on Twitter.

 

Rick Sammon releases“Social Media Marketing for Photographers” iPhone App

Monday, May 17th, 2010

 

If you are interested in Social Media Marketing (and in expanding your business), check out Rick's new iPhone App  Social Media Marketing for Photographers (iTunes link).

Today, Social Media Marketing is marketing. Now, more than ever, photographers, as well as all those involved in creative endeavors, need to market their work, locally, nationally and internationally. That’s the focus of this comprehensive app.  Juan Pons, the co-creator of the Digital Photo Experience, put this app together.

 

The app is an audio/video recording of Rick's Keynote presentation on social media marketing. It’s like taking a private 1.5-hour lesson on this all-important subject.


 

Movie times:
Part 1 – 24 minutes
Part 2 – 26 minutes
Part 3 – 17 minutes
Part 4 – 12 minutes
Part 5 – 11 minutes
Total: 90 minutes.

Rick recommends that you watch the movies in order to get the most out of the app.

Rick covers social media marketing tools such as Twitter, Tweetdeck, Google Analytics, Quitter and more. Rick gets you to think about marketing your work daily, and also touches on traditional book publishing and apps.

In addition, Rick has included a few of his favorite photography techniques!

The app is packed with marketing tips illustrated with Rick's photographs that relate to the tips given, to make learning fun.

 

This is Rick's second app. His first app, co-developed with Dr. Dave Wilson, is Rick Sammon’s 24/7 Photo Buffet.  (iTunes link).

Keep up with Rick and Juan at the Digital Photo Experience.

 

Fun With a Home Made Nest Box

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

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For years I have been wanting to get an image of a Bluebird on a natural tree cavity.  The chances of finding a nest cavity that is low enough to the ground for photography is slim, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

The first step was scouting for a dead tree that had limbs with either a hollow or a soft center.  Once I located a tree, I tapped on the limb to see if the wood was solid or soft.  After finding the right limb, I cut off a 3 foot section and took it home.

To make the stump hollow enough for a bird to nest in it, I used a screwdriver to chip away at the soft wood inside.  I stopped removing the inside wood when I got about 4 inches from the bottom.

Below is an image looking down into the hollowed out stump.

ALM3569


Once the stump was hollowed out, I placed a wood cap on each end on the stump. The lower cap acted as a base to attach a stand and the top cap was removable to allow cleaning of the nest box after breeding season is over.  I also chose a good spot on the side of the stump to drill a two inch hole for the birds to enter.

Below is a close up of the stump with the two caps and the entrance hole.

a18


Mounting the stump on a pole and placing it away from my fence made it attractive to the local Bluebirds.

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It only took a couple of days before the Bluebirds were checking out the new nest box!

My next challenge was the background that I wanted in the image.  My yard is small with limited backgrounds that have shadows and a busy fence.  To get around that problem, I made a board out of 4 printed images and pasted them on some foam core. Using a stand, the foam core background was raised to the desired height.

In the image below, you can see the nest box, the printed background, and the location of my camera.

ALM3564


Now I was ready to take some images.

After covering my self and photo equipment with Kwik Camo I waited for the Bluebirds to return.

Below is the final result that I had envisioned.

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Many times, when the female would enter the cavity, the male would hover outside providing for some fun flight shots.

Eastern-Bluebird-87


My next project with the nest box started a few weeks later when my peach tree was in full bloom.  I wanted an image of a perched Bluebird with a springtime feel to it.  The peach tree in my front yard donated some limbs to this project :-)

Placing a limb in front of the next box provided a perch for the bird. Choosing a perch carefully so that it had just the right amount of gap between the flowers, allowed me to know exactly where the bird would land.  Placing more limbs with blooms between the perch and the background gave the image some depth and continued the color theme throughout the image.

Here is the set up with the blooms and background.

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The final image!

Eastern-Bluebird-93-442x650

 

You can learn more about these songbird setups in Alan's Guide to Songbird Setups CD in the Store.

You can read more about Alan, browse his images, and learn about workshops here.


Photomerge in Photoshop

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

 

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM, 1/250 sec at f / 6.7, ISO 100

 
PhotoMerge in Photoshop offers many creative options for photographers!

Here are examples of recent images of mine using PhotoMerge. I’ll discuss my approach for each image, and hopefully you will get some ideas for your own photography.

Yosemite (see above)

Several years ago, I found myself in nearby Yosemite Valley after a snowstorm. The fresh snow and low-angled light made a spectacular scene! I decided that this was a perfect time to create a panoramic image. Using my favorite 70-200mm lens, I composed vertically and exposed three images across the breadth of the Valley. I didn’t bother to level the tripod and camera since the light was changing quickly. However, I did frame more widely since I knew I would have to crop later in post-processing. PhotoMerge won’t align perfectly if each image isn’t linear to each other, but as long as you overlap the frames by about 30%, and you can visualize the final crop without sacrificing the composition, you’ll be OK.

 

Pebbles

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, TS-E90mm f/2.8 + Canon2x Extender, 6.0 sec at f / 27, ISO 100

In my backyard, I have a rectangular bucket full of Mexican Pebbles that I bought many years ago from the local landscaping supplier. I aimed to the left for the first frame, then used the Shift function of my Tilt Shift lens, recomposing to include the stones in the right side of the bucket without moving the camera or tripod. I imported the resulting images into Lightroom, and inspected all the pairs I made to find the best and sharpest ones. I selected those two, then used LR’s Photo>Edit In>Merge to Panorama in PS.

 

Patio

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, TS-E90mm f/2.8, 2.0 sec at f / 13, ISO 100

I made this image on my patio. The water reflects my ochre-colored stucco wall. I observed the afternoon light, timing my session for when the stones and water were in shadow but the wall remained lit. I was trying to find a good composition with a single frame but it wasn’t working. In order to isolate this pattern, I used my Canon TS-E90mm f/2.8 combined with my Canon 2X Extender to create a 180mm TS lens! I used the shift function as well as the forward tilt for increased depth of field. I made one exposure with the shift all the way to the left, and then “shifted” the lens all the way to the right while making sure I had enough overlap for PhotoMerge in PS4 to create the pano. I selected the best two images in Lightroom, then used LR’s Photo menu to “send” the two files to PS4 for merging.

Enjoy these creative options!

William Neill's wonderful eBooks can be found in our store here.

Follow Bill on twitter here: @wgneill

View Bill's website here.

 

We Have A Winner in the Snow Monkey Caption Contest!

Friday, January 29th, 2010
 

"Before that Nat Geo spread you could have this whole place to yourself … now just look at it!"
–Tom Twigg

Our friends at Digital Photo Experience, Rick Sammon and Juan Pons, have judged the best caption for our contest, and picked Tom Twigg's caption above.  Lucky ( and creative) Tom gets his choice of NEOS Overshoes!

We're leaving all the entries up for your reading pleasure.  This contest was a blast, and we'll repeat it with a new image in the future!

Congratulations to Tom, thanks to Rick and Juan, and thanks to Martin Bailey for such a fine image!

 

Snow Monkey Caption Contest