Photo Tips Archives
Our weekly tips from a variety of writers will continue
to be archived and will include a variety of subjects to
help you improve your photographic skills and techniques.
Apogee Photo Staff
Try a new perspective...
photograph the backside of people and capture the view that's in front of them.
Can your photo's composition tell the story or will you let the viewer's
imagination compose a tale of its own?
Does your subject command
attention? Check around the frame before clicking that shutter button. Eliminate
distractions by stepping in closer, zooming in tighter, blurring the background,
changing angles, or cropping post production.
Vacations:
Check brochures and guides for great photo locations and events in the area. Have your photo gear ready to go. Give your viewers a photo guided tour from the time you leave until you
arrive at home. Make it unique to you--try some photo themes of your favorite
subjects. Take lots and lots of photos so you'll have lots from which to choose.
Think about how lighting
affects your subject and where you would like the viewer to focus. The human eye
will usually look to the highest contrast in an image, so if you have something
in your photo that is light against dark, people will have a tendency to look at
that first.
Try Juxtaposition: Capture the
relationship, balance, and communication value between two or more photo
subjects by showing how they compare or contrast each other. Place them
side-by-side, foreground to background, or above and below each other. Visit
Google Images for some great
photo examples...
The Zeigarnik Effect: We remember better that which is unfinished or incomplete. So to keep
your viewer's attention, try creating a photo where the viewer's mind becomes
engaged in and completes the image or story--whether literally (a
flower with pedals cropped on 2 sides) or imaginatively (stopping
the action of a baseball before it reaches the batter's bat).
Image Editing: Strengthen an
image by using edge-burning (darkening).
A very gradual burning transition creates a tonal change in the image, which
draws the viewer's eye towards the lighter center. It is most affective when the
casual viewer does not notice that a change was made.
There is more to life than increasing its speed. - Gandhi. To "see" more
clearly, slow down, be aware of your surroundings,
be
open and patient, and take the time to observe your subjects from every possible
angle. When you persevere, you'll capture the essence of your subject and watch
your photo creativity soar.
Close-up Photos: In order to maximize your depth of field at any f-stop, try to
orient the parallel plane of the camera with the parallel plane of the subject.
This works well with subjects with protruding parts that intersect many planes.
Orient on what you feel is the most vital area of your subject.
Tips to avoid overexposed
photos on sunny days: move to a shady area if possible, use fill flash, spot
meter off of a mid-tone area of the subject (your hand or a gray card),
lower the ISO, use a faster shutter speed, set your camera to a smaller
aperture, or adjust the exposure value (minus EV).
Isomorphic Correspondence: the response to meaning through association.
Ask yourself if your photos portray a universal meaning that triggers an
emotional response in the viewer. If an emotional connection is made with your
image, it will bring the viewer back to look time and time again.
Capturing Holiday Lights: Use a tripod or find whatever means available to
stabilize you and the camera. Use the camera’s self-timer or a remote shutter
release. Work with the camera’s “B”/Bulb Mode. Keep the ISO high and aperture
wide open. Just keep practicing to get your desired shot.
Knowing
technique is important, but learning to “see” beyond the obvious will change how
you approach photography.
When you
can eliminate all distractions, both internal and external, you will be able to
observe more closely and let your creative imagination come forward. The
result—vivid, lasting impressions.
Do you have lens
envy? Learn to do your very best with what you have: get creative, step in
closer, work with light, catch the action, focus on your subject and compose
with care. It's all about your way of "seeing" and presenting your vision.
The Use of Color: If you study color theory, you'll know what possible
emotional affect it can have on the viewers of your images. For instance:
Red is energy, strength, power, passion and love. Green is nature, growth,
freshness, harmony and safety. Blue is the sky and sea, tranquility, calm,
trust, wisdom and faith.
Give moving water a soft,
flowing and painted look. Use a tripod, aperture priority from F/8 to f/16,
shutter speeds of 1/2 sec. or longer, and use the self-timer or a remote shutter
release. Avoid contrasts: try to shoot on cloudy days or if sunny and no filters, try this little trick; place your
sunglass lens in front of the camera lens.
Reading the dreaded camera manual! You're probably not reading it
cover-to-cover, but it has a lot to offer. Let's say you already know the basic
functions, but are interested in other techniques. Try marking or flagging pages
of interest for easy access--what I need to know often or just know from time to
time. Make it easier and more interesting.
Think in black and white. The focus of the image moves towards
the textures, lines, shapes, forms, reoccurring patterns, and shadows. With good
contrast, the emphasis moves to the graphic concepts of the image, changes the
mood, adds simplicity, and draws the viewers attention.
Jim Austin, M.A., A.C.E.
Adventure Photograher,
Adobe Certified Expert, Writer & Author
Visit his web site:
http://www.JIMAGESDIGITAL.WEEBLY.COM
Apogee Photo Online
Photography Class Instructor: Lightroom, Photoshop, HDR & Flickr Marketing
- Moving your mind, heart and feet are much more crucial than
moving your zoom ring.
We
don't need thousands of photographs of reflections. We need
thousands of moments to reflect in between each photograph.
There are no uninteresting photo subjects, just uninterested
photographers.
It's
not the photography in your life that counts, but the life in your
photography.
Your camera
is not important. The attention you pay, with your thinking behind the camera,
is everything.
Our camera
powers have outrun our spiritual powers. Have faith in what you photograph.
Every photograph is a conversation. Cheer the unseen.
There is only one essential piece to your gear--the "Pay Attention" button on the top of your camera.
Noella Ballenger
Nature and Wildlife
Photographer, Instructor & Writer
Noella Ballenger's
Natural Wonders
Apogee Photo Online
Photography Class Instructor: Photography's Fun when You Know the Basics,
Kick It Up a Notch: Beyond the Basics, Getting Intimate: The World of Close-up
Photography, and 6 Element of Design Pods
Breathing
tip to steady your camera: Instead of holding your breath,
exhale fully and snap the shot before inhaling again. This
simple technique lowers your center of gravity and tightens
your body, which enables you to hold the camera still.
If you are photographing flowers and you want to make them pop out from the
background, create a shadow behind the flower. The flower will be in the sun and
the background, when using a large f-stop, will look natural and become a soft,
dark backdrop.
Get into the habit of moving your eyes around the edges of the viewfinder before
you take a shot. Small distractions can creep into the image from the
sides and they steal your eye away from the subject area.
When photographing landscapes, look for objects
that will add foreground interest to your photographs. They lead the eye
into the image and make it more exciting.
Try shooting from all different perspectives--shoot up, shoot down, shoot
from the front and sides. Shoot straight or at an angel--just shoot and
have fun.
1.
Carry a folded section of aluminum foil in your camera bag. It can be
unfolded easily when you need a small reflector. It's great for macro
flower work to pop just a small amount of light into the shadowy side of the
subject.
If you go out to photograph insects, be careful about using strong smelling
personal items--deodorants, perfumes, hair sprays or fragrant soaps. Many
insects have a highly developed sense of smell and will become agitated or avoid
being around you. Neither one is good for capturing great photos.
Here's an easy way to remember your depth of field setting. FAT, FAST &
FUZZY: "fat" f-stop (like f/4) and a fast shutter speed will give you a
fuzzy background. SKINNY, SLOW & SHARP: "skinny" f-stop (like
f/16) and a slow shutter speed will give you a sharp background.
Practice
playing with light and shadows. Take a photo of the same subject throughout the
day to see how the appearance of your subject changes.
It will help you to become more aware of how light affects the final results of
your images.
When cropping, whether in camera or within an image editing program, be sure you
do it in a logical and firm manner. Example: When you clip the tip of a petal,
it looks accidental, as though you didn’t see it or didn’t care. To do it
properly make a deliberate crop.
Close-up Photography: To add impact to your images, select one subject and make
it the most important thing in your photograph. Have it fill the photo frame.
Use the elements of dramatic light and shadow to draw even more attention to it.
Show the viewer something simple in a way that they have never seen it before.
Study the work of master photographers through photo books or by going online.
Try to understand what made the artist stop to photograph a particular subject.
Can you see the techniques that were used? Learn to look for the subtleties, the
hints, and the details that made those images dynamic.
When
photographing with others, by all means, enjoy their
company, but slow down, follow your instincts, and don’t
let others sway or hurry you away
from your insights, experiments and ideas. Your best
images will come from your own mind and
your own creative visions.
You've taken an
overall photo of a subject that drew your attention. Now stop and take the time
to really examine it--look at it from all directions and find the pieces and
parts that can make for more great images. You don't miss a thing--it may be
gone tomorrow.
Edwin Brosens
Freelance
Photographer & Writer
Visit his web site:
http://www.edwin-macrophoto.com
If you have live-view on your camera, turn this and the LCD
screen off and look only through the viewfinder. This allows you to
explore your subject more fully and become one with it.
Evaluate your photos for color, contrast, detail and composition on the
computer, so you'll be more prepared when you once again return in the field.
Could they be improved and how?
Mike Goldstein
Travel
Photographer & Writer
Apogee Photo Online
Photography Class Instructor: Travel Photography & Flash Photography
When
shooting subjects indoors, try bouncing your flash from a
light-colored wall or ceiling to augment the ambient
lighting and deliver shadow-free illumination. Remember
that the bounced light will take on the color of the
bouncing surface.
When shooting white flowers in the
forest or surrounded by a canopy of leaves, be aware that
the light is coming through a green filter (the leaves of
the trees or plants). While
you may not see
that color shift, your camera's sensor certainly will.
Best solution--find a location under open sky.
When photographing subjects with some shadow content
outdoors, set your flash to deliver one f-stop less light
than the measured ambient. It will reduce the intensity of
those shadows.
A
well-known trick to avoid the look of tilting buildings when aiming
your camera up is to shoot from a corner of the building. The
building will then appear vertical in your shot, although the sides
will have a "lean".
To
attain
interesting effects when shooting in low-light situations, place
your flash in "rear curtain" mode and "drag the shutter". The
subject will first burn its way on to your media with the slow
shutter speed, then the flash fires and freezes all motion.
Piero Leonardi
Photography Teacher & Writer
Piero Leonardi
Photography
Creative photography is a transgression. However, in order to break the rules
we must first know them, otherwise there is no transgression at all, just
chaos.
Learning
how to control the result of a snapshot means learning how to control the result
of what we want the image to convey.
We
do not see the light; we see lighted objects. In photography we shouldn’t see
the object only as it is, but how it is.
A good image will reveal not only that which is shown, but it will make the
viewer imagine to see what is not there.
Andy Long
Nature and Wildlife
Photographer, Instructor & Writer
First Light Tours
Apogee Photo Online
Photography Class Instructor: Wildlife Basics & Beyond, Working with Natural
Light
To
capture photos of birds taking flight or landing, try to position yourself with
your back to or at an angle to the wind. Most birds will always fly
into whatever wind or breeze there is, so this will put you in the position
of them flying towards you.
To enhance the colors of a sunrise or sunset, manually set the White Balance to
around 8000 degrees.
When photographing backlit subjects, use center weighted or spot metering so
the exposure is only on the subject. If you use evaluative metering it will try
to compensate for the background and create an inaccurate exposure reading,
typically underexposing the main subject.
When you are capturing an image of a bird in flight, try to set
your shutter speed to at least 1/1000th of a second so you'll totally
stop the action and get a sharp image. Bump up the ISO if necessary.
Wildlife photos: The closer you get to the subject the
better—you’ll pick up more details. But don’t push the limits. If they are
paying attention to you rather than what they were doing you have moved to
close.
Margo Taussig Pinkerton
Professional
Photographer, Photography
Workshops Instructor & Writer
Barefoot
Contessa Photo Adventures
Lens cleaning: DO NOT use Kodak papers made for this purpose. They are, after
all, papers. Instead, use one of the great little micro-fiber
lens-cleaning cloths. They are kinder to your expensive lenses and can be washed
periodically, making them environmentally friendly.
Try something new. Experiment. Don’t
throw out the rejects; rather, keep them and analyze why they didn’t work and
why the keepers did. Make notes that you can review and use them for your next
experiments.
Photography requires “seat time” or lots of practice. In the days of film, we
would tell people to shoot at least one roll of film a week--that's 36 images.
Be willing to “make mistakes” during practice, as they may turn out to be
successes. Experiment and push the boundaries.
Sometimes, in
photography, we want to make sure the verticals are plumb and the horizontals
are, in fact, level. If your camera has a grid, turn it on--straightening the
camera is so much easier. Camera doesn't have that feature--buy a
two-axis bubble level that slides
into your hot shoe and you'll be set to go.
Changing lenses:
Always face away from the wind and weather. Turn the camera off.
Face the camera down and remove the lens, immediately facing the electronic end
down and the open camera toward your body. Treat the replacement lens
similarly.
Model
Releases: have them translated into the language of the country you're
visiting. You’ll have a better chance of getting them signed if the subject can
understand it! Don't know how--go to your local college or university and ask
for help.
I’ll just crop it later! Why would you want to waste all those
wonderful pixels? Try to get as much of your image right the first time, in the
camera. That way, you can blow it up larger or have a better quality photograph.
As Henri Cartier-Bresson said so beautifully, "If you hit the bulls eye, you
don’t need to crop.
Brad Sharp
Stock
Photographer, Photo Instructor & Writer
SharpFotos
Always be looking
for interesting subjects and be open to every opportunity--in your backyard, as
you drive down the road, or once you reach your chosen photo destination. It’s
a good way to practice "seeing" and preparing you for capturing the next great
shot.
"Before
starting to shoot, always check your camera settings. Here is an easy to
remember checklist:
| I |
ISO |
| Am |
Aperture |
| My |
Mode |
| Father's |
Focus |
| Son |
Shutter Speed |
| = Me |
Metering |
Always carry your camera’s manual in your camera bag. Even if you have used the
camera for years, you may decide you want to use one of the custom features for
a creative shot and the manual is much faster and easier than searching the
camera's Menu option.
Check the histogram after each shot--always! If you don’t notice lighting
changes or that the subject has moved to a different lighting situation, your
settings may no longer be correct and you could end up with photos that are over
or underexposed.
Ron Veto
Travel
Photographer & Writer
Visit ronveto.com
To capture action photos, photograph like a sniper! Find the perfect
location, set up your camera equipment, and let the subject do the work. Lying
in wait is more fruitful than chasing around a moving target. Let them come to
you.
Never hesitate to take
the picture. You may not get a second chance. You'll never forget the ones that
get away.
A smile is your best friend--always wear one. It opens many doors and helps
in creating great photographs.
Use Christian Dior #10
net stocking to achieve image softness. Mount/stick them behind the rear element
using spirit gum.
If
I had only brought my camera with me… You and your camera, even if it’s a cell
phone or point-and-shoot, should be connected at the hip, so you don’t miss out
on those once-in-a-life time, unexpected shots.
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