Friday, July 21, 2006

Photos with Feeling

Next time you are taking a photograph, think to yourself, "Will this shot make someone feel something?". Often, by showing a unique perspective on a familiar subject, you can convey an emotion. This shot inside Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is an attempt to show the impending darkness and claustrophobic nature of a cave.

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This shot is open to interpretation. It is an odd perspective on La Sagrada Familia, a architectural wonder and church in Barcelona, Spain.

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You'd be surprised how different the world can look through the interpretation of a photographer. Familiar becomes strange, usual becomes unique. All you have to do is try a new perspective.

Shoot!

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Blurring the Lines: Fun with Shutter Speeds

Now it's time to take that camera out of "Auto" mode and get creative. Most cameras have "Shutter Priority" mode, usually denoted by a "T", "Tv", or "S". This mode allows you to change the amount of time the camera shutter is open, while letting the camera take care of all other settings. It is also a good idea to use a tripod with slow shutter speeds, otherwise the whole image will be blurry. The goal here is to get just some movement and blur in the image, while keeping the background sharp.


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This type of photo usually takes a little trial and error (hopefully you're using digital). Experiment with shutter speeds and movement. At night, you can get down to 10 seconds or more. Water fountains are a good subject to experiment with.

At night, you can use a flash with your slow shutter speed. The flash will freeze your subject, but due to the slow shutter you will continue to expose after the flash is gone. The result is a sharp image with movement. Of course, this takes some experimenting as well, but the results can be very rewarding.


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Simple techniques like this can turn your average snapshots into PHOTOGRAPHS that you'll enjoy looking back on later.

Shoot!

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Catching that Moment

Nothing is more painful for a photographer than missing that unique moment because you aren't carrying your camera. And you don't have to be a seasoned photog for this to have happened to you. Maybe you are at a concert in the park, and you walk past a man who has a large lizard on his shoulder like some kind of pirate (true story). Maybe you are driving to work and due to some unique weather conditions, the clouds in the sky look like the roof of a cave, full of stalactites and depressions (true story). Unfortunately, I was not carrying my camera on either of those occasions, so all I can say is "true story" instead of SHOWING you what it was like.

For people interested in photography, I always recommend carrying a camera at all times. Cell phone cameras don't count. Quality cameras are usually small enough to carry in your pocket or purse. Even most professional photographers carry a compact camera for unexpected unique moments. It is an easy habit to get into, and you will be glad when that crazy moment comes, and you have visual proof to go along with your story.



Well, I don't ALWAYS forget my camera. While people watching in Brussels, I had my camera ready for this Italian man who was riding a cart across the plaza, while wearing a fake muscle suit and a wig. Would you have believed me? The best part is that no one really seemed to notice him. Just another day in the plaza I guess.

Now, these guys had no problem with being photographed. Some people will, though. Try to be inconspicuous when taking pictures in public. It's a good idea to disable the noisy "beeps" and "boops" that digital cameras love to emanate. These noises attract attention in public, when keeping a low profile will allow for more unique opportunities. Also, don't use flash unless you have to, it will only turn heads and make you look like a tourist. Most consumer flashes only reach a few yards, and are worthless in large open spaces like a plaza.


One of my favorite things to do in public places is people watch. I like to find an out of the way step or bench and just watch, and wait. I will have my camera ready, in hand. Then, with only a heatbeat's notice, it happends: a unique moment. I spend a lot of time looking for unique moments, and I hope you can find yours.

Shoot!



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