http://www.horsephotographyworkshops.com/camargue-2013-workshop
What a wonderful opportunity! Carol, as you know if you read my wild horse info here, is a relentless recorder of the fate of our American wild horses and donkeys. She's a wonderful photographer and a great lady to do what she does.
Do I wish I could go!
Maybe you should!
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Friday, January 18, 2013
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
RULES OF PHOTOGRAPHY: KNOWING WHEN TO BREAK THEM
The Rules Of Photography: Knowing When To Break Them
by Andrew Goodall
Creative photography is a mix of many ingredients; art and technology, skill and patience, cold mechanical know-how and individual flair.
For a beginner learning the basics, it would be nice if there was a simple set of rules to follow to make the whole thing easier. Surely someone could just tell you what aperture to use in a given situation, or how to structure a composition to get the best results every time?
Photography is a lot like learning to drive. With a car, you need to know the road rules, and you need to know the basic skills of steering, accelerating and braking. These can be learned easily with a bit of practice. But even when you have mastered the essentials, you still need to get to know your car, because each car is a little different. Then you need experience with night driving, wet-weather driving, off-road driving...
What you must understand is that following the rules will only take you so far. In photography, you will find that rules help you in the beginning, and some rules will stay with you throughout your career. The trick is to understand when the rules don't apply, or when you should choose to ignore them. This is the type of knowledge that can't easily be taught. It comes with experience, and is what gives you individuality as a photographer.
Below are just a few of the rules that, for an experienced photographer, are just made to be broken.
Photography Rule #1. Outdoor Photos Should Be Taken In The Early Morning Or Late Afternoon. This is one of the first principles of landscape photography, and can be applied to almost any outdoor photography. The softness and warm colour of the sunlight at these times adds beauty and character to almost any scene. It also creates much lower contrast, allowing you to avoid harsh shadows and over-exposure of the highlights in your photos.
When can you break this rule? I can think of two situations immediately.
Black and white photography is defined by contrast rather than by subtle colour, so you often want stronger shadows to create the best image. For this reason, black and white photos are often best taken closer to the middle of the day when the light is stronger.
Rainforest photography is also best in the middle of the day, but this time you don't want bright sunlight; you want cloudy weather to create an nice even light throughout the forest. Otherwise the patches of light coming through the canopy will create 'hot spots' all over your image.
Photography Rule #2. The Rule Of Thirds. The rule of thirds is an excellent guide for a beginner learning about composition. In simple terms, it divides your photo into three parts, vertically and horizontally. The dividing lines are the best places to position long objects in a photo (like trees and horizon lines). The points where the lines intersect are the most effective places to position smaller objects for most impact.
Photos that are taken according to the Rule Of Thirds appear balanced. They satisfy our natural sense of visual order and simply look 'right.' Unfortunately, the world is not so easily organised as the rule, so it is impossible in nature to take every photo this way. Moreover, sometimes you may decide to ignore the rule, giving more impact to the photo by shaking up the normal balance of the composition.
When can you break this rule? Here is one obvious example, but I am sure you can think of many more.
Sunset photos feature colourful skies, and silhouettes in the foreground. If you have a truly spectacular sky, it doesn't make sense to fill a third of the picture with empty blackness. You may choose to tilt the camera up to make a feature of the sky, and reduce the area filled by the foreground.
Rule #3. Your Lightmeter Is Always Right. Most of the time you can trust your lightmeter. If it indicates your photo is well exposed, it probably will be...but not always.
When can you break this rule? When there is a big difference in the level of light between the subject and the surroundings.
You may be photographing a person, an animal, a flower etc. in full sunlight, but the background is shady. This is a very effective way of making your subject stand out from the surroundings. In this situation, the different levels of light are bound to trick the lightmeter. In fact, if you take your photo on auto, your subject will most likely be overexposed. The best approach is to switch your camera to manual, and adjust your aperture or shutter speed until the photo is underexposed by one or two stops. This will darken your background and bring the subject into perfect exposure.
Can you see a pattern developing here? Rules are there for a reason, and your skills will improve in leaps and bounds if you learn them and practice them. But having done that, you are ready to take the next step. Start experimenting outside the rules and see where it takes you. Knowing and following the rules will make you a good photographer. Choosing how and when to break them will make you even better.
About the Author
If you found these tips helpful, Andrew Goodall has released two top-selling ebooks that have already helped thousands of new photographers learn the art and skills of nature photography. See Andrew's images and ebooks at www.naturesimage.com.au While you are there, enjoy even more great photography tips by subscribing to our online newsletter...it's free!
by Andrew Goodall
Creative photography is a mix of many ingredients; art and technology, skill and patience, cold mechanical know-how and individual flair.
For a beginner learning the basics, it would be nice if there was a simple set of rules to follow to make the whole thing easier. Surely someone could just tell you what aperture to use in a given situation, or how to structure a composition to get the best results every time?
Photography is a lot like learning to drive. With a car, you need to know the road rules, and you need to know the basic skills of steering, accelerating and braking. These can be learned easily with a bit of practice. But even when you have mastered the essentials, you still need to get to know your car, because each car is a little different. Then you need experience with night driving, wet-weather driving, off-road driving...
What you must understand is that following the rules will only take you so far. In photography, you will find that rules help you in the beginning, and some rules will stay with you throughout your career. The trick is to understand when the rules don't apply, or when you should choose to ignore them. This is the type of knowledge that can't easily be taught. It comes with experience, and is what gives you individuality as a photographer.
Below are just a few of the rules that, for an experienced photographer, are just made to be broken.
Photography Rule #1. Outdoor Photos Should Be Taken In The Early Morning Or Late Afternoon. This is one of the first principles of landscape photography, and can be applied to almost any outdoor photography. The softness and warm colour of the sunlight at these times adds beauty and character to almost any scene. It also creates much lower contrast, allowing you to avoid harsh shadows and over-exposure of the highlights in your photos.
When can you break this rule? I can think of two situations immediately.
Black and white photography is defined by contrast rather than by subtle colour, so you often want stronger shadows to create the best image. For this reason, black and white photos are often best taken closer to the middle of the day when the light is stronger.
Rainforest photography is also best in the middle of the day, but this time you don't want bright sunlight; you want cloudy weather to create an nice even light throughout the forest. Otherwise the patches of light coming through the canopy will create 'hot spots' all over your image.
Photography Rule #2. The Rule Of Thirds. The rule of thirds is an excellent guide for a beginner learning about composition. In simple terms, it divides your photo into three parts, vertically and horizontally. The dividing lines are the best places to position long objects in a photo (like trees and horizon lines). The points where the lines intersect are the most effective places to position smaller objects for most impact.
Photos that are taken according to the Rule Of Thirds appear balanced. They satisfy our natural sense of visual order and simply look 'right.' Unfortunately, the world is not so easily organised as the rule, so it is impossible in nature to take every photo this way. Moreover, sometimes you may decide to ignore the rule, giving more impact to the photo by shaking up the normal balance of the composition.
When can you break this rule? Here is one obvious example, but I am sure you can think of many more.
Sunset photos feature colourful skies, and silhouettes in the foreground. If you have a truly spectacular sky, it doesn't make sense to fill a third of the picture with empty blackness. You may choose to tilt the camera up to make a feature of the sky, and reduce the area filled by the foreground.
Rule #3. Your Lightmeter Is Always Right. Most of the time you can trust your lightmeter. If it indicates your photo is well exposed, it probably will be...but not always.
When can you break this rule? When there is a big difference in the level of light between the subject and the surroundings.
You may be photographing a person, an animal, a flower etc. in full sunlight, but the background is shady. This is a very effective way of making your subject stand out from the surroundings. In this situation, the different levels of light are bound to trick the lightmeter. In fact, if you take your photo on auto, your subject will most likely be overexposed. The best approach is to switch your camera to manual, and adjust your aperture or shutter speed until the photo is underexposed by one or two stops. This will darken your background and bring the subject into perfect exposure.
Can you see a pattern developing here? Rules are there for a reason, and your skills will improve in leaps and bounds if you learn them and practice them. But having done that, you are ready to take the next step. Start experimenting outside the rules and see where it takes you. Knowing and following the rules will make you a good photographer. Choosing how and when to break them will make you even better.
About the Author
If you found these tips helpful, Andrew Goodall has released two top-selling ebooks that have already helped thousands of new photographers learn the art and skills of nature photography. See Andrew's images and ebooks at www.naturesimage.com.au While you are there, enjoy even more great photography tips by subscribing to our online newsletter...it's free!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
DO YOU DARE? CAMERA TOSS PHOTOGRAPHY...
http://www.thephotoargus.com/inspiration/30-amazing-examples-of-camera-toss-photography/
But what if you're a bad catch? Like me!
Then go over to PureWow and check this out! Safer but infinitely more expensive, and I don't think most of us here have the bucks for this. But aren't they stunning?
http://www.purewow.com/ecs/2526.htm?sid=541383
But what if you're a bad catch? Like me!
Then go over to PureWow and check this out! Safer but infinitely more expensive, and I don't think most of us here have the bucks for this. But aren't they stunning?
http://www.purewow.com/ecs/2526.htm?sid=541383
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
DIY PHOTOGRAPHY - USE A TOILET FLANGE FOR ELEVATED VIDEO WHILE KAYAKING
http://www.diyphotography.net/use-a-toilet-flange-for-elevated-video-while-kayaking
Two of my favorite pastimes - kayaking and photography. Note that in the first video, the kayak is a Swifty - ultra stable and mine is yellow!
Looks like something I should look into. Maybe you should, too. It's too high to get your camera splashed.
Two of my favorite pastimes - kayaking and photography. Note that in the first video, the kayak is a Swifty - ultra stable and mine is yellow!
Looks like something I should look into. Maybe you should, too. It's too high to get your camera splashed.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
POLICE WARS ON CAMERAS
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article27224.htm
If you saw the murder of the wheelchair-bound man by police in San Francisco the other day, you'll know why. He was outside a mental health facility, armed with a knife and a rock. He ended up dead.
The whole thing was videotaped from across the street.
This is the citizen's best weapon. No wonder they don't want you to have them.
If you saw the murder of the wheelchair-bound man by police in San Francisco the other day, you'll know why. He was outside a mental health facility, armed with a knife and a rock. He ended up dead.
The whole thing was videotaped from across the street.
This is the citizen's best weapon. No wonder they don't want you to have them.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
HOW NOT TO HAVE YOUR RECORDING DEVICE CONFISCATED BY TSA
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/mobile/11/25/shooting.video.tsa/index.html?eref=ib_topstorieshttp://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/mobile/11/25/shooting.video.tsa/index.html?eref=ib_t
I may be wrong, but I attended a hearing here in Florida where he was arrested for recording a public servant while in his office in audio.
He was acquitted.
That is because when on duty, a public servant has no right to privacy.
Keep this in mind and check with your local statutes.
I may be wrong, but I attended a hearing here in Florida where he was arrested for recording a public servant while in his office in audio.
He was acquitted.
That is because when on duty, a public servant has no right to privacy.
Keep this in mind and check with your local statutes.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
CNN'S HIGH RES PHOTOS OF THE OIL LEAK DISASTER
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2010/05/us/gallery.large.oil.spill/june.18.html
And Obama, you'll see him in only one of the pictures picking up a miniscule tarball, didn't even care enough to roll up his sleeves. Poor baby.
Note the work boots. Nice touch, Barry.
It won't work. You'd rather be golfing or eating ribs with Empress Michelle in Chicago.
I'D RATHER YOU BE EATING PRISON SLOP BEHIND BARS.
And Obama, you'll see him in only one of the pictures picking up a miniscule tarball, didn't even care enough to roll up his sleeves. Poor baby.
Note the work boots. Nice touch, Barry.
It won't work. You'd rather be golfing or eating ribs with Empress Michelle in Chicago.
I'D RATHER YOU BE EATING PRISON SLOP BEHIND BARS.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
DIY Bookbinding - Artists, Writers, Photographers, Poets - take note!
http://tipnut.com/diy-bookmaking-bookbinding-book-press-buncha-links/
Even for mommies to bind that wonderful artwork! This isn't quite like scrapbooking. This is a bit more special.
I love the idea for poetry chapbooks, especially. Or even for making journals as gifts.
Even for mommies to bind that wonderful artwork! This isn't quite like scrapbooking. This is a bit more special.
I love the idea for poetry chapbooks, especially. Or even for making journals as gifts.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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