Working the Scene - Thoughtfully & Thoroughly

Think about it for a minute - how much time and effort do you put into planning, coordinating and shooting your photos?  If you're like me and most photographers I know,  the answer is quite a bit! 

With all of this effort, time, and money involved, why shortchange yourself by rushing through the scene and only capturing a couple of images, or worse - shooting a lot of images from the same viewpoint, with the same lens, f-stop, etc? 

It's easy to do!  Believe me - I've done it all to often and regretted it when I'm in the editing process, but hey - I'm learning as they say! 

Here's an approach I try to use every time I pick up the camera,  no matter how straight forward the shot may seem - Before I ever point the camera or mount it on my tripod,  I "take in" the scene with just my eyes.  Look, observe, walk around and through it.  Strong compositions will start to form in your minds eye.  Now is the time to get your camera, select your viewpoint and choose the lens that includes what you want in your frame. 
 
Great - now you've started the process!  Switch to a different lens,  shoot some exposures at a different f-stop for a different look and feel.  Now take your gear to another spot and shoot - you'll already be visualizing the next few compositions and series of shots because you have a mental image  from your initial walk-through.

By exploring,  and "turning over" all of the rocks of opportunity when you're shooting, the editing process will be a joyous one - knowing you've covered the scene the way it, and you deserved - Thoughtfully and Thoroughly!  

Morpho Madness

Butterflies.  Lots, and lots of butterflies!  Two weeks ago I taught a Macro photo workshop at the Butterfly House in Chesterfield, Missouri and was amazed at the beauty and grace of these amazing creatures.  This location is a beautiful, indoor tropical setting that is filled with all kinds of varieties of butterflies and plants just begging to be photographed!

We were there a couple of hours and could have easily photographed all day without duplication.  The key to this type of photography is be patient, move slowly, and select an attractive background.  There are so many butterflies one is bound to light nearby so be ready when they do.  Also, by slowly walking through the area you'll discover areas that offer great light, colorful plants, and of course that one elusive butterfly you've been looking for.

Although it wasn't crowded, there are still other people shooting pictures and enjoying the beauty so it's important to travel light and respect their experience as well as the environment while you're trying to get that "wall hanger" of a shot.

A couple of things to keep in mind when shooting in these environments:   Bring a large plastic bag to put your gear in before entering the enclosure.  It's very warm and humid inside so to avoid condensation on you lenses and other equipment (cold environment to warm), it needs to acclimate to this inside temperature.  Those who wear glasses know what I mean!

Also, wear light, comfortable clothing-it's like summertime in there-very warm!

I usually like to use a tripod when shooting most macro subjects but sometime they're just not practical.  This is a case where it sat on the sidelines.  It was much easier to quickly move in, focus, and expose my shot without the additional movements a tripod would have entailed.  Also, with other people in a relatively close space it doesn't impose on their experience.

REAL WORLD SHOOTING TIPS - MACRO & CLOSE UP PHOTOGRAPHY

• Shoot with a macro lens or use a quality close up filter attached to your lens.  I used a 100mm macro on these shots.  Most were exposed at ISO 400, /125 sec @ f5.6.  Daylight white balance.
• Focus and depth of field is critical-everything is magnified so be sure you are focused on the most critical area of your subject-usually the eyes-and that there is enough depth of field to show your subject at it's best.
• Use a ring flash or macro flash setup in a fill flash capacity-to supplement (not overpower) the existing light and add crispness to your photo.
• Use a shutter speed fast enough to freeze movement-bump up your ISO up as necessary.
• Be aware of your backgrounds-avoid clutter and excessive bright areas. 
• Travel light on the equipment.  Mobility and easy of setup is most important.

This kind of photography is always a lot of fun.  Challenging and rewarding.  As the saying goes...nothing is as easy as it looks but I encourage you to take a few hours, select a subject and shoot some close ups. You'll have a lot of fun and learn a lot.  And, you just may get that elusive "wall hanger" of a photo!
     

Happy Shooting!   Michael

HDR - High Dynamic Range Photography

It's catching on like wildfire!  What is it?  A relatively new and ever changing technique that involves making different exposures of a scene,  then manipulating them in special software that can compress a wide range of tonal values into a single photograph and / or create a surrealistic look to your photograph.

There are two areas where this technique really shines - 1) In a high contrast scene, such as a landscape, or building interior with bright windows, and 2) any subject that you want to create a surreal, artistic look to.

Highlight Exposure

Mid Tone Exposure

Shadow Exposure

Final HDR Photo

                                                                                                                  

How does it work?  In say, a high contrast scene, your camera can only capture an EV range of 6-8 stops (more or less) in a single capture.  Some high contrast scenes, for example,  may have a range of 15  EV (exposure values) in it.  By making a series of exposures (usually 3 -5) at one or two stops apart you're able to capture details in each area of the scene ( shadow, mid-tone, and highlight ).  These photos are best shot from a tripod so that they'll be registered and aligned when you merge them later in HDR software. 

Once these images are imported and merged into the HDR software, slider adjustments allow you to control areas such as brightness, color, contrast and various other settings.  The subject matter,  as well as your personal preferences determine how these adjustments are applied.  For example, a commercial interior shot for an advertisement would need to be adjusted and processed for a realistic look whereas an old abandoned building shot for fine art purposes may benefit from more extreme adjustments that have that surreal look and feel to it.

Most, if not all images need and benefit from additional, final tweaking in Photoshop after the HDR process.  Adjustments such as color, contrast, spotting, and sharpening are usually most effective in Photoshop.

Highlight Exposure

 

 

 

Mid Tone Exposure

Shadow Exposure

Final HDR Photo

REAL WORLD HDR TIPS

•   Shoot from a tripod with a cable release to avoid camera movement/shake.
•   Shoot in Manual or Aperture Priority mode.  Shutter speed varies-Aperture does not.
•   Shoot enough exposures to ensure details are held throughout the extremes of the tonal range.
•   Use Manual focus to avoid  focus search between exposures.
•   Shoot RAW or highest quality JPEGs for best image quality.
•   Experiment with the extreme adjustments with the sliders in the Tone Mapping process for     different looks and effects.

Some of the HDR software options are;  Photomatix, Nik, and FDR to name a few.  They all pretty much work the same way and accomplish the same results.  Most have trial downloads which is a great way to run them and see if they fit your workflow and vision.

HDR has unlimited potential for creative fine art as well as real world commercial applications.  I encourage you to download some trial software, and explore this exciting process!


Happy HDR Shooting!   Michael

PORTRAIT WORKSHOP

Had a great workshop last Saturday!  Portraits on Location - always challenging - always rewarding!

People photography - especially portraiture - can be very intimidating for many photographers and their subjects.  Why?  Well, in addition to the technical choices and decisions that must be made you're also dealing with personalities, emotions, and perceptions.

How many times have you heard this ... I hate having my picture taken!  I take terrible pictures!  Instead of giving up - accept this for what it really is - these people have had an unpleasant or unflattering portrait made in the past and are not crazy about repeating the process.  Deep down they would love for a photographer to create a dynamic portrait of them!

Hey! - this is opportunity knocking!  Get past your fear!  Take it in small steps.  Study, learn, practice, practice, practice!  Trust me  - you'll improve each and every time out.  The rewards from capturing some great shots of your subject and creating a fun, easy atmosphere during the shoot is tremendous, and makes this type of photography extremely satisfying for both photographer and subject!  A favorite quote of mine..."The Greatest Risk Is Not Taking One". 

Here are some photos from the workshop - these are by workshop participant David Jaehning.  He is the co-owner of Ozarks Photography, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Visit his website,  http://www.ozarksphotography.net  to learn more about him and his business. 

David did a fantastic job of working with our models!  Here are some of his shots from the day.....

         














 When possible, work in props and environments that reflect who people are - what they do.  It's a natural setting for them.  The benefit?  They're at ease, and it's a meaningful, storytelling portrait!

                     
 REAL WORLD SHOOTING TIPS - PORTRAITS

• Preview the location before the shoot if possible to assess technical challenges and artistic opportunities.

• Build rapport early on with your subject.  Involve them in the process - project excitement!  Remember - this is a collaborative process.

• Know how your equipment works - inside & out.  Your attention should be focused on your subject - not technical issues.

• Choose your background & props to enhance and contribute to your subject - not overpower them. 

• Posing - Show your subject what you have in mind - direct them as well as encourage their spontaneity.  Have your subject make small changes in their pose, hand placement, and expression.

• Lighting - keep it simple.  Select lights & modifiers that flatter your subject, and don't intrude on or slow down the shoot.

• Lens selection - Choose carefully-based on what you want to include - be careful of facial distortions with wide angles.

• Camera angles - shoot a wide variety.  Mix it up - high, low, etc.  Shoot a lot of exposures.  There's a natural warm up period for both the photographer and subject.  Digital is great for this - shoot, get the mood going - remember, what you're after are a few really great shots from the session!

      Alright!  Get your camera, lights, and a willing subject.  Plan a portrait shoot, experience the fun of this type of photography, and create a memorable experience for yourself and your subject!


 Happy Shooting!         Michael

THE WINTER LANDSCAPE

Well, here in the Midwest we've had more snow this season than we've had in the past several years combined!  I love it!  As I talked about in a previous blog posting any chance I can get out to shoot "the white stuff",  I'm on it.  Took advantage of a pristine morning recently and explored Cuivre River Sate Park.  We had a major snow during the night so the landscape was pristine that morning.  Oh, and it was cold!  Advantage?  Yep!  No one else was there.  My footprints were the first, and whenever that happens I know I'm in for a great experience!        

Frenchman's Bluff

Overlook - Cuivre River State Park

Starting with this post I'm going to integrate a "Tip of the Week" that ties in to the post.  Nothing fancy, not rocket science-just thoughts and techniques that I've discovered in over 27 years of shooting.  I have to admit-most of the tips I'll be sharing come from my learning them the hard way. So if I can save you a few headaches along the way-terrific!

Cedar and Snow

Cedar Tree

REAL WORLD SHOOTING TIPS - WINTER LANDSCAPE & SNOW SCENES

• Invest in a good pair of boots-waterproof, insulated, comfortable to hike in.
• Sunglasses, Hat & Gloves-I like wool, but there are many options.  Mittens that have flip backs are great for keeping your hands warm when not shooting but allowing full finger control when you are.
• Lens Pen with brush-If snow gets on your lens or camera it's best to lightly brush it away.  Never breathe or blow on your lens!
• Extra batteries-bring several as the cold saps the power quickly.  Keep the extras close to your body to keep them warm.
• You'll be shooting some high contrast scenes.  In order to ensure holding details in the highlights and shadows shoot bracketed exposures from a tripod so you can blend them in post production if necessary.
• I like to travel light on these excursions as I usually cover a lot of ground.  A small waist pack with an extra lens, polarizing filter, lens pen, flashlight, map of the area, etc. pretty much round it out.
• Get out there early!  Like all landscape photography, the magic light is as the day breaks and as the sun sets!

So get out in the great outdoors and experience this beautiful season with your camera!               

Happy Shooting!      Michael

 

HDR PHOTO WORKSHOP AT THE FOX THEATRE

Wow!  What a fun day last Saturday!  I had the opportunity to lead a small group of talented photographers on a High Dynamic Range workshop at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis. 

The history, architecture, and ambiance at this location is incredible!  Photo opportunities include everything from fisheye views to detailed close-ups - and they're everywhere you look!  I had to throttle back my excitement a bit and just take it all in!  Slow down - select a subject, compose and shoot.  Walk, explore, shoot!  Beats cleaning the house on a Saturday!


I think everybody really enjoyed themselves,  and the photos I saw during the review and post production later that day were fantastic! 


HDR is the most fascinating technique I've come across in a long time!  A different, fun way of making images.  Check it out - you'll be hooked!

I'll be leading several more HDR workshops at the Fox during 2011 as well as some other pretty cool locations!  Stay tuned!

Happy shooting!  Michael

WINTER WILDLIFE

Bald Eagle fishing on Mississippi River

Elk in Snowstorm

OK, so the temperatures are dropping, the snows falling, and you're where?  Sitting by a warm fireplace drinking cocoa in your comfys?  What?

Alright, you've heard it many time before but here goes.....the worst weather makes for the best photographs.  It's true.  You know it!  Here's the deal.  If we give ourselves half a chance, we'll talk ourselves out of strapping on the snow boots, grabbing our camera gear, and hitting the great outdoors.

The key - don't give yourself time to think about the reasons why not to go out - just pry yourself off of the couch, bundle up, and get out there!  I promise you -  you'll be glad you did!  I've never been disappointed after a photo excursion on a winters day.  But all to often in the past I've regretted not motivating myself to get out and make photos in some of the best conditions (photographically at least) we could ever hope for.

This past week I did just that - pryed myself away from the warmth of the fire and went out shooting!  Photographed some eagles on the Mississippi in Clarksville and some Bison and Elk at Lone Elk Park.
Had a lot of fun watching and photographing all of these amazing animals as well as met some other very friendly photographers who also "braved" the elements!

So the next time the mercury plummets and the snow flies, forget about that fireplace, grab your camera, and get out there!  You'll get the feeling back in your toes and fingertips later that day and have some great photos for your efforts!

Happy Shooting!     Michael

American Bison