Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
Have you ever stopped to think about all the different types of photography? There are many different categories, which means and almost endless variety of new things to try! You are probably familiar with some of the more common fields, like fashion, sports, and photojournalism - but let me introduce you to five areas of photography that you may not even know exist!
1) Forensic: If you love crime shows like CSI and Law & Order, you’ll be interested in this area of photography. Forensic photographers take pictures of crime scenes to help law enforcement with an investigation. Accuracy is extremely important, so forensic photographers will use scales and rulers, correct lighting and lenses, and a variety of different viewpoints and angles in order to best represent the scene. Most law enforcement agencies use digital SLR cameras, because they have instant access to the images, and because each image is ’stamped’ with the date and time, making it easy to verify authenticity. Photographers must be trained in a specialized course in order to work in the field of forensics.
2) Aerial: Aerial photography is any photography taken from an elevated position, as in from an airplane or the top of a tall building. It was first introduced by a Frenchman, who would ride a hot air balloon over Paris and take pictures of the city. Nowadays, you commonly see aerial shots of sports arenas, sweeping landscapes, and satellite photographs of our cities. Give aerial photography a try the next time you take a plane ride or visit a skyscraper. If you’re a traveler, plan a vacation in the mountains, or take your own hot air balloon ride!
3) Underwater: For the adventurous photographer, underwater photography provides a unique and stimulating experience, and a whole host of new challenges. This form of photography is commonly practiced by scuba divers, snorkelers, and swimmers, and by people on boats or submarines. Underwater cameras come in a wide variety of formats - from disposable film models that you can pick up at a drugstore, to high-tech digital SLRs with watertight casings. If you’re interested in trying it out, make sure to bring your camera with you the next time you hit the lake, beach, or pool. And if you’d really like to get your feet wet with underwater photography, sign up for scuba or snorkel classes at a local dive shop. Many dive shops will offer photography classes to help you learn what you need about this exciting field!
4) Pinhole: The pinhole camera, one of the oldest forms of cameras, is simply a lightproof box with a tiny hole for an aperture, and no lens. As light from a scene passes through the aperture, it projects an upside-down image onto the back wall of the box, where the photographer has placed a sheet of photo paper. It creates an image there in the same way that a lens camera will create an image on film. Pinhole cameras are easy to make at home, and they are really fun to use. Try having a pinhole project with your kids! You can find instructions on how to make your own at the Kodak website - or by following this link: http://tinyurl.com/kodakpinhole. Also, you can find some great samples of pinhole photography on Flickr at the “Pinhole Photography” group page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/pinholers/.
5) Paranormal: Paranormal photography is the practice of attempting to catch any kind of paranormal or ghostly activity with your camera. Photographers look for image abnormalities that they call “ghosts, orbs, flying rods, or apparitions,” and they will often use specialized equipment to detect the presence of paranormal activity. Photographers can either set out in search of such phenomenon, or find it unexpectedly in pictures they’ve already taken. Many cities have paranormal societies or clubs that lead photo expeditions - if you’re interested in the spookier side of photography, you might want to give it a try!
If you’re interested in getting involved in these or any other fields of photography, try a Google search for the terms and see what else you can learn. You never know what kinds of clubs or classes are meeting in your home town! Happy shooting!
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
Like so many people these days, I’m completely addicted to my iPhone. I love the easy access to email, the ability to Google the answers to my questions no matter where I am, and the amazing Maps app that saves me from getting lost every time I get in the car. My favorite feature, though, has to be the awesome camera. The iPhone camera is fast, convenient, and high quality. With a host of available apps that make this already great feature even better, the iPhone camera is a photographer’s dream.
I’ve tried out many of the camera apps, but I have a few favorites that really stand out from the rest. I’ve compiled a list for you, of the top 9 iPhone photography apps I recommend:
1) Photoshop Mobile - free A simple to use image editing tool for making on-the-go adjustments to your shots. This is my number one, can’t live without it camera app!
2) Hipstamatic - $1.99, $0.99 for additional lens packs Imitates the effects of a rare vintage camera. Turns your snapshots into something fun and truly unique. Use the add-on lens film packs and the ’shake’ randomize feature for even more options. So much fun, and the results are fantastic!
3) CameraBag - $1.99 A large, easy to use assortment of vintage camera effects that turn your snapshots into something a little more special! Great for people who don’t want to deal with the additional cost of the Hipstamatic lens packs.
4) Camera Plus / CP Pro - Free / $1.99 Turns your camera phone into a mini-DSLR! Comes with various shooting modes and tools to help you get the most out of your pictures. Both the free and paid versions are worth a try.
5) Flickr Mobile - Free The app for the website flickr.com, lets you browse and upload from your phone. If you use Photobucket, MobileMe, or some other photo sharing site, there’s an app for you too!
6) Sneaky Pics - Free Lets you take pictures secretly - you pretend to talk on the phone while it silently snaps away! Perfect for those moments when discretion is necessary.
7) Color Splash - $1.99 Will colorize a portion of your image and leave the rest black and white. Very cute effects, but it takes a bit of practice to learn how to use this app.
TiltShift Generator - $0.99 Will make the subjects of your pictures look like miniature dioramas. Especially good for landscape and architectural shots. A specialized app for slightly more advanced users.
9) Incredibooth - $0.99 Only for the new iPhone 4G. Uses the new second camera on the front of the phone. It imitates a vintage photo booth, and comes with multiple effects. Really fun, authentic results!
Have fun experimenting with these tools, and see how easy it is to transform your cell phone pictures into little works of art! If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up with a photo library of 1,000+ images in no time!
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
It’s finally summertime, and everyone is making plans for a little fun in the sun! Maybe it’s a big vacation to the beach, a girls’ day by the pool, or a run through the sprinklers with your family. Whatever the reason for your water-side gatherings, you’re sure to experience a lot of fun things you won’t want to forget. Contrary to what you may think, these summer memories are the perfect excuse to break out your camera - even if you’ve got a nice digital model. It IS possible to take great pictures AND keep your camera safe when you’re hanging out by the water, and I’m going to tell you how to do it!
Have you got a digital camera that takes great pictures, but you’re afraid to take it anywhere near the water? You can purchase a plastic case for your camera, called a ‘housing,’ that will create a water-tight seal around your camera, protecting it from sand, salty air, and anything wet. You can find a housing online by searching for your camera model and “underwater housing” on sites like Amazon.com, with options ranging in price between $25 and $2,500 dollars, depending on the model of your camera. Whether you have a compact snap-shot camera, or a full-size digital SLR, there is an underwater casing for you. There is always a slight risk of leakage, but if you use the case properly, you should not have any trouble taking your digital camera with you through the slip-and-slide, or all the way into the ocean!
If the thought of an underwater casing is making you queasy, then perhaps a disposable underwater camera would be a better choice for you. The bonus to using a disposable camera is obvious - you don’t have to worry about destroying your expensive investment! Though the image quality will not be equal to what your regular camera takes, the versatility and ease of disposable cameras make them great options for budget trips and younger hands. You can still find film disposable cameras at most convenience stores, but digital disposables are also available, for just a few more dollars. If you’re willing to pay a little more up front, you can skip the hassle of taking the camera back to the store to develop the film. But, if you’re one of those people that forget to make prints, you might find that a disposable film camera is a great way to remind yourself to finally get those vacation pictures printed and framed!
Do an internet search for underwater photography, and check out all the cool things you can do with a water-capable camera. Whether it’s a run in the sprinkler, some snapshots in the pool, or a snorkeling expedition in the ocean, you’re sure to get some unique and unforgettable results when you take your camera with you!
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
Summer is almost here! If you’re like me, you’ll be spending a lot of time outside and using the great weather as a photo opportunity. Working around the full sunlight while taking pictures requires a few tricks and a little forethought to pull off, so I’ve made a list of a few simple tips to help you while you’re shooting outside in the sunny summertime!
1) Location, location, location!
As the sun changes it’s position in the sky over the course of the day, the way light will look in your pictures will also change. Early morning or around sunset are the best times to shoot, because the light is coming from lower in the sky and will often have a soft, warm quality. As a rule, it is best to avoid taking pictures in the noonday sun, because the light is coming from straight overhead and is the least flattering. Also, If you place your subject in front of the sun and shoot towards them, you will end up with lens flare. When you look at your viewfinder or LCD, if you have lens flare you will see like little hazy circles across your image that will ruin a photograph. The best way to avoid this is to move your subject so that the sun is behind or to the side of the camera. A quick way to understand the way the sun will effect your pictures is to take someone outside and walk all the way around them, taking pictures from different angles. The next time you want to photograph outside, you’ll know exactly what to do!
2) Shadows and shade.
The summer sun is strong and will cast lots of shadows, and these shadows can be your best friend or your worst enemy when you shoot. For example, placing your subject under the full shade of a building will even out the light on their skin and eliminate harsh contrast, while having your subject stand under the patchy shade of a tree may cause an unintended blotchy effect. You want to pay attention to where the shadows fall, especially on the face. Take the time to look carefully at your subject before you snap the picture, and pay attention to where you see shadows and bright highlights. Although shadows can cause some undesired effects in your pictures, the strong patterns made by the sun can be fun to play with. Dappled light through the trees or diagonal lines from a fence or railing can create an interesting compositional element. Experimenting with light and shadow may help you develop a more artistic eye, so don’t be afraid to try new things!
3) Light in your eyes.
Perhaps you’ve found the perfect location to shoot with the perfect amount of sun, avoiding lens flare and harsh shadows, and you get your subject in place. But suddenly, they’re complaining that the sun is in their eyes, it’s too bright, and they can’t see! You don’t want to catch them squinting, so what do you do? I deal with this problem on a daily basis, and I have a simple trick to solve it. Just ask your subject to close their eyes, and tell them you will count to three before you take the picture. When you say the number three, tell them to open their eyes and you can snap a shot during that moment before the sun begins to bother them. You’ll get a fresh expression every time, and your subject will be much more comfortable.
The best way to improve your skills at photographing in the sun is just to go out and do it. Get familiar with your camera, take a lot of pictures, and have fun! And take a second look at your camera’s manual. You might find some helpful tips in that little book collecting dust in your camera bag.
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
The sun is out, the flowers are blooming. It’s that time of year again- Time for Spring Cleaning! But this grand April tradition isn’t just for your house. Make time to clean up your photo collection this year. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your quest for picture- perfect organization.
1) Get your photos off your digital camera! Start enjoying all those great snapshots you’ve taken! Take the time to upload your photos from the camera to your computer, and sort through them. You’ll be able to see them better on a bigger screen, so get them on the computer first, and decide from there what you want to keep or trash. While you’re at it, get your computer organized. Create a “My Photos” folder, if you don’t already have one, and put it on your desktop. Inside the My Pictures folder, sort your photos and put them in folders named for what is happening in the pictures. Then, you’ll easily be able to find them any time you want.
2) Make some prints! Nothing will re-energize your home like a fresh set of framed photos on your wall, or a new stack of albums to flip through on your coffee table. Once you’ve gotten everything organized, it should be easy for you to pick out some great shots you’d like to print. Pick out a good selection of images you’d like to have on display. If you don’t have a printer at home, burn a CD of the pictures, or put them on a thumbnail drive. You can take them to any FedEx Kinkos or Walgreens and use one of their kiosks to print them out inexpensively, and the employees will walk you through the process if you need the help. You can even upload pictures and order prints online, if you don’t want to go to the store. Also, think about the professional pictures of your family taken over the past year, and see if you’ve forgotten to place orders for prints. A collage of your son’s sports photos, or a beautiful framed print of your daughter’s senior picture will add a perfect, personal touch your plans to spring- ify your living room for the new season.
3) Use your camera! Now that you’ve got things cleaned up and cleared out, start using your camera to save some new memories. Spring is a wonderful time of year to take photographs. Make a trip with your kids to the park or backyard and take advantage of the blooming flowers and clear skies for some great snapshots. Maybe your gardening has paid off, and your yard and house look really nice this year. Photograph them! And get artistic - take your camera out on a photo expedition, just for fun. Everyone has a little artist in them, and some fun shots of favorite hometown locations or creative flower photos will add a little something special to your albums. Your family will enjoy these views into the world as you see it for years to come.
If the idea of organizing your computer, burning photo CDs, or handling a photo kiosk seem intimidating to you, check out these resources to help you along in your quest for clean.
FedEx Office
www.walgreens.com
www.wikihow.com (search ‘burn a photo CD’ and ‘organize your digital photos’ for some simple tutorials)
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
Camera design has come a very long way from the days of the behemoth view camera. Modern digital cameras are simpler to use than ever before, more affordable, and have a slimmer design to fit in your purse or pocket. Even DSLRs are becoming more compact and lightweight, making it easier than ever to take beautiful photographs everywhere you go. You may see something you want to photograph, snatch your camera from your pocket like a gun from a holster and SNAP! Youve got your picture in half a moments time. Herein lies the problem That slick, single- handed technique youve been using to get your camera out as quickly as possible may be costing you in ways you hadnt thought about. There actually is a proper way to hold a camera, and it requires the use of both hands. To ensure that you are taking a quality image, and to maintain the safety of your equipment, it is in your best interest to keep both hands on your camera. Ill share with you a few easy tips on how to get a grip.
1) With your right hand, hold the right side of the camera. Your index finger should rest on the shutter button easily, and your thumb should wrap around the back of the camera body. If your camera is very small, you may only need to use your thumb and a couple fingers to hold it well. Many cameras have a built-in or rubberized grip to make it easier for you to keep a hold on your equipment. These machines are designed to be hand-held, so go with what feels natural.
2) Your left hand position will be determined by the type of camera you have. Again, if you have a compact digital camera, you may end up using only your thumb and forefingers. Alternatively, with a DSLR, left hand placement is very important. A common mistake with an SLR is to hold the left side of the camera body, or to grip the lens from above. Neither of these methods will help you support your cameras weight properly. You should cradle the lens from beneath, using your thumb and index finger to turn the focus and aperture rings, if applicable. The body of the camera should rest on the heel of your palm.
3) Use your viewfinder. Holding your camera closer to your body, arms tucked to your sides, will help you stabilize. But you dont want to press your camera too close to your face, or the movements of your body will cause blurry images. Your eye socket should and cheek should just touch the cameras back. If it is not possible to use your viewfinder (I know many compact digital cameras do not even have them anymore), remember not to hold the camera too far away from your body. The shorter the distance between the camera and you, the easier it will be for you to hold still.
4) Steady yourself. Lean against a wall or tree, or find a chair to help you stabilize. You might not notice how much you move involuntarily until you are holding a camera to your eye and trying to stay perfectly still. If there is nothing available to lean on, set your feet wide apart for a stronger stance. Another trick is to hold your breath when you push the shutter. I use this one all the time!
Of course, having a tripod makes the most sense, but for many situations this tool is not a viable option. The next time you shoot, try some of these tips out, and see if it doesnt help you achieve more reliable results!
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
As I write this, I am sitting in my warm apartment, cloistered away from the icy roads and frigid air. I have played with the idea of taking my camera out for some fun photos in the snow, but I have to be cautious. Taking photos outside in cold weather will require a little forethought and some preparation in order to protect my camera properly. Not many people realize that the cold can pose a threat to their camera. So, in the spirit of the inclement weather we’ve been experiencing as of late, here are a few of my tips for taking care of your camera in the winter time!
1) Keep your camera warm. Holding your camera close to your body is the simplest solution to this problem. The same goes for camera batteries, as they will not hold a charge as long in cold weather. Often, photographers will not even insert their batteries into the camera until they are ready to shoot, in order to lengthen their lifespan. Another way to help with this problem is to turn off all superfluous battery- draining functions until they are needed, like the LCD screen or high speed shooting modes.
2) Protect your camera from moisture. Although some are moisture-resistant, to a degree, it is never safe to get your camera wet. Melting snow or ice, and condensation are problems in the winter months. You should even avoid breathing on your camera, because the moisture in your breath can cause damage. I’ve seen many photographers breathe on the lens of their camera to clean it, but this should be avoided when out in the cold.
It helps to store your camera in a sealed plastic bag while you are transporting it, which will keep condensation on the bag instead of your camera. If moisture freezes on your camera or lens, it could cause irreparable damage. If you notice this happening, stop using the camera and quickly remove the lens cap and battery, as well as the memory card. Open all compartment doors and wait for any wetness to evaporate.
3) Transition slowly. Take your time when bringing a cold camera indoors. You want to allow it proper time to adjust to room temperature before using it. Leave it unused for around a half hour, preferably in a camera bag to help minimize condensation. Also, do not take the camera back out into the cold again until all condensation has evaporated, to prevent moisture freezing on the interior parts.
It’s a good idea to read up on your camera’s minimum and maximum operating temperatures. This will keep you knowledgeable about the limits of your camera, and prevent you from invalidating your warranty by exceeding them. You can find these specifications by searching for your model on the internet, or by reading the always handy manual that came with your camera!
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
The ‘Picture Smile.’ You have one (so do I), and you know it well because it’s the same in every picture. And, if you’re anything like me, you’ve listened to your loved ones complain time and again that your beloved photo defense mechanism doesn’t look a thing like the real deal. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve heard parents, friends, and other photographers lament the fate of a good-photo-gone-wrong at the hands of the dreaded ‘fake smile.’
Now, I’m no comedian, unless you think corny puns and clumsiness count. But I’ve had to elicit quite a few smiles in my day from subjects of all ages, and so I’ll share with you a few tips that may help you bring out those elusive, eye-wrinkling ‘real’ smiles for your own family album.
1) Take the pressure off! This is my most important tip! There’s nothing that kills a smile like stress. It’s no easy task to line up your entire family in the backyard for a family portrait, kids and grandparents and all, but allowing the tough task at hand to darken your otherwise sunny disposition will not only make you feel worse, it will effect everyone around you. Make your mini-photo shoot fun, and accept that you may not be finished quickly. Talk and laugh with your subjects, even if the conversation is pointless (How about this weather? What a nice scarf!). As the photographer, you’re in charge, and everyone will be looking at you, so your mood will be contagious. Keep it light and fun, and those tense faces will relax. This rule also (and especially) applies when photographing children. Kids react quickly and intensely to pressure, and once their good mood is gone, it can be hard to bring back. Make picture taking fun for your kids by talking and making jokes, promising a treat for good behavior, and letting go of your impatience. This is a great time to be fun Mom/Dad!
2) Keep your camera out! People are intimidated by cameras, and are often afraid of how they will look in pictures, and so they react by putting on a tense, defensive smile and posing themselves awkwardly. The key to counteracting this kind of situation is to get your subjects used to the sight of the camera. Keep it around your neck, or even better, in your hand, and eventually it will turn into a simple piece of furniture. Even so, you may end up with a subject that just can’t relax around the camera. Be understanding, don’t push them, and take your time. Just a little conversation and some casual shooting may open them up and result in some great pictures. Maybe they will remember you as that patient, friendly photographer who cured them of their photo-anxiety!
3) Your shoot is an event, document it! The great side effect of having your camera out and ready is that you are always prepared to shoot those unexpected moments, which will often turn in to the best shots. Whether you’re taking group photos or a portrait of an individual, look at the shoot as an event, and document the whole thing. Maybe your daughter is going to the prom, and you dreamed of a perfect, full length pose on the stairs and her pretty smile. But her giggles as she fixes her hair, her reaching as she adjusts her shoe, or her impatient date seated on the bottom step as he waits for her to come out of the bathroom for the 4th time, all make great pictures. Keep shooting, and not only will your daughter become accustomed to the camera (tip #2!), but you’ll get a lot of neat, casual shots, full of real emotions and smiles, that will remind you of the whole event for years to come.
4) Get silly! “Say cheese!” has to be one of the most famous (infamous?) phrases in the English language. Sure, it gets people to open their mouths and show some teeth, but bared teeth do not always equal a great smile. For that authentic, genuine grin, you want to make your subject laugh a little. The best way to do this is to leave your pride at the door and act silly. Of course, what works for one may not work for everyone, and so you have to pay attention to your subject. Children, contrary to popular belief, are easy to crack up. Ask them goofy questions (Are you married yet? How old do you think I am?) and come down to their level. Behave the way adults aren’t supposed to do. With adults, being silly can work as well. In a group, see if you can find someone to be in on your jokes, and tease them a little (you want to make sure they’re in on it, or are very good natured, or you’ll end up with scowls instead of smiles). With individuals, it can help to make fun of yourself a little or do something physically silly in front of them, like making a face. It seems ridiculous, but remember, adults are in fact just a bunch of grown up kids. With teenagers, I’ve found the most important thing you can do is to talk to them like adults. They’re past the stage when saying things like “pickles!” and honking horns will make them laugh, but they’re not above a little silliness if you can gain some headway with them. Start by talking to them, ask questions about their life, and be patient. Jumping right into the silliness may put them on the defensive; after all, they have their reputations to protect.
Now that you’re armed with a few new tricks, go out and practice! Don’t be afraid to take a lot of shots! And most importantly, DON’T say cheese!
by Michael Spikes,
Operations Manager
It probably comes as no surprise to those that know me that I was never in the military. Although, I admire those that have been, currently, or are planning on serving and the discipline that the service instills. The preparation for battle I feel fits well with an upcoming skirmish, the holidays.
Below is a photographic field guide to getting the best shots for this season. Hopefully, you will be able to get in and get out and be no worse for the wear.
- Be prepared - I know that this is the motto of the Boy Scouts, but this is the holidays. As far as I am concerned, the holidays are like the Boy Scouts in that it requires paramilitary style preparation. Make sure your batteries are charged, you have plenty of memory cards (or film), and you know what is going to be taking place as far as events go. Knowing where to be and when is half the battle.
- Know your surroundings - Knowing what type of light you have and are going to work with can be of real value. Take some test shots if possible. Experiment with flash and no flash beforehand to get an idea of the lighting. If that seems like overkill, then at least watch your foreground and background for things that might be distracting or in the way. Also, when you are taking photos, experiment with different angles and compositions. The more images you have to choose from the better.
Know your gear - Make sure that you are familar with the camera’s menus and operation before the holidays. It seems like a good idea to use the camera you just got as a gift to take holiday photos, but good luck getting those spontaneous shots. You can easily get lost trying to figure out how to manuever through menus and fumble with controls. Meanwhile, all those moments are passing by. Get comfortable with your camera and you can focus on the moment. By the way, why not take the owners manual from underneath the dining room table leg it’s supporting and give it a read? You might find something useful in there.
by Whitney Schuyler Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
Aspect ratio is a term that describes the relationship of an image’s width to it’s height. It is an important concept to understand, especially if you want to print the photos you take. If you look up a description of your camera model, you will find the aspect ratio is listed as a set of numbers separated by a colon, such as 3:2 or 4:3. These numbers will represent the ratio of the length of the sides of the images your camera takes. An easy way to think about how aspect ratio relates to the actual size of your photos is to put inches beside the numbers. For example, a 3:2 aspect ratio would be the same as a 3 inch by 2 inch image. If you double that to 6 inches by 4 inches, your aspect ratio stays the same because the relationship of the length of the sides stays the same, even if the physical size of the image changes.
When you decide to print an image, you might find yourself with a product that is cropped in differently than the picture you see on your camera. This is because the aspect ratio of your camera is often different than that of your paper. The aspect ratio of 35mm film, and also of many digital SLR cameras, is 3:2, and some digital cameras include settings that allow you to change their aspect ratio. However, photo paper comes in a variety of sizes, not all sizes will correspond exactly with your camera’s aspect ratio. As you now know, a standard 4×6 inch paper size will perfectly fit an image with a 3:2 aspect ratio. However, printing at a larger standard size will cut in on your photo - a 5×7 inch paper will crop in on the image just a little bit, and an 8×10 will crop out quite a lot.
It is helpful to think about how you will want to display your images while you are shooting. A simple way to compensate for a difference between your planned paper size and your camera’s aspect ratio is to leave room on the sides of your subject with the intention of cropping that part out. Simply stepping back and placing a little extra space around your subject can prevent cropping mistakes easily.
It is possible to print your images at their original aspect ratio on paper that does not correspond exactly. You may choose to print on a larger sheet of paper, and cut your image down to size. Also, some kinds of photo paper are sold in rolls that you can cut into sheets yourself, which makes it possible to print at custom sizes. Depending on the kind of printer you are using, varying your paper size for a custom fit may be a better option.
The images below illustrate the differences in dimension. The red box indicates how each image would print if you were to print it to an 8×10 inch print.
