Merry Christmas

In case you all have not learned.. that I love to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary for something else!

This is the garland that I wrap around my banister every year. Blur the background and used a free program to add text!

Merry Christmas to all. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Spin on Christmas Lights-

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Cool things to do besides the standard Christmas Tree Snap Shot

Technique: Zoom out during open shutter!

Tripod or sturdy surface

f10

2.5 sec shutter

ISO 200

Hand held for camera shake

f.22

3.2 sec shutter

ISO 200

Blur and use as a background or add text!

f5.6

1/20 shutter

ISO 200

Sturdy Surface-- No Tripod

Fill the frame with cool blur!

f6.3

1/20 shutter

ISO 200

Sturdy Surface- No Tripod

 

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Merry Christmas

 

 

What do you recommend?

I hope everyone is doing well and ready for Santa to slide down the chimney or at least an awesome family member who has listened to your "All I want for Christmas" Rant.

I wanted to cover something real quick because I get asked this question A LOT!

What camera would you recommend someone who is starting out and what advice can you offer about dealings in the business?

Have a budget? Of course you do,,, we all do!

Shop accordingly. Most cameras come as kits. You can get a camera, lens and memory all in one box for the most. Ive not purchased a camera in a long time but it doesn't seem to vary much.

What kind of lens with the kit? Most will offer 1 or 2 options on the lens. It will not even be that big of a deal. It will be a zoom lens. I would get the standard zoom. It should cover most of what you want to do in wedding and portrait photography. If you want to be come a bird photographer, order your mega telephoto zoom separate, pay the price $$$ and save yourself some grief and get a "L" series glass.

A flash, something more powerful than the pop up (if yours comes with a pop up)

A light diffuser-  they are fairly cheap and I have seen photographers make theirs until it was plausible for their budget. What works,, WORKS!

A tripod- go ahead and get a real sturdy one. Once you begin to add more hardware to your camera the heavier it will get. Tilt with Panning!

Remote shutter release chord. Wireless or non Wireless.. Why? Camera shake! From non flash rules in churches to firework photography.. You will need it and the timer built in is ok, but you do want more freedom?

I say that is a good start!

Where do you buy your equipment? I buy from B&H Photo, I have never had an issue and they are up to par with pricing and sometimes being a member you get perks, Plus you get this awesome catalog you can drool in while sitting on your porch outside, having coffee! I call it my Photography Bible!

Business Advice:
Should I get a license? Yes! Check according to your state. Call your local county's office and check with your CPA about filing your taxes.

What to charge? Charge based upon your experience, time and travel. Check local photographers in your area and see what they are doing.

This is what I recommend to everyone starting. Charge per hour and cut a disc. Most everyone wants to take their photos to a five and dime for printing. So let's just face it.  Make your workflow easy and develop prints and other products as you go.

I hope this helps!

Raw vs. Jpeg

Raw vs. Jpeg

 Upon talking to two friends of mine the other day, I was asked about Raw formats, what’s good or bad about them and should they be using the Raw when they shoot.

 

What is Raw Format?

Raw means that not all of the information associated with the image is compressed. In the Raw format you can adjust some of the information and have minimal loss of quality. You can adjust exposure, colors and contrast, etc.

 Have you ever cropped a Jpeg and it becomes pixilated? Yes, limited! Enough said because I’m sure you all have done this at least once! I know I have.

 The drawback is that these files are extremely huge and will eat up your space on the storage card. Also when your files are loaded to your computer, you will NOT be able to see any of the images until you use a Raw Conversion Software.

 There are many free conversion only software and you can find those by a general search. I think its better to find software that has Raw conversion and gives you tools to make adjustments.

 I prefer Lightroom to Photoshop for this process. This will be a decision only you can make and according to how you want your workflow to go.

 If you want to convert the files to a Jpeg format , then use another program to make adjustments, you will begin to lose data and freedom you would have had if you had chosen a program that will let you see the file as it is raw, adjust what you like, then convert.

 When to use Raw? I can not answer this for you. You know what your knowledge and skills are, I do not.

 

If you have not learned basics… use Raw to save yourself and a few photos that you really want to keep! Then go back to my Basics portion of the blog and LEARN what Shutter, Aperture, and ISO ARE!!  Please do not be photographing for people and not have a clear understanding of these. You are not giving your clients/friends/family what they deserve. You are not going to become a good photographer winging it!

Still needing photos for my Photo of the Week portion for my blog.
Criteria:
Small bio
Watermarked Image
Image Settings
Equipment
Software
Story behind the photo
Send to : Laymanphotography@windstream.net

Thank you all for your continued participation and support.

Photo of The Week-Test Your Ability!

Happy Holidays to everyone! I hope you are all doing well and have all the shopping done! I have all mine done finally. Even wrapped the presents for my babies(Doggies)...

This photo is a small decorative fiber optic gazebo that I sit out every year as part of my Christmas decor. Cold and not wanting to remove myself too far from my fireplace.. I grabbed my camera.
 I like to test my ability, knowledge and creativity not having equipment that I normally use.

I set my camera on another small table. It was a bit low for the proper angle, so I grabbed a tv remote control and propped my barrel up. I then used the timer for the camera instead of a remote shutter release.

So,,, with out tripod and remote shutter,, this is my result.

iso 200
f/14
10 second shutter speed (why? because the fiber optics change color and I wanted to get as much colors as possible)

Have a great day!

Photo of the Week: Will Copestake

Hello everyone!
Today's Photo of the Week comes to you by photographer Will Copestake.

How I met Will?
I met Will thru a shared social group in linkedin. I followed through on connecting with him on Facebook and I was in awe of his work. He has such a wonderful composition and I have come to know him as an oustanding person! He is full of adventure and he has yet to start his life really... considering his age... He sure does make me wish I had started earlier.

Here is Will's Story...

 Will Copestake’s love of the outdoors started from an early age. Growing up in the North West highlands of Scotland Will was immersed in Sailing, Kayaking, Cycling and hiking. Encouraged by a loving family and the local field club a love of natural history developed.

At age 17 working as a deckhand for a local cruise boat to the Summer Isles will discovered a passion in photography and between working on the boat and as a lifeguard funded an 10 month trip to New Zealand.
At age 18 Will hiked solo across the 8 “Great walks” of New Zealand , including the 11 day North West circuit on Stewart Island. Will also Volunteered as a hut warden in Tongariro National Park for the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

Returning to Scotland Will enrolled in a four year degree in Environmental Science and Outdoor Education at the University of Stirling. Meeting like minded friends Will and close friend Remi Mcmurtry hiked 600km across Iceland in 27 days, as part of a three month self planned expedition in the summer of 2011 three months were spent living in a tent and eating copious quantities of S.M.A.S.H.

Now approaching his final year at university Will is focusing on pursuing a career in photography, and has his sights set on the next expedition, a solo sea kayak journey around Scotland followed by the summing of all the Scottish “Munros” (mountains over 3000ft) using only a bicycle to travel between.

Photo below: "Emergence"

                                                           

 

 Mt Snæfellsjökull. The 1,446m (4744ft) high mountain rises from a western peninsula of Iceland.

Most known for the setting for the entrance to the centre of the earth in the book by Jules Verne I and expedition partner Remi were keen to climb it.

 

We had been in Iceland for a few weeks and had retreated from a failed first attempt at an expedition to cross iceland on foot (we succeeded later that month tackling the 650km+ hike in 27 days).

Sitting at the base of the mountain in bitter wind and cloudy skies we lay at the tent, looking up for the third morning there was still cloud surrounding the peak. We noticed that each day that cloud would rise and eventually dissipate and with this in mind took a gamble.

"We arn't lost, just misplaced..." wandering in the cloud a transition to snow lay somewhere before us, we couldn't tell where. The map of the area was outdated and due to a mistake in the American US satellite was 11º wrong on the longitude marks...we had adjusted and continued under GPS.

Crossing the glacier, and walking up slope in the cloud the occasional spattering of red rock bore reminder that we were in-fact on a dormant volcano.

It was late when we reached the summit, the only "technical" section, two 40ft+ pillars covered in Ice. No more than an Icy scramble Remi ascended the first pillar as i climbed the other.

Peering through the mist the cloud cleared, before us lay a soft heavenly blanket...this is why we climb!..

Snapping a few shots Remi patiently waited for 20 minutes as the cloud drifted in and out, the silence was broken only with the occasional clatter of falling ice dislodged by my precariously balanced tripod...

It was past midnight before we reached the tent in the Icelandic eternal daylight... I had been a day to remember.

Settings and details

Shot with a Canon 5D MKII with 24-105mm L-series lens

Tripod - Gitzo Traveller

F11

Iso 50

1/125

Focal Length 50mm

 

How to find Will?? Thats easy... click away below!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/WillCopestakeMedia/407725702598590?bookmark_t=page

and website ..

www.willcopestakemedia.wordpress.com

Thank you so much Will for participating! Best of wishes for a bright future!

Wedding Love Bugs-Photo of the week.

Hello everyone.
I hope the holidays lifted your spirits, spending time with family and eating lots of good food. Im am tired of turkey, I dont know about you all.

This photo is of Jared and Shiloh 2006.

The Story behind this photo is ... after the ceremony,, a little down time before the couple went to their reception, I recommend this photo and they guys always,, and i mean ALWAYS, roll their eyes, curl a lip,, but the smile I get from it,, is priceless.. Thanks guys for letting me be part of your wedding.

F.11
1/320
ISO 400- Why 400??? I forgot after the ceremony to switch it back! It suddenly got cloudy,, sometimes some mistakes just work!

Now for some business aspects for those of you who are not real clear on my specifications for being part of my photo of the day. I have decided to bump this to photo of the week as most who are participating are not following directions and those who do are extremely busy and cant get to me so quickly.
This blog is about 1 thing! Honing your skills in photography. I didnt have ANYONE other than the teachers I paid to help me along my journey. I want to help others. If you submit a photo and do not know the camera, settings and only can recall the software you used. I want to know what layers, techniques you used to achieve the final photo. Help me teach others!

What do I have to do to participate?
Small bio about your love of photography or how you got started... I leave that up to you.
Story behind the photo...
Settings of... camera, lens or software.

It is also a good idea to follow the blog if you wish to be updated on links, techniques and other groups that help others assist in the journey of photography.

Have an awesome day!

Frog- Photo of The Day

A frog was hanging out in my flowers. I uploaded a shot from my phone, went back to get my main camera and it was still there.

ISO 100
F6.7
1/750

Mr. HENRY

My Wonderful Bubby, Henry, Labrador.

Tuesday-Wedding Ceremony

Another lovely shot of the ceremony for Thomas & Marina, 2012.

Monday's Photo

My lovely wedding couple, Thomas & Marina, 2012

One of my favorite shots, outside the restaurant. A few moments alone..I like to give my couples.

Photo of The Day TGIF!

TGIF & ROLL TIDE

Many of you may know by now, that Im a huge College Football Fan!
 I posted a few images of the football game.
Alabama v. Ole Miss at Bryant Denny Stadium. 33/14, Win, Crimson Tide.

Ive been asking those who share photos with me to give a story behind the photo. I have enjoyed hearing about everyones journey. Thank you all who have offered to share with me, helping me reach out to everyone.

The Story...

Story behind this photo was walking to the stadium, streams of people on each side of the walks..roads buzzing with people, police, shuttles, bars and college students with their lawn parties! lol..

Everyone was dressed festive.. all kinds, all ages, all races.. "on the territory" lol.. those who were serious, already drunk, Lost.! , Tailgating.. humid and about to rain..

The Gentlemen below in this photo parked next to us. They reminisced about Tuscaloosa University Blvd, being same and different, walked with us a bit and I got this photo before we got mixed into the crowd.

Story Behind The Photo-
This Gentleman didnt talk to us, but was cheerful for a few college ladies.

I got this shot and kept walking to the stadium.

Photographer Highlite~ Neil Gale

Neil started shooting pictures at 11 years old and won an Honorable Mention in the 1971 Buckingham Fountain Art Fair competition in Chicago (400+ photography participants), using a 1949 model Eastman-Kodak Brownie Hawkeye box camera. Since he was bit by the camera bug, Neil has won International Photography Awards and had numerous photographs published. There is a special thrill to view your photograph on TV. Neil's had many photos used by major and cable networks including CNN; NBC and CBS Networks.

Digital Studios Photography - http://www.digitalstudiosphotography.com

These are a couple of Nature photos I shot. A bee still life, and A Mid-Summers Garden.

Neil

 

Thanks for sharing Neil!

 

World Wide Professional Photographers's Group- GET THE LINKS YOU NEED!

A good day to you all. I hope this post finds you well. I am letting you all know of a few great places to find some awesome groups.

World Wide Professional Photographers- LinkedIn and Facebook. Created by Neil Gail, Ph.D & Professional Photographer

Please come by, check us out, Join and help us contribute to the art of photography.

This group defines a Professional Photographer as:
●   Anybody who has sold more than 5 different photos.
●   Anybody who earns income either full-time or part-time in the industry.
●   Anybody who owns a studio, in-home or a brick and mortar studio.
●   Anybody who has a website of their own photography, not a Flickr or other free image posting site.
You are welcome to join if you meet any one of the above criteria.
Absolutely no Adult, Pornography or XXX links or photos allowed in the group… Your membership will be immediately terminated from this group for breaking this rule.
If you post spam or a job postings (non-photography relates) you will be “Block & Remove”
If your post is a promotion, it will be moved into the promotions section.
     A Promotion is anything (after visiting the link) is a signup page for something free or a product/service selling something
A GOOD post will stay in the Main Discussions section (a link to your personal/business site ok). 
     A good post tells a story or educated the reader.
    
Respectfully,
Neil Gale, Ph.D. & Professional Photographer
Worldwide Professional Photographers
wppLinkedInGroup@drgale.com
http://www.drgale.com/
1-800-736-1036

Photo of The Day-Tuesday & Wednesday

I hope everyone is well. I apologize for not getting a photo to you for Tuesday. So Im posting two to play catch up.

The 2 photos below are from New Orleans, Where performing arts are not unlimited.

I enjoy street photography.

1/250

ISO 200

F/6.3

 1/125

ISO 200

F/6.3

Monday's Photo of The Day- Lens Flare!

1/320
ISO 400
F.16

After the bride and groom went fishing, they walked back into their reception. I was trying to do a few techniques and had to bail and get this shot as they were walking up. Its nice intentions and sometimes those moments that are not intended that make the best photo!

Look for a group in facebook for David Becksteads Flair for Flare! If the sun is fighting you,, FIGHT BACK!

You may get an awesome result!

Send me your photos at laymanphotography@windstream.net

Have a great Monday!

Photo of The Day-Friday

This is more street photography. New Orleans 2010
Walking to get shots of the steam boat,, I ran into a street performer who decided to sing to my husband because I kept the camera to my face.
Instead of being in a Georgia State of Mind, he used Alabama..after asking us where we were from..

Good Memory- I said I can get your name and put you on my website.. he said, No but wanted us to by a CD.

This shot was after the "NO"!

1/250
F10
ISO 200

Photo of The Day- Thursday-Street Photography

Hello,
Hope everyone is doing well. Today's photo is a street car in New Orleans.

Camera on neck, riding the riverside street car in New Orleans, waiting for my stop at Cafe Du Monde.. I stood up when we stopped for Jackson's Square and took this shot. I love how relaxing this shot makes me feel. It wasnt crowded. We had a nice cool breeze and it was great to get off our feet!

1/60
F.5
ISO 200

Welcome John Miller

Hello John,
Welcome and thank you for following my blog. I am always looking for friends to participate in my Photo of The Day portion of my blog.

I ask for a small bio, telling us about your passion for photography. Since I use my blog as a teaching tool.. I would like if you could give the settings of the camera and perhaps a story behind the photo.

Please contact me directly at anytime.
laymanphotography@windstream.net
www.layman-photography.com

Thank you,
Stacey

Happy Halloween- Photo of The Day- Wednesday

Happy Halloween! I hope everyone has their costumes and candy ready to go!

I am picking this photo because I think it falls well into the Halloween Theme for today.

Here is the story behind the photo.
1/400
F.11
ISO 200

In 2010, I took a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. I jumped on the red street cars of Canal Street headed to the cemeteries. I failed to check to see if it was open. I assumed that it would be open, not realizing the tourism that is associated with these cemeteries.
  Many folklore stories and voodoo are associated with the city of New Orleans.The French Colonies settled into the city bringing with them African slaves from the Haitian exiles from the revolution of 1719-1731. The word Voodoo means "spirit" or "mystery"
 Commercialization of Voodoo has spawned tours in the city, where you can visit such famous graves as the Queen of Voodoo Marie Laveau.
 New Orleans is below sea level and many of their deceased are buried in above ground vaults, but many do not know that this is also due to French and Spanish traditions.

I arrived at sunset, which was intended but the gates were locked. Street cars were running late but as you can see, I made the best of what I had. I took photos outside of the iron gates,, the sun slipping away behind this cross caught my eye. Its one of those moments that you feel better about the events that seemed to go awry. If I was able to get inside of the gates, I would of never gotten this shot. Being forced to stay outside made me walk around the perimeter and I love this shot. I was able to zoom beyond the gate but it wasn't the same feeling.

Thank you all for reading and signing up for the blog. Please be safe this Halloween and why not, eat lots of candy!

If you would like your photo to be chosen for 'Photo of The Day' on my blog, please sent me your photo. laymanphotography@windstream.net

Photo of The Day-Tuesday

Flowers-Marigolds.

f1.4
ISO 100


Send me your photos! laymanphotography@windstream.net

Photo of The Day-Monday

Hello Everyone!
Today's Photo of the Day... and because I can.... lol... Birthday Cake!

Im waiting on all those photos you are sending me.. afterall, its my Birthday,, would be awesome to have to many photos to choose from to be on my blog for this week's Photo of the Day!

Everyone who is in the path of Storm Sandy, Please be safe!


Send me you photos.. please add a small bio, settings on the camera and a story behind the photo!

laymanphotography@windstream.net

1/60
f/6
ISO 400

* I took this photo right after I had a bite, of course! I left it on the settings I had from the previous shoot... its my way of practicing, grab and shoot!

Photo Of The Day-Fall Carnival

Photo of The Day- Fall Carnival- Saint Clair County, AL

This photograph was taken on "Bulb Exposure", The same manual setting I use for firework photography.

Tripod/Remote Shutter Release
2 Sec. Open Shutter
F.22
ISO 400

Please send your photo to be selected for "Photo of The Day"
laymanphotography@windstream.net

Photo of the Day

I wanted to share some fall colors with you all. Send me your photos, small description of you and your passion for photography and a lil' detail about how you took the photo and your photo could possibly make the "Photo of the Day" on the blog!

Let's share!

ISO 100
1/250
F6

Feet Up approach to Portraiture Photography

Guide to portraiture photography- Joe Zeltsman’s Tutorial

 

 When I started my journey in photography, I was lucky to stumble upon Joe Zeltsman’s online tutorial about how to pose men, women and children and large groups. Its been some time ago and I can not find the tutorial online but KF Photography was able to find in an archive of his portraiture techniques and his original images that he posted to show examples.

 I do not in anyway own anything or make claims to the link I am providing for Joe Zeltsman's Tutorial.

 I read this online and ever since, I have used these techniques to photography portraits. I recommend to you all while you can still find his original words and photos to take time and read this!

 Thank you KF Photography for providing this information that we can pass along to other photographers, it’s those who arrived before us that help us continue teach the world.

 

I always, ALWAYS use the feet up approach to start posing my subjects. On location or in the studio, the technique stays with me. I have had coordinators joke and call this feet up position, “pageant feet”. I really wish you would all stop making that comment; it’s hard for my clients to take the next steps seriously. Tell a bunch of groomsmen “pageant feet” and watch them go into the biggest group of uncooperation you have ever seen! So, thank you wedding coordinators for making a bunch of men who already hate to be dressed up, feel even more uncomfortable.

 I have guys who seem to fight me on the “C” shape pose for men that fits them the best in showcasing masculinity. They seem to think standing stoic and square to the camera is the best way and only way. Then when I present the online proof album, their mother’s and brides choose the pose I created verses the one they wanted to do. This is just ANOTHER reason among many to choose a professional seasoned photographer for your photography needs.

 Why do I use the “feet up” approach to portrait photography? It allows me to keep my subject in one spot. It stops shuffling of the feet therefore, stops them from moving around and losing the composition. It helps tremendously in group portraits.

 

Why does this matter so much to me? Let me set up the scenario.

 

On location at a park or garden:

You have 1 person to photograph. Among you are obstacles. Trees, power lines, people walking around, cars and sunlight to name just a few. It is a good practice to always evaluate your background. You do not want a tree coming out of someone’s head or unsightly power lines or cars in the background. This will distract from your over all composition. It pushes the eyes of the viewer right to the object that isn’t appealing to the eye.

Sometimes you have a great background and can place your subject’s head in front of such obstacle to cover it up, like for instance a car. If you place your subject using the feet up technique you can then tell them to turn in any direction and they will twist at the torso and the feet stay in place, so will the general placement of the head, even using “C” Shape or “S” Shape poses for men and women.

 

In The Studio:

 You have to photograph a group, helps to use this technique to keep them from moving and since your lights (if you are using strobe, etc) are at angles. You want to keep the light the same, if a subject(s) shift; you will notice a difference in how the light hits everyone.

 I have a studio but I do not have as much room to work as I would on location. It’s about CONTROL!

 My opinion is, that it’s best to control what you can and make the things that you cant work for you or in most cases eliminate the problems.

 

What is “C” shape and “S” Shape? I have already covered this in an older blog post. You can find this section HERE.

“C’’ Shape is best to showcase masculinity for men. It keeps their shoulder in a firm male looking position with out their heads being posed femininely.

 “S” Shape is best for women, called the Aphrodite pose. It allows the curves of a woman to become more sensual. Women are physically shaped, regardless of sexual orientation to be the more vulnerable of the human species.

 

 These are the three things I start with always when it comes to posing men and women. I will not write another tutorial on how to pose men and women. I will after you have taken initiative to read this article, briefly go over why I do what I do, when posing children and big groups.

 Again, these are guides to help you find what is pleasing for you and your subject, art in any of its forms have no boundaries! Enjoy finding your own voice.

So, I’ll let you get to the article here about J.Zeltsman’s techniques for posing people in portraiture. I strongly urge you to read this in its entirety, I will benefit you tremendously.

 http://blog.kitfphoto.com/Zeltsman/chapter-01.html

Are your images tinted BLUE?

Color Temperature and the Kelvin Scale

Early all over my personal facebook page and business page, I ranted about open shade and the fact that uneducated photographers are still belting out blue cast images with out decent catch lights.

I decided to take a stand!

We have to understand color temperatures in order to know how certain lighting situation affects our images. Color represents many things. It sets tone to our images and sparks emotions.

I did post about understanding color in the emotional sense more than the Kelvin scale. You can find this section here.  

What is color temperature and this thing called the Kelvin Scale?

Color temperature is the characteristic of visible light to the eye measured in the Kelvin Scale. Kelvin is the measurement put into place by William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, Lord Kelvin is widely known for realizing that there was a lower limit to temperature, absolute zero; absolute temperatures are stated in units of Kelvin in his honor.

 

Let’s move on for we are studying light temperature for photography only.

 

But let’s do look at the scale. Visual aids help me tremendously.

 

The scale shows us warm to cool color temperatures giving the examples. Candles to blue skies.

You can see electronic flash is warmer than daylight overcast. Applying warming anything, filters, flash and reflectors warms the scene back up taking off blue casted white dresses and skin tones.

 

You can also adjust your white balance setting in your camera to help.

 

White Balance

Our eyes have the ability to pick up color more than our cameras do, but there are presets in your camera that allow you to pick what balance you are needing in general.

These seem familiar? It should because it you can find this menu on your camera.

 

You see the options for AWB-auto white balance, custom and Kelvin, tungsten, florescent, daylight flash, cloudy and shade.

The camera is saying that you can custom to create your WB or Use the Kelvin scale to pick the balance.

The other presents are variations of what you can do in custom and using the Kelvin scale.

For instance, if you pick tungsten, your images will come out with hues of yellow orange. Tungsten represents your scale color 1,700 to 3,700 K temperatures.

 Each preset varies in some way according to each camera make and model. My back up camera is the same make as my main camera, but my back up camera runs a little cooler than my main camera. I played with the presets to find that open shade warms up my photos and looks most equivalent to the preset cloudy on my main camera.

 

Yes you could learn how to custom balance each camera if that is what you want. This tutorial is to help you with the tools you already have, the tools that the manufacture made with your camera to make it easier. It’s why we have run to digital and left behind most film cameras. When you bought your camera you paid for all the options. Isn’t it best to know what everything did? Why not? You have them.

 

Understanding color temperature helps us improve our overall colors and understanding presets helps you learn even more. I truly believe teaching this way helps you do a lot of things. It helps you learn your menus and makes navigation a breeze. Most of the time I hear that “I learn better hands on” I learn better that way as well. The more you navigate through your camera’s menus and functions the more you continue to learn where things are, how to get to it. Learning photography isn’t easy.

 Photography-

Photo- derives from a Greek word (phos) meaning light, Graphe’ meaning drawing of lines, there for the entire word means “drawing with light. You should always be studying what you do not know or studying on how to improve what you know.

 

Here are examples when I took my camera, at the time having preset of cloudy and using a gold and silver reflector.

You will see that adding/reflecting the light added warm colors to my photo even though my white balance was preset to cloudy. The presets help but when you push your subject into open shade you HAVE TO FIGHT the BLUE CAST!

 

First Photo with cloudy white balance setting with no flash or any use of relfection in light. Second photo is silver reflection and the third is gold reflector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naked Photography

Hello everyone, I hope you have all been well. I wanted to take the opportunity to post photos from the Alabama Crimson Tide football game against Ole Miss.

 This was my first time watching my favorite team play at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL.

I also wanted to show you that although not being allowed into the Stadium with a lense over 6" in length, how to make the most of your photography given the limitations of your equipment.

Of course I would of loved to take an 'L' series lens with a mono pod into the game and be on the sidelines,but unfortunately this wasnt the case. I felt NAKED!

In the photos below, I knew that my Canon's 28-135mm f4.5 would struggle in a low light situation given the fact that this was sports photography with out the use of flash and with out having the "sweet spot" to get the shots.

I used ISO 200-400 with out a tripod and a shutter speed ranges 1/20th - 1/50th of a sec.

Happy 4th of July!~Thunder on The Mountain, Vulcan Park, AL

Hope everyone had a safe 4th of July. This year, I photographed, Thunder on The Mountain at Vulcan Park.

Vulcan stands 56 feet tall, from toe to spear point, upon a 124-foot pedestal rising to a height of 180 feet and weighs 101,200 pounds. Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world and the largest metal statue ever made in the United States.
http://www.visitvulcan.com/index.html

It was a great show. ISO 100/ f.16/ 2-3 sec open shutter

Vulcan, Thunder on the Mountain, July 4th, 2012

I like this shot, it shows you the actual set up and what I had to work with. The light on the left, right and wires.

Finale

Firework Photography- 4th of July

How to Photograph Fireworks.

You will need :
Camera with creative modes/Manual settings/Dslr
Tripod
Flash Light
Shutter Release Chord
A Great View

Sometimes you have to scout a good parking/viewing area, set up in the light if possible.

Set camera to Manual Mode, rotate the jog dial to "bulb" reads in the info screen.

Control aperture here as well.

When you click the shutter to release it will hold open for the burst of fireworks till you release it. I recommend a 3-5 sec exposure. Longer for Finale.

With out a shutter release chord, if you have a timer, use that to get your hands off the camera, but still use a tripod!

Cant wait to see everyone's photos! Be Good, Be Safe.

Happy 4th of July

Rockerman Wedding Part II

Hello everyone, Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I am enjoying mine even if Im working in the heat!

 As you all probably know, my model Lynnette finally was able to put on "HER" dress and get in front of my camera and have fun.

Her bridals were located at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Always a wonderful place , great landscapes and architecture.

Posting some bridals for now.

Thanks for reading.

Consentino-Wedding

Congratulations to Tommy and Marina!
It was a pleasure getting to know you and your families. I appreciate the opportunity to photograph such a wonderful, fun and loving couple.
To view Tommy&Marina's full album Please visit  http://www.collages.net/, and fill in the following information:

Username: Consentino
Password: 10598-51212

I wish you the best. May your futures be bright and always reflect your love for one another. Remember to fight for each other fiercely, say I love you often and forgive one another when its needed.