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Welcome to the 6th issue of PhotoFlash
Hi
If you've been considering an online photo course but thought you were too late to sign up... you're not too late. The first assignments are not due until this Sunday. Browse the selection of courses that still have room left at:
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If you have not yet seen them, be sure to check out the recent photo contest winners. The June contest had over 8650 images. For a truly enjoyable visual treat, browse the winning 56 images at:
http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/winners/0306.asp
We also have fun new features for the Deluxe BetterPholio™ owners - slide shows, an automatic Links page, new fonts and colors, and best of all... an Image Sales option! Deluxe BetterPholio™ owners who choose to add on this extra feature can sell their images directly from their Web site!
Enjoy the excellent images and discussions this month!
To read the online version of PhotoFlash at our Web site, visit http://www.betterphoto.com/photoflashes/
Have a great month!
Jim Miotke
http://www.betterphoto.com/MG.asp?ID=124
In This Issue: Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Featured Photo: Driving Ms. Daisy
 Driving Ms. Daisy © Gordon J. Evans Canon EOS 650 SLR ... |
Featured Article: How to Make Your Own Backdrop
Buying the necessary equipment to get started as a portrait or studio photographer can quickly become very expensive. Finding ways to save money is always of great value. One simple way to save a little money (and express your own creativity in the process) is to make your own photo backdrop. This article shows you how to make a creative and professional backdrop in a few simple steps.
Read more...
Where in the World? To learn the correct answer to the last quiz - and see who came the closest, visit the previous Where in the World quiz. Back to School with a Photo Course - Not Too Late to Sign Up New Photo Discussions I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind: 1) How did you light this subject? The reddish-orange color was attributed to the tungsten-type of lights that were used in that room. It was quite dark overall in that room except for some daylight coming from the small windows. Again this is an existing light exposure (no flash). I'm satisfied with the mood that it evoked here. The arch and the overhead sculpture-work was the first thing that I noticed as I approached the room (which was cordonned-off from visitors). Immediately afterwards, I noticed the immensely huge intricately carved wood beams in the direction of the ceiling. Lots of rich dark-stained wood here among the dining set, wall and cabinetry. The crystal items among the table settings as well as the antique lace table cloths provided pleasing contrast to the "hard" or "heavy" looking environment. Thanks again! The dust being kicked up adds to the motion of the game. The low angle places the net perfectly as the ball stands alone above it. Even the sky looks great. I'll look for this one on the winner's stand. And thanks for sharing that espressographics.com link, Jill. It is so helpful I plan to refer others to the page. It does, however, seem a bit out of date - I believe they are referring to version 5 of Photoshop. Versions 6+ and Photoshop Elements have an even easier interface to work with when rotating via the Crop tool. This Crop tool technique is exactly what we work with in my Photoshop course(how's that for a shameless plug?). The Crop tool is much easier than using the Rotate function, which most people would be intuitively led to because of its name. Again, nice work enhancing this already charming image, Heather. The Next Step: Where to Go From Here
Can you guess where this picture was taken? If you think you have a clue, try offering a response.
© Jim Zuckerman
corporatefineart.com
Eight Steps Course
Mastering Light Course
Photoshop Course
It's not too late! Make this summer an adventure by enrolling in a BetterPhoto photography course! Improve your picture-taking skills while having a great time enjoying the summer fun. Each class is focused on teaching you how to improve your understanding of photography through exciting weekly assignments and helpful critiques direct from the instructor. Learn more...
New Photo Discussion 1: Yellow Droplets
This looks really cool Paul. Nice shadows and highlights. 
Yellow Droplets
Using a Sigma 105mm lens f/16 at 1 sec and Fuji Velvia film
© Paul A. Harrett
Nikon F100 SLR Cam...
- Lori Ditlefsen
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Response 1:Very science-fiction-looking image, splendid color, contrast and detail.
- Carol Brill
Response 2:Yes, this is quite striking, Paul. I like Carol's description: very sci-fi looking. The color and, of course, droplet reflections make this a very cool image indeed. My only suggestion is that you watch your corners. That triangle of dark in the upper left distracts just a tad from the overall effect.
2) Did you just hold a piece of glass up in front of the lens?
3. How did you get this image into a digital format?
- Jim at BetterPhoto.com
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 2: Castillo Seralles
Wow. How did you get the lighting like that? I feel like I'm walking into this room. Amazing.
Castillo Seralles
Ponce, Puerto Rico. Existing Light exposure with lightweight tripod
© Dan S. Coquia
Nikon F100 SLR Cam...
- Katherine Pratt
Response 1:Thanks Katherine for noticing the photo, as I'm happy to share it. I think, for this one, I set my tripod-mounted Nikon on Aperture-Priority Lock on the F-stop that I chose at that time, and wide-angle zoom possibly set on 24mm.
- Dan S. Coquia
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 3: Red Palms
Very pretty shot, Paula!!
Red Palms
Punta Gorda, Florida Sunset
© Paula M. Showen
Canon EOS Rebel 20...
- Colette M. Metcalf
Response 1:Great picture. Was a filter used on this shot?
- Shawn Sheets
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Response 2:Thank you Colette! Thanks Shawn. No filter used. This was the most breathtaking sunset. It was hard not to get a nice shot that night. There must have been 20 people there, most of them with cameras. We were there for four nights and this was the only evening worth shooting.
- Paula M. Showen
Response 3:Very pretty colors, Paula. Glad you were there for this one.
- Brenda W. LaFleur
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 4: Marshall Point Light #2
Very pretty Kris....love the lighting!
Marshall Point Light #2
Early morning, 80-200mm
© Kris S. Morgan
Canon EOS Elan 7/7...
- Lorraine T. Lynch
Response 1:Thanks Lorraine. The early morning light at Marshall Point is magical. Capturing it on film is exhilerating and a whole lot of fun.
- Kris S. Morgan
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Response 2:Very nice Kris. Where is Marshall Point? I love lighthouses. I've taken pictures of 14 of the 30 Florida lighthouses! I need a boat to get to the rest!
- Paula M. Showen
Response 3:Hi, Paula! I too love lighthouses. Marshall Point is in Maine. Did a Maine Lighthouse Photo Tour with Tony Sweet. It was outstanding! I have Marshall under several different light conditions and about eight different lights. Sorry to say I haven't been to any of the Florida lighthouses. Would love to see your images.
- Kris S. Morgan
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Response 4:Wow, this is really a beautiful shot, Kris! Absolutely one of my favorites!
- Evy Johansen
Response 5:Beautiful, Kris! Marshall Point is one of my favorite lighthouses, but since it's several hours away, I've never made it there at sunrise. Your image sure makes me wish I had!
- Kathleen Clemons
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Response 6:Wonderful lighting and image, Kris.
- Ronald Balthazor
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Response 7:Thanks everyone!! You sure know how to make a body feel good. And, thanks to Tony Sweet for taking us there!
- Kris S. Morgan
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 5: Taj Mahal
This is really beautiful Govind!
Taj Mahal
India
© Govind Garg
gargphotography.com
Hasselblad 201F Me...
- Amalia Arriaga de Garcia
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Response 1:This takes my breath away! Absolutely gorgeous!
- Roseann E. Dreasher
Response 2:Great shot. I love the color. It gives the photo a cool tone. I like the fact that you can see the reflection, but it doesn't detract from the Taj Mahal itself -- the reflection draws your eye to the building. Was this taken early in the morning?
- Pat Borowicz
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 6: The Volley
This is gorgeous, Dolores. How many shots did you take to try and get the ball just over the net? 
The Volley
Nikkor 50m 1.8 AF-D-f:3.3, 1-1500/sec, ISO100, handheld, warming polarizer
After all the rain we've experienced in the Northeast, it was great to see people enjoying summer activities!
© Dolores Neilson
Fuji FinePix S2 Pr...
- B Drew
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Response 1:Good morning, Betsy! Thank you for taking time to comment on my image! How sweet of you! I took 13 shots and kept 2! Most of the undesirables were shot in the sun and had too much flare...sigh. Happy day!
- Dolores Neilson
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Response 2:Great work, Dolores! I love this! Enjoy the sun!
- June Marie Sobrito
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Response 3:Excellent exposure, Dolores. You were able to cature just enough light on the people that they aren't complete silhouettes.
- William Raco
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Response 4:Wow! This is a wonderful shot! So much of the work is perfect: colors, composition, body placement (as if you had control!), lines of the net, just great! Good luck with this one!
- Juliane K. Rea
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 7: Beach Time
Finalists at least!
Beach Time
tmax 400 Sepia toned
© Heather L. Jacks
Nikon N80/F80 SLR ...
- Wolfgang Dolak
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Response 1:Very nice idea and image, Heather! What about cloning out the small legs in the background and the dark spot in the water?
- Ronald Balthazor
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Response 2:Very cute! I agree about the cloning suggestion. Horizon should be straightened too. Very minor nits. Wonderful shot!
- Jill Battaglia
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Response 3:Thanks you! I will try cloning out the legs and dark spots. Jill, I did not know you could straighten the horizon line.
- Heather L. Jacks
Response 4:Try www.espressographics.com for information on how to straighten your horizon. Lots of other tips on this site too.
- Jill Battaglia
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Response 5:Heather - love the toning! With the suggestions everyone has provided, this would be perfect!
- Sharon E. Lowe
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Response 6:
Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone. Here is the revised version. I think that it is much improved with the straightened horizon. 
Beach time
© Heather L. Jacks
Nikon N80/F80 SLR ...
- Heather L. Jacks
Response 7:Now that's quite an improvement. What a winner!
- Ronald Balthazor
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Response 8:Yes, what an improvement. The original photo was good to start with... now it is even better. Great Before and After, Heather.
- Jim at BetterPhoto.com
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 8: Water Reflections
This is a beautiful image, Serena! Great work!
Water Reflections
© Serena Pierce
Nikon N90/N90s SLR...
- Evy Johansen
Response 1:I think this is a wonderful piece. As an abstract nature shot it is full of emotion and energy! Great work, I'd love to see more like this.
- Gunther Allen
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Response 2:I like this Serena! My pick of the night! Great combo of blues and greens and I agree with Gunther - lots of energy!
- Julie Randolph
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Response 3:This is very artistically shot and excellent choice of shutter speed here, Serena!! Beautifully composed....and wonderful dreamy color!
- Dolores Neilson
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Response 4:Serena- If I may ask, do you remember what your shutter speed was and f-stop. Was this manipulated with filters in photoshop? If so, was it a combination?
- Gunther Allen
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Response 5:Beautiful design, motion, colors and light make a wonderful abstract, Serena. Bravo!!
- Murry Grigsby
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Response 6:Thank you all so much!! This was my first try at reflecting leaves in the water and I really liked the results too. The photo was made on shutter speed priority at 2 sec. Kodak E100VS. Slide scanned on Nikon Cool Scan 4000 and submitted as is, no alterations in Photoshop.
- Serena Pierce
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 9: Caged Ladies
Very nice work Leanne, I like the color combination and the idea of foreground and background of the same sharpness. Keep it up.
Caged Ladies
Taken during a morning walk with my dog. I'm amazed at things of beauty, just beyond the garden walls.
© Leanne M.E. Boyd
Canon EOS Rebel G ...
- Salah Alkhatib
Response 1:The decorative iron gives this a unique look. Great title too!
- Lori Ditlefsen
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Response 2:I really like all the curves you picked up in the flowers, leaves, fence--very pleasing to the eye. Knock-out colors, too!
- Carol Brill
Response 3:Thanks very much, Carol. I'm glad you liked it.
- Leanne M.E. Boyd
Response 4:Beautiful Leanne! Love the color, lighting and beautiful sculpturing of the iron with the flowers!
- Lorraine T. Lynch
Response 5:This is beautiful, Leanne. Love the metal work as it adds a nice compliment to the colorful flowers and greenery. Excellent image.
- William Raco
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 10: Made in the Shade
This is beautiful, very unique.
Made in the Shade
Nikkor 28-80mm, Fuji Superia ASA 400, Denver CO, Raoul Barra, This photo was taken around 9am in downtown Denver on a beautiful Colorado morning. Color adjusted in GraphicConverter.
© Raoul Barra
Nikon N80/F80 SLR ...
- Bob Garas
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Response 1:Very creative abstract, Raoul. Great light, design and colors. Was this taken at Larimer Square?
- Murry Grigsby
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Response 2:Thanks Bob. This is the first time I have entered any photo contest. I like the feeling that someone enjoys what I have done!
- Raoul Barra
Response 3:Thanks Murry. This was taken on Lincoln at 13th Ave. Check it out!
- Raoul Barra
Response 4:Great shot, Raoul. I never thought the underside of an umbrella could be so interesting. I like the abstract design.
- Leanne M.E. Boyd
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Respond to this discussion
If you would like to be featured in PhotoFlash, we look for photo discussions that educate, inspire, and encourage BetterPhoto members. In the spirit of helping others become better photographers, we encourage you to share details, tips, and techniques in your discussions... after all, that is what BetterPhoto is all about - honest answers for budding photographers.
Until next time, thanks for reading and keep having fun with photography!
Jim Miotke
BetterPhoto.com, Inc.
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