Welcome to the 16th issue of PhotoFlash
Hi
Things are really getting exciting here at BetterPhoto.com as we enter July!
We give a big BetterPhoto welcome to Charlie Borland, an award-winning location and stock photographer who joins our outstanding staff of online instructors. In his new course, "Stock Photography," Charlie shares his knowledge in a step-by-step approach to making the jump from serious amateur to successful professional. This special class, by the way, also comes with a special price of $237 (it will go up to $297 in the fall). Check out this terrific new offering at:
http://www.betterphoto.com/photocourses/CBL01.asp
Not to be overlooked in this issue of PhotoFlash are our regular features. In his how-to article, for example, instructor Kerry Drager offers his advice on avoiding lens flare. Also, be sure to check out our Where in the World? quiz, the Featured Photo, and a truly outstanding collection of photo discussions.
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: Thursday, July 01, 2004
Featured Photo: Five Windows
Featured Article: Getting a Clearer Picture ... Without Lens Flare!
Almost any photographic "problem" can be turned into creative advantage - even lens flare ... those sun spots, light streaks, and bright areas of ghostly glare that can appear on an image. But, more often than not, flare is something to avoid, not something to embrace. BetterPhoto instructor and author Kerry Drager offers suggestions for avoiding flare. See his article at:
Read more...
Where in the World?
Can you guess where this picture was taken? If you think you have a clue, try offering a response.To learn the correct answer to the last quiz - and see who came the closest, visit the previous Where in the World quiz.
BetterPhoto's Next Session of Online Courses Begins July 7th
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| Signups for BetterPhoto's summer online courses are really starting to heat up. In fact, a number of classes are either full or are filling up fast. And it's no wonder: There's something for just about any photographer - composition, exposure, digital photography, photographic field techniques, Photoshop, and marketing. Some examples: In Charlie Borland's exciting new "Stock Photography" course, you'll gain a good idea of how to shoot your favorite subjects in a marketable way, and then learn techniques for getting them published. And, in their excellent "Digital Workout #1: Beginning Digital Photography" class, instructors Susan and Neil Silverman share some of their favorite digital techniques - tips and tricks that will help improve your images, regardless of your skill level. See all the courses at: Learn more... |
New Photo Discussions
New Photo Discussion 1: Tango
This is such a striking photo Dirk! Just gorgeous!
- Stefanie Weber
Response 1:This could be 1940 or 2004 - what a wonderful talent this shows!
- Bonnie Lackey
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Response 2:Thanks for looking, Stefanie and Bonnie. I shot this pictures in Brussels only the day before yesterday, Bonnie. But it is true, it could also have been taken decades ago. It is a pity the picture does not allow us to listen to the tango to which that couple was dancing so passionately. Best regards.
- Dirk Van der Herten
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New Photo Discussion 2: River Boat
The soft light (early morning?) gives this a quiet, timeless, almost painterly, feeling. Nice moment in time.
- Jed Manwaring
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Response 1:Hi Jed, you are correct! Very early - probably around 6:00 a.m. central time. I say that b/c I intended to get there before the sun came up, but I was basing my calculations on eastern time sunrises! Thanks so much for the feedback. By the way, I meant to put in the description that I did not alter the photograph digitally.
- Laine A. Nixon
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New Photo Discussion 3: Sunrise at Myrtle Beach
Beautiful Color!
- Cynthia M. Wiles
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Response 1:Very nice Dora !
- Ellen Zaslaw
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Response 2:Well done, Dora! I love the colour!
- Leanne M.E. Boyd
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Response 3:Dora: This is an incredibly stunning image. Aside from the rich color of the sky, the greens are really striking. Normally, greens from artificial light do not look appealing, but they certainly work well here. I'm not sure if most photographers would have seen a nice image to be made had they been there. Well seen and executed.Cheers!
- Peter K. Burian
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New Photo Discussion 4: Lookin' Up
You are a real master at this type of shot, Rob! The moments you capture, the rich COLOR, the clarity, DoF ... I could go on and on. I am not even a big sports fan and I so enjoy your shot each day ... both of the little leaguers and the pros! To me, that makes for a good photographer:-)
- Jan Stadelmyer
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Response 1:Great portrait, Rob. Has a sense of mystery. What's he looking at?
- Paul Michko
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Response 2:Such an expression, captured forever...
- Colleen Braun
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Response 3:Wonderful job of capturing the light in his face and the wonder in his eyes, Rob. The close crop really highlights the clear detail beautifully as well!
- Carol Brill
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New Photo Discussion 5: Chance Meeting
What a great shot, Leesa! Wonderful image!
- Casey A. Hanson
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Response 1:Wonderful capture, Leesa - I LOVE it! What a chance meeting that must have been! Otis and the fawn both look so-o-o curious ... investigating one another like that! Great clarity, colours and lighting ... well done!
- Carolyn J. Connolly
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New Photo Discussion 6: Calla 'Superba'
Calla 'Superba'
An budding photographer's methodology: pin a black velvet skirt over the bathroom mirror, clip a cheap clamp lamp to the medicine cabinet door, reach with left hand to move away some leaves, reach with right hand to press the shutter button, use feet to keep the cats from entering the bathroom.
© Helen Hartel
Canon PowerShot G3... |
Helen, it all worked beautifully for you...
- Wanda Judd
Response 1:Wanda: Been there done that! LOL! I "live" the cat part every time I get the tripod out! There is something to that saying... "curiosity killed the cat!" Love em, but they are "too interested" in my photography! Really nice photo! Love the subject.
SB
- Scott T. Bland
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Response 2:Superba Superb! Excellent shot, Helen, regardless of what it took to get it!
- Dan J. Holm
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Response 3:The outcome is what counts... which here is EXCELLENT!!I do admire your footwork, though :)
- Carolina K. Smith
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New Photo Discussion 7: Valley of Fire Park, near Vegas
This is a wonderful image Peter...As are the rest of your images. That's one heck of a walk!
- Casey A. Hanson
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Response 1:Casey: Thanks for your kind comment. Valley of Fire is only 70 miles from Las Vegas but few tourists visit. It's incredibly beautiful and the reds are great in early morning and in late afternoon.Cheers!
- Peter K. Burian
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New Photo Discussion 8: Tiger Waves
Nice abstract, Monika.
- Jason B. Joyner
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Response 1:Thank you so much for the comment, Jason! I found those “waves” very appealing to me at the playground today. I thought they can make a great abstract so I’m really glad you also think like that! Thank you!
Monika
- Monika Sapek
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New Photo Discussion 9: Holi Pooja
Holi Pooja
aperture & shutter I can't remember, Tamron 70-300mm, Kalimpong, India,Holi Pooja, Morning, No cropping or enhancement
© Shawn Benson
Nikon N80/F80 SLR ... |
Such an unusual portrait, Sean! What's the story behind it?
- Laura Berman
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Response 1:This picture was taken during Holi Pooja, which is a religious festival here in India. Basically everyone gets angry and drunk painting everything that moves. For the children, though, it is a fun time. I and my camera came back totally red after taking about two rolls that day. Thankfully everything cleaned up OK.
- Shawn Benson
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New Photo Discussion 10: In A Corner Of The Garden...
In A Corner Of The Garden...
...a montage of two slides of the same exact composition...one slide sharp and overexposed by two stops and the second slide slightly blurred and overexposed by one stop
© Michael Khoury
Nikon FM3A SLR Cam... |
Way cool. How did you get that exposure, Michael? Filter?
- Cindy Paquette
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Response 1:Hi Cindy, This is a montage (sandwich) of two slides* - one slide nice and sharp, overexposed one stop, and the second slide of the same exact scene thrown out of focus a bit and overexposed by two stops. Put them together and ... voilà!*Note: Make sure that when you take the two shots that the camera is on a tripod. Try it, you will enjoy it. I always enjoy an element of pleasant surprise. Good luck.
- Michael Khoury
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New Photo Discussion 11: Malachai
Malachai
Natural window light. Black fabric was draped around the baby as his mom held him. He has such a beautiful head and face.
© Liza M. Franco
Minolta Maxxum 700... |
Beautiful indeed. Isn't window light beautiful and soft for youngies?
- Amanda E. Radovic
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Response 1:I have to agree completely, I would much rather work with natural light over studio lights. I just like the look and the fact that it is not a sudden light that may startle a young one. Thank you for your interest.
- Liza M. Franco
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New Photo Discussion 12: Railing & Marina
Hi Kerry,
Outstanding image! The colors and focus on the rail is perfect. This is good stuff...
Your humble student....
Ed
- Ed Heaton
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Response 1:Hi Ed: Thanks so much for your nice thoughts! I appreciate you taking the time to comment, and I'm especially pleased you like this image! KerryP.S. For anyone interested, here's more about "Railing & Marina": The Strategies Behind This Photo: Planning & Patience
I stumbled across this marina in the San Francisco Bay Area one day at "high noon" - a time when the harsh overhead sunlight made this scene look anything but scenic! Still, I love to use railings and fences as foreground framing devices. Thus, I decided to return in what I expected would be better light ... about an hour before sunset. However, the scene - including the sky and distant buildings - wasn't nearly as exciting or colorful as I had hoped, due to a layer of light clouds just above the horizon.As the sun got lower and lower, things kept looking more and more dull. I then invoked my late-day "rule": Never leave a scene too early! So I set up my gear and continued to wait ... and wait ... and this time such persistence paid off. Moments before the sun hit the horizon, the scene came alive: The buildings glowed in the warm light, the sky turned a dynamic color, and the brisk breeze of afternoon had died down enough to create rippled reflections. The wonderful light didn't last long, though - less than a minute. I was glad that my composition was already in place and ready to go when the color drama began - thanks to that most valuable of accessories: the tripod!
- Kerry Drager
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New Photo Discussion 13: Water & Colors
Hi Nicola, I love your picture. I'd like to ask you some questions, if you don't mind. I have a Nikon CP 5700 too and I was wondering if you used any special macro lens for this shot. Also, did you use natural lighting for the composition? Thanks so much for your time, and good luck with the contest!
- Anahelena Natera
Response 1:Fantastic and intriguing! How'd you do that???
- Cindy Paquette
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Response 2:No particular lens for this shot (only the macro function)! I used the int. flash and a normal bedroom light on the right.
- Nicola Maspoli
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New Photo Discussion 14: Balance
Very nice!
- Kristen W
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Response 1:Excellent Action photo !! Love the expression on the man's face!! Well done Charles !!
- Cathy Maddy
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Response 2:Great closeup action shot, nicely composed.
- Patrick Campbell
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Response 3:Thanks for the comments! As for the composition, I usually shoot these in bursts. I only have capability of 4 shots, 2.5 frames per second, in a series. I shot these pics from a long pier in Ocean Beach, Ca. That is just north of downtown San Diego. Then, with a Canon 100-400mm IS "L" series lens, that is how I get the close-ups. I usually only need around 200mm, since they are that close to the pier.Surf shots, as I have found out, are not easy at all. It's not like a pan shot. The best surf shots are when they are twisting and turning perpendicular to the waves. So not only are the surfers going left to right, but they are also getting closer to me, as well. Then, other surfers getting in your way is the other challenge. What I like about surf shots are the facial expressions. I also believe surf shots don't obey the rules of composition. For this image, if you have motion, you are supposed to leave room in front for the surfer to move. But I feel that, in a lot of surf shots, it is more important to leave room on the trailing ends. That's because the wave action is crucial for the splash from the board. Wipeouts are my favorite shots to capture. I really had great lighting on this day also.
- Charles R. Frey
Response 4:It sounds like you have spent a lot of time perfecting your technique, and it shows in the photo you uploaded! Thanks for sharing, Charles! Another person who has done a lot of these here is Warren Ishii. You might want to check out his galleries.
- Patrick Campbell
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New Photo Discussion 15: The Zipper
Great image, Jim. How about sharing how you did it?
- Dorothy Neumann
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Response 1:Awesome!
- Kristen W
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Response 2:Terrific Jim :-)
- Theresa McCloskey
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Response 3:Thanks for the compliments everyone! Dorothy, you have to shoot shots like this before it gets completely dark or the sky just goes black. Start with a tripod. I spot-metered the exposure on the sky at fifteen seconds at f/22, and then set my camera at 6 seconds at f22 to get a good dark sky. With this type of shot, I find that the exposure for the lights is fairly forgiving. I just watch the LCD on the back of the camera to make sure that they don’t get too badly overexposed. Have fun!
- Jim Mires
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The Next Step: Where to Go From Here
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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