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Welcome to the 21st issue of PhotoFlash
Hi
Tons of exciting news for the December holiday season! Signups for our winter online photo courses are well under way, and our schedule is better than ever. Stop by our courses page at:
http://www.betterphoto.com/online-photography-courses.asp
We are thrilled that Jim Zuckerman will be teaching another online course for BetterPhoto: Fundamentals of Photography. Jim is a patient instructor who is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of photography. For details on this exciting new class for beginners, go to:
http://www.betterphoto.com/photocourses/JZK11.asp
Cropping is a big issue among photographers, and instructor Brenda Tharp has written an excellent - and timely - article that looks at both sides of the subject. To read "To Crop or Not to Crop? That Is the Question," visit:
http://www.betterphoto.com/article.asp?id=30
May your holidays be filled with harmony, the joy of gift-giving, and, of course, inspiring photo ideas.
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, December 02, 2004
 Three Worlds A fleeting moment along the Seine Paris, France f6.7, 1/1000 at 200mm © Charles L. Inglefield Canon EOS 10D Digi... |
Featured Article: To Crop or Not to Crop? That Is the Question! ... by Brenda Tharp
In the many courses Brenda Tharp has taught here at BetterPhoto, there have been frequent discussions about cropping. "Some feel it’s not OK," she says, "while others feel there’s nothing wrong with it. Some instructors fall in the first category, others in the second. What’s really the best choice, then?" Well, she adds, that depends upon your intentions and your overall philosophy on photography. In a terrific article, Brenda covers both sides of this issue:
http://www.betterphoto.com/article.asp?id=30
Brenda, by the way, teaches three outstanding online courses: Creating Visual Impact; Beyond the Postcard: Creating Memorable Travel Images; and Mastering Macro Photography. For information, go to:
http://www.betterphoto.com/online-photography-courses.asp
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. New Course from Jim Zuckerman: Fundamentals of Photography Jim also teaches many other excellent online courses - Mastering Light, Making Money with Your Photography, Eight Steps to More Dramatic Photography, Wildlife Photography, Non-Digital Special Effects, Creative Techniques in Photoshop, and Making Masterpieces with Corel Painter. For information on those and other BP offerings, go to: Learn more... New Photo Discussions No, this was how I saw it in person. I simply used a macro lens, moved to a point of view that had the one fern echoing the other, and moved in very close (they were actually very small). I put the camera into the aperture-priority mode and selected a small f number (for minimal depth of field). This is what caused that background fern to appear blurry. P.S. Some shooting strategies: Time of Day Exposure 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.
© Marc Mitcham
Canon PowerShot S2...
Join BetterPhoto instructor Jim Zuckerman in his exciting new course especially designed for novice shooters! This 8-week online course assumes you know nothing about photography and takes you step by step through the basic concepts that are used to make beautiful photos. Jim enjoys answering questions and helping students gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of photography. For details on Fundamentals of Photography, visit:
http://www.betterphoto.com/photocourses/JZK11.asp
New Photo Discussion 1: In the Shadows
Paul, great shot. I love the use of shadows. Too many photographers try to eliminate them from photos.
In the Shadows
ISO 100, f5.6, 1/160, Sigma 28-105mm Aspherical, Aubrey Modeling Portfolio Shoot, Outdoor roof top location, Available light with a 5 in 1 reflector used for fill
© Paul A. Schneider
Canon EOS 10D Digi...
- Sherri L. Regalbuto
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Response 1:Nice capture, great intensity from the model!
- Paul C. Gazzanigo
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Response 2:Beautiful shot.....
- Gail E. Vitikacs
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Response 3:Thank you, The model in the photo was great. I've got a few more that I'm going to post in the next couple days. It's great to get feedback from everyone on this site. I really enjoy looking at all the great images everyone has in their portfolios.
- Paul A. Schneider
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 2: Good night
This shot is fantastic, Magdalena. It's perfect how the boat leads the eye right in to the sunset. And the silhouetted tree anchors the left side of the photo. Very well done.
Good night
Av 2.5, Tv 1/100, 35mm, flash, time 15:30, 19 Nov 2004, Tampere (Finland). The first snow of the winter, nicely combined with a sunny and warm weather (only few degrees below zero). Perfect conditions for winter shots.
© Magdalena Vasilescu
Canon PowerShot G2...
- Paul Michko
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Response 1:Yes, a great shot! Doing winter photos, I have always had problems with my lenses frosting up - or worse, the camera itself. Maybe I've been out when it's just too cold! Do you mean below zero Fahrenheit or C? Either way, I love the photo.
- Nadya Johnson
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Response 2:Thank you so much, Paul. And I really enjoyed your "technical description" of it. You really know what to look for. ;)
Thank you very much, Nadya, for your appreciation. I am really sorry you have problems with your camera in the winter. Fortunately, mine proved very faithful in quite harsh conditions (i.e. -15C = 5F). And here I meant 0C (= 32F)... :)
Magda.
- Magdalena Vasilescu
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 3: Sea Treasures
Beautiful abstract, Sharon! Wonderful pattern and colors!!
Sea Treasures
I was holding one of my conch shells up to the sunlight coming through the window and was surprised by the color. The shell practically glowed. I'm not positive, but I think the pattern is from sea fan which I placed inside the conch shell.
© Sharon D.
Nikon Coolpix 5700...
- Debra Booth
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Response 1:This is wonderful! I love the colors and the pattern. Cool shot, Sharon! :0)
- Casey A. Hanson
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Response 2:I would have never guessed the background to be a conch shell. The gradual changes in color are fantastic!!!!! VERY CREATIVE!!
- Susana Heide-Thiessen
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Response 3:Wow, this is beautiful. A natural stained glass conch! Very well done!
bill
- William C. Raco
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Response 4:Very nice abstract design, light and colors, Sharon!!
- Murry Grigsby
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 4: Girl with Thumb and Clouds
Vik, This is just adorable. The colors are friendly to each other and pleasing to the eye. I love it. I wonder how you got the clouds so puffy. We just don't see to many clouds where I live to get photos of them to add to our photos. Thanks for sharing this one. 
Girl with Thumb and Clouds
© Vik Orenstein
Photographing Children
Studio Portrait Lighting
The Business of Photography
Beginning Photography with Guest Instructor Vik Orenstein
- Diane l. Thomas
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Response 1:Thank you for your kind words! This is actually a canvas backdrop that was custom-painted for me by an artist.
- Vik Orenstein
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Photographing Children
Studio Portrait Lighting
The Business of Photography
Beginning Photography with Guest Instructor Vik Orenstein
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 5: Autumn Hues
Nice abstract, beautiful colors. Hand pan?
Autumn Hues
Absolutely no PS here! How was this done? Any guesses?
© Debbie S.
Canon EOS 10D Digi...
- Sherri L. Regalbuto
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Response 1:And we have a winner! Yes, Sherri, it is a panned shot of leaves on the ground using a slow shutter.
Thanks for playing along ... I guess I either have too much free time, or I've been sitting at the computer far too long and am getting punchy. ;-)
-Debbie
- Debbie S.
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 6: Fern Echo
Did you use a 3-D effect on this picture?
Fern Echo
© Jim Miotke
Miotke.com
- Jennifer L. La Velle
Response 1:Hi Jennifer,
Thanks again!
- Jim at BetterPhoto.com
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 7: Sitting Pretty - Right
Great shot! 
Sitting Pretty - Right
Bobcat at Triple D game farm in Kalispell, Montana.
© Jim Miotke
Miotke.com
Canon EOS 10D Digi...
When was this taken? I live in this area so I am just curious. Thanks!
- Jessica McCollam
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Response 1:I grew up in Kalispell. It's beautiful there. That's a great picture! Just breathtaking!
- Heather A. Bushaw
Response 2:Thank you both. This was taken in early February of this year. I will be revisiting Triple D again in 2005 around the same time. The snow was good but a little crunchy last time. I am hoping for a lighter, more powdery snow this year. Whatever comes, though, I know the animals and photo ops will be fantastic.
Thanks again!
- Jim at BetterPhoto.com
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 8: Food for Thought
Nice still life, Donna! Great book too!
Start of an apple pie.
0585
Exposure;AV 22, TV 2 +1. 100 ISO RAW.Medium extension tube. Focal length-163mm.
© Donna Rae
DonnaraePhotography.com
Canon EOS D60 Digi...
- Paul C. Gazzanigo
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Response 1:Wow, this is beautifully set up and taken, Donna. You are so good at still life. I really appreciate how well you do these, as I find it to be so very difficult. Excellent work ...
bill
- William C. Raco
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 9: Unusual Lighting
Beautiful lightscape, Gary! You really are lucky to have such weather extremes to spice up your photos!!
Unusual Lighting
This is a wide angle version of a panorama I entered a while ago. It is very difficult to explain the lighting effects that you see here. There is about 2.5 miles of bay on the other side of these "islands". The very low and very dark clouds only covered half of the bay. The other half was clear and the sun, which was at a low angle was reflecting off the water and lighting up the underside of the clouds on this side. What looks like sun here is actually reflected light.
© Gary H. Minish
Sony DSC-F707 Cybe...
- Murry Grigsby
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Response 1:Thanks, Murry. With fog, clouds,and tides changing constantly around here, there are almost endless combinations of scenes. The only trouble is that they all move so fast that you have to be there when the best combinations happen. This scene only lasted about 10 minutes. I just happend to be on my way from work to town so I had a chance to catch it.
- Gary H. Minish
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 10: China Beach and Golden Gate Bridge
Amazing photo! Please tell us how you did this. 
China Beach and Golden Gate Bridge
© Jed Manwaring
Getting Started: How to Make Great Photographs
Nikon 8008 SLR Cam...
- Bev Hildebrandt
Response 1:Thanks, Bev, for the nice comment. I used a wide-angle lens (24mm) tilted down slightly to give me the depth of field I needed, and a slower shutter speed to show the movement of the water. I experimented with different combinations, as the water came and went, and I liked this one the most because of the balance of light and dark areas. By the way, this image was used in the book "Guide to the Parks" by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
- Jed Manwaring
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 11: Fishing Creek
Now that's where I want to be right now!
Fishing Creek
Nikkor 180 mm ED, Provia 100
© Bob Cammarata
cammphoto.com
Nikon FM2 Manual E...
Very nice, Bob.
- Casey A. Hanson
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Response 1:Excellent still life, Bob! Your set-up and capture is wonderful! The waterfall really brings this shot to life!
- Dan J. Holm
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Response 2:I love this Bob! -K
- K Stevens
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Response 3:Thanks Casey, Dan, and K for your comments. That is the actual name of this picturesque little brook lying within the Catoctin Mountains in central Maryland. It has provided many scenic backgrounds ... (and a few native brook trout) over the years.
- Bob Cammarata
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 12: Tornado
Wonderful effect, Anette. Love the way the colors blend ...
Tornado
Original file, no PS! Rotating the camera while shooting, aperture A(8)
© Anette Linnea Rasmussen
Olympus C-765 Digi...
- Janet Skinner
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Response 1:Very, very creative capture, Linnea! Love it!
- Sanjay Pindiyath
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Response 2:Thank you, Janet and Sanjay!
Best wishes
Linnea
- Anette Linnea Rasmussen
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Response 3:Wow! Outstanding abstract, Linnea!! Love how the motion funnels down to the lower right, leading the eye! ... Another exceptionally creative, excellent shot!
- Dan J. Holm
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 13: Lavender Dawn on Bay, Maine
Love the black rocks and the lavender water which has a nice silky texture.
- Frank P. Luongo
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Response 1:Thanks, Frank (you've been busy!)
I slowed my shutter down to 14 seconds on this image, so the water would gently surge against the rocks more than just one time during the exposure. That's what made the ethereal effect. The color was just from the sky reflecting, but it too blended with movement of the water to make a soft purple glow.
- Brenda Tharp
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Creating Visual Impact
Beyond the Postcard: Creating Memorable Travel Photos
4-Week Short Course: Mastering Macro Photography
4-Week Short Course: Mastering Macro Photography (2nd Session)
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 14: Mud Mounds, Utah
I love the the shapes of the mudmounds which appear like interlocking triangles--almost like pieces of a puzzle fitting together.
- Frank P. Luongo
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Response 1:Thanks, Frank. I can't help myself when I see wonderful designs in nature like this. I too thought of the way the mounds interlocked, so I used my 300mm with a 1.4 teleconverter to eliminate things around it and simplify my composition.
- Brenda Tharp
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Take an Online PhotoCourse™ with Brenda Tharp:
Creating Visual Impact
Beyond the Postcard: Creating Memorable Travel Photos
4-Week Short Course: Mastering Macro Photography
4-Week Short Course: Mastering Macro Photography (2nd Session)
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 15: Light and Shadow
Kind of spooky.
Light and Shadow 1b
Adobe stairway; late-afternoon light; 24mm lens; Fuji Velvia
© Kerry Drager
kerrydrager.com
Point, Think, and Shoot: Beyond the Snapshot
Field Techniques: Light and Composition
4-Week Short Course: Details and Close-ups
4-Week Short Course: Details and Close-ups (2nd Session)
Nikon FM2 Manual E...
- Darrin E. Boone
Response 1:Great shot! Strong shadows gives picture depth.
Frank
- Frank P. Luongo
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Response 2:Hi Darrin and Frank: Thanks for taking the time to comment ... I appreciate it!!
Kerry
Strong sunlight during late day (or early day) provides great opportunities to catch shadow shots. I first found this stairway at a historic adobe in midday ... but the direct overhead sunlight was flat and uninteresting: few shadows and none of the warm tones that you see here. I returned when the light was right.
This sort of scene - with its great mixture of brights and darks - can be quite a metering challenge. Here's how I handled it:
- Kerry Drager
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Point, Think, and Shoot: Beyond the Snapshot
Field Techniques: Light and Composition
4-Week Short Course: Details and Close-ups
4-Week Short Course: Details and Close-ups (2nd Session)
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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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