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Welcome to the 28th issue of PhotoFlash
Hi
Summer is such a fun, and exciting, time to be a photographer! In North America, it's also the season for capturing fireworks - those awesome celebrations of light and color. Canada Day (July 1st) and the U.S. Fourth of July provide excellent photo ops, but regardless of when or where you shoot these light shows, we offer some great information and inspiration in this issue of PhotoFlash. Check out our Featured Article, so you'll be ready when these bursts of brightness strike in your hometown.
Also in this issue of PhotoFlash, don't miss the "Where in the World?" quiz, featuring a stunning image from instructor/author Jim Zuckerman. And you'll want to check out yet another fine collection of Photo Discussions, including terrific images from BetterPhoto members and from instructor/authors Brenda Tharp and Jeff Wignall.
In addition, the start of BetterPhoto's Summer online photo courses is just around the corner (July 6th, to be specific). With sleek new Campus Squares and three new instructors, this promises to be our best school session yet. Here's the lineup:
http://www.betterphoto.com/photocourses/categories.asp
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, June 30, 2005
 Forever free F8, 100 ISO, Exposure time: 7 sec, 9:40 p.m-July 3, 2004, Mt. Rushmore © Dale Gast Sony Cybershot DSC... |
Featured Article: Holiday Extravaganza - Photographing Fireworks
Displays of fireworks are such great celebrations of light and color. In North America each summer, Canada Day (July 1st) and the U.S. Fourth of July offer excellent chances for shooting these spectacular bursts of brightness. But regardless of when - or where - they light up the sky, fireworks always place high on the "Wow!" scale. As with many subjects, however, shooting fireworks involves planning and preparation, as well as some special shooting techniques.
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. BetterPhoto's Next School Session: One Week to Go! Or browse the BetterPhoto Bookstore: Learn more... New Photo Discussions Taken along Oak Creek in Sedona, Az. at sunset. Stan K 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.
If you're thinking about signing up for an online photo course, now's the time! Classes begin next week (July 6th), but several classes are already full, while others are filling up fast. And here's an added incentive: If you sign up for a course before this Friday (July 1st), you can receive free shipping on any DVD or book that you order from the BetterPhoto Bookstore! Review our courses at:
http://www.betterphoto.com/photocourses/categories.asp
New Photo Discussion 1: Leaf Under Ice Swirls, Yosemite
- Jennifer Trenchard
Response 1:Very beautiful capture, Brenda!
- Terry L. Ellis
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Response 2:Thanks, Jennifer and Terry. It was a great find that one cold morning in Yosemite. I had just been teaching my class about finding beauty right at your feet, and there it was! Took a bit of effort to get it - couldn't put the tripod foot on the ice, because it was too thin and would push through, so I had to brace with the tripod but still lean out over the ice to get the shot. But all good photos require some effort, eh? Glad you like it!
- Brenda Tharp
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Beyond the Postcard: Creating Memorable Travel Photos
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Read this discussion online
Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 2: Red Sky At Night ... Sailors Delight
Amazing colors, Beverley - what a beautiful sunset image!
Red Sky At Night....Sailors Delight
f8, 1/25, 18-55mm lens @ 45mm, ISO 100. Metered the mauve in the sky for exposure. Taken at Point Du Chene at sunset.
© Beverley Lu Latter
Canon EOS 20D Digi...
- Stephanie Lyons
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Response 1:Powerful shot! Beautiful!
- Scott A. Watson
Response 2:Scrumptious!!
- Carolyn Fletcher
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Response 3:Thank you, Stephanie, Scott, and Carolyn!! I really appreciate your comments :)
The sky was so vibrant that night. I arrived about 30 minutes before sunset and stayed right through until the sun had disappeared and the twilight set in. The sky went from yellow, orange, and blue (about 15 minutes before this shot) to bright pink, red, and mauve, then to deep reds and darks (for my "Romantic Interlude" shot that was taken the same night). I have more photos to share of this beautiful night.
- Beverley Lu Latter
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Response 4:Lovely! Can't wait to see more! -K
- K Stevens
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Read this discussion online
Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 3: Iris And Lace
This is beautifully conceived and executed. I can't be sure if it is an in-camera double exposure, a combination of two separate images, or something else entirely. However you did it - and I hope you'll tell :-) - it is just outstanding work. The floral and geometric pattern in the lace seems to melt into the green of the iris. This is a "made" instead of "taken" photograph ... emotional and artistic! 
Iris And Lace
© Michael Khoury
Nikon FM3A SLR Cam...
- Michael E. Brodie
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Response 1:Michael...
Thank you for your nice comment. I find multiple exposures challenging for several reasons: among them, being able to balance exposure compensation with the amount of exposures intended to be on one frame. An analyses of the subject as it relates to the light is crucial; one can, with practice, predict somewhat the outcome, but there is always the element of surprise that is the exciting part for me.
This happens to be a double exposure of a white garden iris and a gilded window with white lace curtains. Composition, as you know, is important as you expose one image, then the other; white on white needs to be exposed just right in this case. Trying to foresee the interplay of colour is also important. Here, I feel the harmony of green and white conveys a feeling for me. When I do these, I forget about illustrating either subject and try to convey an emotion. Thank you, Michael!
MKh
- Michael Khoury
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 4: Cruzin
Hi Robert
cruzin
...calendar photo submission...
© Robert Burks
Nikon D70 Digital ...
Thanks,
Raiya
- X. R. (Raiya) Fels
Response 1:Hi Raiya,
The sky was bathed in early-morning sunlight, and was foggy in the distance, giving it that gold tone. It lasted for about a half hour before it faded ... thanks for the comments!
- Robert Burks
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Read this discussion online
Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 5: Star Light, Star Bright....
Absolutely gorgeous flower and bud, Gary!! Once again the colour is outstanding!! :o) Is this plant becoming a bit of a pest in your area? A pity if it is, because it DOES have a beautiful flower on it, doesn't it?! ;o)
Star Light, Star Bright....
A close up of one of those shooting stars that are taking over the neighborhood. Used a 2X macro filter to help get this close.
© Gary H. Minish
Sony Cybershot DSC...
- Carolyn J. Connolly
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Response 1:Thanks, Carolyn. It's definitely not a pest, but this year it really seemed to take over the fields near the waterfront and it's also moving into the river flats where the fireweed has always dominated in the past. It must really like the warmer weather we've had these last couple of summers. I love the consistent bright red and yellow patterns on this flower, and I also like the graceful simplicity of the stalks and stems.
- Gary H. Minish
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Read this discussion online
Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 6: Red Rock Crossing
Awesome Capture! Fantastic Lighting and Shadowing! Outstanding perspective! I like that you included the water.
Red Rock Crossing
1/13 @ f/10 - Nikon D70 with Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX
© Mike Paravano
Nikon D70 Digital ...
- Lani Broadbent
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Response 1:Amazing light, Mike!!!
- LUIS LOURO
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Response 2:Thanks guys! The rocks and the creek aren't too photogenic during most of the day, but at sunset, they light up with an amazing orange fire. The shadow is cast by a near by mountain that is between the crossing and the sun.
- Mike Paravano
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Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 7: Daylily Reflections
Very well done!!! Way to capture a flower!
Daylily Reflections
© Joe Jarosz
joejaroszphoto.com
Canon EOS 20D Digi...
- Connie J. Turner
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Response 1:Wow, this is really cool! At first I thought that this was done somehow in Photoshop, but this has to be an actual reflection! Now I am curious ... How did you do that!?! :o) Cool Shot!
- Melissa L. Zavadil
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Response 2:Hi Melissa,
Thank you very much! No Photoshop involved except to process the RAW file. It was really pretty simple. I placed this daylily flower on a frosted piece of plexiglass. I put that in a photo tent, really to diffuse the light. I had one strobe above, and one to the side and used a f2.8 and focused on the front of the flower so the back blurred a little.
- Joe Jarosz
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Read this discussion online
Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 8: In Morning Light
Extraordinary lighting capture of this spectacular blossom, Pat!! Excellent DOF and gorgeous colors as well! Beautifully done!!
In Morning Light
f/22 @ 1/80; ISO 200; Canon 75-300mm IS lens @ 110mm; extension tube; tripod. Taken at Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, in early morning sunlight.
© Pat Borowicz
p-bphotography.com
Canon EOS Digital ...
Much Aloha,
Stan
- Stan Contrades
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Response 1:Thank you so much for your generous comments, Stan. I value your opinion considering that you are one of the best flower photographers I know!!! I tried to use the light the best way I could, and I was happy with the way it turned out. I took this for a class I was taking, and all of my classmates were across the road shooting these flowers with front lighting.
- Pat Borowicz
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Read this discussion online
Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 9: Sideways - A Different View
Neat perspective on this famous landmark Wren. Great image! How cool that you get to travel to so many places!
Sideways--A Different View
I'm now in St. Louis working for 8 weeks, and this is the second in a few pics I've taken of the beautiful Arch. This was taken last week around noon from underneath the arch with the sun used for shadowing.
© Wren J. Hendrick
Nikon Lite Touch 1...
- Deb Holmes
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Response 1:Thanks, Deb. Trying things from different angles now, so it doesn't end up just another "pic of the Arch". I almost feel guilty getting paid sometimes, I'm on a virtual vacation when I'm working all over the country!!
- Wren J. Hendrick
Response 2:Wow!! I've seen about a million pictured of the Arch from many, many vantage points but never have I seen one like this, Wren!!! An AWESOME abstract and VERY creative interpretation of the Arch! I absolutely love it!
- Dan J. Holm
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Response 3:Wren: Just wanted to let you know that I think this is probably one of the best phots you have taken. The way you have the camera pointing with the sun is really good. Talk to you soon.
- Teresina M. Wheaton
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Response 4:Wren, WOW, what a photograph, what originality, composition, you captured everything as it should be, congratulations
- Stan Kwasniowski
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Read this discussion online
Respond to this discussion New Photo Discussion 10: Iowa Fence
I love this pic!! The Iowa name caught my eye as that is where I live. I just bought a D70 and your book Joy of Digital Photography. I hope I can do half as well as your pics! - Angie
Iowa Fence
Shot with a Nikon D70 with a Nikkor lens near West Des Moines, Iowa.
© Jeff Wignall
The Joy of Digital Photography with Jeff Wignall
Nikon D70 Digital ...
- Angela K. Wittmer
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Response 1:Hi Angie,
I'm glad you like the photo; I had a lot of fun shooting in Iowa. I was struck by what a clean state it is - I didn't see ANY litter anywhere! I think you'll love the D70; it's a very intuitive camera and I find myself almost never having to look at menus or searching for controls.
The only problem I've had with it is one that everyone with a DSLR has: getting dust on the sensor. Here are two tips for keeping the dust level down: 1) Shut off the camera before changing lenses (the static charge attracts dust), and 2) aim the camera down while changing lenses. Also, of course, don't change lenses when the wind is blowing or if there's dust in the air - hop into a car or a cafe for a moment instead.
I can't wait to get back to Iowa sometime this summer/fall to shoot some more. Oh, and I'm THRILLED that you like the book! I had a lot of fun writing and photographing it. Well, sitting at the computer 18 hours a day was horrible :) ... but the photography was fun!
- Jeff Wignall
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Respond to this discussion
Until next time, thanks for reading and keep having fun with photography!
Jim Miotke
BetterPhoto.com, Inc.
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