Looking for some fun photographic ideas for kids this summer? Try melting some different colored icypoles (what we call popsicles in Australia) and capture the fun. I used red, green and orange (just like traffic lights). It can also be an indoor or outdoor activity, although it can be a little messy. This can take a bit of time to melt, depending on the temperature on the day, so try setting up near a window and coming back every five minutes or so to see the results. Requirements Different colored icypoles A large white flat dish … [Read more...] about Summer photography fun with kids: Traffic lights
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The Traveling Photographer: Photography from a moving train
Is it possible to make good photographs from the window of a moving train? If you asked me last month I would have said absolutely not. The windows are blotchy with dirt and watermarks. Reflections abound. And what about the speed you are traveling at? I have since realized I was wrong. I actually got some decent pictures on a moving train. Amtrak Coast Starlight A couple of weeks ago I traveled on the Coast Starlight, an Amtrak train that journeys from Los Angeles to Seattle, with many stops in-between. Photography was the last thing on my … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photography from a moving train
Quick Tip: Be creative, but don’t reinvent the wheel, modify it
When I suggest “Don’t reinvent the wheel,” I’m not advocating stifling your creativity, I’m suggesting to modify the wheel to become proficient. Start with a solid base, technique or lighting pattern then slightly modify it. Once it’s to your liking, modify it some more! Doing this enough times can completely change your original concept while keeping your work on a solid foundation. This also applies to editing your images. Doing this will also help prevent you from getting bored. Want to learn more? Check out this article, "Striking the … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Be creative, but don’t reinvent the wheel, modify it
Wedding photography: Capturing the first dance
Editor's note: This is a guest article from Florida based wedding photographer Richie Acevedo. Richie was one of the first photographers mentored by Vanelli many years ago. Impressed with how far he has come, Vanelli suggested Richie start sharing his knowledge through writing and video tutorials. Wedding photographers don’t have the luxury of a second chance to capture a bride and groom’s first dance. Here’s how — with a little coaching, lighting and teamwork — you can capture a beautiful moment that will be cherished for years. Coach the … [Read more...] about Wedding photography: Capturing the first dance
Quick Tip: Try fog in a can
Using a fog machine indoors — especially in a small, unvented room — can be challenging. On your next shoot, try Atmosphere Aerosol, a.k.a. Fog in a Can. Atmosphere Aerosol looks like hairspray, but without the choking fumes. It enables photographers to add fog or haze during a shoot. It’s a safe, non-toxic, clear spray that won’t stain gowns, suits, uniforms or garments. Want to learn more? Check out this article, "Fog… in a can?" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Try fog in a can
Quick Tip: Daylight saving time has ended; rethink what you plan to photograph
The time change time means you should rethink what you plan on photographing. I find during the fall season, I shoot later in the day than I do for springtime. The spring season lends to more sunrise shoots and morning portraits because the sun rises later in the morning. Now that the sun will rise at 6:30 a.m. on Florida's east coast, I find it harder to get clients — especially models — to meet that early. Instead, I may focus on landscapes and sunsets. Think how the time change will affect your photography and adjust your shooting. Want … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Daylight saving time has ended; rethink what you plan to photograph
Quick Tip: A Free Way To Create Powerful Images
The old saying, "the early bird gets the worm" is not only true in life it's true in photography as well. One way to improve your photography is to take pictures during the time of day when the light is most beautiful. Over the years, I have learned that the hour right before sunrise is one of those magical times. Sunset / Sunrise Most of us love capturing a beautiful sunset right before the sun disappears from the sky, but watching the sun come up in the morning also offers incredible moments to create powerful images. To capture your … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: A Free Way To Create Powerful Images
Portrait Tips: Great Eyes Start At The Toes
The eyes are the most important part of a portrait, and the expression in the eyes makes the difference between a well-lit picture and a stunning portrait. You'll notice that when people look into the camera you have about .026 seconds before the eyes start to glaze over. The eyes quickly look disengaged and even frightened. The majority of pictures posted on the internet have dull, uninterested eyes. But there's a simple way to help you get fresh eyes in every picture. "Look down at my toes, please." Whether I'm photographing old friends, … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Great Eyes Start At The Toes
Book Review: The Moment It Clicks, by Joe McNally (Must Read)
The Moment It Clicks is not a new book, but I just read it again for the third time and realized that some of you may not have read it yet. And we need to fix that. This book is ideal for photographers of all skill levels. It teaches the beginner, inspires the amateur and reminisces with the seasoned pro. Every turn of the page is filled with a large photograph from McNally's career and is accompanied by a story and tips for making that kind of picture happen. You won't find too many camera settings, but you will find principles that will … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Moment It Clicks, by Joe McNally (Must Read)
“I Like This Picture Because…”
I think the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho is one of the prettiest places in the world and one of the hardest places to photograph. It’s expansive and grand and as you drive you’ll see heavenly light and subtle color and texture changes that make it seem like you’re driving through a painting. But when you stop to make a photograph, you’ll see that it’s difficult to make a picture that expresses the beauty you see with your eyes. Idaho isn’t the only place that offers this obstacle. Most beautiful places can stymie even experienced … [Read more...] about “I Like This Picture Because…”
Four Tips for Starbursts
Any small light source in your photograph can potentially become a starburst, and finding creative ways to use them in your pictures is fun. These tips will help you build a formula for making starbursts anytime you want. 1. Appropriate Aperture The most common tip for making starbursts is to use a very small aperture, like f/22 or f/16. While this is generally true, it's not a hard rule. Depending on your camera and lens combinations, you can get starbursts at much wider apertures, as well. I know that with a few of my lenses I can get … [Read more...] about Four Tips for Starbursts
Photographing San Miguel de Allende
Nestled in the highlands of central Mexico and steeped in history, San Miguel de Allende is a charming city to visit and to photograph at any time. During the Day of the Dead celebration, beginning the end of October, it is transformed from charming to effervescent. My holiday memories in the city are filled with images of bold colors and designs, people participating in holiday spirit, and nighttime festivities. As you first arrive into the city center of San Miguel your eyes will pop with photographic possibilities. The colonial … [Read more...] about Photographing San Miguel de Allende
Change Perspective to Make Better Photos
If something is worth photographing, it's probably worth photographing from multiple angles. It's easy to start high, at eye-level, because that's how you see the world. Most photographers arrive on location and immediately extend their tripod legs to bring the camera to eye-level. This is the most comfortable place to shoot and you should definitely make a picture at eye-level. But you should also get down and see how low you can go. Get Down Low Lowering your tripod will give you a whole new photograph. If you told me I had to shoot … [Read more...] about Change Perspective to Make Better Photos
Photographing Waterfalls and Cascades
There is no shortage of waterfalls and cascades in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. So when the days were dull, foggy and rainy on my recent trip to the U.P we photographed waterfalls and nearby cascades. Not only did I come home with lots of images, but new insights on how to improve my images. Every waterfall should be photographed for its unique qualities. I prefer flowing water soft and silky. The slower the shutter speed, the silkier the water. But sometimes the sheer power of the water is best portrayed with its motion stopped, drop … [Read more...] about Photographing Waterfalls and Cascades
Tips for Photographing Bugs and Butterflies Close-Up
Like many of you, I am new at photographing close-up images of bugs and butterflies. Here are some simple tips I rely on, to keep in mind the next time you are out shooting these little critters: Time of day is important. Early morning, when the air is cooler, is a good time to photograph bugs and butterflies. They can be very still, as they are cold-blooded and they require the heat of the day to start moving around. Once the day heats up, be prepared for a lot more movement. Research your location, to learn where the bugs and … [Read more...] about Tips for Photographing Bugs and Butterflies Close-Up
Using Shutter Speed Creatively To Blur Your Image
Using shutter speed to create a blur in your images is one of many tools in your photography toolbox. Here are some techniques to consider: 1. Panning. When panning, as you press down the shutter release button you follow the motion of your subject with your camera, from right to left, or left to right. The goal is to keep your subject as sharp as possible in your resulting image, with the background blurred. Panning is hard to get right. It requires practice and luck. The key is to move your camera at the same speed as your subject … [Read more...] about Using Shutter Speed Creatively To Blur Your Image
Photography Tips to Improve Your Images
I put together a list of tips to help beginners get better images when not using a flash or tripod. Tips to Improve Your Images 1. Shoot either Shutter or Aperture Priority, but always consider your shutter speed first in determining your settings. Otherwise your images may not be sharp (unless you want your images blurred for creative effect). --The rule of thumb is that your shutter speed should be 1/the focal length of your lens. If your lens is a zoom, use the focal length at its longest point. For example, if you are using a … [Read more...] about Photography Tips to Improve Your Images
Photographing St. Ives, Cornwall
Cornwall, at the southwest tip of England, is a photographer’s dream. A rugged land with cliffs molded by the sea and shadowed by stormy clouds, it glows in the light. A local tour guide said the light glowed pink in the town of St. Ives, from the color of the sand. My friends and I stayed in St. Ives while we walked some of the coastal paths of Cornwall. Attracting artists for decades, and bustling with tourists, St. Ives has a little bit of everything: galleries, art museums (including the Tate St. Ives), beaches, eclectic shops and … [Read more...] about Photographing St. Ives, Cornwall
On Traveling to Cuba as a Photographer….
If you are from the U.S., traveling to Cuba differs from other destinations you have visited. It is not as easy as booking a flight and a hotel. Your travel purpose must fall within one of the categories of travel approved by the Department of Treasury. People-to-people educational programs offered by travel providers are one of the more popular approved ways Americans travel to Cuba. As an example, I joined a photo tour that came under the requirements of the general license for people-to-people travel. I understand that the recent easing … [Read more...] about On Traveling to Cuba as a Photographer….
Cuba: Preparation Leads to Success
Difficult lighting and quickly moving subject matter made photography tricky at times, during my recent trip to Cuba. I relied on a combination of planning and technique to bring home the types of images I envisioned. When I travel I usually have an initial photography plan for the day, before leaving my hotel each morning. My plan considers where I am going, what type of photography I anticipate, what lenses to carry, weather conditions, and whether I need a tripod. I also decide on initial camera settings so I am ready to start shooting … [Read more...] about Cuba: Preparation Leads to Success
