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
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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
A Simple Lesson In How Light Direction & Background Can Make Or Break A Photograph
I was at one of the most beautiful places of its kind in America - Green Cay Wetlands last week. Green Cay is in Delray Beach, FL, and it’s open nearly every day from sun up to sun down and it’s free! Green Cay’s absolutely one of my favorite places to visit with or without a camera. It’s very peaceful and on any given day you will see not only 25 species of birds, but also snakes, alligators, insects, flowers, butterflies, rabbits, raccoons and more. Of course for me the attraction would be the birds. The wetlands are a water reclamation … [Read more...] about A Simple Lesson In How Light Direction & Background Can Make Or Break A Photograph
