Lighting is one of the most important factors in taking photographs of natural subjects. Unlike with studio shots where you control the lights and the shadows, taking photos outside is a little bit more complicated. In addition to not being able to control your subject, you also have to take into consideration the elements especially the lighting.
Of course for the seasoned photographer, natural light is no longer a hindrance. In fact, most photographers use light to create great effects and put color into an otherwise drab picture. Hence there are photos that play up the shadows or those that capture the different colors of the sky. This is especially true with landscape shots or those that capture flowers and other objects in the environment.
Showing posts with label Tutorial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tutorial. Show all posts
Sunday, August 22, 2010
How to Take Big Suns in Photography
Sure, these pictures may border on cliches, but they are cliches that never fail to grab us. We're all suckers for that frame-filling drama of Ol' Sol looming large on the horizon.
And we all know how to get those shots of big suns - just shoot the horizon with that fabulously expensive, super-speed, extralow-dispersion glass, apochromatic tele, right?
Wrong. You need a long lens, sure, but it needn't be a budget buster. Some very good 500mm mirror lenses come in under $200, store price. There are all-glass 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm designs from major independents that sell for $300-500. And you can make an existing tele longer by using a teleconverter. That fine 300mm f/4 you bought for nature work, for example, can be converted to a 600mm f/8 with a 2X converter. That's a pretty good focal length for big suns. Using a 3X converter will make a 900mm f/12, and so on.
And we all know how to get those shots of big suns - just shoot the horizon with that fabulously expensive, super-speed, extralow-dispersion glass, apochromatic tele, right?
Wrong. You need a long lens, sure, but it needn't be a budget buster. Some very good 500mm mirror lenses come in under $200, store price. There are all-glass 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm designs from major independents that sell for $300-500. And you can make an existing tele longer by using a teleconverter. That fine 300mm f/4 you bought for nature work, for example, can be converted to a 600mm f/8 with a 2X converter. That's a pretty good focal length for big suns. Using a 3X converter will make a 900mm f/12, and so on.
Candid Photography and Good Manners
Sometimes in candid photography it may be better to spare a thought for your subject and not just your shot. A little thoughtfulness can go a long way.
This doesn't really apply of course if you're taking shots of inanimate objects. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad - but a person might.
For example, you're prowling the backstreets of some Third World city, or even your own, trying to capture a mood of desolation or estrangement - don't ask me why, but people like shooting this kind of thing - and you get an old woman in your viewfinder who has obviously seen better days. Nevertheless, there's a certain grace in her pose, and a nobility in her expression, so you shoot.
This doesn't really apply of course if you're taking shots of inanimate objects. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad - but a person might.
For example, you're prowling the backstreets of some Third World city, or even your own, trying to capture a mood of desolation or estrangement - don't ask me why, but people like shooting this kind of thing - and you get an old woman in your viewfinder who has obviously seen better days. Nevertheless, there's a certain grace in her pose, and a nobility in her expression, so you shoot.
Want to Take Perfect Christmas Pictures?
Looking for the best tips that help you take perfect Christmas pictures and snap the most unforgettable holiday moment?
Christmas is such a great time of the year when families and friends gather together and get into the festive spirit. It truly is a time to cherish when the children open their presents, eat dinner and listening to Old Uncle Bernie telling a few jokes.
What makes it even more special, however, is taking those perfect Christmas pictures so that, when you look back on that Christmas, can really help you to relive the memories of that truly magical Christmas.
Christmas photos need not just a good camera but a good eye as well.
Christmas is such a great time of the year when families and friends gather together and get into the festive spirit. It truly is a time to cherish when the children open their presents, eat dinner and listening to Old Uncle Bernie telling a few jokes.
What makes it even more special, however, is taking those perfect Christmas pictures so that, when you look back on that Christmas, can really help you to relive the memories of that truly magical Christmas.
Christmas photos need not just a good camera but a good eye as well.
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