Versatility can mean the difference between getting the shot and not even taking the camera out of the bag. As photographers I am sure we have all heard the "when in doubt, don't go out" fraze when the topic of rain comes up. Luckily, there are a ton of great products out there to help with this. While many high end cameras have awesome weather sealing, most prosumer models do not. Personally I refuse to let a little weather keep me indoors and for the cost of that starbucks double espresso mint mochiato or what ever the fashion coffee is this week, you can keep that shutter rolling. There are several different rain covers available today from the Op/Tech rain sleeve for $6.50 to the $192 Porta Brace. I personally can not imagine paying $192 for a rain cover that in my opinion looks like it does the same job as the slightly more reasonable AquaTech for $139.
While not all camera covers are created equal, the cheapest could be considered disposeable, although I have gotten several uses out of mine this year. As many of you know I am a die hard camo junky and I am itching to get this camo cover for my camera. Unfortunilty B&H is down right now or I would post a pic and link.
Last weekend we had Tropical Storm Debby roll through Florida and create some pretty fun weather. It just so happened that I had a video tutorial planned for saturday with a few models showing for the fun. The rain litterally held off until i was unloading the equipment. Not a hard rain, but a nice little drizzle. Whats a photographer to do? Well I can not tell you what to do with your gear and I would never recommend going out and shooting in the rain with out some type of protection... But thats just what I did. What can I say, I love my D7000 and my 70-200 2.8. With the clouds rolling in and the lack of light I even got out the speedlight and umbrella, which tipped over and bent up the umbrella (note to self: you live in the land of sand, sand bags dude!!!).
So IF you are willing to chance a little weather and want to get out even with questionable weather, there are several solutions that can help you out. B7H and Adorama both sell some really nice protective covers to suit your needs.

Bring your photos to life

We have had some great entries for the month of may and I would like to congratulate them and thank everyone that participated. The Challenge page is about all of you. To get you out and shooting more, to think of photography in different ways, and to learn from each other.

So what does it take to bring your images to life? To go beyond the flat un-alluring shots we see so often? Well quite simple it is finding the angles and lines that bring the object out. shooting a car straight on can leave the viewer missing the whole picture but stand at a 45 degree angle and the car seems to jump out in the image. Houses, mountains, even the way we shoot wildlife can determine how a viewer will respond to the shot. finding the angles or the shapes in a frame takes practice but it will change the way others respond to your work.

These 2 images show how angles and shapes can play a role in you and others view the image. The image to the left shows a lot of angles and is shot from an angle which gives the image depth. the image to the right is shot straight on and has nearly no depth and much less visual stimulation.

The image above demonstrates how angles and shapes can add dimension as well as transition bringing life into the image. So while you are out and about with your camera, do yourself a favor and walk around the subject you are wanting to shoot. Find the best angle to shoot from, and find shots that have angles to them. many times the angles you chose will be a part of other rules actually such as the rule of leading lines, the rule of diagonals, and yes, even the rule of thirds. Just be aware that when you are shooting angles, you have to make sure the rest of the image is balanced and that you are not leaving a tom of dead space otherwise.

Well hello, long time no see... things around here have been a little stressed lately but I am hoping to get things back on track soon. I am also looking for a little help with the challenge page.
Anyways I wanted to talk a little about a couple of pieces of equipment that I have been using lately. it is not so much the brand but what they are doing that matters.

The first thing I want to talk about is a monitor calibration unit. As no 2 montors are the same it is tough to see pictures the same across the board and to know what they will look like once they are printed. Most montiors are pre programmed to have the screen super bright and sometimes to be bias one direction or the other on the color temp. My monitor, a Samsung 23 inch was not only extremely bright but also on the cooler side of things. Ever wonder why when you Auto correct an image it seems a little to bright so you tone it down a little and while your thinking the image is great, expecting that ever awesome attaboy, it never comes... maybe because everyone else is seeing something totally different than you are.
I purchased a Spyder pro4 installed it and wow, on brightness alone I can see several mistakes on images across the years. I have been at this for several years now and while I have known about the devices I always put it off or figured I could save some money buy doing it by eye... Boy was I wrong!
If you are a serious or pro photographer not using a calibration device, get one! If you print your photos or have them up for sale, get a calibration devise! It will change how you do things.

The second thing I have been using is a Wacom Intuos 5 Touch medium sized tablet. First off, this is not for everyone, if you spend most of your time in auto correct mode, this is not for you. That said, if you like precise adjustments using brushes in LR4 or Photoshop, drop the mouse and pick up the pen, the ability to be exact in your editing is what the tablet is all about. Getting used to a tablet is another issue, I know, but with practice it will open up worlds you were never able to get to with your old mouse. unplug, turn off or what ever you have to do but use that tablet.

I am not going to highlight any one photographer with this blog, we have so many great photographers at all skill levels here that it is a shame to pick just one after having not posted in so long. What i would like to see is more involvement and participation from all of you. Have an idea? lets hear it, shooting something spectacular? lets hear about it, direct us to where we can see it. I have said before that the intent of the page is to get people out and shooting, learning, and sharing. So lets do just that get out there and shoot.

Post Processing - Evil?

Post Processing
     It is highly debated and often misunderstood. One of our members recently showed me where some photographers where complaining about the top candidates in a photography competition. The argument, as is the argument with many such things was if processes like colorization, HDR, and other such options should be allowed in competitions like that. So what is the difference between  photography and digital art? Well I can tell you that I do not feel like I have the ability nor the right to decide that for you. I would say that if it started in the camera and is comprised of 1 or more photos, it is a photograph or a composite of photographs...

      Over the years I have seen my idea of photography change. I don't know if it is the fact that I have learned how to create a technically sound exposure in the camera or if it is because I have learned how to take my shots to the next level. As i stated in a previous blog, my goal, every time, is to get it right in camera. The perfect exposure for that scene... That exposure will give me greater leeway when I get to the computer and will give me a much broader ability to finish the image.

Bad Editing Example

    Now we have all seen this type of image (right). IMO it is an extreme example of over processed and does not represent what I would want my work to be.
   Processing has changed over the years but in many ways the the ideas for many photographers is still the same. First, create an image that makes you feel, create an image that is pleasing to the eye for others, create an image that tells a story... Photographers have been using on camera filters for years. polarizing, ND's, Warming, cooling, golds, and other colored filters. Some are used today and some have been duplicated in software.
    

http://www.fourandsix.com

http://ethicsinediting.files.wordpress.com

 History:
     Photo manipulation has been around for a LONG time as seen in the iconic image above and right. Believe it or not the Holy Grail of purist photography used to allow a lot more editing than they do these days. This image of a National Geographic actually had the photo manipulated to fit the cover here. Think Content aware fill in Photoshop... But this was film in 1982.
     Now do not get me wrong, I am not bashing the true Purist out there by any means. The photographers that have learned their craft over several decades and know what they are about. even they know that a digital camera is incapable of capturing the full gamut of colors seen by the human eye. And yes, they do use photoshop or other software to color correct, dodge, and burn.
Ansel Adams, often referred to as one of the best visual communicators ever, used red filters to turn the sky black in many of his early works. Ironically the same works that made him famous to start with (pre group f/64)

http://blog.syracuse.com/shelflife/2008/02/adams.jpg

So are you beginning to see what I am getting at yet? Is processing an image for visual benefit a good or bad thing? I use it, I like it. Would Adams have used photoshop?
Read this article and you be the judge.
http://focusonphotography.blogspot.com/2008/07/ansel-adams-and-lone-pine-photograph.html

Post 10 minute edit

Pre Edit

These Images show a some what strong handed approach to editing but one necessary to create the visual effect and draw the eyes to the main point and not the distractions


Winners
I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our recent winners

Pete Watson brought life to spring with his Spring in Black and White high key.

Pete, a photographer for over 30 years spends his time with his family and giving to kids as a mentor and foster parent
I could write about Pete's ability with a camera but after reading a short Bio about Pete all I can say is what stand up guy. You just cant beat a guy like that. He fits in perfect with with this amazing group! Welcome Pete and Congrats!







Richard Yarbrough wheels us over with these rusty old train wheels.

Richard, Ohhh Richard... what can ya say about Richard... Well besides he takes amazing photos and does not even have to leave his front porch to do so. I seriously log into FB just to see if Richard has posted a picture that morning...

The 6 P's

Holly Smith Shanks, waxes the competition with her waxed leaves photo here. The color, contrast, and DoF really make this image pop and the composition is spot on. Great job Holly! You can find more of Holly's images right here Holly Shanks Photography

So as you all may have noticed, I took a bit of a break from the blog so that I could evaluate where I was going with it in the first place. My primary goal has always been to try to be informative and introduce photographers so that others may get to know them and their work.
As many of you know, I have a few photographers that really inspire me such as Chase Jarvis, Doug Gardner, and many of you. Much of my photography is inspired by what I see from others, twisted into my own little creation that makes me feel good.

Rough List

I am adamant about the techniques of photography as well as the moment. Maybe sometimes to the point of being misunderstood myself. I was taught a phrase quite a while back that has always stuck with me and I refer to it as the 6 P's. Although a bit crude, I apologize in advance if it offends anyone, the semblance is there to keep us on track and set goals for our work, our day, our life. That phrase goes like this, "Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance." When I am photographing nature I am much more loose in my planning and tend to roll with what I see along the way. Oddly I have found this to be extremely common with outdoor shooters. We wing it... and hope for the best. Now what if we were to take the guess work out of it? How about we plan to shoot, and then just be open to the unknown? How do you prepare? Well do you know the area? The subject mater? Roughly what the light will be doing when we are there? Have you talked to knowledgeable people in the area and or field that you are looking to cover? Local experts? The point I am trying to make is that we have an infinite number of ways to be properly prepared for a shoot. Simply sitting down with a note pad and writing out what you need with you or what the goal is, can change the entire shoot. A wildlife photographer studies the animals to know what the animal might do in certain situations. For instance, did you know that many perched birds will generally defecate before taking flight? Many ducks will lock their wings and glide seconds before going into a very fast rowing motion to land in a specific spot/ Knowing the habits of animals or any subject for that mater can make or break you. How often do you think to yourself, dang I missed that shot!
This is all a part of learning to get "the shot". I have said this before and will say it over and over. There is no right way to photograph a subject but there are lots of wrong ways. Take the time to do it right and the image itself will be the reward.

I would also like to congratulate Nikki Kirk for her first published image in a magazine; Rural Montana

Mastering your equipment.

   For the Open Challenge we had a lot of neat images and the creativity really showed. Ted Riley won with his Egg Splatter shot while a very realistic G.I. Joe image from Samantha Morrison came in second. The creativity in both of these shots should inspire us all to get out and shoot. Develop a plan and create your work.   

    So this week, a lot has been said about learning to master our equipment vs. letting it master us. All to often we thrive to get the newest piece of glass, the greatest camera body, or the coolest software. Even non-tech photographers get a little giddy at handling the next best... Why? well some might argue that you have to stay up to date with trends. some might argue that a particular camera has X feature that "have to have". I am probably guilty of this as much as the next guy but whats so wrong with what we have? Can you honestly tell yourself that you have worked that camera to its utmost abilities? How about a particular lens? What you have a prime lens that has never seen the light? no way!!!
   Amazingly this happens all to often and even some of the most experienced fall into this often. spend money on a piece of equipment and never truly realize on it's weaknesses and advantages. The classic is the 50mm I think. I had one and shot with it a handful of times each year and never really took advantage of the abilities that it possesses. Why? because my zoom also hits 50mm, so why do I need to lug around both! Reheheheally... Guess what, that 50mm is sharper, has much better low light ability, and can hit pretty close to the same shots with a few steps forward or backward from your subject. Oh yeah and I can also get closer to my subject with the 50mm 1.8 than I can with the 18-105. Now the 50mm is not the end all be all but coupled with a few other primes, it is part of a system that is pretty hard to beat.
   So whats in your gear box right now that you have not touched in a while? This is where that mastering your gear comes in to play. A very close friend of mine started in photography a while back. She used to help me out all the time when we were out and about while I was taking pictures. She was always fascinated with photography but I think she might have been scared to jump in. One day I put a DSLR in her hands and lets just say the beast was awoken. I started giving her advice and tips on how to achieve specific things but I pushed and pushed for her to learn the technical aspects of photography which includes learning to use the equipment properly. I said it back then and I will say it today. Learn your equipment! I cant stress enough the importance of knowing what your gear is capable of. Photography is whether you want to admit it 50% technical and 50% artistic and you can not be a well rounded photographer without both. Having a "good eye" is useless if you can't get the shot the right way to begin with.
 

Photographic Art

Beverly Bradner Bestpitch was the winner of  the Dramatic Serenity Challenge. Her amazing image of the FireFall at horsetail falls in Yosemite N.P. is a truly breath taking example what what photographic art should look like. I asked Beverly a few questions about this image and this is what she had to say.

Q- Beverly, congratulations on the win this week
A.  Thank you. There are so many wonderful photographers in this group. It’s an honor to have my image selected.  

Q- This picture is pretty incredible, what made you decide on this location?

A: Last year, Priscilla Reynaud, another photog in this group, planned to meet me sometime in Feb to go shooting. We hadn’t met before our trip to Yosemite, but have the same passion for photography. She suggested we try horsetail falls.

Ever since learning about this phenomenon four years ago, horsetail falls has been on my bucket list. Perfect Choice! We chose Friday instead of the weekend as it was a 3-day holiday weekend; figuring it would be less crowded. Going to my dental appointment was out of the question. Dental appointment or take a chance to capture this incredible image? No comparison – cancelled the appointment in a heartbeat for this trip!

Q- You’re from Sacramento ca. so that was a pretty good trip. I am sure some of our members would like to know about the image. Can you take us into picture and describe what is going on during this shoot? Camera, settings?

 A: It WAS quite a drive! We fueled up the car, loaded way too many clothes, added in too much camera gear, packed up both dogs, and left around 8:00 am for Yosemite. Dave made great time – getting us there and back safely in spite of the crazies on the road. Old dog (Duke) will be 17 next month – 104 in people years - and is quite feeble – we couldn’t leave him home alone; little dog (Doc) pretty much goes with us everywhere. Duker got diarrhea while we were there – but that didn’t stop us from staying to get this shot. Paper towels and baby wipes come in handy - not just for babies. :)  Luckily for us the state had built a temporary bridge around landslide that blocked 140.
We met Priscilla at the parking lot at horsetail falls. We had lunch together at the little deli. What fun meeting another photographer! Around 3:00 we left to find parking spaces, and stake out our spot. You have to be there several hours early to get your spot AND a parking place as well. Park where you shouldn’t and you risk a $300.00 fine!

Q- What genre or subjects do you enjoy photographing the most?

A. Flowers, landscapes are among my favorites subjects. Do you see a trend here? They don’t move! lol :)
 

Q- Any words for our members just starting out?

A. As a “long-time” member of the “Just starting out group” – most often heard suggestion you hear is to keep shooting, learn your equipment and experiment!

 
Q- Where else can we see your work?

As of now, only on my facebook page. Beverly.Bestpitch.Photography.

 
Q- last words?

It’s awesome to connect with kindred photographers. There’s always something new to be learned from every single photographer. And I cannot close without thanking my husband Dave, who is so supportive of my photography.

Thanks Beverly for the insight into your photo.

I want to talk a little about exposure today as I see an amazingly lot of blown out images lately. Not on the challenge but all over. Often times you see portraits with a blown background that draws the attention to the subject and that works great but, I am talking about blowing out the details in a persons face during a session, or blowing out highlights with a mid day sun because the light is to harsh. A good exposure is or should be the key during the shoot. If your using a light, adjust your camera for that added foreground/ subject light with some test shots first. Use your cameras Built in histogram. If your using a reflector, you can generally adjust right off the bat. Knowing how to get a proper exposure is very important. I realize that the DSLR is not capable of capturing the light as we see it but through post processing we have a valuable set of tools to tweek things to our liking.

I have heard this many times. Expose for the highlights and develope for the shadows. This keeps you from blowing out the image and latter, you can adjust the shadows where you want them. This is one instance where digital is different than film so if you shoot film, keep exposing for the shadows. 

Use Filters, yes I realize that many filters can be mimiced in post processing like a warming or cooling filter. Even grad NDs can be mimiced BUT using them in the the field can change your exposures to get the right shot. the same with a CPL. I would much rather have a CPL or ND on my lens than a UV filter but thats my preference.

In many ways HDRI has changed the way we look at an image as well. capturing everything from pure white to pitch black in an image and combining multiple images together. With the invention of good inexpensive HDR software there are some who can make you feel like your in the scene with their knowledge of HDR imaging. There is a lot of hype over HDR and for good reason. many fail to understand HDR and go a little to far in the process. often this comes down to opinion and preference. It is another tool to be used just like Photoshop, Lightroom, or Aperture.

Lastly, yes we have great software these days. There is very little that you cant do in post processing BUT do your best to get it right in camera before you have to sit at your computer for hours on end when you could be out taking more photos.