Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Headshot Plan


How many light sources are you going to use (including any reflectors)?
Two light sources will be used, one on each side of the face, to balance the photo.
Will you use constant lights or strobes (flashes) or both?
Strobes will be used to light the head shots from both side of the face. 

How many PocketWizards will you need?
I will use two Pocket Wizards, one will be attached to the camera, and one will be hung from a strobe. 

How are you going to create a "catch light?"

What lens will you use? Why? Be specific. 
I will use an 80 mm lens to get the best natural looking proportion of the face. 

Post an example of what you want your finished headshot to look like.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Using Wireless Sync and Remotes



1. How many PocketWizards do you need to fire a flash remotely?

You need two PocketWizards to fire a flash remotely.

2. How does a PocketWizard transmit a signal?

The PocketWizard sends a signal to the radio on the camera.

3. How many channels are available on a PlusX transmitter?

Ten channels are available on a PlusX transmitter.

4. How can you tell if a signal has been sent or received?

The LED status indicator will shine red when a signal has been sent or received.

5. What do you need to remotely trigger your camera to take a photo?

Attach a PlusX to your camera with the appropriate cable, then set it to the same channel as another PlusX in your hand. 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Composition and Close-Up

Composition

Rule of Thirds

Leading Lines/ Perspective/ Diagonal Lines

Vertical Lines















S-Curves















Balance















Light as the Subject 














Contrast of Content


Circular Composition







Rhythm/ Repetition


Frame in a Frame





Close-up

Rule of Thirds


Leading Lines/ Perspective/ Diagonal Lines

Vertical Lines


S-Curves


Balance



Light as the Subject














Contrast of Content


Circular Composition


Rhythm/ Repetition


Frame in a Frame

Monday, November 9, 2015

Stock Photography and Legal Issues

Snapwire: Gabrielle Silva

1. What is a model release? Why do you need one?
A model release is permission from the model you used, to sell a photo with them in it. You need a model release to prevent getting sued by the models you took pictures of.

2. Why should you keyword your photos?
Keywording your photos, will help you to pull them up later when you are looking for a particular type of photo.

3. Why do you have to be careful about shooting images with brand names or logos?
You have to be careful not to shoot brand names of logos, because they are property of the manufacturer and you can be sued if you don't have the right release forms.

4. Why should you save space?
You should save space on your photos so if someone buys a photo to use for advertising, they have room to add text.

5. Why do designers like Royalty Free images?
Designers like Royalty Free Images because they are widely available and easily accessible. 

6. Why should designers be careful about using Royalty Free images?
Designers should be careful about using Royalty Free Images because since they are easily accessible it is very likely that two companies may end up with the same image.

7. What is an alternative to Royalty Free images?
An alternative to Royalty Free Images is Rights Managed Stock Photography.

8. In your words, what is the difference between Royalty Free and Rights Managed stock photography?
Royalty Free Images are photos that are widely spread, commonly used, and available to all advertisers, while Rights Managed Stock Photography allows the buyer to cut costs of "commissioning" a special shoot but can prevent the photo from being used for the same type of product. 

9. What is a legal issue that is covered in the FAQ that you never thought of before you read about it?
"If I photograph my young children in the bathtub and send the film out for processing could the processor turn the film over to the police? Could I be prosecuted child pornography?"

10. Why is it an interesting legal issue to you?
Many times parents will shoot pictures of their children in the bathtub, or sink at a young age for memories sake. It is usually not a matter of pornography but I wasn't aware you could be sued for taking such images of your own children, this is probably something to be aware of even if it has no such meaning in your photos.


Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Motion Preview

1. Why slow down your shutter speed?

When you slow down your shutter, you allow the camera shutter to be open long enough to capture the movement of your subject. 

2. What are the two primary ways to create motion in a photograph?

You can create motion in your photography by either having the subject moving or moving the camera itself.

3. Why use a Shutter Priority mode?

Using shutter priority mode will give the photographer full control of shutter speed while the camera sets aperture. This ensures that photographer a well exposed shot while they can easily change shutter speeds.

4. What are three primary methods to compensate for long shutter speeds when there is too much light?

Three primary methods to compensate fo long shutter speeds when there is too much light are:
  • Use a smaller aperture
  • Lower the ISO
  • Use a ND filter
5. From the Web site, what is a good starting shutter speed range (fastest to slowest) that you should start out with when attempting panning?

When attempting panning, you should start with about a 1/60 or 1/15 shutter speed.

6. From the video, why is the center auto focus point important for panning?

The center auto focus point is important for panning because it is the fastest auto focus point and because you can use it as a target to follow to ensure that your subject will come out crisp and clear.

7. From the video, why should you use Continuous Drive mode of panning?

You should use continuous drive mode when panning because you have a higher chance of getting a perfect shot because it takes more pictures quicker than the single shot mode. 


8. What does the "AI Servo" auto focus mode do?

AI-Servo tracks focus on moving subjects so as your subject moves your camera constantly updates focus to keep the subject as sharp as possible.

9. What are the advantages of shooting in "AI Servo" auto focus mode for sports/action photography?

The advantages for shooting in AI Servo auto focus mode for sports/ action photography is that as a photographer you can take multiple pictures of your subject as they move because the camera will automatically update the focus as the subject moves.

10. Why should you consider using Back Button Focus for action photography?
Back button focus is a good option to be considered for action photography, because it allows you to use one shot and continuous modes interchangeably. With back button focus on you can use the continuous shot mode to take photos of moving objects and single shot mode for still objects, you simply have to set the focus once and let go with the back button focus and press the shutter down to get a single shot.
11. What are some of the challenges of Back Button Focus?

Some challenges that come with using back button focus are mostly adjusting and getting use to the different mode since most photographers don't standardly shoot using back button focus.

Still Life Shoot















Thursday, October 22, 2015

Still Life Preview

1. Review the painting example and provide a list of three items that were often seen in painted still life artwork.
  • flowers in vases 
  • feasts of food
  • bowls full of fruit

2. In your own words, write a paragraph that explains what factors the photographer must consider when doing still life photography.
  • When shooting still life photography, photographers must consider which type of clients would buy photos of the particular objects they are shooting. They must consider not only what type of clients, but understand what type of photography is in demand. They need to shoot photos that are in demand, so they have a likelier chance of being sold and in need so the photographer can then make his/ her living. Lastly photographers must be aware to leave empty space in thier photos, many advertisers buy stock photography but need a place to write the advertisement on the photo without covering up the entire image. 

3. Why is the Aperture Priority mode on the camera helpful when doing still life photography?
  • The aperture priority mode on the camera is hopeful to the photographer so that they may focus on different objects within the frame and blur out the background creating a more centered focus. This mode will allow the photographer to change the focus between different objects easily because the only have to set aperture while the camera will set shutter speed and ISO automatically. 

4. Why is a small aperture sometimes beneficial for still life photography?
  • A small aperture is sometimes beneficial for still life photography because the photographer instead of blurring the background wishes to show the entire photo without any depth of field. 
1. Find an example of Stock Photography that interests you and post it to your blog.















2. What is an example of Stock Photography that you could take at your home or in Austin?

  • I could take stock photos of flowers in vases, or fruit in bowls or on a wooden table. 

3. Who is interested in buying stock photography?

  • Advertisers are interested in buying photos they could use to advertise their product or buyers whom frame still life photography in their homes. 

4. Why should commercial photographers consider shooting stock photography?

  • Commercial photographers should consider shooting stock photography because many people use it to frame in their home or advertisers to advertise their product and they can make money doing what they love. (:
1. What are some objects that you have that you could arrange for a Still Life shoot?
  • Coins, old cameras, flowers, books etc. 

2. What backdrop/background could you use to enhance the emphasis on subject or contribute to setting the scene of the photograph?
  • A white backdrop would increase emphasis on the object using simplivity, a rule of composition. 
  • Or black/ brown or wooden backgrounds can give the photo either a darker or vintage/ classical look. 
3. What kind of feeling are you trying to evoke by grouping these objects and background together?

  • By grouping these objects together, I would hope to evoke feelings of antique, old and vintage objects. 

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

RAW vs. JPEG

Part 1

Three advantages of a RAW file
  • contains complete data from the camera's sensor 
  • lower in contrast 
  • uncompressed file 

One disadvantage of a RAW file

  • requires special software to view 

Three advantages of a JPEG file
  • readable by any image program 
  • small file size 
  • sharper image 

What is one disadvantage of a JPEG file
  • higher contrast 

Part 2
A RAW file is a larger, and contains the complete data from your camera.
A JPEG file is a smaller, and contains a compressed version of the data on your camera.
Part 3
1. A RAW file retains all data after it is captured by the camera.
2. Some of the things a RAW file allows a photographer to edit after the image is taken are 
  • white balance
  • contrast
  • highlights
  • shadows
  • colours 
  • saturation
3. Some of the factors that photographers must consider when deciding to shoot in RAW are

  • not all DSLR's have the ability to shoot in RAW
  • RAW files take up more space- so memory cards can hold less photos shot in RAW
  • RAW files can be converted into JPEG but JPEG cannot be converted into RAW


4.  A professional 
photographer might need to know how to work with RAW files because if they want to compete with the best and make their photography a career, then they need to spend time learning editing techniques to enhance their photos. 

Part 4
1. Make a list of three occasions it would be better to shoot in RAW


  • wedding
  • senior portraits 
  • sunset

2. Make a list of three occasions it would be better to shoot in JPEG

  • sports
  • need to share photos quickly
  • sharing photos to devices without editing


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Free Shoot- Long Exposure

The first three photos were taken at McKinney Falls, using a tripod, ND filter and remote shutter.



ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 15 seconds
Aperture: F 22














ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 15 seconds
Aperture: F 22

ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 15 seconds
Aperture: F 22













This photo was taken on an overpass, using a tripod and remote shutter.


ISO: 2000
Shutter Speed: 15 seconds
Aperture: F22

Free Photo Shoot Plan

1. Post an example of the type of photography that you want to emulate?





















2.What is your subject? 
The two subjects I will shoot will be a waterfall and the lights of cars passing over the highway. 3.Where will you shoot it?
The waterfall I will shoot at McKinney Falls, and the cars I will shoot at a overpass near my house. 4.Indoors or outdoors?
Both of these subjects I shoot will be shot outside. 5.What time of day?
The waterfall will be shot during the day, but right before the sun beings to set. The taillights of the cars will be shot at night to create a contrast between the lights of the cars and the dark of the night. 6.What type of lighting?
During the day when I shoot the waterfall, the lighting will be sunlight. And when I shoot the cars at night, the lighting will be artificial, gained from both the tail lights of the cars and street lights as well. 
7.What equipment will you need?
For this free shoot I will need a camera, kit lens, tripod, due to the long exposure, a ND filter to prevent too much light from coming through and a remote to take the pictures so the camera is not moved and does not create a blur. 8.How many photos will your shoot result in?
This shoot will result in a minimum of three photos. 

Sunny 16

Shot 1
Lighting Pattern: Front Lighting Sunny 16
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F16
Shutter Speed: 1/125



Shot 2
Lighting Pattern: Front Lighting Equivalent Exposure 1
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F11
Shutter Speed: 1/250



Shot 3
Lighting Pattern: Front Lighting Equivalent Exposure 2
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F22
Shutter Speed: 1/60



Shot 4
Lighting Pattern: Front Lighting Meter
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/400



Shot 5
Lighting Pattern: Side Lighting Sunny 16
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F16
Shutter Speed: 1/125



Shot 6
Lighting Pattern: Side Lighting Equivalent Exposure 1
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F11
Shutter Speed: 1/250



Shot 7
Lighting Pattern: Side Lighting Equivilent Exposure 2
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F22
Shutter Speed: 1/60



Shot 8
Lighting Pattern: Side Lighting Meter
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/200



Shot 9
Lighting Pattern: Back Lighting Sunny 16
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F16
Shutter Speed: 1/125



Shot 10
Lighting Pattern: Back Lighting Equivalent Exposure1
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F11
Shutter Speed: 1/250



Shot 11
Lighting Pattern: Back Lighting Equvilent Exposure 2
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F22
Shutter Speed: 1/60



Shot 12
Lighting Pattern: Back Lighting Meter
Lighting Condition: Mostly Sunny
ISO: 100
F/Stop: F10
Shutter Speed: 1/100



Shot 13
Lighting Pattern: Dark Shade Sunny 16
Lighting Condition: Dark Shade
ISO: 800
F/Stop: F16
Shutter Speed: 1/125



Shot 14
Lighting Pattern: Dark Shade Equivalent Exposure 1
Lighting Condition: Dark Shade
ISO: 800
F/Stop: F11
Shutter Speed: 1/250



Shot 15
Lighting Pattern: Dark Shade Equivalent Exposure 2
Lighting Condition: Dark Shade
ISO: 800
F/Stop: F22
Shutter Speed: 1/60



Shot 16
Lighting Pattern: Dark Shade Meter
Lighting Condition: Dark Shade
ISO: 800
F/Stop: F4.5
Shutter Speed: 1/800