|
|
Dear Subscriber,
This article by Erin Manning is essentially about shooting basics. It was aimed more at amateurs than pros.
But, I found it to be an interesting recap of techniques that could be of use to nearly everyone.
So, I added some content and am sending it to both amateurs and pros. I think you'll find some interesting pointers.
Take advantage of our 11" x 14" sale at the end of this newsletter. Based upon the sale's popularity we're extending it to the end of May!
Dale
________________________________ |
 Tip #1: Explore The Light
Learn to see the subtleties of light. Notice if the shadows are hard-edged or soft-edged.
A general rule for beautiful images is to plan your photo shoot for early morning or late afternoon because softer shadows equate to more flattering light.
You'll be amazed at how light playing off a subject...all by itself...can create really beautiful images.
_________________________________ |
Tip #2: Know When To Use Your Flash...and When To Turn It Off
It's usually easier to capture interesting nuances of natural light if you turn off your on-camera flash.
On the other hand, if you're taking a back-lit portrait in bright sunlight, you will probably want to fill in deep shadows with automatic fill-in flash.
Our suggestion: Don't lock yourself into any standing rule regarding flash.
_________________________________
|
Tip #3: How To Deal With Mid-Day Sunlight
Take beautiful pictures in the middle of a bright, sunny day by placing your subject in a shaded area near direct sunlight.
Using open doorways or the shade of a tree or building will soften your shadows while giving your picture an interesting visual context.
_________________________________ |
Tip #4: Compose "By the Numbers" For Great Photographs
Using the Rule of Thirds will help you create more compelling photographs. This particular tip will help you win more photo contests than any other.*
Envision a tic-tac-toe board in your viewfinder.
Compose your shots to include distinct visual elements in either one third or two thirds sections of your picture.
Note how we've included the sky in the top third, the water in the bottom section and the mountains in the middle. From left to right you can see that the white boat and the building are each in their own third.
For more tips on composition please click here.
*This simple photo won me a luxury cruise for two in a Windstar Cruises photo contest!
_________________________________ |
Tip #5: Choose An Interesting Frame Within Your Pictures
Overhanging branches, arches or a unique doorway can all draw the viewer's eye into your picture.
We added a sloppy border to the top photo for a "different" bordered effect.
Adding an artistic border is easy. Just click on Get Creative when you order online at www.iprints.com. Then, click Add Creative Edges and Borders.
_________________________________ |
Tip #6: Think About Color
From the vibrant contrast of bright, primary colors to the soft, Zen-like mood of harmonious pinks and greens, color can provide emotional content to a photograph.
_________________________________ |
Tip #7: Control The Light With Reflectors
Create a more attractive image by bouncing available light with a simple reflector.
Bouncing light brightens up faces, gets rid of shadows and creates a catch-light in your subject's eyes. Diffusing light softens harsh shadows falling upon your subject.
Using a reflector at the right angle brought out essential detail in this Savannah tombstone.
You can buy a reflector at a camera store. But, you can also use common household items to bounce or diffuse light onto your subject.
Aluminum foil wrapped around a baking sheet, a car dashboard reflector or a white foam core board can be used to reflect light. Translucent fabric, sheer shower curtains or plastic bags can be used to diffuse light.
_________________________________ |
Tip #8: Tell A Story With Multiple Images
Sometimes you don't want to try to cover an entire subject with a single picture. Try varying the distance and angle in a series of photographs.
Consider a wide-angle shot of an area, a mid-range view and a detailed close-up. You never know which will be the perfect shot...and groupings of pictures are often more effective than a single image.
_________________________________ |
Tip #9: Give Yourself Room To Zoom
To eliminate distracting elements and provide a flattering perspective - stand back and give yourself room to zoom into your subject and fill the frame.
_________________________________ |
Tip #10: Consider the Direction of the Light
- Front light can look flat but diminishes lumps, bumps and wrinkles.
- Sidelight creates dimension and form.
- Backlight can create a silhouettes or a rim of light around your subject.
- Top light isn't flattering and should be avoided.
_________________________________ |
|
Our May Sale: Half Price on All 11" x 14" Enlargements...Including Metallic
We've had a fabulous response to our three week May 11" x 14" enlarging sale. So, we're extending the sale through the entire month.
We're offering all of our 11" x 14" prints at half price on our iPrints.com online site!
The sale price for lustre/matte or glossy 11" x 14"s will be just $2.50 (rather than $5.00). Metallic prints will cost only $3.15 (instead of $6.25).
There are no discount codes or anything special for you to do. Just place your online order at iPrints.com. We'll give the same deal to pros on our iPrintsPro.com site.
I promise you top-quality, color-corrected prints on all your print sizes. You snap the pictures...we'll do the rest!
Best wishes,
Dale
Dale Farkas
President, iPrints.com & iPrintsPro.com
(Online services of Dale Laboratories)
Questions? Call (800) 327-1776. We're here to help!
_________________________________
Photo Credits: David Farkas (my son) from his Savannah collection. Visit David's blog at dfarkas.blogspot.com to see more.
|
|