Search results for: photography features key lighting techniques
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by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
You don’t have to go far to capture fun and engaging images of wildlife. In fact, you may not have to go anywhere at all. A carefully landscaped yard and the right tools can attract an impressive variety of animal life to observe and photograph. Pair that with a little patience and soon you’ll be capturing stunning images from the comfort of your own home.
Attracting Birds
Birds are part of nearly every environment, from the densest cities to rural areas. While they are common, we’ll need to offer three essentials—water, shelter, and food—to
by Steven Gladstone · Posted
When creating images for a film, you try to balance your shots so that you draw the audience into the movie, while at the same time they forget that they are watching a movie. Usually, the last thing you want is to break the illusion and have the audience snap out of their reverie.
As you read this article, you may want to pause and rewatch some classic films, or films that had a powerful effect on you. Examining the new and different techniques, lighting, and compositions used to create impact, mood, and feeling will help you grow as a
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Birds, they’re all around us. If you haven’t paid much attention to them, you’re not alone. But, once you do, you’ll have a hard time stopping. If you haven’t yet dabbled in bird watching, known colloquially as birding, we have just one question. Why not? Birding is the perfect way of partially disconnecting from the digital world we find ourselves in and connecting with nature through observation, and one of the most relaxing pastimes imaginable.
If you’re fascinated by our feathery friends but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Most photos consist of a balance between bright and dark tones, creating what we typically consider to be “proper exposure.” In proper exposure, there should be ample detail in all areas of the image, no matter how dark or how bright. At least, that’s what we should do when trying to capture a balanced exposure.
Balance, while important to most photographic situations, is not always best for a scene. There are
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Despite what you might have seen on the internet, you don’t need all the money and time in the world to photograph wildlife. Sure, an African safari would be nice, but it is by no means the only way to capture stunning images of wild animals. In fact, regardless of where you live, odds are there’s a vast ecosystem that likely goes unnoticed. If you have trees in your neighborhood, you’re off to a great start.
What You Need to Photograph Wildlife
While gear plays a crucial role in our ability to photograph wildlife, it isn’t everything. In this
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Paul Mobley and Ian Spanier have much in common: from starting their respective careers in New York City before relocating to the West Coast, to their knack for forging a human bond with portrait subjects, to an unrelenting drive to generate ambitious commercial assignments while being equally dedicated to complex personal projects.
Above Photograph © Ian Spanier
In today’s podcast, Paul and Ian compare notes on their photographic journeys from coast to coast, while discussing their shared inspiration for 20th century portrait masters such as
by Luke Rollins · Posted
Many hobbyists reach a turning point in their craft when they decide to pursue wedding photography seriously. With the transition to pro comes the task of updating your lens kit accordingly, and most photographers would agree that investing in quality glass is essential. Unlike the rapid turnover of camera bodies, lenses will last for years and can make all the difference in creating quality images. Understanding what some of the best available options are will help you invest appropriately.
What to Consider
Weddings are long affairs, often
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Family portraits are a great way to capture a moment in your family’s history. You may find yourself wanting to capture family photos every few years or so, more often when the little ones are, well, little. Maybe you’re looking for a way to take matters into your own hands, or maybe you’ve been taking your own family photos for years and have found yourself being asked to take photos of friends, family members, or even paying clients.
Family portraits can be a lot of fun to shoot. Maybe you’ve been taking photos of your kids and want to
by Luke Rollins · Posted
It’s easy to overlook the fact that when you’re buying a camera, you’re not just buying the body—you’re buying the mount system and all the lenses, too. After a camera and two lenses, you’re locked in, and switching brands becomes as difficult as moving apartments or buying a new car. Sure, making a camera and making a lens are different beasts, and while in truth there are great cameras and great lenses across all the brands, some companies do some things a little better than others. And let’s face it—you know somebody is going to ask you
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
For landscape photographers, having the right equipment is everything. You want gear that is lightweight, rugged, and easy to travel with. Multipurpose gear that has a variety of practical applications when you’re out in the field never hurts either. If you are a landscape photographer or buying a gift for one, we have some great product recommendations for every budget.
Gifts Under $50
1. Multitools are a photographer's best friend, especially out in the field.
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At first glance, photographers Chris Orwig and Aaron Anderson seem an unlikely pairing—with the natural light and high key palette of Chris’s portraits forming a sharp contrast to the cinematic lighting and film noir aura featured in Aaron’s work. Yet, their heartfelt discussion about creative reinvention in today’s podcast celebrates the notion that opposites attract. Adding to our core topic of reshaping skills at every stage of your career, we’ll also delve into keeping abreast of creative trends and remaining relevant as a creator in an
by Tim Ireland · Posted
Macro photography allows photographers to explore the intricate details of subjects at a 1:1 or greater magnification ratio. However, capturing sharp, stable, and well-lit macro shots can be challenging, due to factors like camera shake, focusing difficulties, and lighting issues. This comprehensive guide will delve into the support systems and related tools that can enhance your macro photography experience, addressing specific challenges that may arise.
Stabilization Tools
Studio Stands: Studio stands are large, stable support systems
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In this B&H Event Space video, Kenneth Hines, Jr. (@professorhineschoice) shares his techniques and approach to architectural photography. Travel virtually with him to places such as New York City, London, and other exciting locales as he captures a city’s most striking architectural features.
0:00 - Introduction
2:48 - Beginnings
8:19 - Freedom Tower
12:09 - What is the Key to Artistic Architectural Cityscapes?
13:53 - Visualize Before You Capture
19:15 - Be Attentive to Light
28:45 - Framing, Angles, and Weather
39:30 - Determine
by Marjorie Perlas · Posted
There’s a reason that softboxes are a preferred lighting modifier in the world of fashion photography and portraiture. With an effect that mimics daylight, the softbox offers a more flattering light source for models and a more diverse set of lighting options for photographers. It’s a versatile staple that should be in every portrait photography lighting kit.
A Dynamic Light Source
The softbox’s
by Jill Waterman · Posted
Instead of an apron, food photographer Joanie Simon wears many hats—commercial and editorial imagemaker, recipe developer, photo educator, Blogger, YouTube Influencer, Livestreamer, and content creator extraordinaire. For more than a dozen years, Simon has built her brand into a powerhouse of creative content and learning, to whet the appetites of both foodies and photographers alike. Her straightforward approach to this specialized field is of value to shutterbugs at all levels of experience, from beginners on cell phones to experienced pros.