Search results for: photography tips solutions how to use a tripod properly
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by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Do you want to preserve the memory of that awesome neighborhood fireworks show? Let's discuss the best ways to try to make a memorable photograph commemorating the event.
Before we get started, let me say that there are many ways to accomplish fireworks photography and no technique is usually worse or better than others. The only thing that really matters as you head home after the show is:
You enjoyed the photographic process.
You are left with a photograph or photographs that you personally enjoy.
You enjoyed the fireworks show!
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
As you begin to experiment with exposure, you’re likely to find many creative tricks. For example, one of the most visually stunning compositions you can capture is one where moving water is blurred while the rest of the scene remains tack sharp. You know the look. It’s a much sought-after effect that is quite easy to capture, once you know how. In order to achieve this look, your exposure must go on for a
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
As photographers, we are faced with a wide array of lighting conditions, ranging from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors. Using ambient light as your main source is often preferable; however, in a situation such as an event or portrait where time is of the essence, you will need to know how to properly expose all these varying scenes using both natural and artificial light sources.
Being resourceful with your lighting setups lends greater efficiency, and having a lighting system you can easily move from one situation to the next quickly is
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
When the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, those on Earth are treated to one of nature’s greatest spectacles—a total solar eclipse. It is a phenomenon that almost every observer would like to capture in a photograph.
Due to the rarity of the event, the short duration in which to capture it, and the dynamic nature of the subject, it is one of those photographic opportunities that requires the proper gear, setup, planning, and practice.
Eclipse and solar
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
How unfortunate is it that some of the best photographic opportunities present themselves when it's miserably cold outside? It doesn't matter what kind of camera equipment you're using; proper preparation and knowledge of your gear and environment are essential to helping ensure success when you're out in the cold, making photographs.
Before we talk photography, let me say this: be smart. Cold causes hypothermia and frostbite. There is no potential
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
One of the first words I learned how to say was, “Moon.” All of my life, I have been fascinated by our natural satellite and I have been photographing it for as long as I have had a camera. My photos have gotten better over the years, but I still search for the perfect photo of the moon. Here are some tips and thoughts for your own lunar photography.
Above photograph: A waxing gibbous moon the day before the full moon. FUJIFILM X-T1; Leica APO-Televid 77 spotting scope @ 1000mm (1500mm, 35mm equivalent); f/13, 1/500-second, ISO 200
by Brian Zwiebel · Posted
When winter rolls around, many bird photographers choose to hibernate like a bear or fly south like a bunting. However, with a few precautions and considerations, winter can be an excellent time of year to photograph birds, even in the northern climates. Over the years, I have made dozens of trips to photograph birds in some pretty extreme locations, such as the high arctic, northern Michigan, and northern Minnesota. In this first part of my two-part series, I will share my strategies to prepare yourself and your gear in the best ways for
by John Harris · Posted
What can you do with a high-end telephoto lens? Be a boss, is what you can do. I mean, c’mon! Strutting around the sidelines or cuttin’ through the bush with one of these beasts resting on your shoulder―not only do you look tough, but you’re also carrying a lens that you need to get the best photos in sports and wildlife photography. When I say best, let’s not underestimate the greatness of photographers who can create wonderful images with a wide-angle lens or even a telephoto of lesser quality, but to really excel in the disciplines of
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Setting up your camera properly for night or low-light photography is a fundamental key to successful images. There are no hard and fast rules for settings for night photography because many of the settings you choose depend on the scene before you and how you want it to look in the final image. However, this guide will give you a foundation for setting up your camera to capture the wonders of the night.
Photographs ©Todd Vorenkamp
Exposure Mode
by Howard Gotfryd · Posted
It’s summertime, so naturally, barbecues and family gatherings are on the roster for many of us. Summer is a time for rest and relaxation, good weather, and dining al fresco. There is a good chance you’ll want to document your picnics, barbecues, and the food and beverages you’ll be serving. We all love to do that, especially in recent years. If you want your food photos to stand out while keeping your workflow simple, here are a few tips that may help you.
Working with Available Light
Direct sunlight can be harsh as a single source for food
by Lindsay Finnegan · Posted
Are you new to food photography or looking to advance your lighting techniques? This article takes you through how to use existing light to your benefit as well as how to create it yourself. Both approaches will yield similar results, but each has its own unique advantages. It’s up to you which path to take.
Natural: Work with Window Light
The simplest way to photograph food is to shape light that already exists
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
Time lapses feel a lot like photography during capture stages and a lot like video during the editing process. Creating them is a common progression for photographers looking to dip their toes into video and motion because you can start making high-quality time lapses with your current still photo equipment. If you are starting to tackle time-lapse projects, applying some video tricks can help smooth out your final product.
The Absolute Basics
I’m hoping that by the time you make it to this article you already have a basic understanding of how
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
If someone were to ask me what is the fastest, easiest, and most effective way of instantly improving their photography, my answer would be: a tripod. In the quest to make better photographs, we often dream of owning the latest camera body or the most expensive lenses. For many of us, these remain out of reach and impractical. A quality tripod, however, can be had for less than the price of a New York City dinner for two (with drinks) and, because of that, I
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Imagine seeing an incredibly rare bird at a great distance through a spotting scope. Those birding next to you cannot see the same bird. You need to prove to them, and to your own life list, that you have spotted this rare species. It is way too far away for your camera to capture. What can you do? This is a job for… digiscoping!
Digiscoping with a spotting scope, telescope
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
Even when you’re photographing distant landscapes with wide-angle lenses, you may notice that the image doesn’t look as sharp as you thought it would. Or perhaps some objects are tack sharp, but as you look farther into the foreground or background, it loses some of that detail. One solution is to use a technique known as focus stacking to ensure your images are as sharp as possible throughout the entire image.
What Is Focus Stacking?
A popular technique for macro and product photography, focus stacking is a technique in which multiple images