Better Photo Tips

More about the light

2011-04-27T19:08:00.004-06:00

In this example, even though it was very bright outside I still used the two flash set up mentioned below. The reason being . . . it was too bright and sunny.

Notice, no harsh shadows on the faces. People may look at you strange when shooting with flash on a bright sunny day, but I find the images consistently look better.

I also use this type of setup when trying to do a little fill light. Example: using natural leaves to frame your subject. Normally they turn dark, because your camera is exposing for the subject itself. Using the extra flash, makes both the subject and the leaves look natural.

See an example under my post dated Nov. 28th 2010 that is called: "MORE than what you saw".

About the Light

2011-04-27T18:48:00.004-06:00

I have had people ask me about my lighting when I shoot outdoors. It's not fancy, but it is effective, especially when shooting people and you want to avoid harsh shadows.

As most of you aware the built in flash (A) on most cameras is NOT very powerful. I often use a secondary flash (B) with a head that I can turn at an angle. Regardless of what brand you choose, you want it to be a "Slave" Flash.

When your original flash goes off, the sensor (C) on the secondary flash also sets that off. By keeping the more powerful light at an angle it keeps the image looking more like natural light (without blowing away the subject.) Since this light is higher and at an angle, you rarely see any additional shadows.

Keep On Learning

2011-04-03T12:52:00.004-06:00

For the last few months, I have spent more time making Photoshop Tips, than shooting photos. Many photographers use this popular program, and many do not.

Those that do not, are often over-whelmed by how much there is to learn. I myself used Photoshop 7 for over 12 years because for the same reason.

As I have pushed myself to learn more, I also learned more about myself.

I learned that I understand things better, when I look for ways to explain things to others. I learned that trying things that scare you can also be inspiring. I also learned that the learning process in itself, keeps your mind open to new ideas. I encourage all to try something you have never tried before.

The Supporting Cast

2010-12-16T04:28:00.004-07:00

In most cases the subject of your photo is considered to be using the positive space in your image. Anything that is NOT part of the subject is considered to be negative space.

Most beginning photographers only concentrate on the subject itself, and that can be a problem. The photograph shown here was taken in front of an apartment complex. If a dog walked by or a car had been parked in the background, it would not have had the same visual impact as what you see here.

In most movies the subject of the story line is the main actor or actress. But more often than not, what makes their performance memorable is the interaction with the other actors (the supporting cast).

We as photographers MUST consider the negative space in our images as the supporting cast. If it does not add to or support the subject, then GET RID OF IT!! Crop it tighter, change your angle or direction, but do not ignore it.

People may be attracted by a big name actor (or your subject) but if the supporting cast (or your negative space) doesn't do their (or it's) part, people will loose interest.

The Art of the Craft

2010-12-16T03:48:00.002-07:00

My Mother has been a Potter for over 30 years. She prefers hand built pottery to anything created on the potter's wheel. She considers herself an Artist as opposed to a Craftsman. By her definition an Artist creates something that is unique, wherein a Craftsman (no matter how talented) creates something that can be produced again and again.

By her definition, I suppose all photographers are Craftsman, yet being a rebellious son I tend to dispute her definition. When we (as photographers) capture a moment in time, it often can not be duplicated. Therefore photojournalist MUST be artists, right?

When we (as photographers) capture an expression or mood there is no guarantee that our subject will ever feel exactly the same way again. Therefore portrait photographers MUST be artists, right?

When we (as photographers) capture a prospective or angle in nature that most others walk by, we influence how others view the world. Not something you can do everyday. Therefore landscape photographers MUST be artists, right?

My definition varies a bit from my mothers. An Artists makes something unique by putting themselves into the finish product. A GOOD craftsman is always an artist, those that are not deal with mass production and have no emotional tie to their work.

The Non Traditional Portrait.

2010-12-07T05:52:00.004-07:00

The old cliché that says: "smile and look at the camera" is not always the best way to take a portrait. In fact, many informal or candid portraits don't have the subject looking at the camera at all. The idea behind taking a portrait verses just another snap shot is to clarify, intensify, or otherwise enlarge our experience of life. Your goal is to capture the emotional statement that your subject or subjects are projecting.

In this picture, there is no smile and the subject is not looking at the camera, but is it a successful picture? I think so. You feel a mood or expression. It may be weariness or boredom, but their is still something that the viewer can relate to. Think of people at work or play involved in what matters the most to them at the time. A mechanic working on a car, a dancer stretching before the performance, a bull rider strapping himself in; can all be perfect times to capture that perfect moment.

I've contemplated the idea that 1 month I should have a non traditional portrait contest. Rules would include not in a traditional background, not in a traditional pose, and the subject is NOT looking at the camera. Let me hear your thoughts on this idea.

Any Big Ape

2010-12-04T09:05:00.003-07:00

As this cover indicates, any big ape can take a picture; but that doesn't mean they are really a photographer. As you may have guessed from this blog, or the hundred + photo articles I have written in the past, I also enjoy writing (although rarely have I ever been paid for it.)

Tradition says to write about what you know. I have in mind to write a story about a man and a woman, he being a photographer, she being the writer. Together they have to solve something (yet to be determined); and he will teach her how to visualize, while she teaches him to express his feelings in words. Expected to be of the romantic mystery type genre.

The reason I post this here is to get feedback on examples of how you teach others to visualize, or . . . how you would describe what you go through when you are looking for that perfect image. As I want this to go book length, I am looking for multiple perspectives and things that can be taught through out the story line.

Clyde Brown's work shown on TV

2010-12-01T06:16:00.002-07:00

The TV show "Twin Cities Live" recently asked for photos taken around the Minnesota area that they would have a professional photographer who works for National Geographic critique their photo on the air. Out of who knows how many sent in, they only chose 2 and Clyde Brown's Photo "Stone Arch Bridge" first seen on our site as a contest winner back in March 2008 was one of those lucky winners. You can see the video clip here; but be aware Clyde's photo is not mentioned until the last minute of the clip. http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/s1832780.shtml?cat=10698

MORE than what you saw.

2010-11-28T09:05:00.003-07:00

When walking around in Zion National Park (or any other scenic location for that matter); you often have to see beyond the existing subject matter for others to experience that same sense of freshness and beauty.

The tall rock walls are beautiful and awe inspiring, but when shot against an open sky, they often go dark and loose detail. Remember the camera is going to try to average the light it sees.

When I looked for something to frame the subject, I had the same problem, the leaves were almost silhouette, because of the bright sky in the middle. I solved this problem by using my flash outdoors to fill in the details in the leaves. More details in the leaves, better framing. Better Framing, more feeling of depth between the leaves and rock. More feeling of depth, the more it feels like you were there.

More often than not, for your viewer to have the same type of visual experience you did when shooting, you have to include MORE than just the subject. Yes, the rocks caught your eye, but to keep them looking again and again, there must be something to compare it to. Keep an open mind, when shooting what catches your eye.

Serious about Photography

2010-11-28T08:31:00.003-07:00

Over 30+ years ago when I started in photography, I had another job that always kept my family secure. We were far from rich but we were secure enough that I never hesitated to get better photography equipment when I could.

In the last 4 or 5 years, the economy has been bad, and I had several "other jobs" besides photography. I turned to the web and spent more time on my website (about photography) than actually doing photography.

In one of the articles I wrote, I said, "If I had to start all over again, I would spend two hours a day; either reading about, writing about, or doing Photography." The Key I said was to do something every day to prove to myself as much as anyone else, that I was actually serious about photography.

Well, that day has come. I am tired of actually being envious of those photographers that are doing more than I am. I am ashamed when I make excuses to myself, why I can't make a living at it full time. I know I can not afford to quit my other job now, but my goal for 2011 (be it a month early) is to start believing in myself again. I plan to be more serious about my photography, and if you will follow this blog; I plan to share with others, how I make that change.

Photography Art or Craft?

2010-11-17T19:27:00.002-07:00

The question is often brought up if Photography is more of an Art or is it a Craft? To answer that you have to define what is an Art or what is a craft.

Most people would agree that a painter (scenic not house) is an Artist. Likewise a person that builds furniture is considered as a Craftsman. Using that as a reference point it could be said that an Artist creates something unique, whereas a Craftsman makes something that can be repeated again and again.

Based on that definition it would seem obvious that photography is a craft, but . . . it's not quite that simple. Give 5 photographers, the same camera, the same subject, and the same lighting and more often than not you will still get a variety of unique images. Therefore, photography must be an Art, right?

My personal opinion is that it is both a Craft and an Art. While many people learn the Craft (exposure, depth of field, shutter speeds, etc.) not everybody bothers to take it to the next level and learn the Art (Framing, Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, etc.) I have great respect for both; but for those who argue it is one or the other, I believe they are not getting the whole picture.

Pre Baby Photos

2010-06-26T19:56:00.002-06:00

Although I was never successful in getting my own wife to pose for pre baby shots, I was privileged to be able to take a series of these shots recently.

The most obvious thing to remember with this type of shooting is to put mom in a favorable light. Don't exaggerate her size or distort her size. Do find ways to emphasize love and joy.

Originally I was hired just to do Mom, but it ended up being a family shoot. Which in my opinion is a good thing. A new life in the family effects everybody, so why not include everybody?

If you can get your foot in the door by shooting baby before he or she gets here, who do you think the family will call when baby is here? Shooting a dozen or more pregnant women will not only get you better known, it may also bring you clients for many years to come.

Polarizing Filters

2010-06-12T07:17:00.004-06:00

A friend recently wrote and asked, what is the best filter (polarized) for my Nikon D90? What is the difference between filters? My response was this:

There are two types of polarizing filters available — linear or circular. (similar to JPG vs Raw Format) Linear polarizers are more effective and less expensive than circular ones; BUT . . . circular polarizers are needed with just about any camera that has a through-the-lens metering system, or auto-focus.

Polarizing filters exist for most camera types, from medium format to digital point and shoot cameras. Auto-focus SLRs (like the ones I use) need circular polarizers, like mentioned above. In these, the front side rotates which enables the user to see the effect gradually appear in the viewfinder.

There are many manufacturers of filters out there. Personally I prefer actual glass filters as opposed to plastic which means most of the filters I own are either "Tiffen" or "B+W" or "Hoya". Tiffen and Hoya are probably the two biggest names out there (similar to Canon or Nikon) with B+W as a very close 3rd (similar to Pentax). You do NOT have to stick with just one manufacturer, shop around and compare prices.

One Last tip. If you have several different lens filter sizes (52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, etc) consider buying for the largest size you own and then also purchasing "step-up ring adapters". Step up adapters as the name applies has a small size that fits the actual lens being used and then "Steps up" to the size of filter you own. They are cheap compared to the cost of purchasing every filter 3 or 4 times.

Photo Contest Challenge

2010-03-30T17:53:00.005-06:00

Why do dancers, dance? Why do singers, sing? In most cases, it has something to do with sharing their gift. Why every four years does the world stop what they are doing and watch a group of people perform their very best (the Olympic Games)? There is something intoxicating about watching an event where every single person is trying to push their limits to become better than before.

The Photo shown here was taken by Kami Myles, and it did NOT win this months photo contest, but it easily could have. Kami has won 4 photo contest of ours since Feb. 2007. She keeps turning out beautiful work and has a really cool website at "http://www.kamimylesphotography.com/" She has won many awards and is living her dream. Photo Contests are not a means to put down those who do not win, they are a means to inspire and uplift those who do not even have the courage to try. Kami keeps trying, and keeps a winning attitude regardless of the results. If I had a section on my site for winning attitudes, I'm sure she be on there quite often. I encourage all of us to do the same. Keep putting your best images out there and enter often so others may also be inspired by your work.

ART improves Photography

2010-03-09T18:58:00.005-07:00

When I was in High School, I took pictures of everything. I won several awards. Everybody knew me as a photographer and life was good. When I went to college, a teacher reviewed my portfolio. This man studied every picture, then calmly said,

"Do you know what you're problem is?"
A little nervous I replied, "No. What's my problem?"
"Your problem is . . . you were told you were good." He answered.
I was only 18, so in a cocky voice I asked, "And why is that a problem?"
He grinned like he expected my reaction. "You've been told you were good, by people who have no idea what good really is. Now, you're going to be good, according to those who know what good really is."

That is when I started studying ART to improve my photography skills. Although I have taken have a dozen photography classes of different types since that time, NONE of those classes have effected the quality of my work as much as my Art classes. Learn the elements of design (leading lines, balance, harmony, rule of thirds, etc) and I GUARANTEE the quality of your photos will improve too.

More Vs. Better

2010-03-07T18:55:00.003-07:00

In the beginning, photographers had huge massive cameras like the Calumet 8x10 view camera, or the Horseman 5x7 View camera. This type of camera was limited to 1 sheet of film at a time. To be more accurate the individual holders, did hold two sheets at a time. You took one shot then flipped it over to expose a second shot. Then we moved into medium format cameras like the Mamiya RB67 or Hasselblad 4x5 camera these had film backs that held 8 or 10 shots at a time.

For the last 50 years or so, the most popular consumer format has been the 35mm camera, which took rolls of film with 12, 24, or 36 exposures possible. Now with the popular digital format cameras, it is literately possible to shoot thousands of photos on a single memory card.

Master photographers like Ansel Adams or Edward Weston were known to spend hours or even days to get a single shot. As a member of the Sierra Club; Adams for example would often hike a full day with pack mules, packers, cooks and others just to get to the right location. He would find the perfect location, and then wait for the perfect light. He was in tune to every highlight, shadow, shape and line that made up his magnificent work.

When 35mm cameras added power winders modern photographers boasted of being able to shoot a roll of 36 pictures in just over 7 seconds. Somehow, that just doesn't seem like the same level of dedication or even understanding as those who showed us the way.

In the process of making camera's lighter and able to do more, hold more, and shoot more have we actually made ourselves less about creativity, and more about mass production?

When I was a high school photographer, I often shot two or more rolls of 36 exposures at a sporting event or drama production. When I got to college; one of the Master Photographers in my life (David Meyers), critiqued my work again and again. Eventually, he only gave me a single 24 exposure roll to shoot ANY event. "Don't show me how much you can shoot," he would say, "Show me how good you can shoot."

It's been over 30 years since I heard those words, and a lot has happened in the world of photography since then. But truth is still truth, and the wisdom of what he taught will never leave me. Just because you can shoot multiple shots in a few seconds, doesn't mean you should. You decide, do you want to be lucky or do you want to be good?

The Right Expression

2010-01-01T06:04:00.003-07:00

This little girl was blowing a kiss to Mommy and Daddy at the time this shot was taken. I almost didn't include it in the group of shots given to the parents.

Why would I NOT include it? Because like so many photographers, I sometimes let my preconceived shots dominate over my reality shots. In other words, I was aiming for a smile, I didn't get the smile, therefore this shot must be a failure . . . right? WRONG!!

This is one of their favorite shots, because it captures the spirit, energy, and personality of that child. Remember, photography is a journey, not just a destination.

It's like taking a two hour hike to get to a waterfall and not taking a single other shot along the way. Don't get so focused on what you want, that you forget to be open to other possibilities.

Is Photoshop Cheating?

2009-12-29T22:07:00.003-07:00

There are those among us who think if you do anything to your photo after you take the picture then that's cheating.

If one painter only has a dozen colors to work with and one has 64 colors to begin with, are they cheating to use the extra colors they have available?

Do I cheat? Yes, I do and I'm proud of it. I will lighten eyes, darken skin, remove pimples, increase contrast, increase color saturation, and occasionaly do something creative like this.

I create images to give an emotional response to the viewer. I consider Photoshop and other computer programs like it as tools of the trade. This arguement is not something new. I remember when some argued that it was cheating to use filters, or electronic flash. The only thing that I consider cheating in photography, is when the photographer closes his or her mind and stops trying to be as creative as possible.

The Emotion of Color

2009-12-22T06:26:00.002-07:00

I showed this photo to the mother recently and she said, "It kind of creeped her out." Keep in mind she had two miscarriages before this child and this one was a life and death struggle for the first several months.

The same mother had no problem with the B&W baby and a bright pink bow in the hair.

This made me curious about how color or lack there of can effect the emotional state of the viewer. Obviously personal history has a lot to do with it, but I post this shot with a general question.

How does it make YOU feel?

What Makes an Award Winning Photograph??

2009-11-30T17:03:00.004-07:00

Having judged photos for over 4 years and having taken photos for over 30 years, I feel qualified to share some insight to what people who judge photos are looking for.

1.) Have a dominate subject or theme . . . that doesn't mean it HAS to be a single subject like this, but if you have to guess . . . that's not a good sign.

2.) The Simpler the Background the Better . . . that doesn't mean it HAS to be soft focus like this, but do NOT let it pull your attention away from the subject.

3.) Lines and Shapes Must Support the Subject . . .
too often and lines or shapes can lead your eyes off the page and or make you wonder what else is there besides the subject.

4.) A Great Image must have Emotional Impact . . . we all see 1,000's of images a day. The Greats Ones are those that stay in our mind. We can feel, touch, or smell that image in our mind because of the creative use of Texture, Depth of Field, or the Rule of Thirds. Great Images make us want to look again and again. Not all Artists are Photographers, but all Great Photographers are Artists!! Be aware of the Principles of Design. The Photo seen here was shot by Janet Daniel from Texas. It did not win our photo contest when first submitted, but . . . it easily could have.

Kami Myles Wins After Dark Photo Contest

2009-11-07T21:09:00.008-07:00

Thanks to all my friends who helped me be a winner in the After Dark contest. This contest was not really a best photo award. It was more about marketing game to get the word out about After Dark Education.

The prize was $2000 worth of tickets to go to Miami to enjoy the next After Dark educational event. If you are into photography like I am, you will want to sign up now. They have an early bird special that knocks $100 off making it $400 for now. It's well worth the money. I have never seen so much photography talent in one place at a time.

Here is a link if you want to look at all the fantastic instructors.

http://afterdarkedu.com/mentors/

This was a fantastic experience!! - Kami Myles

How to post to this Blog

2009-11-02T21:24:00.005-07:00

It has been brought to my attention that the reason more people are not using this blog is that they don't know how. Therefore I thought I would solve that problem.

Step 01. Once at Blog site, go to upper left hand corner click on the “Sign in” link
Step 02. Enter your Google Account User Name and Password
Step 03. If you do not already have a Google Account click on the “Create a Blog Link” to create a Google account. It’s free and you can use any existing email address.
Step 04. Once signed in, it will pull up the Dashboard. On the left hand side you can create a profile about yourself, if you desire. On the right hand side you will see options like “New Post”, “Edit Post”, “Settings”, etc. Click on “New Post” link
Step 05. In the new post Tab you will see “Title” and a box to the side. Enter The Title of your post, example: “How to Post to this Blog”
Step 06. Across the top of the “Compose Section” you will see different options like: Font, Font Size, Bold, Italic, Font color, etc.
Step 07. If you want to place a picture with the post, go to the third icon from the End (on the right hand side). This is the Add Image icon. Click it and a new window will appear.
Step 08. From there you can “Add an image from your computer” or you can “Add an Image from the web” You can also choose your layout. I usually use the default layout; (image to the left with text wrapping around it). I also usually use medium for image size. Click Add image, then click done.
Step 09. Back at the compose tab, type in your comments or questions as you desire.
Step 10. You can use the preview link in the upper right corner so see how it will look before you actually post. When ready click on the Publish Post button on the bottom left hand corner.

Just like a normal web page, it takes a little practice lining things up. That's why I use the Preview Link (a lot!) But now that you know how, give it a try and share all those wonderful photography experiences.

Save it for a Cloudy Day

2009-10-31T20:37:00.003-06:00

When I run out of inspiration, which happens more often than I care to admit, I often go out and shoot clouds.

When I take pictures of clouds, I always shoot in both directions (vertical and horizontal). What I look for is something I can use in the background of another shot. Whether a portrait or another scenic shot; when the subject is great, but the background is blah, then the whole shot seems blah.

Some question whether or not this is ethical, using Photoshop to create the perfect image. My feeling is this . . . if I take the foreground, and I take the background, and I do the combining . . . it's still my work.

Tree Silhouette

2009-10-12T12:07:00.002-06:00

The original colour image of this shot wasn't bad, but I feel that the black and white version is a much stronger image. To me black and white seems to work especially well with images where there is high contrast and strong graphic lines.

Most Rescent New Subject

2009-10-06T18:12:00.003-06:00

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and keep shooting the same thing again and again. Or worse . . . sometimes we get stuck in a rut and stop shooting all together. I have been in a town that has this "Skyfest" event every year for the last five years. I have nothing to compare it to as far as ballooning events go, because this is the first year I actually made it to the event. It was kind of cool. There were about 30 to 40 balloonist from all over, and several hundred locals attending the event. I had never shot an event like this before, but it was fun applying existing skills to a totally different subject matter. I recommend it to everyone. Not just shooting huge Balloons, but shooting anything you have never shot before. It might just surprise you, how fresh and exciting things seem all over again.

Cloudy Moon

2009-09-12T16:25:00.010-06:00

Hi All,

There hasn't been much action on this blog for a while, so I thought that I would post a night shot of the moon.

This image is composed of two image files: one expsosed for the foreground and one exposed for the moon.

All the Best, Jeff

Responses to Comments

2009-08-08T22:04:00.003-06:00

As I am starting to get more comments on certain articles, I find it easier to also respond to the comments in the comment section. In other words; if you had a question that was asked in the comment section under a particular article and the next day you see there are now two comments for the same article, it is very possible that is either me, or one of the others who also read this responding to your comments. I do get emails showing me which articles have comments on any given day. So just as a general bit of knowledge; if you ask a question, check back in the same section you asked it under to see possible answers. And if others, see my answers and want to add more, feel free to do the same. Some questions can very easily have multiple answers depending on your own experiences.

Depth of Field

2009-08-08T06:53:00.011-06:00

Just wanted to put my two cents worth in on the depth of field question. I will not comment on what depth of field that I find most realistic, but I would like to state my opinion on what depth of field I find the most pleasing.

I find that a shallow depth of field not only isolates your subject, but also can give your photo an almost dream-like quality and a sense of wonder or mystery.

For me that's what photography is all about--creating a daydream that we can share with others.

Photo Favorite

2009-08-07T18:12:00.004-06:00

As I said earlier, I am still new to "Blogging". I just figured out that I could also post photos here too. Actually any of us can, so I encourage you to do so. This is one of my favorite shots, and what most people do not realize is that the overhang in this shots is only sticking out about 1 foot.

If you want to give feedback about this shot, or post one of your own, feel free. The point of this blog is it is to be used as a tool for all of us, not just me. If any of you also have other photographer friends that might be interested in this invite them to view both the website and the blog.

I agree with Ansel Adams who said: "Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."

Who motivates the motivator?

2009-08-06T18:06:00.003-06:00

Some people have said that not only do I burn my candle at both ends, but sometimes it almost appears that I have a blow torch going in the middle. To those people I reply; "If I shoot for the stars and ONLY reach the sky; am I really a failure, compared to those who were too afraid to reach beyond their own limitations?"

I try therefore I am. Note; I did NOT say I think therefore I am. Many people think about what they want. Many people hope, plan, and dream to accomplish something, someday. I am all about trying new ideas, DOING something different. Some people would say I'm setting myself up for failure. If I try 10 new things; that nobody thinks I can do, and I only achieve 1 does that make me a failure? What if by some miracle I actually achieve 2 or 3? Since nobody thought I could do it to begin with, failure becomes kind of relevant, don't you think?

One of my heroes is Thomas Edison who stated, "I have NOT failed. I've found 10,000 ways that won't work." I treat my photography, my website, and my personal ambition to leave a positive influence on the world with the same attitude. If I offend any who think I spend too much time with my head in the clouds I reply, "Only my shoulders are in the clouds . . . my eyes are staring at the universe beyond."

Wanted: Motivation

2009-08-05T17:33:00.002-06:00

OK, here's the deal. Ezine Articles.com is having a contest. Write 100 articles in 100 days, win cool stuff. Prior to this contest, I wrote 80 articles in 2 years. Besides creating this blog to help interaction between our group of talented photographers; I was truly to hoping to get more feedback on the type of things, you guys as photographers wanted to know more about. Yes, in case you were wondering, I am talking about photography articles.

So far, I'm at 4 articles in 4 days. Only 96 more to go!! Besides the prizes, I was also hoping this would give me more material to update my current photo ebook. So let me not beat around the bush any longer.

If you were to buy an ebook on photography, knowing what you already know, what subjects would you want it to cover?? The goal of this ebook would be to take you to the next level in photography. This is NOT aimed at the beginning photographer, rather it is to help existing photographers to become even more successful.

I will continue to post here as ideas occur, but I am looking for motivation, ideas, inspiration, etc; not only for the contest, but so that I can create something that will benefit as many photographers as possible. I know I don't know it all, but I can research and find answers that people really need . . . if I know what the questions are to begin with.

As a side note; I am strongly considering promoting this next ebook through "Clickbank". What that means to you is, I will make this a money making venture for all of us. You can get a percentage of any of my e books that are sold from your website. But not to get ahead of myself. First, I need to write 100 more photography articles. Second, I will totally redesign my current award winning ebook. Third, together we will make a lot of money.

For now, just keep sending ideas my way please!!!!

Group F 1.2

2009-08-04T20:33:00.005-06:00

In 1932 a group of eleven American photographers formed Group F64 to promote a new direction in photography. The name referred to the smallest aperture available in large-format view cameras at the time and it signaled the group's conviction that photographs should celebrate the medium's unrivaled capacity to present the world "as it is."

These were some of the biggest names of the day, to include Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Edward Weston to name a few. As most of you know, the higher the F-stop number, the greater the depth of field. So what their name sake implied was the greater the depth of field, the better.

In the world of photography these masters, were and are some of the greatest photographers of all time. I am not, and will NOT criticize any of their wonderful images; but I will ask this, "does more depth of field really show the world as it is?"

Try this experiment. Hold your thumb up and extend your arm out at full length. Focus on the tip of your thumb, then try to focus on anything 10 feet past that. You can not do both at the same time. The human eye does not have the ability to see everything sharp from edge to edge regardless of the depth of the image. If I were to form a group today, I would call it Group F1.2 .

A narrow depth of field has several unique advantages. A) It is much closer to how the human eye views the world. B) It forces the photographer to be very selective about what they want to show. C) Distracting backgrounds are almost nonexistent.

Obviously, no one rule can fit every situation, but . . . let me open this for discussion, which type of depth of field do you folks find most realistic??

To Pay or Not To Pay

2009-08-03T08:14:00.002-06:00

Before I had invited anybody to join this blog, I got an interesting question sent to me through email. The question basically put was should this photographer spend $69.00 on one of those books that claims to have selected one of her photos as "The best photography of 2009"? Sometimes things like this come from photo contests; sometimes they approach you totally at random and state they are part of some national or international photography organization you may or may not have ever heard of. Here was my response:

Having gone through something similar in 2007, I will gladly share my opinion. This is very similar "xxxxxx" International Photo Contest. They will send you many ads that make it sound like it is such an honor to be chosen as part of this select group of photographers. All ads are created to appeal to your own self confidence and self esteem, but the bottom line is this . . . you pay them, not the other way around. Look at it this way, 300 pages x 6 photos per page = 1800 photographers paying them $69.00 each. That's $124,200 if each photographer only buys one copy. Make no mistake about it, if you are not willing to buy the book, you will NOT be included. The only way your family and friends are going to know about it is if you buy them copies too!

There are several thousand REAL photo contests on the internet, that if you win, they pay you (or at the very least they acknowledge you without you having to pay anything.) Is the book real? YES Is it a really good quality? YES Will it really help promote you as a photographer? NO. Most of those who got the book, got it to see their own work.

I'll be right up front with you. Yes, I got the book. But no one has EVER commented about seeing my work in it. I personally will never pay someone else to say my work is good enough to publish again. The longer I thought about it, the more upset I got with myself for doing it the first time. If it's that good, then the publisher should be paying me. I know it's not all about the money. But if they are willing to pay me for my work (regardless of how much), it sure feels like much more of an honor than if I have pay them.

One Last thought, for $69.00 you could print your own book with nothing but your photography in it. You can then use that as a very professional looking portfolio to show as many people as you want. There are several good print on demand publishers out there including either "LuLu.com" or "Amazon.com" that will print simply wonderful looking books about whatever subject you decide.

What Sets Us Apart?

2009-08-02T17:13:00.003-06:00

In music; if you had to start at the very beginning, you would start with “Doe, Ray, Me” or so the song goes. In art it would be “Line, Texture, and Light.” Keep in mind that if you want to be a great photographer, you also want to be a great Artist. Anybody can go out and buy a cheap camera, and push the button. That does not make them a great photographer. But the truly great ones like: Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Edward Weston all had one thing in common. These people knew art and the elements of design.

It is hard to think of a 5 x 7 camera on a 45 pound tripod as the same kind of tool as a 2 pound 10 mega pixel wonder that we use today. They are as different as day and night, aren't they?? In my opinion, no. They are the tools we use to create. No body asks the carpenter what brand of hammer he uses, they look at the end result.

The end result comes from knowledge, insight and experience. Things like leading lines, the rule of thirds, and formal or informal balance goes beyond the tools you use to create them with. Some will argue that you can not teach creativity. Again I disagree. With over 30 years experience in photography, I find it is my background in art and concepts like the elements of design that sets my work apart. To be a great artist you do not need to know anything about photography, but . . . to be a great Photographer, you must be a great artist.

Consistant Change

2009-08-01T20:43:00.000-06:00

Like many others I know, I often find myself resistant to change. When I first started shooting black and white film, I shot 400 speed film for a long time. When I first moved to Color I only shot Slide Film. I resisted going from a film camera to a digital camera for at least 5 years. I have used Photoshop 7 for over 10 years. I don't say these things to boast; in fact, it's just the opposite. When I first used a digital camera, I almost threw it away. Of course, shooting a soccer game with a standard grade SD card may have had something to do with that.

As time goes forward, so must we, if we want to continue to have any hopes of success in photography. I have a friend who collects digital backgrounds. She shoots most of her portraits on green screen then adds any one of several hundred choices after the fact. I'm not saying this is the way we should all start taking portraits, but I do admire her for thinking outside the box. She has no studio overhead cost. She can shoot her subjects almost anywhere, and she gives her customers choices they can NOT get with any studio in the area.

My current website, 700+ pages in size was all created with Front Page, which is not being supported by more and more web servers. In the next few months, I will be redesigning my site with Dreamweaver CS3. I will be learning the ins and outs of this "blog" stuff, and . . . believe it or not I will be moving up to Photoshop CS3. These changes will be a little overwhelming at first, I'm sure. But in the end I think it will all be worth it.

If we can share insights and motivation on this Blog, I believe we can all benefit. I thought at first, it was I that entered your email addresses to allow you to post to this site for example. I was wrong, you sign up with your own personal information in the section that says: "Join this Site". I invite one and all to do just that. If you will forgive my learning curve, I think you will find we can all grow and become more successful from sharing each others combined experiences.

What I want to do with this Blog.

2009-08-01T06:45:00.000-06:00

Unlike a forum, where everybody and anybody can post things that may or may not have anything to do with what you originally said, a Blog has a limited number of authors. I would like to open this blog to photographers already submitting photos to my website www.betterphototips.com

To do this, send an eMail to: tedric@betterphototips.com and say "Yes, I would like to be included on your blog." Once you do this, I can add your name to those who can post on this blog.

The goal here is to make a community of photographers that can interact with one another on a regular basis. I would love, for example; for other photographers to be able to comment on the winners of our monthly photo contest.

If there is a particular subject that you would like to see an article written about, like; posing your subjects, then I could respond and give more information in that area. In other words, I want this blog to be a useful tool for all of us, not just me rambling on everyday like a public journal.

Next Big Step

2009-07-31T22:02:00.001-06:00

I have been working on my website, www.betterphototips for the last four years. In most search engines if you type "photo tips" I am in the top 10. I have over 70 articles relating to photography published across the web. In my constant search to draw more visitors to my site, I have consistantly overlooked one area, until now.

For better or worse, this is my blog. I have no expereience in this part of the world wide web, but I have come to the conclusion that now is the time. Like many of you, I too dream of making it on the web. The premis for my website was this: Rather than competing with all the other photographers in the world, what would happen if I could find a way to help all the other photographers in the world? To this end you will find several hundred Photo Articles, Photo Tips, Photo Quotes, and Photoshop Tips available on my site.