Polarizing Filters

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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??

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

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

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

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

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.