Wednesday, October 29, 2014

A Year Ago on Boost Your Photography


We are breaking it down next month for the Boost Your Photography 52 Weeks Challenge. Join us to think about and shoot the building blocks of composition and design.

2013:
  • Photography Collages: start a collection A collage can be a great way to display and share your photography. Think about a common topic, theme, or style that can unite your collage. This post includes further details and examples to inspire you.
  • Photography Is .... What does photography mean to you? Read my reflection on how photography is timing, patience, and luck. 

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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Spooky Levitation How To with Photoshop


Just in time for Halloween, another fun spook-inspired shot: levitation! Unlike photographing ghosts in a single exposure, the version of levitation does require a little post-processing and Photoshop magic. This post will lay out all you need to know to capture and post-process a perfect levitation shot.

Levitation Set-Up

The basics of this style of levitation shot are three-fold: a location with a spooky vibe, a willing subject with a flowy outfit, and a pair of chairs or flat table to create the levitation. For equipment, you will need your camera, a tripod, and a remote shutter release. The tripod and shutter release will help keep your camera stable and allow you to take the exact same composition across your different setup shots.

I recommend starting with your levitated-subject shot first. Choose your composition and set up the chairs or table that you will use to create the levitation effect. You will want to use the same settings for each of your set-up shots. If you are not comfortable with shooting in manual mode, then start with a test shot in another mode. Once you are happy with the result, you can then dial in those same settings in manual mode.


Now, you are ready to levitate! Position your subject on the near edge of the table or chairs. This is where the flowy outfit comes in handy. The more of the outfit that flows down over the table/chairs, the easier it will be to create a more realistic floating look. Ask your subject to try arching his/her back as well. You want to avoid creating an obvious straight line from the table/chairs. I recommend shooting a series of shots with different poses so that you can later pick your favorite.

Once you think you have the shot right, you want to leave your camera and settings exactly as they are. Remove the table or chairs and take another photograph of the empty version of the composition. If you want to add candles or other props in the final image, set them up and take yet another photograph with those elements in the composition. Now you are ready to process!

Levitation Post-Processing

Choose your favorite levitation shot, as well as one of the empty background and one of any foreground props. If you shot in RAW and want to do any RAW adjustments, such as setting the white balance, make sure that you make the same adjustments to all three images.


Now, open all three images in Photoshop and copy and paste them into a single file. Your empty background shot should be the bottom layer, then your foreground props, and finally your levitation subject. Check to make sure that all layers line up with each other, or move them around slightly as needed. Add a layer mask to the levitation subject layer and choose reveal all (Layer -> Layer Mask -> Reveal All).


Then you will want to selectively remove any visible signs of the table or chairs underneath your subject. I recommend starting with the Quick Selection tool. Then use the paint bucket tool to paint your selection black. You may need to touch-up the selection around the edges. Use a black paintbrush to remove the chair or a white paintbrush to add back any parts of the subject that might have accidentally been selected. (In the example above, I would need to use white to paint back in my hand, for example.)


Now, repeat the same procedure with the foreground props layer. You may find it easier to add a 'hide all' layer mask and paint in any props or candles using a white brush. You can again try using the Quick Selection Tool to select your props.


The final touch is to add a shadow, to add the feeling of height to your levitation. Make a duplicate copy of your empty background layer. Then adjust the exposure by creating an exposure adjustment layer (Layer -> New Adjustment Layer -> Exposure). Lower the exposure slightly, perhaps a quarter to a half stop. Then create a layer mask and choose hide all. Use a white brush with a medium opacity (30-50%) to paint in a shadowy shape. If the shadow looks too dark, you can adjust the opacity of the entire layer until it looks right. (I used 20%.) Subtle is better.

Time to Levitate

Give it a try - I look forward to seeing what you come up with! Try color, try black and white, and see what you like best. Share your shots in the comments below.







Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is now available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

An Introduction to Night Photography

Night photography (including astrophotography) is this week's topic for the Boost Your Photography: 52 Weeks Challenge.

The Basics of Night Photography

There is a wide, wide range of photographs and photographic situations that fall under the umbrella of night photography. This first section will lay out some of the basic skills and techniques that are useful for many night photography subjects and situations.

Equipment - optimal

The optimal equipment for night photography includes the following:

  • A DSLR camera with a lens capable of manual focusing. If that lens has a switch for image stabilization (IS, Canon), vibration reduction (VR, Nikon), or vibration control (VC, Tamron), switch that to OFF when using a tripod.
  • A stable tripod. Read How to Maximize Your Tripod for top tips on how best to use a tripod, and read GorillaPod Tripod Review if you are interested in learning more about GorillaPods. A standard, full-size tripod may be more useful for night photography situations, however.
  • A head lamp or flashlight, preferably one with a red light option if you are doing astrophotography. (The red light will allow you to see without ruining your night vision.)

Equipment - alternate

If you do not have some of the optimal equipment, above, there are some alternatives:

  • A point-and-shoot or phone camera in night photography, low light photography, or long shutter mode. These modes signal to your camera that you are shooting in darker situations, and long shutter mode allows you to set the shutter speed yourself (often from one to fifteen seconds).
  • A stable surface. If you do not have a tripod handy, you can use any other stable surface. Tables, benches, large rocks, and more can work to keep your camera more stable than trying to hand-hold it for shutter speeds measured in seconds.
  • The 2-second or 10-second countdown timer. If you do not have a remote, you can set either a 2-sec. or 10-sec. timer on your camera. Pushing down the shutter button on your camera can impart a slight wobble to your camera, even when it is on a tripod or stable surface. Even the 2-sec. timer allows the camera to stop wobbling before taking the picture.
  • You really don't have a flashlight? Not even a flashlight app on your phone?

Shoot in Shutter Priority or Manual Mode

Most night photography shots are taken in shutter priority (S in Nikon or Tv for time value for Canon) or manual mode. In shutter priority mode, you set the ISO (start with 100) and the shutter speed, and your camera will chose the aperture. In manual mode, you choose all three. Many night photography shots work best with very long shutter speeds, like 10-30 seconds, especially if you are looking the capture the movement of lights or lit objects.

Want the easy way to use full manual mode? Start in shutter priority mode, and dial in an ISO of 100 and a shutter speed of 10 seconds. Take a photograph. Look at the resulting photograph and check the histogram (see Demystifying the Histogram for more details). Now, switch into manual mode and select the same three settings from your previous image. If your test photograph looked too dark, use a wider aperture. If your test photograph looked too bright, use a narrower aperture. (Confused? Read more about Aperture and the F/Stop Conundrum.) Take another test shot and adjust until you get the result you want.

Manual Focusing

It is often very difficult for your camera to use autofocus in dim or dark situations. There are two solutions to this problem.

  • Use your flashlight to illuminate your subject. Hold the shutter halfway down on your camera to set the autofocus. Then, switch your lens into manual focus (the AF/MF switch on the side of your lens). Now your camera will remain focused on your subject.
  • Or, use manual focusing entirely. Most camera lenses have a focusing ring with a scale that indicates the distance to your subject. You can use this scale to set the focusing distance of your lens. (Remember to have switched to MF.) If you are photographing something very distant, like the moon or stars, turn your focusing ring to the infinity setting, then dial it back very slightly. Take a photograph and check the focus. (The "infinity" setting on many lenses is actually a little too far out to focus.)

Night Photography Subjects and Situations

Now that you understand the basics, you are ready to start experimenting with night photography!

Creative Night Photography



Shaped Bokeh - all you need is a 50 mm lens (or other prime lens), some black cardstock, and some lights to create fun and unique shaped bokeh, like the snowflakes shown above.


Photograph Ghosts (without Photoshop trickery) - a long exposure gives you enough time to create a ghostly silhouette or actual ghostly presence in a single shot, without any need for post-processing.

Photographing Lights at Night



Light Painting: how to spin an orb - with orb spinning you use a small LED light on a rope and spin it during the photograph to create shapes. This post lays out all the steps to make perfect orbs every time. Or just have some freestyle fun!


Spinning Fire with Steel Wool Photography - step up from LED lights and give burning steel wool a try. The results are amazing, and the sparks burn out quickly, which minimizes the danger. (The photograph above was shot with a basic model point-and-shoot camera on the long shutter setting for 15 seconds.)


How to Photograph Traffic Light Trails - let the cars, trucks, and buses be your light and capture traffic trails at night.


Quick Tips for Better Firework Photographs - fireworks are an endlessly entertaining subject for night photography! These tips will help you get the best shots you can with fireworks.


Long Exposure Photography at the Fair(e) - hit up the fair or carnival and see what kind of results you can get from moving rides and swirling lights.

Astrophotography (and the moon too)



Stacking Photographs and Star Trails - learn how to use stacking to create star trails photographs or to create other stacked sets of images.


Shoot the Moon with the Photographers' Ephemeris - get your timing, settings, and photograph exactly right for shooting the full moon. Or, push yourself further and go Beyond Full Moon Photography.

Get out into that great night and take some pictures! Share a link or a photograph in the comments below, or consider joining the BYP 52 Weeks Google+ Community to share your weekly photograph and see what others are capturing.





Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

A Year Ago on Boost Your Photography

2013:
  • Learn Your Camera Lens: What's in a Name? Part 1 in the 'Learn Your Camera Lens' series focuses on all of the information provided in the name of your camera lens. Find out all the information you can from your lens name, and find out how best to choose a future lens.
  • Learn Your Camera Lens: the lens itself. Part 2 in the 'Learn Your Camera Lens' series carefully lays out all of the detailed pieces and parts of your camera lens. Learn what all the numbers, dials, buttons, and switches mean and how best to use them in your photography. 
  • Learn Your Camera Lens: accessories. Part 3 provides an informative overview of common camera lens accessories, including lens caps, lens hoods, and filters. Find out what you need and how best to use it.
  • Local Photography: Photograph the Harvest. Now is a great time to get out and explore your local surroundings - visit a farm, pick your own pumpkins, or try your hand at apple-picking. This post lays out some suggestions for how best to capture the bounty of the season.

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Saturday, October 11, 2014

Photograph the Seasons

The smell of autumn is in the air and the leaves are falling. Seasons is this week's topic for the Boost Your Photography: 52 Weeks Challenge. Below is a quick list of useful posts to help you make the most of the changing seasons.

  • Capture the Season: Rephotography. Take the time to find a favorite spot and get the perfect autumn shot for your seasonal collage. Start now and return over the course of the year to make an amazing commemorative collage.
  • Capture a Day in a Single Image. Similar idea, but do your entire series in an individual day. Read the article for detailed tips on how to easily accomplish this series of photographs and combine them.

  • Photograph the Harvest. Celebrate the changing seasons by visiting a farm and capturing the harvest as it happens.

How are your seasons changing? Share a link or a photograph in the comments below, or consider joining the BYP 52 Weeks Google+ Community to share your weekly photograph and see what others are capturing.





Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is now available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

How to Photograph "Ghosts" in a Single Exposure

The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are getting yellower, and the conversations at school revolve around Halloween and costumes. Why not have some fun with a Halloween-inspired photo shoot this year and learn how to photograph ghosts? (Even better, this technique requires no Photoshop or post-processing know how.)


Techniques for Photographing Ghosts

In order to properly photograph ghosts, it helps to be prepared. For the best results, you will need your camera, a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release. An atmospheric location is an additional benefit, but you can be creative about where you want your ghost to appear.

The trick to creating a ghostly image is using a long shutter speed. (This is one reason why most ghosts more often appear at night.) A few to several seconds ought to be sufficient. Night or early evening lighting works very well, but dim interior light can also work.


Begin by shooting in shutter priority mode (Tv for Canon or S for Nikon). Dial in a shutter speed of a few seconds and take a practice exposure. Most likely, your camera will capture a photograph that is far brighter than the gloomy look you will want. In that case, you can either switch into manual mode and dial in the same shutter speed with a narrower aperture, or you can use exposure compensation and choose a negative value (like -2 or -3) to get a darker overall image.

Once you have established the right mood with your background, you are ready to find your ghosts. The trick for capturing a ghost in a single exposure is only having your ghost visible in the frame for less than half of the overall length of the exposure (shutter speed). It is usually much easier to begin with your ghost in the photograph and have them hide halfway through.


This ghost photograph was captured at ISO 100, f/4, and a shutter speed of 20 seconds. My ghost took his position in the photograph, and I used the remote shutter release to trigger the camera. He stood as still as possible while counting to 10 and then ducked down and stepped quickly out of the field of view. (In darkened conditions like these, a moving subject will not be visible, so the camera only recorded his shadow when he was standing still.) The only lighting in this scene came from the glowing cabin, so the ghost is recorded without definition as only a silhouette.


This ghostly effort was a little less successful, because the details in the porch overwhelm the arms of the left-hand ghost, which are reaching out for the right-hand ghost. Experiment!

Defined Ghosts and Moving Ghosts

If you want more visibility with your ghost, then you will need to find a setting where some light is falling on your ghostly subject.


This ghostly shot was done in mid-afternoon with the aid of a circular polarizer and a narrow aperture. The circular polarizer blocks an additional stop or two of light, requiring an even longer shutter speed. With the overhead shade and polarizer, I was able to get a shutter speed of 8 seconds at f/22 and ISO 100. (You could also use a neutral density filter to get a longer shutter speed. Read more in Introduction to Filters.) For this ghostly selfie, I had the camera on a tripod with a 10-second countdown timer. After triggering the shutter, I raced to my location and froze. Once I heard the camera shutter I mentally counted to three and then rushed out of the frame for the rest of the exposure. (I also covered up my legs with my black jacket, which made my feet disappear entirely from the image.)

Moving ghosts are a bit of a trial-and-error effort. Your ghost will need to move slowly enough that the camera can capture their movement but yet quickly enough to have moved a good distance during the time the photograph is being taken.

This particular ghost shot, below, happened as a bit of a fluke. The local photography group had organized a behind-the-scene photography tour of our local performing arts center. We were a large group of about 40 photographers, so it was inevitable that other photographers would end up in your final images.


This photograph was taken at ISO 100, f/3.5, and 4 seconds. It was part of a series of bracketed shots I was taking of the interior of the concert hall. (This shot was taken at -2 exposure compensation.) My ghost was a fellow photographer in a white hooded sweatshirt who was moving at a very even pace up the staircase. He happened to pause just before the end of the photograph, which makes his head and body a bit more visible in relationship to his ghostly flowing movement.

To recreate a shot like this one, you would want to set-up and determine your settings beforehand, like with the shots above. Then, have your ghost start moving slowly before you trigger the shot. (If your ghost waits until you start shooting to move, then that standing position will be recorded more strongly than the later movement.) Have your ghost take slow but deliberate steps, which will help create more of an impression than steady movement. (Steady movement will create an undifferentiated blur, while start-stop steps will create a more herky-jerky ghost like the one above.)

Experiment! This kind of ghost requires a bit of trial-and-error, but the results are always interesting and a bit unpredictable. If you want your ghost to pause and freeze near the end of your exposure, you might want to consider shooting in Bulb mode. That way, you simple hold down the trigger to start the exposure, and the photograph ends when you lift up on the button. So, you can have your ghost begin moving, hold down the button to start the picture, ask your ghost to hold still after a time, count an additional second or so, and release.

Ghosts Everywhere

Have fun with it! Think about interesting or unusual costumes for your ghostly character. Get a few more friends in on the act and capture a whole group of ghosts doing something spooky or unusual.


Share your successful ghost shots with us in the comments below!





Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is now available from Amazon. Get the most out of your camera with practical advice about the technical and creative aspects of DSLR photography that will have you taking beautiful pictures right away.






This post is also linked up at Social Media Sunday, hosted by the IBA.