In this short video, photographer RJ Hidson demonstrates a fairly simple set up to get very striking multiple exposure images using Nikon SB-800 and SB-900 flashguns:
The key points to shooting these images are as follows:
Set the camera up on a tripod and use a long exposure time of around 3-4 seconds
The exposure time will be determined by the strobe settings on the flash.
The first setting is the number of times the flash fires, the second is the interval between flashes. From this you can work out your camera exposure time.
In this shoot, the model is shot out of black and carrying light sticks, with wirelessly controlled flashes. She dances across the backdrop to give a sense of motion to the image.
The flashguns are set on fairly low power with one attached to a soft-box, directly overhead the model’s path.
As the shutter opens, the model begins her dance. The flash fires several times, freezing her in several positions along her track and creating a very interesting image.
Long Exposure with Stroboscopic Flash Result
RJ Hidson’s big tip here is to carry a flashgun wherever you go, their power and versatility can allow you to capture shots you would have otherwise missed.
I would like to introduce one of the most interesting techniques in photography — “Panning”. Many might wonder and ask:” What is panning?” “Using frying pan?” Answer is no.
Panning is very simple, just set shutter speed, aperture, hold your camera and pan along with moving subject (tracking motion with your camera). Guess what will you get? Bingo! A sharp subject with blurred background. Of course, you might think this is easy, but it can be a little tricky.
"Take a Diversion" captured by prabhakaran (click image to see more from prabhakaran)
Let me share some tips with you on how to master “Panning” and discover the fun of using it.
1) Slower shutter speed
Set your shutter speed slower than normal, but not too slow or it will be difficult to obtain a clear subject. For example, to pan a moving car, you may try speed of 1/60 second and play around till you get the best image. Start with 1/30 second for moving subject likes people walking or cycling. The faster the shutter speed, the more clear the background will turn out, and the less motion blur there will be.
2) Auto focus
Activate your camera’s Auto focus function, half press the shutter button to lock on, aim and pan moving subject. Let panning continue after fully press shutter, so smooth motion blur can be achieved from start to finish of your shot. If the auto focus of your camera is not fast enough, you may pre-focus it at the spot your subject will end up in frame.
3) Choose the right location
Selecting the right location to pan plays an important role in getting a good image. The place should be safe and without obstacles for panning. You may also consider using a telephoto lens to maintain a certain distance while shooting.
"My first panning shot" captured by Jonathan Lim (Click Image to See More From Jonathan Lim)
Avoid having a background which is messy or too bright in colour, as this will make your subject less attractive.
4) Same level with subject
Position your camera at the same level of the subject you are going to shoot. This can help in focusing as to obtain a clear subject in your image.
5) Leave sufficient space to subject
Another important factor you should consider is leaving enough space between you and your subject. Insufficient space will constrain your pan.
6) Using monopod/tripod
Try to use a monopod or tripod during your shooting session which may help you achieve a clear subject.
Practice makes perfect
"Jen 10K" captured by Bob O'Lary (Click Image to See More From Bob O'Lary)
Now, pick up your camera, walk to a nearby street and practice “panning”. After a few practice rounds, you should be able to master this technique and get a fantastic image. Sometimes, a little bit blur on the subject can add an even more desirable motion effect.
About the Author:
The author’s website is at: oohay mart.
For further training, here is a helpful video tutorial on panning:
In this episode Mark talks about panning. Panning is an easy way to create motion in your images:
Use it for shooting sports, kids or anytime you want to create some motion in your shots.
Ever wonder how the image stabilization mechanism in your lens works? So did the folks over at Camera Technica. They took apart one of their Canon 18-55mm lenses to see the device in action, saving you (and your lens) from the task of taking your own apart just to have a look around. They started by removing the front element of the lens and ended up getting some great footage of the image stabilization mechanism hard at work. Check out the video below to see what they found:
Going on assignment to Saudi Arabia can be a daunting task to many photographers. The private culture of Saudi Arabia can make it difficult to tell the story accurately. In this short documentary, Gaifc delivers some insight he has been able to draw from his experiences. Have a look,
When photojournalist Ziyah Gafic was assigned to do a piece on the lifestyles of Saudi women, he had to enlist the help of a local production company to find people he could interview and photograph. Having been a photographer for so long, Gafic says he isn’t surprised by many things; however, the one thing that continues to surprise him is the kind of unspoken trust between himself as a photographer and his subject. Even in cultures that choose to remain private, such as Saudi Arabia, he is continually stunned at the ease in which he is approached with by those he is photographing.
Growing up in Bosnia during the height of the Bosnian war inspired Ziyah Gafic to become a photojournalist. Being too young to enlist, he recalls feeling helpless in bringing the war to end. Years later while working on a group project as a young photographer, Gafic was moved by a visit to a facility in Bosnia which contains databases of unidentified remains from the Bosnian war and also houses the personal artifacts of those who lost their life during the war, in hopes to reunite the items with the rightful family members.
Wanting to work on a project that minimizes his influence as a photographer and gives back to the community at the same time, Gafic began work on a project called Quest For Identity. In this project, Gafic photographed all the artifacts in a very clean unassuming manner. This process saves families from making a painful trip to the facility in hopes of recovering bits of information about their loved ones.
“It’s amazing how absoluteness attachment in form can actually create an extremely personal piece of work. Everyone has a wristwatch, everyone has family pictures in their wallet. It allows you as a reader to create a story,” Gafic says of Quest for Identity.
What happens when you take a fine art photographer and a fashion photographer and have them shoot the same model, in the same wardrobe, at the same location? If the photographers are Brooke Shaden and Lindsay Adler, you’ll get some amazing photographs that portray each photographers style respectively. Take a look at the following behind the scenes footage of the two as two take turns photographing Sonalii Castillo in rural California:
As you can see at the end of the video, Ashley might have had the better natural lighting. By the time it was Brooke’s turn to shoot, the golden hour had just about passed, but by the looks of her portfolio she knew exactly how to handle the fading sun.
Photo captured by Hayley Kirton (Click Image to See More From Hayley Kirton)
In case you’re not familiar with the term, TFP stands for Time For Prints and it’s generally the way up and coming models and up and coming photographers eek out a toe-hold in the marketplace. The model is donating his or her time and the photographer supplying prints they can use in their portfolio. It’s an arrangement that’s been around as long as photography.
It is a fluid and dynamic relationship. At a certain point models stop taking TFP jobs and change their status to PWO, Paid Work Only. Photographers that gain some standing in the profession will likewise eventually stop scheduling TFP work and start charging new models for portfolio shots.
There’s also an expectation that if a model has done TFP work for a photographer in the past, that they will be considered first for paying jobs the photographer lands in the future. That’s an unwritten rule to be certain, but it’s a wise photographer who abides by it.
From the standpoint of the photographer, there’s a definite downside to working with TFP talent. Since they’re not being paid, there’s not always a lot of motivation to show up. In fact, depending on who the photographer is, the show rate can be as low as 30 percent. That means either two out of three times you organize a TFP project your talent isn’t going to show, or you have to invite three and hope to get one who actually shows up. That also means being prepared to shoot all three in the unlikely event they all show up.
That’s the reality of TFP. For students in school, finding free talent is rarely a problem. Once you get out, then it becomes more of an issue. Everyone is so busy these days, time is the commodity in chronic shortage. With the expenses associated with even showing up for a TFP shoot, it may be time to consider paying your talent if you haven’t done so before. You will be amazed at the difference it makes in attendance and punctuality.
A good rule of thumb is if you need a model release for commercial use, then pony up a little cash for consideration. It will also make a difference if the job is for a publication where new models might get something called a “tear sheet” for their portfolio. Tear sheet started out as models tearing out the pages from magazines with their photos and has since grown to include internet articles, so don’t forget to print off a copy and send it to your talent.
Photo captured by Vavinov Alex (Click Image to See More From Vavinov Alex)
Most name models have what’s called a “day rate” and the really big names will have a laundry list of extras they need at the time of the shoot. That may fly in New York or Los Angeles, but in most areas it won’t be that defined. You can post your jobs and the rate you’re paying in some place like ModelMayhem and see if the responses you get meet your expectations. You can always go higher on the pay rate until you start attracting the kind of talent you’re seeking.
Like with anything where other people are involved, there are going to be the occasional snub, personality conflict and difficult shoot. Consistent success will be easier if you pay a decent day rate, are clear about your expectations and insist on professionalism.
About the Author:
Peter Timko writes for Proud Photography – an online school offering photography courses available today.
Online Photography Courses Offered by ProudPhotography:
If you have ever wondered what it was like to be a model scout and photographer, wonder no longer. Renowned fashion photographer, Steven Baillie takes us inside his nontraditional life as he travels the world in search of the next “it” supermodel which you can watch below:
Baillie seems to have a pretty incredible life as he jet-sets around the world to photograph a variety of models. That being said, his career isn’t all fun and games. Over the course of his work he has encountered multiple mishaps including dealing with jealous boyfriends, paying off corrupt police, and nearly being kidnapped.
If you have ever wondered what it was like to be a model scout and photographer, wonder no longer. Renowned fashion photographer, Steven Baillie takes us inside his nontraditional life as he travels the world in search of the next “it” supermodel which you can watch below (for those of you reading this by email, the video can be seen here):
Baillie seems to have a pretty incredible life as he jet-sets around the world to photograph a variety of models. That being said, his career isn’t all fun and games. Over the course of his work he has encountered multiple mishaps including dealing with jealous boyfriends, paying off corrupt police, and nearly being kidnapped.
If you have ever wondered what it was like to be a model scout and photographer, wonder no longer. Renowned fashion photographer, Steven Baillie takes us inside his nontraditional life as he travels the world in search of the next “it” supermodel which you can watch below:
Baillie seems to have a pretty incredible life as he jet-sets around the world to photograph a variety of models. That being said, his career isn’t all fun and games. Over the course of his work he has encountered multiple mishaps including dealing with jealous boyfriends, paying off corrupt police, and nearly being kidnapped.
The number of times in my early photography career that I missed opportunities to capture a perfect moment still frustrates me. During my early photography I spent endless hours reading SLR digital camera reviews until I was sure I found the perfect entry level digital camera. My first digital camera was nothing special however the hours of photographic experience I gained helped me become what I am today and was a precious time I remember with great fondness.
"Brands Hatch" captured by jim wood (click image to see more from jim wood)
These are essential in ensuring that you are always ready for a photo opportunity:
1) Access to your digital camera must be quick. As a result, it is crucial you have a digital cameras camera bag that allows easy fast access to your digital camera.
2) Make certain that you have more than one fully charged battery before you set out on a photography trip. Remember also that battery life can also be affected by the temperature so make sure you know the environment in which you are going to be shooting. If it is 10 degrees below zero, make sure you have plenty of backup power sources.
3) Ensure that you clean the front and rear of your lenses to reduce spots. This should become a routine process. I have a routine where I clean the lenses at the end of a shoot and prior to going on my next shoot. I also ensure that I carry in my bag cleaning equipment as once you are in the field, anything can happen.
4) Make absolutely certain that you have enough storage capacity on your camera and its additional memory cards. The routine I follow is to remove all images to my laptop and backup after each shoot.
5) Ensure that your camera is preset to the settings you require for the subject you are going to shoot. This relies on experience to know the best settings for a given scenario.
6) If your digital camera is fitted with image stabilization technology or vibration reduction, use it correctly. If you’re going to be holding your camera for the shoot, make certain to turn these features on. If your tripod shooting, turn them off to ensure sharper images.
7) Ensure you have fitted any filters prior to heading out on a shoot. This means you will have to know your subject. It is quicker to remove filters when on a shoot than fit them so always fit them before you begin.
8 ) Now this may sound amateurish but I can admit, I have on occasions left my lens cap on and missed an opportunity as a result. So please, make sure that you have taken your lens cap off!
9) Make sure your camera is switched on in anticipation of capturing an image. If your digital camera needs protection, keep it in your bag but make sure it is turned on. The seconds it takes for the camera to boot up all add up and can be the difference between a missed image and a wonder shot.
10) Don’t look at images on your LCD and revel in the excellence. Do a quick check to ascertain settings are correct then move on to the next shot. Experience is crucial in photography, without it you will struggle to capture professional images. The tools of your trade are an essential companion on your journey to professional excellence.
Roaming the fields and hedgerows looking for that perfect moment honed the skills I now rely on daily.
About the Author:
Copyright (c) 2010 Lakeland Marketing. Mark Inglis wrote this article on behalf of http://new-camera-reviews.com – read professional digital camera reviews.
