Henri Cartier-Bressons "Decisive Moment"
The Decisive moment
A recording of that one moment in time when all the elements line up to allow the artist to capture the perfect combination of light, shadow, color, action, expression and emotion to form the perfect image. A moment that can be expected maybe anticipated but not created. For if the image is created, as in the studio, it can be recreated time and time again and is not a fl…
An interview with Larry
Several months ago I answered an open request for a critique of a RedBubble artists work. You know I can’t now recall what the work was that Isa Rodriguez had posted about. But I answered the call and after many more bubble mails became a friend of Isa’s, so I was pleased when she asked me to join her new group “All Around Florida”. Then, after joining, she asked me to co host with her. The hos…
“Stopping the action”
When photographing action we have a choice of stopping, or freezing the action, or allowing some degree of blurring to impart the idea of motion. So after choosing an approach we must understand how the camera sees action. The important factors are the speed and direction of travel of the subject. It is easier to capture, movement directly into or away from the camera, using slower shutter spee…
“Artificial light” part 2
In part 1we learned some basics information about artificial light. In this section we will narrow our focus to the electronic flash unit. Electronic flash can be built in to your camera, or a separate hot shoe mounted unit. The built in flash is typically limited in power and is positioned near the lens axis. Portable units can offer greater power and flexibility.
Separate flash units must …
“Artificial light” part 1
Artificial light includes all types of manmade light from tungsten household lamps to electronic flash units. Most of our indoor and night lighting can be artificial light. Artificial light can vary greatly in intensity, color balance and stability.
The intensity of architectural and civic lighting is measured in watts from the 25 watt light output of a sewing machine lamp to the 4,000 wat…
My latest adventure
I have not been posting images lately and some of you might wonder why. On August 27th I had heart surgery and spent a week in hospital. I’m now home recovering and not doing very much. It may be several weeks before I can resume taking photographs. In the meantime I am beginning to come back online.
I have a weight lifting restriction that prohibits me from holding my favorite cameras and sti…
“Time Exposures”
A time exposure refers to a photograph made using long exposure times, typically beyond what could be hand held. Time exposures might be used to capture a dimly lit scene or used to show the trails of action occurring in the photo. Most often the camera will be tripod mounted and the photographer will use a remote shutter release or the cameras built in self timer to open the shutter. Vibration…
“Natural light”
“Natural light”
Natural light includes the use of sunlight, moonlight, open sky, flames, lightning and phosphorescence. Natural light is often affected by weather. Typically photographers want more and more light on their subjects but this is a situation where more isn’t better.
As daylight becomes brighter it tends to wash out or de-saturate colors. Bright light also brings strong shadows…
“What lens should I get?”
One of the common questions posted to various photography newsgroups is, I have some money and want to purchase a lens for my SLR which one should I get. The first response is often, well what kind of photography do you do? So after looking at what kind of photography we want to do we will take a look at lenses, macro, zoom, fixed focal length, wide angle and telephoto.
Are you a wildlife or…
Football season is here.
Whether shooting professional, college, high school or junior league the concepts of photographing football remain the same. The offensive players will carry, pass, and punt the football towards the goal post and the defensive team will try to stop them. A good sports photographer will know the game, know the players and know the stadium. Is this a passing or running team, or do they try to inc…