Summer into Fall. It all goes so fast. I want to thank my loyal readers for their support and interest. My newsletter open rate is way above average, in the range of 47 to 50%. Hope you enjoy my latest photo tips which are also on my
latest blog posts on my website. Please visit
www.judithmphotography.com and enjoy a changing slideshow monthly.
Happy 4th
Cheers, Judith
NEWS
Terravita Art League Workshops and Exhibit at the Desert Pavilion
in Scottsdale AZ.
I will be one of the artists presenting workshops and my work will be featured
at the Desert Pavilion from Sept 16 through November 15. My workshops will be: 1. Exploring Photography for the Novice or Newbie - on December 2, 2017 10-3 and 2. Seeing the Light:for all Artists - Photographers and Painters. January 10, 2018 - 10-3 Details on the color website links above and on the brochure. Also during a meet the teachers session November 8 at 5:30 pm.
Fireworks and Post Production Fisheye Lens Tips Infrared Photography Nerdy Tips to Improve LightRoom Performance Storytelling with Pictures and More
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: FLOWERS
Macro (life sized or greater) or close up Photography requires a DSLR with a dedicated macro lens for the best shots.
1. Vary your depth of field (DOF = zone of acceptable sharpness) to see what looks best. Get and have a background that is distant from your flower with nice muted or complementary shades. OR use a more telephoto lens zoomed in at 200 or 300 mm while able to be more distant from the flower.Basically, you need your camera to be closer to your subject than the subject is to the background while shooting wide open with a long (say, 200mm or 300mm) or long macro lens (180 - 200 mm).
Key factors that influence DOF: aperture, focal length and distance to the subject.
2. Change your position. Don't just shoot down on a flower or flowers. Look from below or from the side. Don't forget the underside. Early morning dew adds to the dreamy quality. You can bring a spray bottle to help if nature disappoints. Adding glycerin to the water will help produce larger droplets.
3. It wind is your enemy, go with it. Try long exposures on a tripod to capture the flowers motion in the wind. Patience is important.
4. Find an object of interest in or around your flower to spice up your image, such as a butterfly or bug.
5. Look for abstract or graphic elements. B&W will bring out the texture if desired.
6. Light is essential: Whether ambient (natural) or man made. Backlighting may work with translucent flowers but mid day on a sunny day requires diffusion to even the light. If light is dim especially if close up, external or ring flash may be required.
7.Getting the correct focus is important. Place your object of interest as parallel - or flat to your plane of shooting.
Manual focus is essential. Imaging stacking software, such as Helicon Focus, may help if you want the hyper-realistic look. I prefer selective focus to bring the eye to what I want to emphasize.
8. The LensBaby Velvet 56 mm f/1.6 and now Velvet 85 mm f/1.8 will add a soft glow around the edges - a gorgeous bokeh (blur), and creates a different, softer look.
"Under the Sun" in publication - for release soon. "THE NUDE MATURED: BODY AND SPIRIT" also to be published this year.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
PRIVATE PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTION
Basics of Photography, Workflow and Lightroom; in AZ
or on-line with remote access via LogMeIn to your computer (PC or MAC).
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographic Prints on metal, canvas or paper. See my website or email me.
