Tag: potd

The Crop Factor…

Jason5 Comments

First off, my apologies for the absenteeism yesterday.  After a really fun photo shoot with some friends in downtown Denver (more on that next week), I got home super late (by working standards – my shift is 7-4 and I need to take a bus an hour to get there…so I leave at 6, which means I am up at 5!), and went almost straight to bed!  Hopefully the content today will make up for this, because it’s time to talk about (cue fanfare music)…the crop factor!

Now, before anyone gets all uppity because sensor crop factors have been discussed ad infinitum, just relax, because this isn’t about sensors (well, a little, but indirectly).  I am talking about cropping your pictures in camera.  We all do it, often to improve composition, or to focus in on one area of an image – but what about those undesired crops?  What am I talking about?  I am talking about images where it looks really great “in camera” but when you go to print it, the native aspect ratio won’t work for the size you want to print to.  See, most SLR cameras (non-full frame anyway) have roughly an aspect ratio of 2:3.  This means that you can print at this ratio without losing anything in your image.  But, if you want to print at a different aspect ratio, then something has to be cropped out.

So, what aspect ratio will work with the 2:3 proportions? Who all remembers their grade school math?  All you have to do is multiply each side of the ratio by the same number.  So, prints that work are …

  • 2×3″ prints (2:3 x 1:1 = 2×3)
  • 4×6″ prints (2:3 x 2:2 = 4:6)
  • 6×9″ prints (2:3 x 3:3 = 6:9)
  • 8×12″ prints (2:3 x 4:4 = 8:12)

You get the gist…but here’s the thing – the only “standard” print size that really fits our native camera aspect ratio is the 4×6″ print.  What if we want an 8×10″ print?  Well, cropping is required then.  This means losing some of your image.  So, this also means that you need to think about this during image composition in camera – if you like it – and want to print it – remember to frame things so that the crop won’t lose key elements of the picture.  Here’s a perfect example:

isla_original

I took the above shot on a trip down in Isla Mujeres.  I absolutely love this shot.  The problem is that my proportions are lost when I crop to print an 8×10.  Take a look at the 8×10 crop:

isla_crop

It still looks pretty good, and I love the colors still, but some of the impact has been lost by cropping out the frame on both the left and the right.  See how the brown “framing element” has been lost?  I could have cropped less on that side and more on the orange side (even though the orange side is still cropped to a degree), but hopefully you’ll see the difference easily enough because it’s really the orange, yellow and blue that I think are the fundamental colors that hold my eye for this shot.  Suffice to say, I still loved it enough to print and frame an 8×10…but that’s not the point here.

The point is to try and remember to frame your composition in camera with “the crop factor” in mind.   By taking these measures into consideration, you can really have many more printable memories.  So, when you go out shooting this weekend, keep the crop factor in mind.  Happy shooting, enjoy the weekend, and we’ll see you back here on Monday!

Thursday Thoughts with… Chris Breedlove

Jason2 Comments

The “Thursday Thoughts Series” returns this week with an inside look at the work of Chris Breedlove.  Chris was mentioned to me by Rob Jones over at Towner Jones Photography when he participated.  I got in touch with Chris and asked if he’d be interested in participating.  Happily, he agreed to jump in the foray here.  So, let’s give a big welcome to Chris Breedlove!

Q:  Everyone always wants to know some of the basics, so let’s get a few things out of the way at once here… how long have you been a photographer?

A:  In some degree I have always been a photographer – ever since I picked up my first Pentax 35 mm (film).  Although, I had some issues with understanding certain basics about the camera; but I always had it at my side.  When I went to college I took a course on developing film and b/w portraiture.  The professor I took was a good man, but could not relate to me very well on how to truly get the most out of the camera.  Nonetheless, I kept trying.  When I graduated college I was hired at that same University in their media relations department; it was then that I got my first digital SLR, a Canon 20D.  After I could see the image and really grasp the world of digital photography, then everything became more and more clear and exciting to me, especially, the world of off-camera flash.

Q:  Canon, Nikon, Sonly, Olympus, Pentax or some other brand?

A:  I started with a Canon 20D, but for the past 4 years I have been shooting with an amazing camera: a Nikon D200.  The D200 is out of date but this camera holds great significance to me; it is the first camera I bought with my own money.  I bought a D200 w/ vertical grip and a 70-200 f/2.8 lens.  Just recently, I have added to my arsenal a Nikon N80 film camera.  (My future camera purchases will be a Nikon D3 & Nikon F6).

Q:  Even though this is predominantly a blog about digital photography, I hit recently on what appears to be a resurgence of film.  Do you have any thoughts on film photography?  Have you ever shot with film?  If so, any particular types of film that you’ve enjoyed using?

A:  I truly love film, I always have.  But, due to not understanding film and how to shoot film in the beginning I allowed that valuable lesson to slip me by.    This is not the case anymore.  I am gradually making the mark back to film and I am absolutely ecstatic about what I am seeing.  (All the b/w images featured are examples of my wedding film work).  Film represents more than an image taken with a digital camera; it represents a true moment forever captured in time, un-manipulated, unrehearsed, captured art.

I shoot primarily Professional B/W film speeds; Kodak Tri-X 400, Kodak T-Max 3200, and a little Ilford Delta 3200 here and there.

Q:    Mac, PC, or Linux?

A:  Once you go MAC, you don’t go back.

Q:  Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?

A:  This question can only be answered by expressing my much needed and much appreciated desires for French-Pressed Coffee and Rich Chocolate.  Mix them together, a whole new world emerges.

Q:  I guess that would mean chocolate, eh?  Moving into a little more granularity, photographers often enjoy hearing helpful and constructive critiques of their work, as we are aware of how much we can grow from it.  However, we’ve also all had the “nice shot” and “cool” comments when we’ve shared our work. What was the singular most useful critique or comment you’ve ever had on work you’ve shared publicly?

A:  The most useful comment I have ever received is: “less is more.”  How true is that; for us all.  Technology rapidly advances every day and more cameras are coming out with the best ISO ratings, sensors, frame rates, etc., but, just because you have the power to take a thousand images per event or live by the philosophy “shoot now, ask later,” does that necessarily mean you should?  Less is more has been dramatically helpful in my wedding work.  I will talk with a bride and when I relate that I shoot film and only a limited amount of portraits will be shot compared to a thousand files uploaded; they get ecstatic.  Sometimes, I feel that the wedding photography industry has a tendency to overload the brides and grooms of tomorrow with endless amounts of files and photos; the goal is to tell a story not a mini-series.

Another helpful critique that was told to me not to long ago is “slow-down.”  The wedding day is packed with lots happening and lots to be photographed, but when we as professionals run all over the place trying to capture that “perfect” moment; we lose the beauty of that moment.  A photographer should be on his/her toes but not at the expense of ruining those tender moments for those in attendance, more importantly the bride and groom.

Keep in mind: less is more & slow-down.

Q:  If someone was asking you for an honest critique of their work, what 3 factors would you look at most (excluding friendships or family relatives, we’re talking professional or fellow photographer-types here)?

A:  If someone was asking me for an honest critique I would look at these factors: emotion and perspective, these two work hand in hand.  Wedding Photography, or any photography for that matter, is not about fancy equipment or the latest photography gear; it’s about telling a story with the tools you have.  It’s about capturing emotion through unique perspectives. Anybody can capture a smile or a hug at any event, but what excites me about photographing a wedding is capturing those exceptional and special moments and more than that; revealing the love that the bride and groom (even the guests) have for one another.

Q:  Wow, that’s a great mentality to have for an approach to wedding photography and constructive critique perspectives.  So, you obviously enjoy capturing moments.  With software seeing the development it has in recent years though, you could almost create images without a camera.  If you had to choose between the gear or the software as the only way to create, which would it be and why?

A:  If I had to choose between the gear or the latest software; it would be the gear.  I am not a Photoshop gu-ru.  Photoshop is a tool, not the means to create.  Photography will always begin and end with the gear.  Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive gear (although we all wish we could afford and have the most expensive stuff) to tell a story.  It is how you use what you currently have in your hands to do the job.  Photography, in my opinion, should always be about telling a story; not creating one.  Graphic Design and Graphic Arts, is a different story.

Q:  If you had to pick three to six pictures out of your entire portfolio to represent your approach to photography, or your artistic vision, which ones would you pick (feel free to share images here)?

Q:  Any final thoughts you’d like to share about the state of photography or any catch phrases that you keep in mind when shooting?

A:  When I am photographing a wedding (or anything in general) I always remember it’s not about me; it is about capturing a moment forever embedded in time on a photograph.  That’s what photography is to me.

Chris, thanks so much for taking the time to participate in the Thursday Thoughts Series!  Your work is really impressive and a true pleasure to look at and enjoy.  For anyone interested in seeing more about Chris, stop over and enjoy his website, his blog, and feel free to share your thanks with him via email too.  In the meantime, thanks all for stopping in and continuing to read and support the CB blog and podcast series.  Happy shooting and we’ll see you back here tomorrow!

Defining Your Image Composition

Jason4 Comments

Composition in photography can have many origins.  You can take a pretty concrete subject and place it in an interesting environment.  The Rule of Thirds is one that is often used when creating photographic compositions.  Other times, the way that lines or curves within a scene are the compelling factor.  Architectural images use the idea of linear direction to compell the viewer.  Finally, the nature of light can also be a huge factor when composing an image.  After all, when looking at the word “photography”, it’s pretty clear how integral light can be to capturing your vision.  The Greek root “photos” literally means “light” (while “graphos” means to draw or paint – so photography really could be pretty succinctly defined as “painting with light”.)

So, we have three elements that can contribute to image composition:

  • Positioning your subject
  • Directing viewer via leading lines
  • Compelling the viewer via light

While there are no hard and fast rules in any form of artistic expression, these are three fundamentals that I try to keep in mind when capturing the world around me.  Sometimes I’ll find my images successfully utilizes only one of these elements.  Naturally, there are also times where two are executed well.  Naturally, I am luckiest though, is when all three are effectively brought into an image.

Here’s an example of what I am talking about.  Can you identify which elements of image composition are present?  Is there a defined subject that is well positioned?  What about compelling lines to define the image?  Finally, is there anything that draws your eye from the light or shadows?  Sound off in the comments, and let me know:

Brick Circle
Brick Circle

Unintended Inspiration

Jason2 Comments

Today I thought I’d share a little “inspirational” series with the readership.  I had taken a break from reading blogs, magazines, news, twitter, forums, and all the other associated activities related to keeping current and learning about photography to actually put together to make some dinner.  Photography had exited my mind – I was taking a break, not even thinking about it.  So there I was, slicing and dicing, cutting celery, carrots, and onions for a spaghetti sauce, when BAM!  I saw some colors and shapes on the white cutting board and my knee jerk reaction was:  “Hey, that looks like one of those stock photos!  I wonder if I could make one like that!?”

Well, of course I had no equipment set up, no preparation, no lighting, no glycerine (it makes food shine), and had not given any thought to composition or anything like that.  But, having the 40D nearby, I figured what the heck, so began to document the process. First, I had the celery cut:

Celery

Then, I cut some carrots:

Celery and Carrots

Then, after some onions, it all went into a pot to brown in a butter sauce:

Veggies

After adding some ground pork and turkey, a little white wine and milk to steam down:

Steaming

Then once it had steamed down, the final stage, adding tomatoes:

Tomatos

The shots here are not all that great, but it does give a “back story” of sorts and helps to illustrate that sometimes you can find color and inspiration in the oddest of places – even if you’re not even looking for it.  So, if you ever find yourself stuck in a rut, trying to find some inspiration, sometimes it’s best to just stop trying so hard.  Forget about it and put your efforts into other things (like cooking).  Before you know it – you’l have new visions and challenges laid at your feet, waiting for your vision to bring it all together.  I’m sure others have experienced this too, so let’s hear it!  What other scenarios have produced unintended inspiration for you?  Feel free to share your stories, shots, and anecdotes in the comments!  Until tomorrow, Happy Shooting!

Podcast Artwork

Jason6 Comments

Did anyone else know this?  In prepping the podcast for the transition to PLM, I am finding myself with a number of things to do, including:

  1. Composing a headshot
  2. Writing a bio
  3. Sending them images to use for the artwork

I guess the first two of these make sense, but having to pick 2 or 3 of my best photos?  Man!  Remember the post about reviewing your work I made a while ago?  It seemed like a good idea at the time, but as it turns out, I’d be dead in the water now if I hadn’t done that.  Since I did 2008, I was able to apply the same criteria to all my images from previous years too, and now I am down to about twelve total from each of the last 3 years.  To see your work culled down into 36 photos is pretty humbling.  It shows that I have made certain strides, but also that I have only scratched the surface.  As I cull those 36 down to 3, here is one that stands out for some reason:

Reflections

I’ll share more as I get this into a more manageable state.  Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow when I’ll have the Think Tank Streetwalker bag review completed along with photos of how it stacks up too.  Any other products you would like reviewed?  Share your thoughts in the comments!  In the meantime, happy shooting, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow!

Flat…

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To kick start the NYR for 2009, here’s my first idea for the theme “Flat”.  I’ve also posted it to the CB Flickr group, and more shots are likely coming, but I probably won’t post all of them here, so be sure to visit there and see not only the theme, but what shots are being tagged in there (anyone is welcome to add their themed pics to the thread or group pool).  As mentioned down one post, I’ll be taking an assorted set of the pics at the end of the month and posting a collage here at CB.

Flathead Screwdrivers

Year in review

Jason3 Comments

As photographers, we are always anxious to get out and capture more images of the beauty that surrounds us.  Whether that beauty come in the form of architecture, portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, or any other genre, each has a commonality in that it lures us to keep capturing, and eventually sharing our images with others, whether they be clients, family and friends, or whomever we choose to share our vision with, in whatever form we choose.

One thing that can often elude us though, is the review of our own work.  It is this review that kept me from posting on Friday.  I was trying to find a few choice images to print out for some photo frames as gifts when I realized I had gone almost two years without a serious evaluation of my work.  This means a serious quantity of images had built up that was in need of review.  While I have winnowed things down significantly, (and thus freed up a fair amount of hard drive space), a few stand out head and shoulders above the rest.  So, for this last full week of 2008, I thought I’d share some of what I feel are the best shots I took of the year.  I would encourage others to perform the same ritual.  Not only will it help winnow your hard drive space, but it can also give you an honest assessment at how your skills have developed, and help define where you want to go from here.  I will give fair warning in that you may have seen some of these before, and that the slideshow does have a music score.  I went for something subtle, but many do not like music forcibly pushed on them, so if that’s the case, please mute your headphones or speakers now.  So, without further ado, here’s some of my best from 2008:

Jason’s Photography – Best of 2008

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: fine wildlife)

In closing, a few things to consider:

  1. What do you think?
  2. Should I be happy with this?
  3. Could I be doing better?
  4. What about the reviewing?  Good idea/bad idea?
  5. Have you seen other photos I’ve shared that should be included?
  6. What about your own reviews?  Anyone have any photo reviews to share?

Feel free to share your thoughts/comments/feedback here.  As always, happy shooting and we’ll see you back here tomorrow!

Thursday Thoughts with… Rob Jones

Jason2 Comments

Welcome back to another Thursday Thoughts posting.  This week, I am honored to have Rob Jones of Towner Jones Photography participating with the CB Series.  You might recall, Rob was kind enough to ask me to guest blog for him a week or two ago at his site, so I thought to reciprocate with him here.  (I got the far better deal as he clearly took quite a bit of time with the questions, and even was kind enough to share some of his work with me here at the blog.)   Do stop over to his site and peruse through everything he has to offer – I find myself learning nuggets from him almost every day!  So, without further ado, here’s Rob Jones:

Q:  Everyone always wants to know some of the basics, so let’s get a few things out of the way at once here…1.    How long have you been a photographer?

A:  I’ve enjoyed shooting pictures since I was a kid. I was in engineering school when digital photography really started gaining ground (late ‘90s) and that’s when my passion for shooting really began. (The technical nerd in me realized that I could feed my artistic side with cameras that required computers… what a concept!!) Then in January of 2007 my wife and I turned our love of photography into a side-business and we haven’t looked back as the business continues to grow. Full-time someday is the current dream. Sorry, that was a little more than you asked for.

Q:  Canon, Nikon, Sonly, Olympus, Pentax or some other brand?

A:  This may not be the best place to admit this, but I’m a Nikon guy. I can, however, honestly say I’ve never participated in any Canon bashing, online or in person. I do enjoy a little rivalry though…

Q:  Mac, PC, or Linux?

A:  As I mentioned earlier, I’m also an engineer so it’s PC all the way. I can’t trust a computer that doesn’t get rebooted everyday.

Q:  Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?

Vanilla, with Hershey’s chocolate syrup. I may have a bowl after the interview.

Q:  Moving into a little more granularity, photographers often enjoy hearing helpful and constructive critiques of their work, as we are aware of how much we can grow from it.  However, we’ve also all had the “nice shot” and “cool” comments when we’ve shared our work.  With that backdrop in place…what was the singular most useful critique or comment you’ve ever had on work you’ve shared publicly, and who said it (if you can share)?

One of my blog readers, a guy I know as “Emilio” regularly asks me, “Why did you…” or “What made you choose…” or the like about the photos I share on the blog. At first, I would find myself getting a little defensive, but later realized that being asked to express what was going through your mind when you took a photograph is a really powerful way to grow your photography. If you start to ask yourself those same questions BEFORE you take the picture, you’ll see the ratio of “keepers” increase.

Q:  If someone was asking you for an honest critique of their work, what 3 factors would you look at most (excluding friendships or family relatives, we’re talking professional or fellow photographer-types here)?

A:  Composition – Are you trying to create something artistic or are you just taking a snapshot? Either is fine, just know what you’re going for when you frame the shot.

Exposure – Are all of the areas of interest in the photograph properly exposed? Would a little artificial light make the difference between a good photo and a great photo?

Character – Coming from a guy who takes way too many pictures, I may sound like a hypocrite, but quantity does not lead to quality. Pictures with real character usually are the result of selecting a subject that interests you, and taking the time to put a little bit of yourself in each photograph.

Q:  Got any war stories from field shoots or outings that you can or would be willing to share?

A:  Here’s the one that still brings me the most pain when I think about it.

November 2006.

I had spent the whole morning walking the streets of downtown Toronto taking pictures of this beautiful city. Bundled, though I was, 19 degrees, was still cutting through my coat when the wind was blowing.

I turned a corner to find a homeless man, completely covered in blankets asleep on the sidewalk in front of me. Only a single, bare foot hung out exposed to the elements.

As I was lifting my camera to take the shot (which was pretty moving by itself) a brand new Lamborghini Murcielago turned onto the street about a block or so up the road. It was heading toward us, and would pass the homeless man on the sidewalk. Both would fit perfectly into my frame. I zoomed out to reframe the shot.

My heart pounding I waited for my moment… and squeezed the shutter release.

It is at this point that I noticed the ‘FULL’ prominently displayed in my viewfinder.

I have never let a memory card get below 20-30 remaining images since – you just don’t know when that amazing photo is going to present itself.

Q:  If you had to choose between the gear or the software as the only way to create, which would it be and why?

A:  Gear. I love messing around on the computer more than most folks, but I sit behind a desk too much of my time. The camera lets me get out into the world, and that’s where all the photos are.

Q:  If you had to pick three pictures out of your entire portfolio to represent your approach to photography, or your artistic vision, which ones would you pick (feel free to share images here)?

A:  Three pictures! There’s no way. Problem is, my artistic vision continues to change, and (I hope) my approach to photography continues to mature with time. Recently I’ve enjoyed continuing to develop my portrait photography, so I’ll share a couple favorites from that genre.

The first is a studio shot I did of a good friend of ours whose husband is a musician (that’s his beloved guitar) – we did this as a surprise gift for him. I love the photo as it really captured both her beauty and attitude.

Towner Jones Photography


The next is fairly recent, from one of my more exciting assignments. I had the honor of serving as the official event photographer for the White House Summit on International Development here in DC. With the distinction of being a part of the logistics team for the event, I was given access to the president – and was allowed to stand right at the base of his podium during his speech. I don’t care what your politics are, that was a blast.

Towner Jones Photography

Finally, out of the thousands upon thousands of photos I’ve taken, this one currently holds the most treasured spot in my heart. My blog readers will recognize this as the shot I posted on Thanksgiving this year, my two beautiful daughters Reagan and McKinley, on the first occasion I was able to get them in the studio (the day McKinley came home from the hospital).

Towner Jones Photography

Q:  Any final thoughts you’d like to share about the state of photography or any catch phrases that you keep in mind when shooting?

A:  Let’s see. I’ve got a catch phrase that really stuck with me, from a conversation with the great Scott Kelby, about post-processing that I really like. When discussing what amount of “retouching” is acceptable for portraits (in context, a group of us were talking about a shot of a bride) Scott said, “It OK to make a bride look as beautiful as she should feel on her wedding day.”  That kind of thing is why that guy gets book deals. I still think about that statement every time I’m in post.

Final thoughts on photography… I’m like many others, excited to see an expansion of the art form and enjoying an ever-growing community of folks who share my same love for photos.

Jason, thank you for the opportunity to ramble on such an awesome blog – it’s been a lot of fun and I really appreciate it. Take care and Godspeed.

Rob, thanks to you for taking the time to participate, and readers, please take the time to stop over and see his blog and website – he’s got some truly great stuff there!

Whats This?

Jason3 Comments

What's This - Week 22

Now in week 22, see if you can identify the latest picture of the day for the “What’s This?” series shown above.  Lastt week’s shot as a constructio garbage chute from the inside.  As promised I am including an exterior shot today so everyone can see what they look like from a “normal” perspective.

In other news, don’t forget the poll on the sidebar!  We’re at 30 votes and counting – let’s see if we cna break that 50 mark!  I also noticed that the feed readers are now over 500, and CB also hit a new one day high of 572!  Very exciting stuff to see that many people enjoying the blog.  Tomorrow’s Thursday Thoughts is none other than Rob Jones ot Towner Jones Photography.  You may recall he asked me to guest post on his blog a few weeks ago, so I invited him to come in here and do the same!  He’s got some great insights to share too, so be sure to stop back for that.  Until then, happy shooting!  Hope all your shots are good ones