tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55520951313651431022024-03-08T14:34:06.448-08:00thefamilyphotojournalistthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-45402545146712522002013-03-25T13:33:00.000-07:002013-03-25T13:33:32.859-07:00A Surgery Documentary Chuck and I continue to document our respective families but chose not to continue FPJ a while back. However, sometimes personal work needs an audience, or perhaps the photographer needs one. Sometimes sharing one's images conveys to others what one cannot express in words.<br />
<br />
One of the most difficult experiences of my life has been the recent surgery of my 4-year-old son Isaac. We took him in for a scheduled MRI and life quickly went from "What will we have for dinner after the MRI?" to "When is his surgery scheduled for?" They found a large tumor in his cerebellum and three days later, they removed it in the course of a 9-hour surgery. Some blood, many machines and wires, blood pressure cuffs, medications and myriad hospital staff became our reality. This monotony was often, and thankfully, disturbed by friends and family. All of these elements, those that brought pain and those which provided relief were equally a part of the story and deserved their portion in the documentary.<br />
<br />
This set of images has some rather rapid transitions and a number of lulls. Both of these represent our experience. Much time spent waiting, sitting, watching cartoons, distracting, and consoling, while many and frequent changes found us at other times in very brief spans. In a moment, we shifted from innocence to knowledge, from a healthy son to one on the verge of catastrophe. And life began to be lived one moment after another. Life often presents rapid change, rapid transitions. As such, I intentionally avoided any attempts to smooth out this set, to fine tune it and hope that it speaks for itself outside of my background information.<br />
<br />
Lastly, it has been my observation that emotions are often absent in photography, save the smiles and laughs, which, while valuable, belie an existence none of us can know exclusively. Sadness and pain are real. If we choose to omit those in our documentary, we do a disservice to our remembrance and create an artificial life, bereft of the things that made us value one another more deeply. I found no reason to leave my camera at home. This is our life, after all. For good or bad, I wanted to remember it. What follows are the moments from first entering the imaging area and donning the hospital pajamas to our eventual homecoming and the beginning of a new chapter of recovery. What follows is my view of those events.<br />
<br />
Daniel<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog1.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog2.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog3.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog4.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog5.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog6.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog7.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog8.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog9.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog102.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog102.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog102.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog10.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog10.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog10.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog11.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog11.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog11.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog15.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog15.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog15.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog13.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog13.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog13.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog14.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog14.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog14.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog12.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog12.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog12.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog16.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog16.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog17.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog17.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog17.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog182.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog182.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog182.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog183.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog183.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog183.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog18.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog18.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog18.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog19.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog19.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog20.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog20.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog20.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog21.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog21.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog22.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog22.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog22.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog24.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog24.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog24.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog25.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog25.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog25.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog26.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog26.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog26.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog27.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog27.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog27.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog28.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog28.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog28.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog29.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog29.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog29.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog30.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog30.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog30.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog35.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog35.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog35.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog36.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog36.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog36.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s282.photobucket.com/user/kosphotography/media/testforFPJblog38.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo testforFPJblog38.jpg" border="0" src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk260/kosphotography/testforFPJblog38.jpg" /></a>
thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-67157059343678500692011-09-04T18:33:00.000-07:002011-09-05T20:19:33.553-07:00Framing ElementsHey guys. Been a while. I'm trying to get one in before Tuesday--my wife and I are having a little girl that day. So, I'll be out of commission for a spell.<br /><br />In the last couple posts of mine, I'm sure you noticed that I used images taken in similar environments. This has been intentional and by it, I'm hoping to make the point that an image might be taken in many different ways. Many of our homes are not photo friendly. It can be frustrating, between the clutter and imperfect wall hangings. A good photographer can see beyond that, though, to find order amidst disorder. My photo heroes are able to do this, including Steve McCurry and Sam Abell. We have talked about visual organization before and will continue to because it's elemental in documentary work (or any other type for that matter).<br /><br />Look for items which might act as natural frames. Simple shapes, non-distracting items, etc. The more simple the item, the less it will detract from your subject (generally speaking). Use this approach to create symmetry. <br /><br />All 3 shots I'm sharing in this entry were taken in July in my boys' room. Two contain a singular element, which is the Sesame Street painting, the other a portion of the top bunk and curtains. The boys' room doesn't contain many interesting visual elements and I've learned that more is not always better (i.e., just shooting wide and letting the chips fall where they may). When the angle is right, the painting can be a useful element in organizing my shots.<br /><br />The shot below is a recent favorite of mine. I like the symmetric and boxy feel of this composition. I like my oldest son's eyes, which are barely visible over the safety bar. I like the way he and his brother's bodies lean in to one another, while their gazes are not singularly focused on the same area. This helps draw attention to their closeness while adding a tension to the image. I like the simplicity of it all. The window helps to close out the composition and keep the viewer from straying too far. It's very graphic.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137804063/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137804063/original" /><br /><br />My oldest enjoys using this camera body, which I've "given" to him (a manual minolta body I learned on). Anytime I pull my camera out, he runs to get his as well. He was taking a photo of me. I lined up the painting to his right (rather than directly behind him) and used the edge of the bunk beds to close out the frame. If I left it open, it would still work but would have a looser feel rather than the staunch symmetry afforded by straight, closed lines.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137804062/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137804062/original" /><br /><br />This shot uses that same painting as an element to close out the shot. Again, I like placing the boys to one side of the frame (but still without pushing them to the far edges) and balancing them with a symmetrical element (painting). When you're seeking out a composition, look for those elements which will fill out a shot without becoming busy or "cluttery". <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137804064/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137804064/original" /><br /><br />It took me a long time to learn to see natural lines. It takes practice. It takes studying good photography to see how they did it. I hope this is useful, guys. Have a good one.<br /><br />Danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-13296266108577869842011-08-08T20:10:00.001-07:002011-08-08T21:25:33.697-07:00Using Mirrors<img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089060/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089060/original" />
<br />
<br />The shot above was my first realization that I could be in my own shots. True, many of us took at least one picture of our feet early in our photo journeys or perhaps a shot into the mirror but everyone does that. It's a virtual rite of passage. But in the shot above, I incorporated myself into the story of the moment in a less direct way than photographing my feet or myself in the bathroom mirror.
<br />
<br />This post will look at creative ways to use mirrors and even how to incorporate ourselves into our images. I find both concepts interesting but as with any other technique, moderation is key. I use techniques such as this sparingly and for some reason (perhaps because I see way too much reliance on gimmicks these days), feel the need to say so.
<br />
<br />This next shot is a variation in the same living room as the previous image. This is the same couch and the same mirror in the same living room that I sat on and slept on and jumped on since I was a tyke. It has meaning to me. I didn't want to shoot it the way I had before so I chose to frame vertically. I went for symmetry, so that the objects framing my youngest son would be less literal and more abstract shapes. I also was careful to include my wife in the reflection which provides another layer of content.
<br />
<br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089059/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089059/original" />
<br />
<br />In this next shot, my cousin is reading to my two boys. Again, same couch, same mirror, etc. I think it's a good illustration of how varied you can make your compositions even with almost all of the same framing elements. I chose to include myself as part of the picture as well.
<br />
<br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089057/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089057/original" />
<br />
<br />
<br />There is a component of fun in including yourself in shots. My wife decided to take a photo of me and I quickly composed this and fired back. There's a second shot which included my wife's camera flash burst but it seemed too contrived to me. Creative and simple can be adjectives which describe the same shot. It's okay to think simply if you have a handle on the elements of good composition, content and timing. Don't be fooled into the lure of "complex is better."
<br />
<br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089055/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089055/original" />
<br />
<br />
<br />This shot is an example of finding a composition and camping on it. I pre-composed, pre-focused, and waited for my grandmother to step out of the guest room. Then, it was simply a matter of timing. Knowing angles helps as well.
<br />
<br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089154/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089154/original" />
<br />
<br />I believe this shot might have appeared on an early post of mine. My apologies but it's one of my favorite mirror shots.
<br />
<br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089054/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/137089154/original" />
<br />
<br />As always, I hope this is helpful and I hope it finds its way into your photo toolbox, like good spices...used sparingly.
<br />
<br />Danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-42434203017367279102011-08-03T11:46:00.000-07:002011-08-03T12:07:28.063-07:00Effectively Using Deliberate Motion BlurLet's face it, we are at times limited by creating art within a two dimensional medium. Sometimes photos can feel a bit 'lifeless', especially when what we photographed was moving. I've already discussed the technique of panning, which is a tremendous way to add life to your photos (read that tutorial here: http://thefamilyphotojournalist.blogspot.com/2010/02/panning-how-i-roll.html).<br /><br />But conditions do not always warrant a full pan. Sometimes we just want to show that things were moving when we captured the scene. Doing so is really rather simple. It just requires you to really focus on technique. <br /><br />First, slow your shutter down to somewhere near 1/25th of a second. Your shutter speed will vary depending on how much movement you want to show. I personally like when the majority of the scene is sharp and just a small part of the photo has motion blur on it. Once you've selected your desired shutter speed, be sure to think about holding still when you press the shutter. Remember, this shutter speed is most likely slower than you normally shoot. So just be aware. <br /><br />Below are some examples where I've utilized deliberate motion blur:<br /><br /><br />My son was playing the Wii and I really liked how his hands were moving. So I selected 1/30th for my shutter speed and waited for him to "hit the ball". <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128935904/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128935904/original" /><br /><br /><br />Same concept below. This was shortly after Santa brought he Wii.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/120702767/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/120702767/original" /><br /><br /><br />Later that same night :)<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/120694611/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/120694611/original" /><br /><br /><br />After writing this post, I realize that I need to do this more! <br /><br />Good luck! Keep documenting!<br /><br />Chuckthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-71631146249210806902011-07-18T19:55:00.000-07:002011-07-18T21:02:15.445-07:00Isolating for EffectHey guys,<br /><br />I want to talk about isolation in your images. This post addresses single subject isolation for effect.<br /><br />Any good photo has a subject. (I know, painfully obvious statement.) Sometimes the subject is rather obvious, while it may be less obvious and/or more abstract in others. One of our jobs as photographers is to tell the viewer where to look. Good composition does this.<br /><br />Now, you've surely seen photographers who shoot everything wide open (widest possible aperture on a given lens) because of the bokeh. Yes, bokeh is nice but it can very easily become a crutch. That's because shooting wide open all the time doesn't require a photographer to carefully consider the background. It's thrown so far out of focus that your eye cannot help but go right to the subject, which is often the only in-focus object. Easy. And sometimes just plain lazy. Whether you shoot wide open, stopped down a couple stops or at "f/8 and be there," you should know WHY you're doing it.<br /><br />1. Choose your backgrounds carefully. To isolate a subject, the simpler the better.<br />Here is a shot of my son while on a trip to Texas. His great grandmother had given him a new skateboard and this is all he did for the few days we were there. I stayed back to let him play and used a 135mm lens. I shot from a side angle because I liked the shape of the houses behind him and because the background was uncluttered, he stood out well.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136262458/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136262458/original" /><br /><br /><br />2. Separation.<br />I shot this is my son while in Texas. The sun was brilliant and warm. I was shooting close to wide open but I still carefully placed him clear of the sign posts and poles.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136262457/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136262457/original" /><br /><br />3. Get close.<br />Getting close to your subject can separate him/her from the background. Part of this lies in the fact that the closer you are, the faster depth of field drops off, even stopped down to f/4-f/5.6. One of the biggest benefits this has is proximity to the lens often catches the eye of the viewer more quickly. This shot below captures a quiet moment of a cousin with her puppy. She and the dog share a moment, completely separate of anyone playing around her. The image conveys that.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136540067/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136540067/original" /><br /><br /><br />4. Choose your angle.<br />Below, you see a girl on a slide, alone in her thoughts. What you don't see is the house behind that slide, surrounding trees, other playground equipment or children playing. The low angle eliminated those distractions and set her apart from them all. The result is another quiet, contemplative image.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136261704/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136261704/original" /><br /><br /><br />The shot below illustrates isolation at its rawest. Simplicity. White walls, a backwards glance, and nothing else. These moments are always both fortuitous and equally intentional. You can't expect them to fall into line regularly and you can't wait until the stars align. As a photographer, your job is to MAKE it happen.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136540184/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136540184/original" /><br /><br /><br />Hope this is helpful.<br /><br />Danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-17972578524124662222011-07-14T12:23:00.000-07:002011-07-14T12:42:44.918-07:00Which Camera for Family Photojournalism?Recently, we received the question: "Can (insert camera here) be used to shoot Family Photojournalism?"<div><br /></div><div>The answer is a resounding YES, regardless of which camera you own or use! </div><div><br /></div><div>While you may use literally ANY camera, I primarily use a Canon DSLR (1ds2 and 5d2) with an assortment of prime lenses. I choose to use these because it gives me a lot of flexibility when shooting in a wide variety of lighting conditions. For example, I might start photographing my family in my home early in the morning where light is low, but the scene may shift quickly as they move outside. By using a prime lens with a wide aperture setting, I do not have to change lenses when my subjects move into different light. </div><div><br /></div><div>With that said, ANY camera will work, but there just might be some limitations. My advice would be to understand and work within the confines of those limitations. For example, if you own a Canon DSLR and the standard 18-55mm kit lens, shooting inside without flash will be difficult. Therefore you might want to opt for more outside documentation. Or if you have an old manual focus film camera, you might want to photograph your family when the are more subdued and not participating in an action packed event.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I do prefer my Canon DSLRs, I occasionally shoot other cameras. I owned two different Leica M6 film cameras with 35mm lenses and REALLY enjoyed them. One of the limitations of the Leica M is that the lenses are manual focus. Additionally, since it is a film camera, you cannot adjust your ISO on the fly. Posted below is one of my favorite sets from last summer. The photos were taken while we were on vacation. We decided to take a late evening beach walk. I only had about a half of the roll of film left in the Leica M6, so these are all the shots from the session. The film used was Fuji Pro 400</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126162825/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126162825/original" /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, to recap, any camera will do! Now go photograph your family!</div><div><br /></div><div>Chuck</div>thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-49952590643615544262011-07-06T19:50:00.000-07:002011-07-06T20:19:06.744-07:00Using Multi-Layered Content in Your Family PhotojournalismAll too often, I get satisfied with capturing 'single themed photographs' where there is one major piece of content in the photo. For example, let's say my child is digging for worms in the back yard and the light is perfect. I quickly raise my camera, position my little guy in the frame where I want them...and SNAP....I have a decent photo. <br /><br />But does this photo tell a story? <br /><br />One thing I try to accomplish when attempting family photojournalism is to tell a story with an image. As I analyze my own work, I'm finding that singular themed photographs (while nice in many cases) just are not that deep and do not always tell the whole story.<br /><br />More and more I am attempting to focus on having at least two pieces of content in my photographs. I'm finding that the more I concentrate on this, the 'deeper' my photos are becoming. <br /><br />Take the photo below as an example. I came home from work and went on the back deck to find my wife feeding our youngest child on the table while my two other children circled her like wild banshees. I was first drawn to my wife feeding our child in his new seat (first time he was in it) but I literally told myself, "eh, thats boring, the light is dull, and I have TONS of photos of my children eating." But there was more there. My other children were riding scooters, so I began to think about how to incorporate them into the scene. I knew that my primary piece of content was my wife feeding my child, but I needed a second piece. I grabbed my camera (1ds2 + 24L) and sat down against the rails of my deck and I waited for my children to pass by the frame. When my middle child entered the frame, he looked at me, I pressed the shutter. Think just how different this photo would be if it was just my wife feeding my child WITHOUT my son looking into the camera, riding a scooter, WEARING A SCUBA MASK!:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135812710/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135812710/original" /><br /><br />As another example, the photo below illustrates how multiple layers of content can add to the strength of an image. My wife was snuggling with our youngest on the couch. I even took photos of them...just her and him...on the couch...boring! But when I stepped back from the scene, there was SO MUCH MORE THERE. My other children were playing the most bizarre game of go fish and were really enjoying themselves. The 1ds2 + 24L was the weapon of choice again. My primary piece of content is my wife and newborn with my secondary piece of content being my older children playing cards. I used a center composition with my older children framing my primary piece of content:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136206521/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/136206521/original" /><br /><br />Finally, the image below is really special to our family. My wife was just a few days away from delivering our third child (the little guy pictured above). Our house was a wreck, yet there was still so much to do. My wife worked tirelessly to make sure our little guy came home to a place conducive to raising a child! This was the end of a very long day for all of us. The older children were snuggled up watching a movie, but my wife was busy folding laundry. Think how different this scene would be if I just photographed my wife, or just the kids. Camera was the 5d2 + 24L:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135983639/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135983639/original" /><br /><br /><br />So, my challenge to you all would be to wait before you press that shutter. Look around, try to find something else that is going on so that you can add some depth to your photographs! But be patient, it ain't easy! <br /><br />Chuckthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-6425616647420371502011-06-22T12:29:00.000-07:002011-06-22T13:11:01.823-07:00Low Light Photography and Digital NoiseWhen Daniel and I first decided to author this blog, we really didn't anticipate the amount of work that would be involved. Mind you, this work would be in addition to our full time jobs, our part time jobs (both photographers), and our duties as husbands and fathers.<br /><br />Something had to give. I think we were a bit ambitious in our early planning by trying to post two times a month. <br /><br />So, from here on out, Daniel and I will post when we can!<br /><br /><br /><br />A topic that I've been thinking a lot about lately is shooting in low light and dealing with digital noise in images. I have been a member of several internet forums over the years (that's how I learned photography) and have long read about how to minimize digital noise or grain when shooting in low light. Noise is often the result of one of two things: 1) shooting at high ISO values (ie, 1600, 3200, 6400) or 2) underexposing an image and trying to 'push' the exposure in post processing.<br /><br />Many people advise to avoid setting their ISO values to such high numbers for fear of 'your photo will be all grainy'. You'll read that you should use your flash to avoid the grain. And while this is true, you can shoot at lower ISO values with a flash (because you are forcing more light onto the scene), you will often change WHAT THE SCENE ACTUALLY LOOKED LIKE. <br /><br />As a photojournalist, I strive to maintain the authenticity of a scene, moment, expression, etc. I WANT the scene to look as it did when I took the photo. For example, if the room is dark and only the TV is on, I WANT my photo to be dark. So if you want to keep your low light scenes 'real', you really only need a fast lens (ie, a prime lens that has a wide aperture such as the Canon 35L f/1.4 or Canon 50mm f/1.4) and the vision to shoot with your ISO above 1600!<br /><br />Another thing to consider when shooting in low light is your shutter speed. Again, if the scene is dark AND you already have your ISO cranked up, you might be forced to use a slower shutter speed (ie, 1/10th, 1/25th). If you are shooting a wide lens and your subject is static, you shouldnt have a hard time keeping the camera steady...it only takes a bit of practice. <br /><br /><br />The following examples were shot in extremely low light with slower shutter speeds. Notice, there is a decent amount of 'noise' or grain in them. In fact, I even ADDED some grain in photoshop :)<br /><br />Movie Night: The only light in the room was the TV. 1/30th, f/1.4, ISO 3200<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135785518/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135785518/original" /><br /><br /><br />Movie Night II: Again, just the TV, in our very dark basement. 1/25th, f/1.4, ISO4000<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135785550/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135785550/original" /><br /><br /><br />Homework: Only light was the small lamp in the photo. 1/60th, f/2.8, ISO3200<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135785549/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/135785549/original" /><br /><br /><br />Wii: Only the TV as a light source. 1/40th, f/2, ISO3200<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/120694611/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/120694611/original" /><br /><br /><br />Book Time: One of my all time favorites. Taken with just the light from under the bunkbed. 1/80th, f/1.6, ISO 3200<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/107248879/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/107248879/original" /><br /><br /><br />I really feel like the use of flash would have DESTROYED these images. So, turn your flash off and crank your ISO up! Preserve the authenticity! <br /><br />Chuckthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-24799336903377773862010-10-23T07:58:00.001-07:002010-10-28T18:38:27.386-07:00Critiquing Chuck: 2As I often mention, I love Chuck's work. In this post, I'll talk about a few shots I've selected of his and offer my critique on them. Unlike the last "critiquing chuck" post, these were chosen because of a running theme.<br /><br />On these first two shots (below), the boys are gathered in and around an armchair by the window, focusing intensely. Chuck has shared pictures of his living room (think back to the last post of the couch and frames on the wall, etc) and has even stated himself that it isn't very big. Yet if you study the many shots he's taken there, they don't feel redundant or "tired". How is that?<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126242962/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126242962/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126242964/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126242964/original" /><br /><br />The first shot is a bit more complex than the others in this post. There are two equally interesting subjects with divergent lines of interest. There are two distinct expressions and emotions conveyed here as well. The composition is very straightforward but nicely incorporates the important elements, omitting items which would clutter or detract from the scene. The second image is similar but Chuck is slightly farther away from the boys. These two images look to have been taken around the same time with the same focal length (I didn't view metadata, so I might be wrong on this) yet tell two parts of a larger story of a slow morning. The details are wonderful: the object of attention, the game system, is prominent, the over-sized watch, the "bed head", wife beater and boxer briefs. <div><br /></div><div>This image below was taken in the same exact chair as the shots above but from an oblique angle, rather than straight on. I love the blanket which engulfs his little body. I love the light from the large window splashing all over him. I love the squished cheek where his hand meets his cheek from underneath the blanket.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126242951/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126242951/original" /><br /><br />To continue our "one angle of the living room" theme: Below is an older image of Chuck's but there are several things to love about it. Chuck uses the clutter in the room to his advantage. Kids make messes and can be messy. Why try to portray an immaculate house in your images if it isn't ALWAYS truly immaculate? I find these kinds of images endearing, personally, and have plenty of "clutter" images myself. Again, the same chair is in the background (as the other shots) but the angle is slightly different and the composition has a different feel to it. What is most interesting, and should be, are the expressions of those boys, both intently watching the television screen. It offers a quiet moment among the busy-ness and loud natures of most young boys.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/100355535/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/100355535/original" /><br /><br />What really makes these shots work is not brilliant composition (although, they're well composed images), it's not lighting (hard to beat window light, though), and it's not the gear he used (though Chuck uses stellar gear): what made these shots work is the story they contain and the expressions of his little subjects. They're interesting. They're telling. They're endearing....and they're not even my kids (sadly, i haven't met this famous family).<br /><br />There are many things that CAN make a great photograph but what consistently makes a good image work is emotion, expression, gestures, etc., things which are telling of the subject. Learn from Chuck. All of the things he does well pale in comparison to his ability to capture genuine emotions and moments which tell a story about his subjects (in this case, family). With all of the terminology and technique and gear relating to photography, it can be quite overwhelming. Chuck's solution for a majority of his shots is the 1ds2 camera body and the 35L. Simplicity. What we should value, above all else, is content in an image. Hopefully, the simplicity and beauty of these images above display that principle well.</div><div><br />Thanks for letting me use your images, Chuck. Hope this is useful, guys.<br /><br />daniel<br /></div>thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-24835463409029756872010-10-06T18:02:00.000-07:002010-10-11T15:49:18.099-07:00Expanding your family photojournalismhey guys-something i alluded to a few posts back was shooting outside of your immediate family-we've primarily talked about capturing our own son(s) or daughter(s) but FPJ can include so much more-personally, i enjoy photographing my boys as they interact in places outside of our home-it's a nice change in venue and more family members (as potential subjects) offer opportunities for a range of unique interactions and moments, not to mention more complex and layered images-my family also enjoys my perspective on our family gatherings-just apply the same approach we've discussed in searching for moments, carefully composing, being patient, etc.-it's also great practice to get out and try to create shots-here are some i've taken with my extended family with a few notes:<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>something i love to do is take a unique angle on an image-their mom wanted them to "cheese" for the camera-I make a very intentional and conscious decision not to ask my children to smile-instead, i took a very different angle with a 50mm lens and waited for the expression i wanted<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196671/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196671/original" /><br /><br /></div><div>our family rents a club house (because there are so many of us) every Easter with a playground in back-the girls were playing on the playground and i decided i really wanted a shot as they ascended the stairs-i liked the spacing between the girls and tilted my camera (slightly) to enhance the sense of movement-the moment i released the shutter was important to me here-a second or two earlier and they wouldn't have filled the frame (right to left)-a second later and i would have "amputated" a hand or two</div><div><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196675/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196675/original" /><br /><br /></div><div>this shot, like many of mine, comes from studying and observing my subjects-i watched her play for a while, trying to position myself well in preparation for a shot-as she climbed through the opening, i saw something and quickly composed-as she grabbed the rail and leaned to her right, i snapped the shutter-you can teach yourself to be in the right place at the right time and to anticipate moments-i highly encourage this discipline</div><div><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196677/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196677/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196678/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196678/original" /><br /><br /></div><div>this was at a small gathering for a birthday party-my grandmother is in the foreground-i shot from an angle that layered them and gave each person their own distinctive space in the image-i chose to focus on my cousin here and use my grandmother as a natural framing element, giving both context and interpretation to my cousin's laughter</div><div><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196680/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196680/original" /><br /><br /></div><div>something i very consciously set out to do and continue is that i take my camera to my grandmother's every time i visit-i want to document her, capture the wonderful personality I've grown up with, and capture the essence of who she is-no small task but i can tell her story cumulatively-one thing i love about her is her sense of humor-i like the composition here, it's simple and nothing advanced or brilliant (though notice that even with a straight forward comp like this, i still tried to keep separation between my grandmother and cousin behind her)-the content is what makes this shot special, the genuine moment of laughter that i've experienced a thousand times</div><div><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196681/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129196681/original" /><br /><br /></div><div>the angle was important to me here-the girls were doing acrobatics on the swing set and a standard, straight forward shot wouldn't convey that as well-i also like the motion blur and softness to the image-it all conveys action and motion and something fleeting that i was fortunate to capture</div><div><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129224290/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129224290/original" /><br /><br /></div><div>there are several things happening here at once-i really like that in an image-it tells its own story</div><div><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129224291/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129224291/original" /><br /><br /></div><div>something i love about the photography is its ability to stop a moment or an expression, for that matter-there's an intensity in her gaze-in this instance, i don't provide the person she was gazing towards-i like the mystery of leaving out that element-it's open to interpretation by any given viewer-plus, who says only "smiling kid shots" are worth shooting?</div><div><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129224292/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/129224292/original" /></div><br /><br /><br />i really hope this encourages you to take your photography to your family (not just your camera to someone's house, if that makes sense)-document things that capture your family as they truly are, their quirks, their personalities, etc-we have a unique perspective that can contribute to how people see themselves and how they remember their lives-help shape that-you and your family will greatly value that over the years<br /><br />thanks for stopping by, guys/gals<br /><br />danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-41230107681819048812010-09-29T07:25:00.000-07:002010-09-29T07:51:27.547-07:00Displaying Your Family PhotojournalismFirst and foremost, I'd like to sincerely thank Daniel for stepping up and maintaining this blog over the past few months. Life threw a curveball my way and I had to refocus some energy in other places. <div><br /></div><div>Ok, so you've been reading our blog and I have no doubt that your photos are improving. So what should you do with those great shots?! </div><div><br /></div><div>1. I urge you to print your digital files semi-reguarly! I had a conversation with the great wedding photojournalist, Evan Baines about the boxes of photographs that we all have from our childhood. Think about it, our parents shot FILM, maybe 24-36 photos at a time. The film was brought to a lab and the end result were PRINTS. When I look through these photographs, I do not judge composition, light, or other technical aspects of the photo. I simply enjoy them. All too often (and I am guilty of this myself) we let our digital files STAY DIGITAL. Or we'll only print our 'best'. Print the middle of the road shots as well! Your children will appreciate them in 20/30/50 years. For great online labs, I can recommend www.mpix.com or www.adoramapix.com (I love their matte finish). </div><div><br /></div><div>2. Albums. You can go in many directions here: a) Take your prints and buy a 4x6 album and make your own. b) Take advantage of the digital age and create a digital album. Most printmakers offer various digital books. c) Old school. You can take a 12x12 album without the pre slotted plastic sleeves and buy photo corners and archival tape and create a nice, clean, photo album that will be fully custom. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Family Photojournalism as ART! Frame your favorite/best photos and make a display! There are so many amazing products on the market now (canvas, acrylic pressed prints, fine art, etc) that you really cannot lose! Chose which ever type of print/look you desire and hang it in your family room! </div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I have always loved the look of a gallery style wall. But I was always aware of how costly custom framing is! As a solution, I purchased 12 'decent' 12x16 black metal frames (on sale). But in order to give my 'gallery wall' a custom look, I paid for custom cut mats (each one was around $9) cut to the various sizes of my prints. All prints were made on an Epson 2400 with Velvet Fine Art paper. I tried to print at 'odd' sizes so there was some variety in the uniform look. I would estimate that the total cost of framing/matting the series below was about $300. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is the current set up. The photos have not been switched out in 4 years. I am in the process of printing new prints.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/122273660/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/122273660/original" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128935903/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128935903/original" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks all for stopping by! </div><div><br /></div><div>Chuck</div>thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-30671783923315057302010-09-13T17:45:00.000-07:002010-09-15T18:15:28.388-07:00Book Review: Sebastiao Salgado<div><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128481719/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128481719/original" /></div><div><br /></div>Something I've been meaning to do for a while is share books that I've found influential. If you don't know who this guy is, you need to. There are many, many photographers that I've studied and continue to study, but one of the most influential photographers for me has been Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian documentary photographer. His work covers multiple continents, though much of the book I'm sharing is concentrated in South America and Africa. Here's a short review of his book, An Uncertain Grace, with some insight into what I got out of it myself.<br /><br /><div>First of all, if you're able to/willing to pick this book up from the library or even off amazon.com (etc), I'd encourage you to read the essays. While the pictures can teach you a great deal about how a photographer approaches his subjects, the way he composes his shots, what he chooses to include and exclude from a photo, and what moments he/she deemed worthy to press the shutter for, the essays will teach you an equally important skill: how to talk and think about photography. This is a skill that is underrated and often neglected to make space for learning Photoshop and Lightroom tricks and blog stalking. Being able to talk about why you like a photo or why you do not can help you to analyze photographs more deeply. It can also aid you in "seeing" in a whole new way. Over time, the language of photography will become inbedded into your skull and you will learn to shoot more from "feel," requiring less thought and analysis during the moment. (Essentially, it will be more/less second nature over time) That's why I read the essays in my photo books and why I would encourage you to do the same. The author's perspective will also help you to appreciate the photos on a level (often) surpassing your own. It often includes insight behind the photos and what the photographer went through to get the photos, though rarely mentioning anything about the technicals.</div><div><br />Sebastiao's work is very raw. He doesn't attempt to glamorize his subjects or their surroundings. He shoots in black and white, which lends itself to an evocative, yet almost surreal quality. Through his work and Sam Abell's, to name a couple, I have grown fond of darker, moodier images and exposures. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sebastiao's moodiness is accompanied by a quietness, a stillness that seems to reach into the subject's soul and capture something about who that person is. In reading it (and I have several times now), I come away with a sense that I've actually been the places he has. That is another thing to learn by studying this book: how to use context to speak about your subject and how to incorporate setting without allowing it to overwhelm your subject.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you have the chance to look this book up, I highly recommend it. You never know which photographers will change your life. There are many I like but only a handful that truly changed the way I see. This is one of them. Try it one on for size.</div><div><br /></div><div>"An Uncertain Grace" by Sebastiao Salgado (I included a few images to whet your appetite)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128481722/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128481722/original" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128481919/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128481919/original" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128481995/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128481995/original" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, guys</div><div><br /></div><div>daniel</div>thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-32493201766025173272010-08-12T22:30:00.001-07:002010-09-01T14:27:17.141-07:00Summer Vacation Part 2As promised, here is part 2 of vacations. You'll notice some similarities between this set and the last, partly due to the fact that this is the same cabin as last year in the Smoky Mountains. Same drill as last week, some shots with some explanation. You'll see a little environmental portraiture in this which is unusual for me.<br /><br />On the way home, we spent several hours at the Knoxville Zoo, also in East Tennessee. Those shots are interspersed into this set.<br /><br />Gonna go ahead and get the environmental portraits out of the way.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942079/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942079/original" /><br /><br />As much as I dislike the 5d2, I have to admit live view and iso 6400 are quite handy (and clean). This shot was actually taken at dusk at iso 12800 f/1.4 1/30. The goal is to get the shot. Worry about noise and technicals later.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942076/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942076/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942073/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942073/original" /><br /><br />In these next two, you'll notice another recurrent theme, which is basic layering. I frame my boys using both foreground and background elements when there are no other natural frames available. Rather than follow the trend of automatically incorporating tons of negative space, I choose to complement my subject with context. Both can be effective, but negative space rarely tells a story. You'll also notice that I love to capture my boys during a contemplative moment (i.e., lost in thought, distracted, etc).<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942101/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942101/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942099/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942099/original" /><br /><br />Again, very basic framing, using the bucket to provide context. To me, the bucket sits there quietly, unused, while the boys dance as the bucket's background.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942097/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942097/original" /><br /><br />I love 50mm. I took an angle that allowed the railing to run through the frame diagonally. Even simple compositions such as this can benefit from leading lines that are subtle yet effectively draw the eye to the subject.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942096/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942096/original" /><br /><br />As much as I like to layer (and usually do), sometimes I go for symmetry and simplicity instead. In this shot, I liked the animals on the wall and used them to frame my son.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942093/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942093/original" /><br /><br />What I like about this is the dynamic of Henry looking across and out of the frame. I framed it and waited for him to do something like that. If he were looking out toward the rhino exhibit (to camera left), his gaze would have led out of the frame along with mommy in the background. Because he's looking back into the frame while she's looking the other way, there is a slight tension to the image and the eye is able to bounce around the frame without ever being "led out" of it.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942089/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942089/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942086/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942086/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942082/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942082/original" /><br /><br />Simple example of natural framing, using the doorway and the light's rapid falloff which I love.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942062/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942062/original" /><br /><br />I like the complexity of this image. If you like complex and dense (but visually organized) street photography, check out Alex Webb. He shoots for Magnum Photos and is an amazing talent. This shot has that type of complexity, while maintaining separation between the multiple subjects and their movements. Also notice that while everyone is moving about, Isaac's eyes are on the camera.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942067/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942067/original" /><br /><br />I thought I saw A LOT of shots while in this toy store. There seemed to be myriad opportunities but I never could make it work. I was a little frustrated at my failure. As we descended the stairs, I noticed the spiral from above, quickly framed, guessed exposure and snapped a shot.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942064/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942064/original" /><br /><br />Here is another example of a series I tried to shoot and felt I was failing. Carousels are frustrating to shoot because they're so visually busy and during the day, your sensor can't register the dyanmic range between the shadows and highlights. I finally knelt down and tried to simplify things, eliminating many of the issues my other shots were having.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942059/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942059/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942070/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942070/original" /><br /><br />These next two show two ways I approached a similar shot and angle.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942049/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942049/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942052/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942052/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942045/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127942045/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128024500/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128024500/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128024497/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128024497/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128024501/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/128024501/original" /><br /><br />A lot of pictures but a busy few days. So, be encouraged to bring your camera more places. Think through your shots and exposures and capture something unique. I'm excited for my boys to look back on these shots in 10 or 20 years from now. Thanks for stopping by, guys.<br /><br />danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-7172628209894240912010-08-12T22:21:00.000-07:002010-08-23T19:42:34.548-07:00Summer Vacation: Part 1Well, summer's at an end and school's begun. If we were lucky, we got to take a vacation away from work and the grind of daily life. It might be tempting to leave the camera at home...to "get away." But think what you'd be missing. Documenting a family event or outing can offer a plethora of visual opportunities. There are stories to be told. There is scenery which differs greatly from your living room or front yard. It's a wonderful challenge and a chance to capture images that may never present themselves again. (this applies to zoo trips, park outings, etc., not just vacations)<br /><br />This post is part 1 in a short series on summer vacation. The past two years, my family and I have traveled to East Tennessee and stayed in a cabin tucked in the Smoky Mountains. This post covers last year's vacation. The next one will cover this year's. The goal is to give you a sample of how I cover/document my family vacations with a few notes and encourage you to do the same.<br /><br />On the way to the cabin, we stopped in a hotel. The boys weren't very good at being "quiet." The next four shots cover that experience.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439377/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439377/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439387/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439387/original" /><br /><br />This boy fought sleep for about an hour and a half. We were quite relieved when we were able to get him to to go down. Plus, I love sleeping pictures. It's a recurrent theme in my family PJ work.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439388/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439388/original" /><br /><br />What to do when your oldest wakes up at 5 AM? How about cartoons and powdered donuts? Notice the very slight tilt to the right. Subtle tilt can add a dynamic quality to an image, if not overused or too obvious or exaggerated.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439378/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439378/original" /><br /><br />The tunnel provided an interesting visual but if shot straight on, would appear at a bright circle with rapid falloff. Instead, I shot at a slightly oblique angle so that the tunnel would curve out of the frame and give the viewer a sense of where Henry had come from.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439384/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439384/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439385/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439385/original" /><br /><br />This kind of picture takes itself. Notice the sleeping bear on the other side of the glass.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439383/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439383/original" /><br /><br />It was later in the day. We had walked all over a rather large zoo and everyone was bushed. I was able to tell two stories simultaneously. And by shooting a somewhat oblique angle, I provided a little more depth to the image (with two distinct layers of content).<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439386/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439386/original" /><br /><br />The context makes this shot. I could have grabbed a closeup or head shot but the rocks and brush behind him give the photo a rustic quality and sense of place that I like.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439379/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439379/original" /><br /><br />These are the kinds of moments I love to capture. Again, we have a sense of place. It was a beautiful, sweeping area. I would consider this a landscape with people in it.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439380/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439380/original" /><br /><br />This shot was easy to capture. I had to choose my angle to show just enough of his face (the eyes are the most important feature) and watch him play. This kind of image is more elemental than literal. By focusing on the context and playful eyes, it becomes an image more about childhood fun, even when it's nothing more than a bathtub.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439381/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439381/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439391/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439391/original" /><br /><br />Grandma calmed him down and rocked him to sleep...with Gus (teddy bear). Her hands were my focus, as the shot is more about her comfort than anything else. The hands and her gaze were the key features that I wanted to capture. The exaggerated wide angle (while being careful not to distort too greatly), makes the hands more prominent.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439389/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127439389/original" /><br /><br /><br />These are just a few highlights of last year's trip. It's not important to have 50 or even 100 superb shots. 15 good images is plenty IF they're really good (and that's a judgment call, there). Spend time capturing one good image per event. If you get more than that...great! That image will live on as a family classic. Quality, not quantity. Even if you don't take the camera out very much, your family will be able to look back fondly on their past, long after the details have faded from memory.<br /><br />Thanks for sticking around the blog, guys. Your comments are always welcome and highly valued.<br /><br />danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-83590690210540363672010-08-03T18:03:00.000-07:002010-08-03T19:49:02.791-07:00Dramatic LightingHey guys,<br /><br />Been a while since Chuck or I posted and with the summer coming to an end and vacation season ending, I'll be around a bit more.<br /><br />A quote I really like from Joe McNally goes: "John Loengard, the picture editor at Life, always used to tell me, 'If you want something to look interesting, don’t light all of it.'" It's a pretty basic concept but a little more difficult than it sounds (to do well). He's referring to getting away from flat lighting (lighting EVERYTHING on your subject). Sometimes, flat lighting is inevitable and sometimes, it's right for the shot but for this post, we're going to focus on using small bits of light that help our subjects stand out. It's pretty easy to find (easier with natural light than in the studio) and will often require high iso and slow shutter speeds. Once you find the light and lock in exposure, it's a matter of finding an interesting composition and waiting for the right moment. Here's an example:<br /><br />The room was dark and lit only by the laptop that my wife and son were sharing. I framed it symmetrically which matched the simple light source. ISO 3200 1/50 f/1.6<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127148199/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127148199/original" /><br /><br />In this shot, most of the window light is blocked by the blinds. Henry has opened up a small portion to look out from which allows more light to hit him. The falloff is quick, as is most window light but the small pool (of light) allowed through helps his eyes to stand out. ISO 1600 1/400 f/2.8<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127148201/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127148201/original" /><br /><br />This was shot at an alligator exhibit at our city zoo. The room they're standing in is dark and the only light allowed in comes through the windows. As mentioned above, window light has some wonderful falloff and I used it to backlight my boys. I find this to be much more interesting than if the room they were standing in was well lit. ISO 200 1/125 f/2.2<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127148203/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127148203/original" /><br /><br />The room was dark and as Henry brushed his teeth, he was illuminated only by the tv. ISO 1600 1/40 f/1.4<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127149782/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/127149782/original" /><br /><br />Unlike Joe McNally, I didn't light these. I used available light but used it to my advantage. Rather than fake it in photoshop, I found light that had natural falloff and a little drama. It's simple to do once you spot it. Good composition and timing will get you the rest of the way there.<br /><br />Thanks for visiting, guys. Please keep sharing our site with others if you find it helpful. <br /><br />danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-89509250031960696712010-06-28T21:08:00.000-07:002010-06-29T19:59:07.396-07:00Shoot some film!I've recently rediscovered the beauty of film. It's exciting. I learned on film and shot it for 6 years before finally going digital (honestly, never wanted to go digital, but it has its advantages). There's a look, color, and tonal rendition that are tough to come by digitally. Shooting film also requires great care and discipline with each shutter click. Film and processing cost money so I try not to waste any shots. It makes me think even harder about a composition and makes me more patient, too. I had these shots processed recently and finally purchased a good scanner to go along with it. I wanted to share the product of a week and 36 shots around my house with my boys. I used Portra 160NC, a professional, natural color film. Iso 160 is pretty slow, so these had to be outdoors. Hope this inspires you to pick up your old film camera or buy a used one (you can get them for less than $100 and they'll work with your current lenses).<br /><br />If you decide film isn't for you, try this: limit yourself to 36 shots for an entire week or even an entire outing to the zoo, park, etc. Don't delete any shots or even review them. Try to get it right in-camera. The discipline and skill it takes are invaluable to good technique and will help you further your technical skills. Hope you try it out. Here's a sample of those shots.<br /><br />About shooting color film: there's no "auto white balance" so shooting in different types of light will not produce the same color renditions (i.e., shooting on a cloudy day will produce cooler images, etc, when shooting with a daylight balanced film). You'll notice this in the color casts throughout this set. Here is a sample of that roll:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058760/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058760/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058762/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058762/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058763/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058763/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058764/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058764/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058761/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058761/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058767/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058767/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058765/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058765/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058768/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058768/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058769/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058769/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058770/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058770/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058766/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/126058766/original" />thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-83781364455114251162010-06-08T07:13:00.000-07:002010-06-08T07:47:40.563-07:00ASSIGNMENT #1: From Above<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As The Family Photojournalist grows, we will continue to add features to assist in your journeys in documenting family life! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Our latest addition will be The Family Photojournalist Assignment. The rules are very simple. We will provide you with an assignment and a deadline. You shoot, edit, and send us your favorite photo from the assignment. Photos must be resized to 800 pixels on the longest end (I crop my images to 8x5.33x100ppi in Photoshop). We will feature some of the exemplary examples in a blog post. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Family Photojournalist Assignment #1 is called "From Above". This is an exercise in composition. All too often we take photos while standing up or on our children's level. This assignment requires you to look at things a little differently. You must take the photo from an above perspective. So get out your ladders, climb balconies, or peek out windows in order to get your shots! Your examples should be sent to thefamilyphotojournalist @ gmail.com by June 22, 2010. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Below are two examples (which happen to be two of my favorite all time images):</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1. Ocean City, New Jersey. Neither my wife nor I vacationed as children. So we made a pledge that every year, we would do some sort of vacation with our children. This particular year we did a long weekend stay at a hotel in Ocean City NJ. My wife and oldest child were swimming in the pool as I was lounging on a chair taking photos. I only had a 35mm lens and I wanted a wider shot of them, so I started looking for options to back up. The only option I had was a balcony above me. So I climbed the stairs, observed the scene, and waited for the 'decisive moment'. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/100590993/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/100590993/original" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">2. Ocean City, New Jersey II. We rented a very small 1BR apartment (about 400 square feet) that was ocean front. Our thinking was that we wouldnt spend much time in the house and loved the idea of being on the beach. Well, it rained almost all week! And we were stuck inside more than we hoped to be. This was one of the few moments where my boys were outside. I was sitting in the empty chair snapping shots as my children played in the sand. Again, I thought an above perspective would tell a better story. So I climbed up to the second floor and snapped the photo. I decided to leave the chair in the frame to illustrate where I was sitting.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/114730936/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/114730936/original" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Have fun with the assignment! We cannot wait to see what you all come up with!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chuck</span></span></div>thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-88679269752775680782010-06-07T21:21:00.000-07:002010-06-07T21:48:14.614-07:00Critiquing ChuckThought it would be fun to pick two of Chuck's images that I really love and talk about WHY I like 'em. It helps to be able to analyze a shot (that you like or are inspired by) and know what you like about it. If you're able to break a shot down, it will help you to use the same techniques in your own work. I would encourage you all to think critically about the photography you love and use those images to grow your own photography.<br /><br />Back to Chuck. Here are two of my favorites and my critique of them.<br /><br />First up: "Five"-chuck has composed the image beautifully<br />1. the children are nicely spaced, good separation between layers (children, houses, etc)<br />2. i love how carefully he included aspects that tell us something about the neighborhood such as the stop sign and street signs, houses, cars, etc-he didn't try to hide some of these elements and it adds character and back story to the image<br />3. the timing is perfect-the bat is cocked back, ready to swing-his little brother is waiting behind him, eager to see candy fall out-chuck snapped at the height of anticipation and it's palpable here<br />4. the composition is simple and very effective-it places the pinata on the right third, the birthday boy close to center but just to the right and the other children on the right third-there's great spacing around everyone in the frame<br />5. the wide angle exaggerates the distance between the birthday boy and the other children, an isolating effect, though the shot contains a lot of warmth<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/83919695/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/83919695/original" /><br /><br />next up: "peepee"-the composition uses the urinals to frame the scene very effectively and doesn't cut into any of them<br />1. the tiptoes are part of what makes this shot so perfect-it highlights the smallness of his son compared to this adult sized bathroom<br />2. shots from behind can take on a conceptual quality such as "slices of childhood" that a shot from the front can't do since it becomes a shot about a specific child rather than the idea of childhood things (if that makes sense)<br />3. he uses the 35L so well here (which is really the best PJ lens every manufactured-so versatile)<br />4. this shot is wonderfully humorous as well-you can't help but smile at the situation because it's very true to life-that's the beauty of capturing these kinds of unique family images, they're universal and personal at the same time<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/103424658/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/103424658/original" /><br /><br /><br />try this type of analysis/critique on another photographer's work some time-try to figure out what you like about it-is it the composition, the lighting, the timing/moment, or is it just the person who was photographed? or all of the above, of course? have a good one, guys-hope you enjoyed this<br /><br />danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-58737200652516068192010-05-19T20:33:00.001-07:002010-05-24T17:37:30.219-07:00Composition: LayeringThis is one my favorite subject to discuss about photography: layering. It incorporates a variety of subject matter into levels and results in more dynamic and complex photos. It incorporate the dynamic of foreground and background elements, rather than a shot of a single subject, alone. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this and we'll briefly discuss them.<br /><br />The idea is to balance the image, using inanimate and animate (people, animals) things to frame your subject (as mentioned above, in the foreground and background). Here's an example:<br /><br />In this shot, notice that I was careful to achieve separation between each layer. If I were to overlap my wife or father-in-law with my mother-in-law (who's in the background), I would lose the layering and end up with an unbalanced picture. Remember that as photographers, we can't imply layers or depth, we have to show it. If you're not getting enough separation, change your angle until it's achieved. Separation is very important to achieve true depth in a photograph.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750855/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750855/original" /><br /><br />This is very simple layering. Rather than a two-dimensional shot of my youngest crawling outside, I framed him in front of my oldest son. Layering, even when simple, creates a more 3-dimensional look and balances out a composition.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750852/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750852/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750849/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750849/original" /><br /><br />I love complex compositions like this. Each individual is doing something different, looking in a different direction. One of my favorite compositional tools is placing a face or body in the foreground (off to one side) and using that as a natural frame, leading the viewer into the shot and offering some context. (by the way, these are my cousins-we'll touch on expanding FPJ from immediate family in future posts)<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750854/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750854/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750851/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750851/original" /><br /><br /><br />In this shot, my oldest (Henry) was eating icicles. Nothing groundbreaking. However, my wife began to photograph him. I chose to take a lower angle, using them to frame one another and tell part of the story of that afternoon through simple layering.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750850/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750850/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750845/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750845/original" /><br /><br />It helps when there are multiple areas of action at once. Layering (or creating levels in an image) is not always enough to take a shot to a more interesting level. Sometimes, the action has to be there. In this shot, you'll see both my son and my wife playing. There's a type of parallel motion between them as well (you'll notice they're both reaching forward with their arms, both leaning to camera right).<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750848/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750848/original" /><br /><br />I included this shot as an example of using this compositional technique with telephoto lenses. Rather than capture a headshot of my youngest, I chose to frame him with his grandfather behind him, incidentally providing context to where they are and who is present.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750846/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750846/original" /><br /><br />This is one of my favorite shots because of the way everyone is spaced. You just have to be ready to capture it when it happens IF you're waiting for it to happen naturally (which as a family PJ, we usually are). I used my youngest (as he looks on) to frame the action in front of him. I also used the doorway to frame them, making this photo more complex than if I had stepped into the bathroom and grabbed a tighter shot of what was happening.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750847/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124750847/original" /><br /><br />Layering takes time and practice. It takes forethought but the results are well worth it. It's a skill I admire in the most gifted of photographers. By using it, it will take your compositions to a higher level, create a visual dynamic, take images from two to three dimensional, and add complexity to what might be otherwise flat images. Not to say that simple isn't good (I love that, too). As always, thanks for stopping by, guys and girls.<br /><br />danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-46553199531815523312010-05-12T17:44:00.000-07:002010-05-12T18:12:03.576-07:00Using Doorways to Frame Your Subjects<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A very simple way to help a composition along is to frame it with an object. As family photojournalists, we are often shooting in our homes; therefore, finding frames for our subjects can be a challenge. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The simplest way that I have found to add a frame to your subjects in the home is by using a doorway! This compositional element is one of my favorite ways to compose a shot. It is simple and very effective. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Try this: Set your child up with a favorite activity by a window in a room with a doorway. Let your child get good and engaged in what he is doing. Step outside the room and frame the subject with the doorway. The major advantage of this is you get a 'real' moment...your child being your child without adult influence. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here are some examples:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/95856064/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/95856064/original" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/121468423/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/121468423/original" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/95854991/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/95854991/original" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/98897886/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/98897886/original" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Try it, I think you'll like it :)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thanks for checking in! Contact us at thefamilyphotojournalist @ gmail.com with any questions or suggestions!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chuck</span></span></span></div>thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-50940646199328151272010-04-26T18:46:00.000-07:002010-04-27T19:36:50.303-07:00Telephotos Can Do the Job, TooHistorically, photojournalists have shot wide to normal focal lengths (ex. 20mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm). Things have obviously changed but 35mm and 50mm are still very popular lenses and get a great deal of usage in order to tell a story visually. However, there are times that photojournalists are unable to get near the action or they are unwilling to disturb their subjects. In that case, a longer lens becomes necessary. You might find them limiting and feel they're only good for headshots or portraits. When used the right way, though, you can create some wonderful storytelling images.<br /><br />This post will briefly address using telephoto lenses (TLs) to tell stories. Many of the same rules of composition apply with wide angle and TLs. Rule of thirds. Using leading lines and natural frames to draw interest into the photo and then direct the viewer toward the subject . Finding patterns and symmetry and so on. As with wide angle, include any important visuals in the frame that will help tell the story; leave any unnecessary visuals out. There's no right or wrong way to capture a story, so use the lens that will get the job done best. Sometimes, my 85 or 135mm lens is the better choice.<br /><br />Benefits of using telephoto lenses here:<br /><br />1. the subject may be less aware or wary of your presence-they may not play up to the camera as much, which will allow you to capture more natural behaviors out of your kiddos<br /><br />2. compression-longer lenses make things appear closer together than they really are (you may already know this)-consider how this could help you layer your compositions in a more interesting way<br /><br />3. longer lenses have shallower depth of field (DOF) at wider apertures than wide angles, allowing you to isolate your subject from the background more easily<br /><br />4. in addition to isolating your subjects using shallow DOF, you can isolate elements that tell the story and simultaneously, eliminate clutter (sometimes, clutter works and sometimes, it's one of those elements you should eliminate)-it's all the judgment call of the photographer<br /><br />Here are some examples taken with either the 85 f/1.8 or the 135 f/2L lens.<br /><br />Taken with the 135L at a local fountain. It was nice to be able to frame him against the water from a comfortable, seated position, some 20-25 feet away. The telephoto also compressed the scene, making the shoots of water appear to be closer together than they truly were.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123996516/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123996516/original" /><br /><br />Taken with 85mm.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123992056/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123992056/original" /><br /><br />Taken with 85mm.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123992060/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123992060/original" /><br /><br />Since I used the 85mm lens, I was farther away from Henry than if I had used a wider lens and framed similarly. It gave me more time to wait for the moment I wanted (with a wider lens, he wouldn't been on top of me in a couple seconds), when he looked up at me. I was also able to track him easier at that distance using AI Servo.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123992068/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123992068/original" /><br /><br />Taken at 85mm.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124022985/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124022985/original" /><br /><br />Taken at 135mm.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123996517/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123996517/original" /><br /><br />Here is an example of how short telephotos can still be used to show context. I liked the moment my son and father-in-law were sharing and shooting from afar allowed that to continue, uninterrupted. Taken at 85mm.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123992072/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123992072/original" /><br /><br />Taken at 135mm.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124023740/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124023740/original" /><br /><br />I don't give a second thought to pushing my hands holds to get a shot (this means, I frequently shoot below the suggested shutter speed of 1/focal length). This shot was taken on a subway train and the softness doesn't bother me. The moment's there. Taken at 135mm.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124023739/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/124023739/original" /><br /><br />Don't limit yourself to just one lens. Learn to see which lens will work for the shot you envision and grab that one. You'll appreciate the point of view it will give you, which is very different from that of a 24 or 35mm lens.<br /><br />Email us with comments and questions. We want to cater this blog to our readers. Thanks for continuing to visit us.<br /><br />danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-31805706359178819622010-04-19T07:34:00.000-07:002010-04-19T09:13:17.853-07:00Natural Light Shooting in Backlit ConditionsSpring/Summer is one of my favorite times of the year to shoot! My children LOVE being outdoors after months of being crammed inside due to frigid temperatures. They are all too eager to jump on a slide, ride a scooter, and play in water. To me, these are the things childhood is made of! On top of it all, the light is fantastic this time of year.<br /><br />One way I like to enhance these warm/whimsical moments is by shooting in backlit conditions. Backlighting creates such great tones and adds energy and warmth to an image. Backlighting, simply put, is when your light source is behind your subject. So basically, it is when the photographer shoots 'into' their light source. <br /><br />Backlit scenes can be challenging for the family photojournalist for a few reasons: 1. we are often shooting wide, so if we go by our light meter, we will often underexpose our subject. 2. we have been told to look at the histogram and not to 'blow the highlights'. when shooting backlit with natural light, you will blow the highlights. <br /><br />So how do we shoot backlit scenes? <br /><br />1. Expose FOR YOUR SUBJECT. I shoot in M (manual) mode 95% of the time. So I will often times get really close to my subject (fill the frame with your subject) and dial in the exposure using my in camera light meter. When you step back to recompose your scene, your light meter is going to lie to you! It is going to read that the scene is overexposed. But we know that our subject is exposed perfectly!<br /><br />2. Work the sun! We are generally shooting into the sun. However, you can place the sun just off to the side so that its just outside of the framing of the photo. Also, I like to put the sun just behind the subject's head. A lot of time this will yield lens flare. Sometimes this is desirable other times it is not. So it really depends on your intentions! So move the sun around in the frame to play with different effects.<br /><br />3. Post processing a backlit shot. Shooting backlit will often cause your subjects to be less contrasty. I try to capture back some of that loss of contrast in a few ways (I use Photoshop CS4): a.) Using ACR (Adobe RAW Convertor), I will often increase my blacks from a +5 (the default) to about a +10. Obviously, this is arbitrary and will vary from image to image. b.) Using ACR, I will often adjust the clarity to about a +10 (again, vary from image to image). c.) After any editing I do to an image, I will often 'dodge and burn' the photo for any 'local' tonal adjustments (to see how I dodge and burn, go to my tutorial on 'seeing in black and white'). <br /><br />Below are a few examples of shots in backlit conditions using the techniques above:<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123762763/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123762763/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123762764/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123762764/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/99573247/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/99573247/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/97160043/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/97160043/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/103460754/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/103460754/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/103424505/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/103424505/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/99303637/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/99303637/original" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/103424530/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/103424530/original" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Quick recap: Meter your subject, not the background. Position the sun in various locations. Recapture some contrast in post processing. Have fun with it!<br /><br /><br />Thanks for stopping by! Contact us at thefamilyphotojournalist@gmail.com if you have any questions!<br /><br />Chuckthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-8167806820210850632010-04-05T17:56:00.000-07:002010-04-06T20:03:58.429-07:00Using FlashWhile most everything Chuck and I shoot utilizes natural light/ambient light only, there are times where flash is called for. Flash can be used for numerous reasons: fill (fill in the shadows), main (light light, overpowering existing ambient lighting), or blending (a mixture of flash and ambient). While you may not use flash often, as I don't, it's certainly a skill that is vital to getting the shot no matter what the circumstances. After all, f/1.4 lenses are great but not everyone can afford them and even if you can afford them, they may not be enough. This post will be the first in a series (will post on flash from time to time) about on-camera hot shoe flashes. We won't discuss built-in flashes, since there's very little you can do creatively with them.<br /><br />Most times, when I pull out my flash, I'm shooting impromtu, informal shots of my boys. Here are a couple examples:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123341496/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123341496/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123341494/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123341494/original" /><br /><br />But The Family Photojournalist is about more than just portrait documentaries, though this is certainly a reasonable aspect of it (see Steve McCurry's head shots of Afghanis, etc). Flash can be used to light or augment your subjects in a very pleasing way. One negative is that the burst of flash can draw attention to you, but if you are careful with your compositions and take your time getting the shot, you shouldn't be firing away every few seconds anyways.<br /><br />First, let's discuss bounce. Shooting on-camera flash is usually frowned upon and for good reason. It's flat and dull. Anyone with a point and shoot can do this. You bought an SLR, why not enhance them with flash instead of kill them? By bouncing your flash off a side wall, for instance, you turn your living room wall into a giant softbox. Example:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123340329/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123340329/original" /><br /><br />This shot was taken by bouncing my canon 580 exII off of the far wall, directly to camera right (which is about 15 feet away). The quality of light improves dramatically, rendering a softer, more pleasing light on your subjects. Also, by bouncing it from the side, it shapes my wife and son's faces nicely. By shaping, I mean that it creates pleasing shadows which outline the face and add a more 3-dimensional aspect to it.<br /><br />Side note: Light modifiers have their place but if you can find a place to bounce your flash, you won't need a modifier (I never use one).<br /><br />Here's another using side bounce off our front door, which is white:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123340327/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123340327/original" /><br /><br />Flash is also great for shooting in your house at night. Overhead lights cast those raccoon shadows. By bouncing flash, you get to choose the quality and direction of the light. In other words, you decide which direction your light is coming. Instead of overhead or from a nearby lamp, it can come from the side, from 45 degrees up, etc.<br /><br />My usual settings will vary depending on how I want the image to look but generally, I'll get an ambient reading and then underexpose between 2/3 to 1 2/3 stops and allow the flash to fill in. This keeps makes the flash the main light but allows some of the ambient light to remain. The more you underexpose, the more subdued your ambient light will appear. I usually use full evaluative metering mode and overexpose the flash exposure by 2/3 to 1 full stop. Remember, though, that flash exposure works the same as a camera meter (exposing for neutral gray) so consider if your scene is mostly light or mostly dark which will change things.<br /><br />Things to consider when bouncing flash:<br /><br />1. lighter walls are preferred-colors such as white, light blue, yellow, and even tan provide a good bouncing surface-darker colors will eat up your flash<br />2. be careful of white balance when bouncing-if you shoot black and white, as chuck and I often do, it won't be much of an issue but if you're shooting for color, your flash will take on the color properties of the wall itself (and it's tough to fix)<br />3. watch the direction of your bounce-you usually can't go wrong when pointing the flash directly to the left of right-avoid pointing it straight up at the ceiling, which results in shadows around the eyes (i.e., raccoon eyes)-you can even point your flash 45 degree up and behind you (which allows you to use the ceiling but the light does not hit the subject from directly overhead)<br /><br />Here's an example of the 45 degree flash position (I actually used this same 45 degree position to light the shot below):<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123343241/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123343241/original" /><br /><br />4. if you don't have a wall, look for something to bounce flash off of-it could be someone's white shirt (that they're wearing), white furniture, window blinds, etc-try this sometime, you'll be surprised that it works (esp. when you don't have another choice)<br />5. experiment-learn how to use your flash-you can read all you want but if you don't slap on your flash and use it a bit, it won't be worth using when you need it<br /><br />I wouldn't recommend one flash brand over another for family photojournalism. I use Canon professional flashes since I shoot professionally as well. It makes sense for what I do. There is also the Sigma DG series (which i used to own and liked), Sunpak series (which i've also owned), and others. The important thing is that your flash has E-TTL capabilities (meaning, it can sync with your camera which helps it determine how to properly expose the shot) and has tilt and swivel capabilities (for bouncing flash off stuff).<br /><br />One other benefit of using a hot shoe flash is that it provides an AF assist beam, which helps the camera focus in very low light. You can get focus on something in near darkness with that beam and that can come in very handy.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123340331/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123340331/original" /><br /><br />Even though this shot has been posted before, it's the only shot in the birth series that used flash and I felt it was appropriate for this post.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/121505473/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/121505473/original" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123373819/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123373819/original" /><br /><br />I hope this has been useful. Please send us emails if there are things you'd like to be explained better or want us to go into more depth. I don't plan to go into technical stuff like lighting patterns, etc., but I'm glad to help you via email if I can. Your thoughts and ideas help us shape upcoming posts and the emails we've received so far are greatly appreciated, guys.<br /><br />danielthefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-58539430370797626662010-03-28T17:51:00.000-07:002010-03-28T17:56:00.711-07:00Email Us!We have an email address! We hope to continue to provide top notch information as The Family Photojournalist grows, so do not hesitate to shoot us an email with your questions, criticisms, and suggestions! <div><br /></div><div>thefamilyphotojournalist at gmail.com (instead of the 'at' use the @ symbol). I wrote it this way to avoid spammers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Daniel and I would love to hear from you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Chuck</div>thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552095131365143102.post-81214357695500691372010-03-28T17:19:00.000-07:002010-03-28T17:51:07.834-07:00Keepin' the Mood!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"YOU MUST HAVE DETAIL IN YOUR SHADOWS AND HIGHLIGHTS," the book says. "YOUR HIGHLIGHTS ARE BLOWN AND YOU COMPLETELY LOST YOUR SHADOWS," says the internet critiquer. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I read statements like the ones above when I first started shooting and felt like I was failing at photography because it seemed that no matter how hard I tried, I was often blowing highlights and/or losing detail in my shadows. Many of my images would often look good to my eye, but it seemed that everything I read told me that what I was doing was wrong. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The easiest way to see if your highlights are blown or your shadows are lost is to check your levels (in photoshop, image > adjustments > levels). If the chart spills past the right, your highlights are blown. If it spills of the left, you lost detail in your shadows. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">While the histogram is a great tool to use, sometimes I do not want all tones to represented a scene. Sometimes, if we expose for all tones in a scene, it will absolutely destroy the mood and we will end up with an image that does not look like the scene we shot! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So I encourage you trust your eye and disregard the histogram (sometimes)! Keep the mood! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The images below have severely flawed histograms but I feel have a mood to them and represent what the scene actually looked like:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">My youngest minutes before he fell asleep. The only light was from a hallway light coming through a crack in the door:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123114097/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/123114097/original" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">My nephew's 7th birthday. Candles were the only light in the room. If I shot for a balanced histogram, it would appear that the lights were on in the room! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/117456638/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/117456638/original" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Halloween. It was DARK (1/20th, f/1.4, ISO3200). </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/107248532/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/107248532/original" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Birth of my youngest child. The dramatic lighting was caused by the spotlight that the surgeon was using. If I used a flash to balance out the background, this image would not be as dramatic. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/91155144/original.jpg" alt="http://www.pbase.com/anerino/image/91155144/original" /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ditch the histogram and trust your eyes!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks for checking in! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chuck</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></div>thefamilyphotojournalisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701398604536748452noreply@blogger.com3