Photography Students: Week 4

Last week's class I discussed the exposure triangle. Oooohhhh! And for their assignment, I gave them a fun, themed assignment. Can you guess by looking at their photos what the theme is?? LOL. You guessed it...HATS. What an intelligent group you are!

I gave them more liberty with their shots for this assignment. They could submit post edited shots, and also b&w/sepia colored photos. They all did such an amazing job! This Thursday's class will be our last class and we will meet downtown to have them do photo sessions there. Can't wait! I think it will be a lot of fun.

by Hope

by Hollen

by Natalie

by Taran

by Hannah

by Jordan

DPS Assignment: Bubbles

This week's DPS assignment is "bubbles". Fun! I could've opted to do the traditional blowing bubbles shot, but..... nah! :D

These shots are of a glass "bubble bowl" in my home which is filled with potpourri. I particularly like the angle and how the color of our wall accents the photo in the first shot. The top photo is my submission.

Photography Students: Week 3

I am so impressed by the submissions again this week! Week 3's assignment was on the same topic as this week's tip -- flash & light. I challenged the kids not to use their flash and to shoot either early in the morning or later afternoon/evening, which are the ideal times of the day to shoot.

Great job everyone!! Keep up the awesome work! :D

by Nate

by Rachelle

by Hope

by Natalie

by Taran

by Hannah

by Hollen

Tip: Flash & Light

Ah, the core of photography -- LIGHT. The word 'photography' comes from the greek words 'photos' - light and 'graph' - to draw. Basically, photography means "drawing with light". A great photographer knows how to capture light in a way that will create a beautiful, captivating image. Personally, I have a ways to go in mastering it! But I am excited to keep learning and growing! :)

Okay, the tip of the week (I taught this to the kids during our last class): Do NOT use your in-camera flash! Yep, that's it for this week's tip. Easy, peezy, right??

I particularly love what Pioneer Woman Photography has to say about flash:

And while we’re on the subject, I never use flash. This is one huge difference between the casual point-and-shoot user and the more serious enthusiast. Flash—at least the kind that hits the subject dead-on—almost always washes out the subject and eliminates the interesting shadows and details that make photos really fabulous. I never use my flash. Ever, ever, ever. If I don’t have enough light to take a shot, I just don’t take it—I dislike flash that much. Oh, and don’t use the flash. Lastly, whatever you do…avoid using your flash.

To reiterate, in-camera/direct flash produces harsh, unflattering light on your subjects. Use available light as much as possible (natural light, candlelight, lamplights, etc). And also, learn the various "temperature" of light (ie: Kelvin scale). This is helpful with regards to white balance!

If you can afford one, use an external flash that can bounce light off a wall. Or for those on a budget (like myself!), I would recommend purchasing a pop-up flash diffuser. I use a Lumiquest Diffuser and have found it very nice to use when I absolutely need extra light. But I must say that I RARELY ever use it -- because I try to take advantage of available light. :) Another great product I am looking into is Prof. Kobre's Light Scoop (only $29.95)! And lastly, one of the best photography websites for light is Strobist.com. (warning: due to possible inappropriate image content, parents please moderate for your younger photographers!)

Below are shots I took for a "fine china" product session. Last week, a friend of mine asked me to photograph one of her fine china settings. I was so challenged by it that I took out my own china to shoot some photos of mine. LOL! I am showing these shots as examples of how light affects your image.