Why did it take so long for me to figure this out? I have a nice tripod with a nice ball head with a quick release plate on my camera. I always have it on my camera and mostly shoot from a tripod. The problem is that when I turn my camera vertically, the camera… Continue reading An easier way to shoot vertically
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Landscape and Horizontal are not synonyms
Some of my friends call me a curmudgeon. (These are my friends! I can’t image what my casual acquaintances call me…) What does it mean to be a curmudgeon? It means that stuff bugs me! How did ‘portrait’ and ‘landscape’ become synonyms for ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’? Have you ever seen ‘Moon and Half Dome’ by… Continue reading Landscape and Horizontal are not synonyms
Is ‘Photoshopping’ cheating?
How many times have you heard (or said) “Is that Photoshopped?” I’ve even heard “Is that a real shot, or is it Photoshopped?” Does that mean that if you use Photoshop (or any other image processing software), that it is no longer a ‘real photo’? I’m not talking about composite photos, or obviously manufactured images… Continue reading Is ‘Photoshopping’ cheating?
Photos matter
Sam Stearns died earlier this month. I never met him. He’s the photographer who took the iconic picture of JFK Jr. saluting as his father’s casket goes by. I’m sure we’ve all see this photo. I couldn’t tell you any other picture that Mr. Stearns took. In fact, I wouldn’t have recognized his name until… Continue reading Photos matter
(Sometimes I feel so) Uninspired
In 1973 the British rock group ‘Traffic’ released ‘Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory’. Forty something years later, I can’t sing any of the songs on that album except for one… “Sometimes I feel so uninspired. Sometimes I feel like giving up…” Writers talk about ‘writer’s block’ – as visual artists, I guess we are… Continue reading (Sometimes I feel so) Uninspired
Nikon vs. Canon
Nikon vs. Canon Oh my god! If I hear that question again I think I’ll scream! Yes, I use one of these brands. I’ve probably referenced which one in other posts, but I won’t do it here. Let’s cut to the chase: Both are equally great! I know, I know, that’s sacrilegious! You HAVE to… Continue reading Nikon vs. Canon
Proud to be an amateur!
Proud to be an amateur! Are you an amateur photographer? If you’re a professional, are you still an amateur? Amateur: French, from Latin amator lover, from amare to love Yes, I realize that the popular meaning of amateur is one who is NOT a professional, but that’s not the original meaning of the word… I… Continue reading Proud to be an amateur!
Photography as Art vs. Photography for Fun
I’ve noticed an increase in advertisements for point and shoot cameras in the photo trade journals. These ads are directed toward serious (or professional) photographers. Basically, the idea is that you probably don’t want to carry your heavy (expensive) DSLR with you when you’re just going to be taking pictures of your friends and family.… Continue reading Photography as Art vs. Photography for Fun
10 Tips for beginners
Learn your camera’s controls. Know how to turn the flash on and off, and how to make it ‘auto’ (and how to make it NOT auto.) How to use the various exposure modes: Aperture priority/Shutter priority/Manual. If you can adjust the ISO, learn how to make the change easily. Take a bunch of photos! Then… Continue reading 10 Tips for beginners
Pictures of interesting things vs. interesting pictures
We’ve all done it. We see something interesting and pull out our camera and start shooting. Sunsets, cute kids, the Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower, etc. The list goes on and on… What’s the most common outcome? A boring shot of a very cool subject, which is certainly not the same as a cool shot.… Continue reading Pictures of interesting things vs. interesting pictures