Have a flash that's been sitting, unused, for a long time? Or did you buy a used flash with an unknown history? Turn it on the wrong way and you may be in for a bit of a surprise.
Doesn't matter if it is a speedlight, an Alien Bee mono, a Profoto pack-and-head or whatever. Keep reading for a nifty little tidbit of info that may help you avoid seeing that "magic smoke" escape from your babies.
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Strobist
Minimalism is a very subjective concept in the art world. The Webster dictionary defines it as follows: A style or technique that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity. Some love it, others hate it, but no one seems to be indifferent. Many artists thrive in the openness of the concept, others have a problem with the lack of definition and direction. Many of us are drawn to ‘less is more’ with simple lines, geometric patterns, strong shadows, contrasting colors, lone subjects, etc. For others, deciding what to leave out of the frame to make a stronger image is a difficult exercise. Here are a few tips and examples to get you started in your quest for minimalist imagery.
©Valerie Jardin ~ Bright colors make great minimalist subjects.
“Keep it simple” doesn’t mean “keep it boring”. Contrary to what you may think, a minimalist approach requires a lot of creativity. The use of negative space is an integral part of minimalist photography. A well placed subject doesn’t have to be large to have a big impact. Deciding what to leave out of the frame and create a stronger image can be challenging and often requires a lot of practice until it becomes the way you see. I recommend training yourself to make those decisions in camera instead of cropping unwanted distractions in post processing. A clever use of depth of field will also isolate your subject from the background by shooting with an aperture as wide (smallest number) as your lens will allow.
A bright color or contrasting colors make great minimalist subjects. The same applies to textures. The viewer should be able to almost feel the texture. Sometimes it’s all about finding a creative angle to make the photograph. Don’t be afraid the experiment. Shoot straight on, shoot high or low, work your frame until you get the shot that will speak to you.
Strong lines make strong images. A good place to get started with minimalist photography is by paying attention to modern architecture around you. Leading lines, and other geometric shapes, can make great backdrops for minimalist pictures. Isolating a bird on a power line, if done well, can make a great minimalist shot. There are great opportunities around you all the time, you just have to learn to see them and that requires practice.
Push your minimalist photography to the next level by telling a story. Minimalist street photography showcases an interesting urban landscape with a human element. The human element, however small, becomes the focal point of the image. Yet, it’s the interesting background that draws the photographer to make the shot. Symmetry, lines, curves, shadows all play a vital part in making the photograph. Sometimes the story and the environment come together spontaneously and it’s the photographer’s job to see it and respond quickly. Other times it require a bit of patience for the right subject to walk through the frame. A minimalist approach to photography can be applied in nature as well as in an urban environment. You can practice anywhere, so get out there and open yourself to a different way of seeing with your camera!
©Valerie Jardin ~ The use of negative space is an integral part of minimalist photography.
©Valerie Jardin ~ Using a shallow depth of field will allow you to isolate your subject from a distracting background.
©Valerie Jardin ~ You can use a minimalist approach in nature as well as in an urban environment.
©Valerie Jardin
©Valerie Jardin
©Valerie Jardin
©Valerie Jardin ~ Strong lines make strong images.
©Valerie Jardin
©Valerie Jardin
©Valerie Jardin ~ The viewer should be able to almost feel the texture. Sometimes it’s all about finding a creative angle to make the photograph.
©Valerie Jardin ~ Minimalist street photography showcases an interesting urban landscape with a human element.
©Valerie Jardin ~ The human element, however small, becomes the focal point of the image.
Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.
Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.
Minimalist Photography ~ 4 Tips To Keep It Simple With A Maximum Impact
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You had a journal once.
Then, your little sister found it and told your crush all about your dreams of running away to Disneyland to fulfill your dream of meeting Ariel IRL.
That was embarrassing.
Days is totally not that. It’s a journal (disguised as an iOS app) that you’ll *want* to share with friends.
The goal behind the app is to have you document your life in photos as it happens.
Shoot photos throughout the day, and publish your post of photos the following day in a visually delightful grid of time-stamped pics.
How the heck is this different from Instagram? So many ways. Cool ways, too.
Documenting your life is so much more fun in photos, and your little sis won’t have any ammo against you. Win.
Photograph Your Days with Days
p.s. WE ARE HIRING A WEB DEVELOPER. If you love photography and San Francisco and codes, APPLY HERE.
p.p.s. WE ARE ALSO HIRING AN EVANGELIST/BIZ DEV HERO. Creative deal-maker types, APPLY HERE.
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www.adorama.com AdoramaTV presents You Keep Shooting with Bryan Peterson. Join Bryan in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia as he explores an abandoned house for interesting photo opportunities. With an old box of silverware, a colorful buoy, available light, and some creativity, watch as Bryan makes a unique and fiery portrait. AdoramaTV features talented hosts including Mark Wallace, Gavin Hoey, Joe McNally, Joe DiMaggio, Tamara Lackey, Bryan Peterson, and Rich Harrington. Related Products Featured items from this episode adr.ma AdoramaTV related episodes adr.ma To learn more from the Adorama Learning Center adr.ma Understanding Flash Photography www.adorama.com Understanding Photography Field Guide by Bryan Peterson www.adoramacom Nikon D800 Digital SLR Camera www.adorama.com Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens www.adorama.com Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor Lens www.adorama.com Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Kit www.adorama.com If you have questions, share them with us at: adotv@adorama.com
Part 2 of 3 – Reuters photographer Anthony Bolante demonstrates how he packs his equipment into the Think Tank Modular Belt System and Change Up belt pack for the Amgen Tour of California. Anthony uses the Modular Belt System on “Photo Moto” (shooting photos while riding on the back of a motorcycle) and switches to the Change Up belt pack as his “every day” working photo bag. To see more of Anthony Bolante’s photography work, please link to www.sportsshooter.com
In this post, Steve Berardi from PhotoNaturalist explains how to keep your memory cards healthy.
Memory cards are one of the most often neglected parts of digital photography. But, they’re extremely important because they’re responsible for safely storing your photos until you get them to your computer.
So, it’s important to take care of them properly. Here are a few tips for keeping them healthy:
Many memory cards are advertised as “pre-formatted” and “ready to use,” but it’s always a good idea to reformat the card again when you receive it, since some cameras have special requirements for the file system of memory cards. Formatting the card with the camera you’ll be using it with will ensure that the card is in a format that the camera recognizes.
Most cameras have some kind of indicator on the LCD screen that tells you how many more photos you can shoot before filling the card. Keep an eye on this number and make sure you never get too close to filling the card, because if you happen to shoot a photo when the card is already full, there’s a chance your camera will still try to write part of the photo to the card (and potentially triggering a write error).
It’s also important to never let your batteries drain completely, because if your camera runs out of energy at the exact moment that it’s trying to write a photo to the memory card, then there’s a good chance that the camera will only write part of the file (which could corrupt the rest of the card).
Instead of deleting the photos on the card from your computer, always reformat the card from within the camera. This will ensure the card is in a format that the camera expects.
With all those camera bodies and lenses being so expensive, it’s tempting to save some money by getting inexpensive off-brand memory cards. But, remember the importance of these cards: they’re responsible for safely storing your photos. It’s worth a few dollars more to ensure your photos arrive safely at your computer 
Two brands that I can personally recommend are SanDisk and Lexar (if you’ve had good experience with another brand, please let us know by leaving a comment!).
About the Author: Steve Berardi is a nature photographer and software engineer. You can usually find him hiking in the beautiful mountains and deserts of southern California.
Read more of his articles on nature photography at PhotoNaturalist.
Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.
Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.
How To Keep Your Memory Cards Healthy
**I DO NOT OWN THE AUDIO** Update on Mario, two more videos to come 🙂 *For those who care, I bought two amazing new pairs of Jodhpurs..NO more riding in Canterbury’s & O’Neills for me XD* NO CRIT…OR YOU WILL DIE. If you noticed, that’s not me riding with the big jacket at the end…that’s Janna – SUBFECKINGSCRIBE – www.youtube.com Enjoy -Ellen&Mario. Camera – Nikon D3100 Lens – Nikkor 70-300mm Video Maker – Sony Vegas Pro 10.0
Video Rating: 4 / 5
www.adorama.com Adorama Photography TV Presents You Keep Shooting with Bryan Peterson. Join Bryan as he demonstrates how to overcompensate for when nature does not cooperate. Sometimes when you plan an outdoor photo shoot, mother nature may not be on the same schedule. Join Bryan as he overcomes a cloudy day and demonstrates how to create his own sunlight for his photo. AdoramaTV features talented hosts including Mark Wallace, Gavin Hoey, Joe McNally, Joe DiMaggio, Tamara Lackey, Bryan Peterson, and Rich Harrington. Related Products: Understanding Flash Photography, by Bryan Peterson www.adorama.com Understanding Photography Field Guide, by Bryan Peterson www.adorama.com Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson www.adorama.com Nikon SB-900 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight www.adorama.com Harbor Digital Quick Spot Small 1/8″ Honeycomb Grid with Adapter and 6 Colored Gels for Nikon SB-900 Flash Model www.adorama.com Pocket-Wizard Plus II www.adorama.com If you have questions, share them with us at: adotv@adorama.com
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AdoramaTV Presents You Keep Shooting with Bryan Peterson. Join Bryan as he discusses curiosity and its role in creativity. Watch as Bryan uses his unique artistic eye to to make visually exciting discoveries. Related Products: Nikon D300S 12.3 Megapixels SLR Digital Camera Body with 3″ LCD, CF and SD/SDHC Card Slot www.adorama.com Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Autofocus Telephoto Lens – with 5 Year USA Warranty www.adorama.com Flashpoint L100 3 Section Aluminum Tripod, Ball Head & case www.adorama.com Learning to See Creatively by Bryan F. Peterson www.adorama.com Understanding Closeup Photography by Bryan Peterson, Soft Covered Book www.adorama.com Visit www.adorama.com for more photography videos!
Video Rating: 4 / 5
photographyequipment.yolasite.com (Budget Equipment) razzi.me www.facebook.com twitter.com In this video I compare the two most popular types of umbrellas, shoot through and reflective umbrella. Shoot through umbrellas are translucent which allows the light to pass. They give you more wrap around light in your portraits. With reflective umbrella, it’s still wrap around light BUT it becomes a bit directional and may cast a little bit of shadow compared to shoot through. Which umbrella should you choose? Well, they are so cheap that everyone who does studio portraits or outdoor strobist photography should simply own both. Equipment used in the video. DSLR: Nikon D3s and Nikon D700 Lens: Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VRII and Nikon 50mm 1.8G AFS lens Umbrellas – Lastolite trifold umbrella and cowboy studio reflective umbrella
Video Rating: 4 / 5
www.adorama.com AdoramaTV Presents You Keep Shooting, with Bryan Peterson. Join Bryan in the lavender fields of Valensole, France where he shares his technique for creating a dramatic photo by manipulating the ambient light of a dark, stormy sky, while using a flash for contrast. If you have a chance to capture a great photo of a setting that has inclement weather, try using different lighting techniques to bring out the foreground while capturing the visually rich background. This will give you the perfect contrast for a powerful-looking image. AdoramaTV features talented hosts including Mark Wallace, Gavin Hoey, Joe McNally, Joe DiMaggio, Tamara Lackey, Bryan Peterson, and Rich Harrington. Related Products Understanding Flash Photography www.adorama.com Understanding Photography Field Guide by Bryan Peterson www.adorama.com Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson www.adorama.com Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT www.adorama.com Sigma EF-610 DG ST Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon iTTL Digital SLR’s www.adorama.com Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF Telephoto Zoom-Nikkor Lens with HB-26 Hood – Black Finish – 5 Year Nikon USA Warranty www.adorama.com Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5 – 5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Zoom Nikkor Lens – with 5 Year USA Warranty www.adorama.com Nikon D800 Digital SLR Camera www.adorama.com Featured items from this episode bit.ly AdoramaTV related episodes bit.ly Learn More from the Adorama Learning Center bit.ly If you have questions, share them with us at: Adotv …
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The Holidays are quickly approaching, and it’s time to get crafty.
So what are you bringing to the table?
It may be all about the turkey, dressing and casseroles, but these handmade table place holders are sweeter than pumpkin pie.
This DIY tutorial incorporates some of our favorite things: photos (duh!), tiny pumpkins (yay!) and Thanksgiving (yum!).
They’ll make your dinner table look *awesome*, and they’ll show your loved ones how much they mean to you.
Now isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?
Make Photo-rific Table Decor!
p.s. Today you can win a photo-licious Camera Cookie Cutter Set! Just follow our Pinterest to enter.
Show your family what Thanksgiving means to you.
Even if you’re not hosting the big dinner, bringing these to the table is sure to be a hit.
These two projects keep it simple and make a statement.
Make photo place settings that list reasons why you’re thankful for each person on the back.
They’re quick and easy to make, and the gesture will go a long way.
Or make a family tree centerpiece that incorporates your loved ones near and far.
It will brighten up the table, and maybe even get you an extra slice of pie! (score!)
Choose your favorite photo of each person, or even a pic of you two together.
If you don’t have photos of them, choose one that represents a happy memory or something special about them.
Use editing software to adjust the color and contrast, or turn them black and white.
Size each photo to 2.5″ square. This could be larger or smaller, depending on the size of your table, plates, and pumpkins.
Print them out using photo paper in your home printer, or take them to a nearby photo lab.
TIP: Make a mockup with a few different sizes before you print the photos. That way you can see which size will work best in your setting.
Trim your photos with normal scissors to a little larger than you want them to be.
Use a pair of scalloped edge scissors to give your photos that old-timey feel. You can pick these up at any craft store.
Go around all four sides of the photo with the scalloped edge.
TIP: Be creative. You can cut your images square, with or without a border, or go for funky shapes… circles, stars, you name it!
To give your photo place card some stability, you’ll want to attach it to a piece of card stock.
Measure your image and determine how much of a border you want around the photograph.
To get a 1/4″ border on each side of your photo, place your photo in the corner, and measure 1/2″ larger than your picture.
Draw your lines and use regular scissors and cut out your shape..
Put a thin layer of glue on the backside of your photo.
Make sure to spread it evenly, lumpy photos won’t look so hot.
Center the photo, and press it into place.
Let it dry.
TIP: Don’t forget the edges! Make sure you cover those scalloped edges with glue. That will keep them from sticking up at the end.
After your images are completely dry, flip them over on a clean surface.
Write why you’re thankful for them on the backside of the place card.
TIP: Practice what you will say and your handwriting on another piece of paper before putting it on the back of your photo.
Cut your wire into 12″ sections.
Take the top part, and wrap it around your fingertip 3 times to make a tight spiral for the photo to sit in.
Wrap the bottom of the wire to the stem of the pumpkin.
You want to make sure it has a good grip, and won’t fall over when you place the photo in the top.
TIP: If your pumpkin has a very short stem, you can use a bit of glue to hold your wire in place. Be sure to let it dry before putting your photo in the top. The thicker the wire (smaller gauge number), the stronger it will be. Stronger wire will hold it’s shape better.
Now, place your photo in between that spiral you made at the top.
Check its stability, and make any adjustments necessary to keep it in place.
You might need to reposition some of the wire at the bottom, or squeeze that spiral a little tighter.
Place your pumpkin in the center of your plates.
Set your table, and oh yea, invite your family to dinner!
Gather the images you want to use for your family tree.
Edit and size them on the computer, then print them out.
We made our images 2″ x 3″ to fit our branches. You may want yours bigger or smaller.
Use an Xacto or scissors to cut them down to size.
Pencil in a leaf shape on the photo itself.
Use scissors to cut it out.
Next, place the leaf on a colored piece of card stock. This will be the backside of each leaf.
Cut the card stock to the exact size of the photograph, or leave a little border for some colorful accents.
TIP: Draw out a few leaf shapes on a scratch piece of paper first to get a feel for what you like. Using a stencil could help, but they don’t all have to be perfect.
Glue together the photograph, card stock, and wire.
Place a thin layer of glue on the card stock, and sandwich the wire between the card stock and the photo.
Let it dry completely.
Once your glue has dried, you can start wrapping your leaves onto the branches.
Place the leaf at the end of the branch.
Tuck the branch behind the photo, and start wrapping the wire.
TIP: You’ll be able to adjust the placement after it’s attached, so don’t worry about that too much right now.
This step is optional, but can look great if you choose to do it.
Wrap your wire and the branch with brown floral tape.
This will make it blend the wire with the branch, and give a nice, finished look to your centerpiece.
This tape stretches and sticks to itself. Start on the inside of the branch, wrap down to the photo leaf, then back up.
Now you’ve given the branch some stability and flexibility by adding the wire.
You can bend your photo leaves to face the direction you desire.
The colored card stock on the back makes sure it looks good from all angles!
Repeat Steps 1 through 6 for the rest of your photos.
Once you’ve secured all of your leaves on your branches, place them in a jar or vase filled with pebbles.
Add some decorative berries to fill out the inside of those bare branches, and add some fall colors to your table.
Place these on the center of your table to really bring the family together!
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