Photo Tip Friday - How Does Lighting Affect a Picture?

Welcome back! 

Today, I want to show you how much lighting affects a picture. 

Recently, I was in a hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Right across from our room was a grand old theater called the Indiana Repertory Theater. Since I was there a few days, I noticed how beautiful the front was and how much the time of day affected how the theater looked. 

So I want to show you how lighting changes the mood in a photograph and how to use it to better advantage. 

Let's get started.

Taken at 4:23 pm

As you can see, I took this shot at 4:23 pm. (Aren't digital cameras amazing at tracking information for us?) 

Notice the very angular shadow across the theater? That's a shadow from another downtown building. 

But look how flat the shadow makes the facade. 

Taken at 5:22 pm

Now, look at the sunlight across the theater just an hour later.

Notice how architecturally interesting the building is?

And the shadow of the other building is completely gone. 

Remember that the sun's movement is very dynamic. Use it to your advantage to create better shots.

Taken at 5:22 pm

This is the same shot as above, except it's portrait or vertical. I wanted to focus in on the detail a little bit more than I could on the landscape or horizontal shot above. 

Remember last week's lesson on horizontal versus vertical shots? If not, you can go to Part 1 here, or Part 2 here.

Taken at 7:00 pm

I took this photo an hour and a half later. 

What differences can you see? 

Which of these two shots do you like better and why? 

Taken at 8:08 pm

The city of Indianapolis knows what it's doing. This building is beautiful and so they have obviously thought about lighting and showing off the architecture, especially after sun down. 

Do you see the wonderful uplighting they employ? 

The building comes alive at night. It has a very different feel to it than it does during the day. 





GUIDELINE: I will let you know about sunlight between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm. It's called devil lighting. Notice I didn't even take any shots during that time? I wished I had for the sake of this post, but the building just didn't catch my eye during that time frame. 

You can take pictures during the 10 am to 3 pm time frame, but just be aware that the lighting then is very harsh. You can learn to use it to create good shots, but the more magical shots happen as the sun is rising and setting. The colors intensify and the shadows are more manageable. 

I'll post more on this in the future. 



So, what observations can you make about the use of lighting and shadows in these shots?

How will that help you? 

Hope these tips help! 

Keep on clicking! 

Mary

Photo Tip Friday

Today's tip for improving your photography is to learn to use light more effectively.

Lighting is a huge topic so I'll apply it to fall leaves.

I'm going to start out with a picture where the lighting wasn't right. Sometime you can try and force a shot, but it just doesn't come out how you really want it.

What's wrong with this picture? Well, the leaves in the foreground are dark. There's not much direct sunlight on the leaves. But the background is extremely bright. In some cases, this might work. But it didn't here. There isn't a good focal point.

How about this shot? See the difference in using proper lighting? This shot pops. It almost looks like it's on fire.

Why? Because I got the lighting right. This tree was in a yard on the corner of a road. So, I drove to the side where the sun was behind the tree, illuminating the leaves.

As I've said before, move around your subject to catch the best angle. Whether it's a tree, person or your pet.

This is a close up of the tree. Notice how I isolated the trunk. I like this photo because it has an interesting contrast. The trunk looks almost black and that sets off the brilliance of the leaves.

This is a different take on using light behind your subject to create a memorable shot.

Again, in this case, the sun was behind the leaf. Look at the shadows created. It takes an ordinary leaf and make a very unique shot.

So, when you're out and about with your camera, look for opportunities to let the sunlight create beautiful moments you can catch.


Go grab your camera and head out.

Hope this tip helps!

Keep on clicking!

Photo Tip Friday

 Tip Friday : Macro, Part 2

There are a couple of ways to take macro shots. 

The first one involves using a setting on your camera. Whether your camera is a "point and shoot" or "SLR = Single-Lens Reflex", it should have a setting on the wheel that shows a flower. See the flower on my camera? That's your camera's indication telling you to use that setting for doing macro shots.

So, you need to set the camera on the macro setting. This will enable you to get closer to your subject. The closer you get to your subject, the more detail you can get. 

The caveat for this setting, though, is that the camera decides if you need a flash or not. And you can't overrule that. So practice using the "flower" setting and see how it works for you.

On to technique two. This just uses the regular setting on your camera. So, how is this technique preferable to your camera's macro setting? The obvious answer is that you control whether or not you need the flash. Because usually, it you're using a flash on a very close subject, you will tend to wash it out. 

Just move in closer to your subject. Your camera should focus for you. It will only let you get so close before it can't focus anymore. That's your clue to back up. 

And here's a macro shot of an apple. Notice how crisp and clear the stem is? Doesn't this shot just make you want to take a bite? 

You can use macro on just about anything. 

So grab your camera and start experimenting!

Hope this tip helps.

Keep on clicking.

Mary

Photo Tip Friday

Part 2: Soft Shadows

Today's tip is about the use of soft shadows in photography to create a "mood" shot.

Last week I talked about the use of strong shadows to create interesting photographs. But you can also use soft shadows to enhance your pictures.

Let's get started.

Here is a head shot of an author and speaker. Notice how the right side of her face is slightly darker than the left side. This fits some of the topics she speaks about. Her life has had many trials and tribulations. While she is beautiful, peaceful and smiling, this shot hints that there is more to her story than first meets your eye.

Here's another head shot with mood in it. Notice how only one side of the face is well lit? This guy looks pretty serious in this photo. 

But look what happens when he is in more uniform light. Well, and makes a crazy face to boot! Same subject, very different feel to the photos.

One more head shot. This is an author. Want to guess her genre? She doesn't write childen's stories or romance. She's a mystery writer. The close up of her wonderfully intense eyes and the shadows playing around her face bespeak mystery.

Finally, here's a nature shot with soft shadows. Last week I used strong shadows with some flowers. In this instance, the soft shadows create a totally different feel. And how did I get soft shadows? I took this picture in late afternoon when the sun was dipping in the sky.

So, you can use shadows to enhance your photography, whether they are strong or soft. Go grab your camera and give it a try. Let me know what your results are.

Hope this tip helps.

Keep on clicking!

Mary

Photo Tip Fridays

Part 1: Strong Shadows

Friday’s Photo Tip is about using strong shadows to enhance your photography.  Next week we will go over using soft shadows to create mood shots.

We all have pictures where shadows from a tree made someone’s face too dark because of the contrast. So we may think shadows are bad. But this isn’t always true. Sometimes you can incorporate shadows to make a shot better!

Let’s get started.

This first photograph is of a fence at the beach and its shadow. This is a use of strong shadows to create an interesting shot of something that is fairly common. The high contrast of the black and white is what catches your eye.

So let’s use color and shadows together. Notice the shadow of the center of this dogwood. Beautiful isn’t it?  It adds a pop to this macro shot.

Look around for shadows. You may find some funny ones. This photo is the shadow of a garden spinning decoration. Yes, that’s snow beneath it. I thought it looked like a smiley face and couldn’t resist the shot. 

So grab your camera and go looking for shadows! You never know what you may find!

Hope this helps!

Keep on clicking!

Photo Tip Friday

Today’s photo tips are on doing a photo shoot with people.

While we all love to grab the camera and snap shot here and there, we can learn to use our talents for other people. One way to do this is to do a photo shoot for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, engagements, births, graduations etc.

Here are some shots of an engagement shoot that I did a few years ago. Next week, I’ll show shots from a more recent shoot. One thing you will notice is a big difference in how the overall shoot turned out. Why? Because each couple is different. As a photographer, you need to learn to clue in to what’s important to them and how to make them feel most comfortable.

So, let’s get started.

I caught a sweet moment between them while they were just sitting on a bench. Notice how Doug’s hand is lovingly holding Patience. This picture speaks of the tenderness in their relationship.

Another mood shot was with the hydrangeas in front and the two of them in the background, just focusing on each other. Their love and tenderness shows through.

Here’s the next one. Notice the little gleam in Patience's eyes? Doug even cracked a smile for me.

 
Then, I took a close up of Patience, focusing on her intense eyes. The black and white makes her stand out.

 
Finally, here’s a fun one of her. Can you see the personality in her hidden grin? We had fun with the pictures.

 
To be honest, getting his picture taken wasn’t a comfortable thing for Doug. But working with him, and making him feel more comfortable yielded some good results.

So, experiment a little with your shoots. Try close-ups, talk to the couple, say funny or off the wall things to make them laugh and have your camera ready!

Hope these tips help.           

Keep on clicking.

Mary

Photo Tip Fridays

One Subject – Multiple Shots

Today’s post is about using different perspectives and I have photos of a beautiful horse to illustrate how you can take multiple shots of one subject and keep it interesting.

So, while on a hike, I came across this scene. The rider graciously allowed me to take some photos. As you can see from the first shot, I have taken a vertical picture of the horse. Notice that I haven’t cut the horse off at the knees. I also made sure there was an equal amount “blank space” around the horse and rider. This is a nice overall shot, but watch what happens when I take a horizontal shot.

This shot has a different feel to it. One photo isn’t necessarily better than the other. The horizontal picture does give you a better feel for how big the horse is than the vertical picture.

But let’s move in closer. Here’s a shot of the horse’s head. Notice how different this looks from my first two photos. It’s focusing more on the horse, rather than the horse and rider. And you can see the head covering more clearly.

And let’s move in once more. I focused the shot on the horse’s eye. It captures more of the horse’s personality. Look at those lashes! Again, this photo show cases the subject in a very different way than the first three pictures.

When you come across a scene that catches your eye, explore the subject from different perspectives.

Hope this tip helps.

Keep on clicking.

Mary

Wordless Wednesday

Sunflower on Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

If you are so kind as to leave a comment or link up, I'll be happy to come visit and leave you a comment as well! Happy WW!

Photo Tip Fridays

Today’s tip for taking better photographs is about Perspective.

I noticed some delicate roses running up a wrought iron railing in my neighbor’s yard.  After checking with her, I set about taking pictures of the flowers.

This first shot isn’t really all that special. But it shows what caught my eye. It has soft colors against strong lines and is generally interesting. Well, at least to me.

But there’s no well-defined focal point in this shot.

So, I changed my perspective and walked to the foot of the stairs. That’s when I took this photo. This is closer to what I was trying to capture. Notice the strong black line of the railing that cuts through the photograph. It’s in stark contrast to the soft greens and yellows of the vegetation. And, the sharp right angles of the brick stairs also form a contrast.

Then, I sat down on the stairs and looked through the railing. I used the wrought iron to frame the picture and moved in close on a clump of roses. Again, by changing my perspective, I created a completely different feel to a photo of the same subject.

Finally, I set my camera on the railing and looked back up. This is my favorite shot. I love the lines and softness, juxtaposed next to each other.

The lesson here is that when you see something that catches your fancy, try a different perspective to see how the photographs come out. Some may work and some may not. But push yourself and keep getting better. 

I hope this tip helps. 

Keep on clicking!

Mary

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

If you are kind enough to leave a comment or add a link, I will be happy to visit your site!

Photo Tip Friday

Friday Photography Tip: Using parallel lines in photos.

A more advanced technique in taking pictures is learning to use parallelism. This photography tip will take your photographs to a new level. It’s not a tool that you would use everyday. But once you start looking for it, you will be pleasantly surprised how it improves some shots.

Wild Turkeys

Here’s a shot of a couple of wild turkeys. The turkeys take a prominent place in the photo. But notice the barbed wire that literally frames the picture? It makes the photo more interesting. And, as in writing, the barbed wire provides a hook for your viewer. Literally and figuratively. Why is there barbed wire in the shot? Where was this taken? A plain shot becomes more interesting.

Lovely Roses

Here’s another shot. Notice how the rose in the front is clear while the rose in the background is blurred. The rose in the background parallels the rose in the foreground even though one is in focus and the other one isn’t.

Icy Flowers

I love this photo for a couple of reasons. One is for the parallelism. The two stalks of the plants are naturally parallel to each other. But I also love the fact that these early spring blossoms are encased in ice. It makes the shot distinct and different than what you expect to see.

You may have to look a little harder to find parallelism in a shot, but when you do, you’ll have a better photograph for it.

If you want me to pop by your site and look at some of you shots, just let me know.

Hope this tip helps.

Keep on clicking.

Mary

5 Reasons for a Quality Headshot at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference

5 Reasons for a Quality Headshot

Edie Melson

As an author, you may be contemplating whether or not you need a good headshot.  Well, if you are serious about your craft, you need to consider investing in a professional headshot.  Why?  There are at least 5 reasons you should consider.

1.    Your headshot may be the first time an editor, reader, or someone who is booking you sees you.  You can't possibly go and meet every editor, reader or casting director in person.  So what precedes you? Your headshot. That first impression can either work for you or against you. Just as your first line is important as a writer, so is your first impression to the audience who awaits you.

2.    Headshots help people make a good decision about who you are. As an author, do you write suspense, romance, mysteries or thrillers? Make sure your headshot reflects who you are and doesn't send a mixed message.  

      

Lynn Blackburn

     3.    Headshots reflect your level of professionalism. What does a casual, cluttered, improperly centered photo say about you?  That you're casual about your craft. It may not seem fair, but that's the impression you give. If a so-so shot is good enough to tell people about you, then how much time will you spend on your craft?  A so-so amount? You need leave your comfort zone and get the best shot you can to show you're committed to excellence in your craft. And yes authors, that means you!

Alycia Morales

4.    Good headshots have a variety of uses.  For authors, headshots can be used for social networking sites as your profile picture, on your business card, on your website, as your accompanying photo in print articles and for the holy grail of writing, on the back of your novel. Don't think you have to hit the "big time" first in order to need a good head shot. Once you are serious about the craft of writing, reflect that with a quality headshot.

5.    It's fun! I realize I may have just lost you here, but stay with me.  When you were a kid, did you enjoy playing dress-up or dreaming about being a superhero? This is your chance to have a little fun and recapture a little of your childhood. Writers, you create entire worlds for your readers to enter and then invite them in with your first line. Invite them to read your article or book with an inviting photo. Let go of your fears of how you look. Express who you are and have fun with it!

Dan Case

Looking forward to seeing you through the lens of my camera at Blue Ridge!