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Compositions Using the Golden Mean
Summary:
Master still-life photographer Eberhard Schuy is here with a new series addressing photographic elements. Elements of form, lines of composition, bright and dark, sharp and un-sharp. Here, the first in the series is a look at the Golden Mean. We get to examine the historic significance as the earliest mathematicians addressed this aesthetic principle as a geometric proof.
Eberhard Schuy then encourages us to trust our innate sense of composition. This "good feeling" will almost always result in the practical application of this compositional guideline used in both art as well as architecture. Not to be satisfied with one demonstration, Mr Schuy takes it one step further and also explains how the Golden Mean is the basis for another compositional guideline: the Golden Triangle.
Finally, a hands-on tip for Lightroom users. The user is directed to an on-board function that lets you overlay
adjustable masks that apply both, the Golden Mean and the Golden Triangle to your photos for evaluation purposes. Be sure to see the other related films in this series. You'll certainly learn a lot.
Storytelling
Summary:
A picture says more than a thousand words, and that is just what Mike Larson wants to adhere to.
Telling a proper story with a series of photographs requires to determine a theme as well as the right handling with the models on location. To plan and implement a shooting in a more unusual manner will result in images that stand out from the ordinary. Larson prefers a tilt-shift lens for this purpose, which lets him experiment with depth of field to deliberately stress certain areas of a picture.
Using the Pop-up Flash
Summary:
In this workshop with Martin Krolop, Krolop will discuss and demonstrate how to make the best photos using a pop-up flash pre-installed on a camera.
The pop-up flash has the reputation of ruing photos because of the position in which one shoots with it. Mainly people are photographed vertically because they look better lengthwise and the face comes out better. But when shooting with a pop-up flash ugly asymmetrical shadows appear and it makes the photos look amateurish and unprofessional and as if the photo is lit from below.
Krolop show viewers several tips how to remedy the ugly side lighting that comes from using a pop-up flash. He simply shoots horizontally and crops off the image from both left and right sides. He also adds contrast by changing the settings on the camera to monochrome and adjusting the flash to overexpose the areas he would like to be burnt out. All this trickery makes a professional looking photo. Just by changing a few settings and shooting horizontally the photos come out looking like high-end photography.
An Introduction to Composition 2
Summary:
Jose Ruiz begins the second of his two video tutorials on composition with a discussion of DIRECTION. Where do the elements in our picture lead the viewer's attention? Do they go somewhere interesting, or do they lead out of the frame, losing the attention of our audience.
The triangle is an effective way to keep attention inside the frame. Using animated examples we see, for example, the different effects engendered by triangles with pointing up or pointing down.
Ruiz maintains that, "COLOUR is not important for 'survival', it's important for emotions. It is the last compositional element to be added." First we should know what message we want to communicate. Second we need know how to place the various elements in the image. Only then should we add colour. Despite this, colour is covered by in detail Ruiz and he ends his discussion with the interesting an unusual property of the colour yellow.
TEXTURE has a strong visual effect that gives rise to a tactile sensation. You feel it in your fingers. Texture also imparts rhythm to an image. It can be uniform texture across the whole frame or it be broken with a single element that then becomes a focal point.
Painters know what SCALE is. When they want to make a landscape look big they place small, black human figures in it to demonstrate, by contrast, the hugeness of the surrounding space. We can do this, Ruiz observes, by using any familiar object in an otherwise unclear picture.
Painters talk about DIMENSION, also known as atmospheric or aerial perspective. Objects in the distance display less contrast than foreground objects and tonal values become lighter as objects get further away. In general things get bluer in the distance, though of course in the twilight the tones are warmer. The position of the horizon is also significant. The higher it is the more foreground there is and the greater the sense of distance.
José B. Ruiz (born 1966) is an acclaimed Spanish nature photographer and passionate conservationist. He has worked all over the world but is mainly active in Spain, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Examples of his photography can be seen here and on his homepage. The list of his accomplishments, publications and activities as a photographer, a naturalist and a teacher is, to say the least, very impressive.
An Introduction to Composition 1
Summary:
In this, the first of two videos by an acclaimed nature and landscape photographer, Jose Ruiz builds up for you the visual alphabet that a photographers needs to be able to understand and use composition.
Composition is the art of putting individual graphic elements together to create an effective picture. The right arrangement of points, lines, shapes and colours make the difference between a snapshot and an aesthetically pleasing and sophisticated image. The photographer who knows how to use symmetry, fore- and background effects, perspective and vanishing point, and all the other elements of good composition can capture the attention of his viewers so that they linger that little bit longer, spellbound.
The basic elements in all visual art are the POINT, the LINE and the SHAPE. We learn here to recognize these elements and to use them to get our message across to our audience. Ruiz demonstrates each step using animated examples in which the element in question is highlighted.
Points are small areas of particularly strong graphic impact. Lines can be seen as a series of connected points or as a moving point. Ruiz makes insightful comments on using these elements. And on shapes he discusses in more detail the SQUARE, TRIANGLE and CIRCLE as well as the significance of vertical and horizontal AXES.
This first video ends with a discussion of THREE DIMENSIONALITY, PERSPECTIVE, VANISHING POINT and the related area of TONAL VALUES.
The second video extends the discourse on composition by focussing on Direction, Colour, Texture, Scale and Dimension. Watch both videos to deepen your intuitive feeling for composition with a better understanding of the graphical devices that painters have long studied and used.
José B. Ruiz (born 1966) is an acclaimed Spanish nature photographer and passionate conservationist. He has worked all over the world but is mainly active in Spain, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Examples of his photography can be seen here and on his homepage. The list of his accomplishments, publications and activities as a photographer, a naturalist and a teacher is, to say the least, very impressive.
Reflecting the Model
Summary:
Today, fashion photographer Carsten from the Fotocommunity demonstrates for FotoTV viewers’ four different variations how to create successful shootings using reflections using simple light set-ups.
For his first demonstration Carsten starts off with a piece of latex tablecloth which is available at any hardware store. With the help of his assistant he covers a big panel with the latex and begins to make test shots
Other demonstrations carried out by Carsten include using a large sheet of Plexiglas, which is somewhat sensitive to scratches, and a wood panel with adhesive foil applied to it.
The fourth example for photographing reflections Carsten show the viewers is a common household mirror. The double reflection he creates is not as smooth as with the other variations, but indeed he has created a very beautiful reflection.
For photographers wishing to create reflection photography in their own studio need not worry. The costs are very economical and everything is found very easily either at a hardware or stationary store. When adding a reflection to your photo you are adding an extra element and a kick to your photo. This a great way to put add some simple special effects in your otherwise, regular shots.
Couples at Ease
Summary:
In this “How To” tutorial, photographer Mike Larson gives us tips on the specifics of shooting couples in an atmosphere to make them feel comfortable to make the best possible outcome to make the models and therefore the shoot look most appealing. Larson explains that it is his job to put the model at ease and make them feel as most comfortable as possible. His approach is to get the models to feel at ease and relaxed as soon as possible. He gives multiple tips on how to go about working with the models as if they were friends and not just subjects. He also suggests being extremely prepared, but laid back so to create an amicable atmosphere.
Larson’s style is very practical, something most photographers can appreciate He gives a very comprehensive list of technical and creative aspects that will help photographers create their own shots while building confidence for the models. Moreover, photographers wishing to learn the rules of shooting couples so that the photos are useable will find this video very informative. The most important thing when shooting couples is the relationship between them and the personal relationship with your subject, especially the body language and interaction between them. Larson works with his models in a way that he puts them at ease so that everything they are doing feels comfortable. Intimate shots of a couple touching or tickling each other, or, even being very far away at times for that matter can be extremely difficult at times, especially if the couple feels that they are doing something unexpected. Keeping models relaxed is the key to perfect, professional results. Larson also points out how to solve simple problems that can arise on a portrait shooting, such as keeping both models animated and engaged so that they feel part of the shoot, all with a casual undertone.
To get updates on Mike Larson's work and tips, visit his twitter page at mikelarsoninc.
Splish Splash
When the Glass Tips Over
Cocktails in Space
Waterdrops in Focus
Summary:
The studioCommunity is here again with another photographic trick!
This time they show how to capture flying wine in an otherwise still life. The bottle is full and immobilie, but the wine is literally jumping for joy!
The crew explains the setup and the execution with tips to improve the illusion.
Shooting with a Different Perspective
Summary:
In this “How To” tutorial, photographer Mike Larson gives us tips on the specifics of shooting in different perspectives to make the best possible outcome to make the model look most appealing.
This time Larson has chosen a boat as his location while uses a tilt shift lens to isolate specific parts of the model and the surrounding atmosphere. Larson gives a helpful and accurate account of all technical aspects used so photographers can recreate a professional shooting in their own environment. Key once again is Larson's perfect direction of the models to ensure the best possible outcome. What is of particular note is the usage of composition and framing and flexibility when it comes to changing perspectives. Such simple things available on location such as doorframes and nearby objects enhance the shoot immensely. Larson continues to use sun bouncers to give the most dynamic light available producing spectacular professional resultsPaying close attention to light and their results is key to Larson's approach, while shooting on one location getting four or five different looks.
To get updates on Mike Larson's work and tips, visit his twitter page at mikelarsoninc.
Lifestyle vs Portraits
Summary:
There are photographers who know the difference between lifestyle and portrait photography, but there are also those who really don’t know or “see” the difference, regardless how many photos they take. In this video, Mike Larson explains the difference between the two styles, shooting a couple with a fun, fresh and modern approach.
Portrait photography is when the subject is posing for the photographer in some way and Lifestyle photography is all about capturing “life” as it is happening, regular interactions, moments that memories are made of and the story they tell. Larson’s style is very practical, something most photographers can appreciate. Moreover, photographers wishing to learn the rules of shooting couples so that the photos are useable will find this video very informative. The most important thing when shooting portraits, especially those of a couple, is the body language and interaction between them. Larson works with his models in a way that he puts them at ease so that everything they are doing feels comfortable. Intimate shots of a couple cuddling or kissing, or being very close for that matter can be extremely difficult at times, especially if the couple feels that they are doing something awkward. Keeping models relaxed is the key to perfect, professional results. Larson also points out how to solve simple problems that can arise on a portrait shooting, such as keeping both models on the same focal plane and body positioning that will help for better posture or to elongate a model’s neck.
Larson’s approach to lifestyle photography is somewhat generous, but highly effective in that he prefers to shoot a great number of photos as the action is taking place, and since he always gives the couple a certain idea or exciting scenario to work on before shooting, he is guaranteed a winning shot out of the many variations from the images. Whether you are shooting a couple or one model, this video will definitely help you create your best portrait or lifestyle shot.