Nature Photography

Summary:

In his second macro photography film tutorial, photographer and editor Hans-Peter Schaub discusses and demonstrates the compositional and creative aspects of macro photography while on location at the Maximillian Park in Hamm, Germany.

Schaub focuses on teaching photographers how to improve their photos by adjusting the depth of field to achieve the desired depth of field that fits with their compositions. With numerous demonstrations test shots he shows three very important aspects photographers can use as guidelines when composing their photographs; Topic, Emphasis, and Simplicity. The use of selective focus and depth of field are two great tools to simplify the image and Schaub uses many techniques to show emphasis as well, for example, through framing choice. In advance, Schaub has chosen nature and insects as his topic, therefore photographers need to be aware of their topic before they shoot macro photography, as well as the general message of the resulting photograph, because it is what inspires people to look at the photograph over and over.

In order to use selective focus effectively photographers must first learn to understand depth of field and how to control it, because control of depth-of-field is one of the most creative tools photographers have. One of the most important points to consider in composition is isolating the subject so that it becomes apparent to the viewer what the photographer is trying to show. Selective Focus not only provides a more film-like image, it provides the photographer with the essential means for focusing the viewer’s attention on a specific portion of the shot.
 

Summary:

In this macro photography film tutorial, photographer and editor Hans-Peter Schaub discusses and demonstrates the technical aspects of macro photography while on location at the Maximillian Park in Hamm, Germany.

Schaub focuses on a shallow Depth of Field, also known as "Selective Focus". As Schaub demonstrates, selective focus usually results in blurry foregrounds and backgrounds allowing photographers to draw the viewer's attention to the main subject. This is often referred to as "selective depth of field".

Manipulating the depth of field to your desired needs will help create more creative and subjective photographs and Schaub systematically shows viewers how to best make use of shallow depth of field which allows photographic subjects to stand out from their surroundings, concealing unwanted distractions. Schaub also discusses the use of various macro lenses and the additional implementation of flash light in combination with natural light.
 

Summary:

In this second film installment, animal photographer specialist Ruth Marcus demonstrates the best techniques and unique approach to shooting animals.

In the first film installment Marcus shared many of her favorite tricks and techniques, as well as her favorite camera systems she likes to work with. This time, she focuses more on the emotional and personal aspects involved in her work. Marcus believes that photography in general is more about what a photographer has to say, highlighting the importance of a personal perspective-- what a photographer thinks, feels and observes when photographing.

Technically, Marcus takes pride in perfecting her images, something she does with ease and so well. Her photos are noble and vivid, always telling an insightful story of the subtle movement so critical in animal photography.

Marcus never allows herself to take a boring picture, rather she'll walk around the animal, positioning herself in different, almost unconventional perspectives to get an authentic shot that conveys her individual impression of the scene.

Once again it is amusing, although educating, to see Marcus playing her harmonica to urge dogs to howl. Albeit, it goes without saying that the simplest approach to shooting animals is probably the best as Marcus demonstrates during the film, feeding treats to her four-legged models.

For most photographers taking photos of animals can be quite a challenge, but with Marcus's easy to follow specialized techniques, existing animal photographers and amateurs alike will benefit from her animal-friendly approach that certainly will help photographers capture the best possible results.

Summary:

In this film animal photographer Ruth Marcus discusses her amazing work and her unique approach toward working with her favorite animals.

Marcus became a photographer professionally about 5 years ago. Having been formally educated in medical surgery, the way to becoming a photographer was not always a clearly defined one. She worked for years as a medical surgeon before deciding that photography was what she wanted to do, and she made the decision to give it one hundred percent. Initially she began shooting and encountered a few “beginners setbacks”. But this did not discourage her so she continued full throttle, creating some stunning pictures that eventually led to her first book deal. At a photography convention in Berlin, a publisher from a well-known publishing house approached her and remarked on her photographs of dogs. The publisher was immediately enthralled by her unique style and offered her a book project, which was later titled “Dog Moments”. After this point Marcus was clear that not only was she on her way to becoming a professional photographer, but a photographer with a very unique style with an uncanny way of presenting her perspective.

Throughout the film Marcus shares many of her favorite tricks and techniques, as well as her favorite camera systems she likes to work with. Also of importance is that she swears by “Photoshop” and all it has to offer photographers, or the term she likes so well “photo-graphic artists”. Most likely, her love of Photoshop is due to the fact that she has met the Photoshop Guru himself, Doc Bauman. This meeting has definitely left an impression on Marcus and she continues to be inspired by him today.

Marcus also discusses her style of photography, saying, “Technical perfection is not important, the idea is…the soul of the photograph itself”. But it is clear when we look at her work, she definitely has mastered her technique marvelously. Her clean, crisp backgrounds and stark emotions from the animals she photographs harmonize in synchronicity, sometimes the animals reminiscent of movie stars.

What is most pleasing is to watch Marcus playing her harmonica to urge the dogs to yowl for a photo. It is not surprising to see her join right in, yowling in unison with her dog. She feels that photographing animals is all about intimacy and distance. She builds up a high level of trust with her subjects, giving us image after beautiful image.