Joe Kennedy Photography

2011-08-02T19:48:00.002-04:00

Posting Thirty
Making Good Pictures into Great Images – Pt. I

Good pictures are made by combining photographic parts to make a harmonious whole. This means great images are not quick snapshots but well thought out placements of various elements.

Well Posed Leaf

One can start with the way the camera is held. Horizontal shots are good for landscapes as they convey a sense of serenity. It is essential to keep the horizon line level but not in the middle of your frame. If you want to add depth to your scenic try incorporating a foreground, middle, and a backdrop – layer your image. A smaller f/stop (f/16,f/22, etc.) will help with your depth of field. You will probably want to use a tripod to ensure little or no movement with the smaller f/stops.

Pisa Villa

Shooting vertically usually meant taller subjects or portraits but it’s not a hard fast rule, so feel free to break it! This orientation conveys a sense of height and strength. Trees, tall buildings, or flowers can be enhanced shooting vertically. With a flower, keep the blossom above the middle of the frame with the stem off at an angle. Shooting digitally, we have the luxury of capturing an image in both orientations.

Volta Light

Article reprinted from the Lens Tissue

Forecast: Cloudy Skies

2011-07-27T07:48:00.001-04:00

Posting Twenty-nine

Forecast: Cloudy Skies. . .

One of my NECCC Conference presenters reminded me of something I had done some time ago. He was showing an image with a very bland sky and thought a more impressive one would add interest to it.

So into his folder of clouds, he came upon several that would enhance the original picture. He proceeded to cut and paste the main subject and drop it onto the new backdrop with white puffy clouds and a blue sky. What a difference the sky made to an average looking image.

I decided I needed to start my own folder of varying sky looks. So my new assignment is to watch the skies and when I see something interesting, go shoot it!

Several years ago I had come up with a summer assignment for members of my camera club, Hockomock Digital Photographers. I asked everyone to go out and shoot eight to ten images with a theme. When we returned in September, we would show what people shot over the summer. It was a huge success! One woman even wrote a poem to enhance her imagery.

So, I think I have this summer’s assignment – go out and shoot some skies. I will be killing two birds as I will have my summer assignment done and have started a folder of skies for future use.

Here are some storm clouds from last weekend’s squall. . .


Storm Brewing


Threatening Skies


"I Can Hear the Rolling Thunder!"

Can you see the Mother Ship in these clouds?

Clearing Skies - Screened Shot

2011-07-20T10:28:00.001-04:00

Posting Twenty-eight

“Beyond the Camera Club”

This past weekend was the premier photo event in New England, the NECCCC Conference, which was held at UMASS Amherst. It was a potpourri of photography workshops with something for everyone - nature, digital processing, lighting, how-to workshops, model shooting, hi-jinx set-ups, etc. Several photo vendors filled the lower level of the Conference Center to fill your camera wish list. Lodging was provided on campus to any who needed it – I opted for the A/C dorms this year and was I ever glad I did! Rather than head off to find a restaurant or stand in line at the small food establishment in the Conference Center, I bought into the all-inclusive meal plan. For a modest fee, I had ample choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With the opening of the new cafeteria last year, the offerings were varied, healthy and tasty. But enough of all of that – what the conference did provide at no cost to those attending was the opportunity to talk shop with anyone and everyone.

As a member of two camera clubs, a meet-up photo group, and connections in others, this annual event provided golden opportunities to talk beyond the camera club setting where this is little time to shmoose. At mealtime, I managed to break bread with Bob (HDP) and Dave G. (SBCC). When I introduced them to each other, they told me about a “brief” encounter earlier that morning. Dan G. of SBCC was a frequent tablemate as well. Jim (HDP and SBCC) joined us a few times as well. Passing by the tables, I met up with Amy, Rick, Paul, Larry, and Ian of PDP as well as Maureen (HDP) and Linda (HDP Wannabe). Kevin from SSCC is always a pleasant conversationalist whether in the cafeteria or at pondside for the balloons. Charlie (PDP and WCCC) had set up his camera for the balloon event and was quite proud that his son had been chosen to attend as a student representative. HDP’s Jim continued to follow the shade while awaiting the balloon inflation. Speaking of hanging out by the pond, I returned early Sunday AM where Charlie B. (PSA, NECCC, and MVCC ) offered some suggestions about our image collecting system at HDP. Diane (SBCC) came by later.

Just prior to the start of many of the workshops I was able to catch up with Rich (HDP) and his wife, Marty (no camera club affiliation) and Kathy (SSCC) and her brother. At the end of the “Night Photography” session I met up briefly with Tony and Chuck C. A passing nod of the head was directed toward Adele (PDP and CCCC), whereas I walked to or from classes with Ellen (SBCC) and Janet and Pat (PDP). I managed to catch up with Ken W. (SBCC) in the corridors of Thompson.

Milling about the vendor area I spoke with Stony Brook’s Ray G., John F., and Mike D. SBCC members, Dan C. and Shiv, were asked to share their expertise with the rest of us. Shiv’s wife, Monica, was helping out at the NECCC Conference informational tables.

Party Central was located in the rear of Purple Lot #44 as Vicky E. (SBCC) brought her RV to be used as base camp. I was fortunate to be early for the Saturday gathering and had a great opportunity to talk with Vicky – my blog stalker! Soon, we were joined by other Stony Brook members - Rob, Carol, Chuck N., Vicki S., Phil, Henny, and Pamela R. Some of these faces I see at our Thursday meetings but never have the chance to talk. I did spend some time talking with Ron of SBCC who celebrated his 47th birthday on Sunday!

Special thanks to Dave M. of Stony Brook for the conversation on the long drive to and from UMASS Amherst.

I have already blocked off July 13th, 14th, and 15th of 2012 for the 67th Conference. Looking forward to meeting up with those who will also be in attendance.

Special Saturday event involved hot-air balloons!

2011-07-06T08:47:00.001-04:00

Posting Twenty-seven
50mm Challenge!

Every once in a while it is beneficial to our photographic growth to challenge ourselves. This 50mm Challenge was one that was simple to do, or so I thought it would be.

You see, I had intended to participate in a meet-up where we were only allowed to shoot with a 50mm lens or a lens that could be focused at the 50mm mark, but a scheduling conflict left me home with my camera equipment. With the Bridgewater Fourth of July parade looming, I thought it would provide me with the opportunity to shoot it with the 50mm focal length.

I affixed the prime to my Nikon and packed it in my backpack. I was overly concerned about missing a great shot with the prime-only lens so I pulled out my D200 and opted for my reliable 18-200mm – didn’t want to take any chances missing “the shot”. The 50mm prime was tucked into the bottom of the bag and we were off!

After a few shots at 50mm, I focused (pun intended) on “the shot” and not the challenge. Lesson learned, if you are trying a self-assignment, make sure you are not shooting an important event and you are able to concentrate on the task at hand.

I will revisit this challenge in the immediate future.

Let me know if you try this or any others.

Here are a few from the 50mm Challenge gone awry. . .

Parade Vendor Shot at 50mm

Shot at 170mm

Fire Truck at 50mm

Fire Truck Rider at 170mm

Off to find an opportunity to shoot 50mm. . .

2011-06-28T20:11:00.000-04:00

Posting Twenty-six
Great Photo Opportunities

An offer too good NOT to share with all of you. Highland Street Foundation has made it possible for us to visit many of our great museums FREE of CHARGE

Here is a little background on the foundation:
    The Highland Street Foundation was established in 1989 by David J. McGrath, jr., the founder and owner of TAD Resources International, Inc. David died in May 1995 and TAD was subsequently sold to Adecco, the world's largest temporary help company, in October 1997.
    With the sale of the company, the Highland Street Foundation received the majority of its current endowment. In his lifetime, David and his wife JoAnn contributed to a great number of varied charitable causes through their personal philanthropy.
    Today, JoAnn and her five children, who make up the Highland Street Foundation board, continue the traditions that she started with David. Since its establishment in 1989 the McGrath Family and the Highland Street Foundation have donated more than $115 million to many worthy non-profit organizations, including $94 million to groups in Massachusetts alone.

And, here is the all-important link as to which venues are free and on which Fridays: http://highlandstreet.org

Thanks to Chris M for sending along this link!

And, with the Fourth this weekend here is another link (thanks, Mariann) about shooting fireworks - take a look at this to get the best of the festivities: http://www.bostoncentral.com/events/massachusetts_fireworks/p21018.php.

I caught this fireworker at the Willowshire Faire last weekend. . . on the Fridays of the summer.

2011-06-22T08:22:00.000-04:00

Posting Twenty-five
Photo Ops Summer 2011

Since Posting One, I have been using my Blog space to give hints and tips on photography. Let’s change the focus somewhat and get you out there using your camera and some of the things we have been discussing.
Summertime is the perfect time to put your equipment through its paces so checkout what’s happening in our area and beyond. There’s a very good chance I may be nudging you for a better angle at some of these venues, so give me ample space.

***Since the image downloader for this Blog is not working at this time, you will be asked to turn on your imagination.***

June 25th and 26th – Norton – Willowshire Farm Renaissance Faire. King Richard’s Faire without the crowds and commercialism. Admission $12. I shot this a few years ago and it was really fun. Link to events and performers - http://www.winslowshire.com/

Picture a shot of two pirates dueling, here.

June 25th and 26th – RI National Guard Airshow in North Kingstown, RI – Never shot this but I have seen great captures from Stony Brook members!
http://www.riairshow.org/index.html

You are on your own for this one! Maybe, the Blue Angels in formation?

July 9th - Southwick Animal Farm – Always a fun activity. Been here a few times and always amazed by the antics of the Southwick residents!
http://www.southwickszoo.com/homePage.php#

I had a great shot of a camel doing kareoke - can you see him hitting those high notes?

July 14th – 6PM to 9PM Forest Hills Lantern Festival
rain date July 21
http://www.foresthillstrust.org/calendar.html
Another event that I have not had the pleasure of shooting but I have seen images from several fellow members.

I'm seeing some origami boats with lighted candles floating on the pond, and you?

July 16th, 17, and 18th – NECCC Conference, UMASS Amherst
premier event for anything and everything photography
This will be my fifth conference and I’m going in style - A/C in the North Dorms!

Images will not be forthcoming as I don't bring my camera but I'll share my notes with you.

July 25th at EARLY – Buttonwood Sunflower Farm, Griswald, CT and beyond
Buttonwood Farm - http://www.sunflowersforwishes.com/
Ray Guillette, MNEC, makes this annual pilgrimage to CT along with a small step ladder. Can’t wait to set up my ladder as well!

Picturing Ray atop his three-foot ladder lining up an early morning shot of this field of sunflowers.

August 6th and 7th – Redcoats and Rebels at Old Sturbridge Village
    http://www.osv.org/activities_events/event_calendar_more.html?ID=503&DateID=1665
    Rich and I attended last year and found it to be quite an event. Hundreds of re-enactors and a huge battle!

Now imagine thirty British re-enactors engaging fifteen French in an open field. Smoke and confusion everywhere!!!

August 13th – 5PM Balloon Festival, Hudson, MA
   with luck a balloon lift and glow (weather permitting)
http://hudsonelks.com/balloonfestival.html
After Albuquerque, what else is there? I’ll be staying home as the weather conditions can force the promoters to cancel at the very last minute.

I did pull a couple of shots from Albuquerque that you should see at Hudson - the flame from the Glow-de-o and a multicolored hot-air balloon aloft.

August 20th and 21st – Race of the Century Collings Foundation in Stow, MA
http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_RofC2010.htm
Haven’t done this yet, but Jac and Marian thought it was a great happening. I have seen Collings Foundation’s aircraft at other events.

From an earlier activity at Collings I have this WWII German recon plane. It's a B&W, but you can think in color, if that suits you.

So did you see something worth getting up for? If not, here's a quote from the Great One, Wayne Gretszky:
You miss one hundred percent of the shots you never take.
So get out there and shoot and shoot. . .

2011-06-14T00:08:00.000-04:00

Posting Twenty-four
“Looking Within. . .”

How often have you heard this expression and wondered just what the person meant? Often it refers to do some soul-searching but in this blog episode, I’ll give you a more photographic reason or two to “Look Within. . .”

With our high-resolution digital cameras we are capturing images within our initial shot. We find great detail in these shots to the point where we can actually make another image or more from the original. I think many of us have experienced this serendipitous happening.

Let me go one step further and that would be to look within your collection of images to find some commonality. As you know I just returned from Bella Italia with over 2800 images – it’ll be a while before my final activity (the scrapbook) is a reality. At some point during the initial review of images, I found several mini-themes with enough support to produce smaller folders. In my case, there were many beautiful windows in the cities and towns I visited. Returning to the nearly three thousand shots I found several other possibilities – “The People” or “The Streets” or “The Churches” and I’m sure there are a couple of others in there as well.

Ever shot antique cars? Here there are several opportunities to create some “Looking Within. . .” folders. Check out the hubcaps – quite varied and ornate. How about the hood ornaments - equally unique and beautifully crafted? Another distinctive feature on older vehicles would be the taillights. As a kid growing up in the fifties, we could readily identify the make, model, and year of the passing car just by seeing that rear red light! I’m sure you could come up with a few more shots within the initial reason for shooting an event. I found these when I looked within my marathon shots.

So start “Looking Within. . .” and be pleasantly surprised at what you find!

Check out my inspiration for this Blog, “Finestra d’Italia” on my website – www.JoeKennedyPhotography.com

2011-06-06T19:55:00.001-04:00

Posting Twenty-three
“Practice What I Preached!”

Well, I’m back from my sabbatical. Okay, I lied, it was more like a much-anticipated trip to Italy! I just thought sabbatical sounded so much more impressive and I could slip away without much fanfare.

Back to the topic on hand, “Practice What I Preached!” When I go on vacation I get so caught up in the moment that I neglect some of the basics of photography. The primary neglect is that patience filter - Blog #15. I found myself rushing to get the shot in front of me with little regard to what was happening around me or what may be happening. I got the shot and so I was ready to move on. Of course, this movement is exasperated when you are traveling with a non-photographer, my wife. I didn’t want to spend too much time with my settings, tripod, or finding the right angle. Instead, there were more grabs than well-planned images.

The second neglect was discussed in Blog #9 - “Pre-shoot Checklist.” I mentioned two opportunities to get your camera in the right mode – the night before and in the field. Again, the excitement of seeing the Leaning Tower, the well-sculpted statuary in the churches, or the landscapes of Tuscany had me more focused on the sights and not trying to capture them in the camera. One instance in particular nearly cost me an entire day’s worth of pictures.

The night before I decided to try some HDR shots so I set my camera for bracketing – five shots of exposure compensations of +2, +1, 0, -1, -2. The evening shoot went off without a hitch. Unfortunately, I did NOT return the settings for the next day’s activities. So, as a result I was getting images that were over-blown or under-exposed. I looked at my Highlights/Blinkies screen - Blog #5 and made the as needed. I must have fired off about fifteen shots before I realized my error. I pressed the shutter release button too long which caused a burst of three images. I was still in bracketing mode which explained the sudden burst and the images that were greatly over or under-exposed. The rest of that shoot and the subsequent days had me double or triple checking my settings!

I’ve added a couple of my early favorites. Fret not, I will not subject you to my folder of 2800+ images taken over the twenty-eight days that I was in Bella Italia.

"Ruins along the Appian Way"

"Roman Columns"

"Vesuvius over Pompeii"

"My FIRST Italian Hot Chocolate"
(Okay, I didn't take this one as I was truly enjoying the moment!)

2011-04-19T15:30:00.001-04:00

Posting Twenty-two – April 18, 2011
Image 03 Feedback
“Beach Flora”

Mad Mike Lacks concept but was executed fairly well. It is not a good image of flowers, it is not a good image of the shore, it has no focus and tries to convey too much about two subjects. Either get closer to the flowers and make them the center of interest and make the shore secondary, or widen out the view and make the flowers a secondary subject in the main subject of the shoreline.

Fotobug – Another image which I found not worthy of my time in photo shop. The overall shot doesn’t move me. I would be interested in what you finally did.
To Fotobug on Image 02, most of my tweaking is accomplished in less than ten minutes and more often than not closer to five.

Jill L. – I think I can see what you were trying to capture here. However, your centering of the rock and the flowers is a distraction. The water showing in the upper right corner is another distraction. If you need to work on this, consider cropping tight – very tight!

What I did – My usual workflow through the RAW tools (adjusted the temp, blacks slider, clarity, and vibrance). Into CS5 for a tighter crop, Levels adjustment and selective Curves. Finally, I sharpened only the main subject – the rock and flowers. Scary how close Jill L’s processing is so close to what I did.

2011-04-11T20:02:00.001-04:00

Posting Twenty-One
Image Study One - Feedback
Image 02 - "These Boots"

Mad Mike: This one has both pre-visualization and execution working well. The one slight distraction is the out of focus foreground leaves in the bottom right.

To Jill L. – On Image 01, it seems that we were on the same page as your adjustments followed my thought process.

Jill L. – The foreground is out of focus and bothers me slightly. The oversized boots can stand on their own to carry the overall photo. Did you consider blurring out the background?

Fotobug The boots are almost comical in look. I thought you might want to try some different photo shop filters to give them a new look.
To Fotobug - On Image 01, well this was certainly one I would keep. It’s a wonder to me to take the original flat image and end up with this very colorful one. Thanks for sharing what you did.

What I did on "These Boots" – My usual workflow through the RAW tools. Then I decided a horizontal flip would give it a better feel. A minor cropping, some Curves adjustment and a final sharpening!

2011-04-04T15:37:00.004-04:00

Posting Twenty
Image Study One - Feedback
Image 01 - Bay Farm

Mad Mike - You had a good concept going, but failed in its execution. The misty mood of the image was perfect for the subject. It’s just that the composition needed adjusting. Moving the sun/moon to directly behind the tree would have brought more contrast to define the tree branches out rather than having them blend into the darker area of the sky.

Fotobug - This one would end up in my trash unless I had some serious time to work on it.

Jill L. – It looks like you had some interesting clouds in this picture. I would try to reframe it so the tree does not look so centered. Also, those branches on the left should be removed either by a crop or a clone. If I could have downloaded this I would have tried to open up the shadows.

What I did – Bay Farm was originally captured in Camera Raw so I adjusted the White Balance, Exposure, Clarity and the Vibrance before opening it in CS5. With a 12 x 10 crop, I was able to eliminate those trees that bothered Jill L. After a run through Curves, I picked up some color in that bleak sky. Yes, Mad Mike, I wish I had taken a few steps to the right to bring the sun behind the tree. I had plenty of room to move, too! Next, the image had an encounter with NIK Color Efex for its Contrast Color Range and Graduated Neutral Density filter which gave the sky this impressive glow. Finally, a brush with Noise Reduction and some sharpening.

Next week, we'll look closer at Image 02. You have time to join Mad Mike, Jill L., and Fotobug with your comments.

Thanks Mad Mike, Fotobug, and Jill L. for responding. . .

2011-03-28T14:53:00.000-04:00

Posting Nineteen

“Image Study I”

Let’s see if you are ready to play judge and jury on some of my images. Look at the three images here and decide what, if any, changes need to be addressed. The advantage of playing judge on your own images weighs heavily in your favor when others view them. Look for the obvious:
   1. What about the contrast? Can you do a levels/curves adjustment to help here? Would a run through shadows/highlights be helpful?
2. Does the image need any cloning? Look for distracting backgrounds.
   3. Will a tighter crop help the overall impact? Is there unwanted space around the image that a crop can eliminate?
   4. What about flipping the image and changing its perspective?
   5. Would you do selective or global sharpening?
   6. Or, is it destined for the “Delete” button?

Let me know what you think. I’ll post what I did to them next week and some of your comments.

Image 01

Image 02

Image 03

So, what are you waiting for, get going!

2011-03-21T18:26:00.000-04:00

Posting Eighteen

“Watch Your Backgrounds”
Part Three

Thanks to Hockomock Digital Photographer, Rick Alvarnaz, for his permission to share this with you.

Did anyone out there surf the photo vendors to check the prices on those “monster lenses?” And, where did you apply for the bank loan?

From lenses we shift our focus to filters, which are another tool used to alter one’s backgrounds. A diffusion filter on your lens will soften the background to varying degrees. How much? Well, that depends on the filter you chose, as some will soften the entire image while others allow the subject to remain sharp but not the edges. Vignetting filters actually obscure or cover the areas around the center of interest in different window shapes and colors. The aforementioned filters are more popular in portrait photography but have been successfully used in other areas.

In the digital darkroom era much of this filtering is done via the computer. One of the more successful techniques involves the use of the blur tool – especially, the Gaussian Blur. Also, selecting your subject and using the unsharp mask can make the background appear “soft.” Unwanted objects in the back of the photo can be removed using several of the various clone tools. In CS5 a content awareness feature has been added which gives a whole new meaning to removal of objects - seamlessly!

As you can see, there are many ways to control the background of our images. So there is really no excuse for not creating the photos we want and with all the impact we wish to convey to our viewers.

A last word on this, going the extra step of dealing with unwanted or distracting backgrounds will keep the viewers (and those judges) more focused on where YOU want their eyes to be!

2011-03-14T15:23:00.000-04:00

Posting Seventeen

“Watch Your Backgrounds”
Part Two

Thanks to Hockomock Digital Photographer, Rick Alvarnaz, for his permission to share this with you.

So did you find any distracting areas since we last met? Were you able to step to the left or the right to eliminate them? Good for you!

Rick suggests several different techniques you can use to give you the kind of background to enhance your main subject.

The most obvious technique would be your point of view. Can you move up, back, sideways, or lower to the ground to give your subject a more pleasing background? This simple movement is greatly underused. All things being equal, the distance from the lens to the subject also affects the sharpness of the background. So the closer the focused object is to the lens, the less in focus the background should be. Also, the further the background is from the main subject, the less detail will be seen.

Camera settings can help to create the proper background. The f/stop on your lens controls how sharp your background will be. A low number f/stop (f/1.4 or f/2.8) will help to soften while the higher values of f/16 or f/22 will more clearly define that background and make it sharper.

Ever notice those long lenses on the sidelines of sporting events? These “big glass” lenses are used to isolate the main subject from the usually distracting stadium crowd or other players. These “monster” lenses are very helpful in wildlife photography as they are capable of blowing out the cluttered environments behind the animals.

In the end it’s all about you and how much of your background do you want in the overall image

Part Three will look at how filters and some of the tools from the digital darkroom can impact those backgrounds.

2011-03-07T20:19:00.000-05:00

Posting Sixteen

“Watch Your Backgrounds” - Part One

Thanks to Hockomock Digital Photographer, Rick Alvarnaz, for his permission to share this with you.

How many times have you heard this at competitions or image study meetings, “Watch your background!” Just what does it mean? In truth, your background is just as important as the subject in your image.

Photography is all about communication and your message is more effectively presented with the proper background. Ask yourself. . . is a sharp detailed background what you want, or does a soft muted background better suit your subject? It’s your picture, so it’s up to you!

Even with the use of Photoshop, it is always better to fine tune your image as much as possible in the camera. The most effective way to assure a proper setting for your subject is to use a critical eye when taking the photo.

Someone once advised me to look through the viewfinder as if you were seeing a framed print already on the wall. Examine the ENTIRE frame – is everything there being included purposefully, or are there elements that are distracting and therefore taking attention away from your main subject?

Some distracting examples are unwanted bright spots, objects protruding from one’s head, or anything that does not support your subject. Did you see that beer can in the corner of your landscape shot? How about the blue Volvo just entering your capture of a red-tailed hawk? Is your main subject too close to the edge of your frame? What about the branch that appears to be sticking out of your spouse’s head? Look carefully through your image BEFORE clicking away.

This has got to hurt! If I took a few steps to the right, the flag would be in front of him adding to the overall impact of the image.

What was I thinking? Nothing like a Civil War Re-enactment to show the latest models in cars, right? What is that white triangle in the lower right corner? And, let's not forget the rope just above his head - a Confederate ploy? No easy solutions here. Delete it!

2011-02-28T16:25:00.000-05:00

Posting Fifteen
"The Patience Filter"

Several years ago when I was sitting at a competition at my former camera club, Greater Brockton, one of the judges referred to using a patience filter. He then took the time to explain why this simple tool is often left behind when we are trying to compose our shot. Now, with the onslaught of digital cameras we seem to be in more of a hurry to get the shot and move on – more of a need for the patience filter.

In essence, we should be taking in the surrounding scene and all of its nuances. What was it with this setting that made you stop to capture it? Your patience filter will help you with that answer.

All too often we are in a rush to get the shot and miss out on the better captures. Case in point as witnessed a few years back – just before the sun set at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon the tour buses pulled up and emptied their passengers with cameras strung around their necks. They ascended like locusts to the area behind the gift shop ready to get the setting sun. Moments after the sun appeared to set, they were gone as quickly as they arrived. What they left behind were the truly better images of the evening sky over the Grand Canyon. Now, if they had their “patience filters” handy, they would have captured some remarkable skies.

The tripod is one tool to help you practice with that patience filter. When using that three-legged support, there is a tendency for the photographer to slow down his/her image taking. Opportunities to look through the viewfinder for distractions, the proper angle, and other details make for a well thought out shot.

The patience filter takes up no space in your bag and won’t add any weight to your case. It won’t distort the image captured by your very expensive lens and it impossible to break. However, it is very easy to forget.

Back to that Greater Brockton evening, one member asked, “Where can I purchase one of them?” There was one of those pregnant pauses that seems to last forever. The rest of us exercised complete control and didn’t even crack a smile!

By now I trust you have a patience filter in your camera bag but, if you are still in the market for one, I can ship it to you for $29.95 plus tax!

2011-02-21T15:39:00.002-05:00

Posting Fourteen

"Photographing Butterflies"

Living in Massachusetts, we are most fortunate to have accessibility to two (2) indoor butterfly facilities - one in Westford and the other in South Deerfield. For a nominal fee and an early arrival, one can tote in a tripod and have a fairly crowd-free environment. Speaking to Hockomock Digital Photographers’ resident nature expert, Frank Gorga, I was able to gather some helpful tips on how to capture these very flighty insects. Check out Frank’s blog for great images and suggestions: http://gorga.org/blog/

Lens Choices:
  Best: 300 mm lens with extension tubes is probably the best
      combination of working distance and magnification.
  Better: a long lens (200 or 300 mm) with a short minimum
      focus distance.
  Good: a macro lens is of limited use as one simply can't
      get close enough to a living insect to make good use of it.

Critter Chasing Options:
  Hand-holding Camera with image stabilization
   Monopod or tripod (if allowed) set up where the butterflies are
      likely to feed – just wait. . .

Lighting:
   Fill flash needed as some critters may be back lit.
      Set your flash to one or two stops under.

From the Enchanting Kerala site (link below), there were these additions:
1. Keep tripod head loose for butterfly movements.

2. Watch your background – distracting? Change your angle.

3. Keep your movements fluid and not jerky!

4. Avoid casting YOUR shadow on the colorful critters!

5. Keep the camera sensor parallel to butterfly’s body.

6. Wear muted colors when shooting.

7. Personally, avoid heavily scented perfumes, deodorants, or
     after-shaves lotions.

Pack your patience filter – you’ll need it!

A couple of helpful links on capturing butterflies:

http://photonaturalist.net/7-tips-for-photographing-butterflies/

http://enchantingkerala.org/digital-photography-school/14-tips-for-photographing-butterflies.php

2011-02-14T20:30:00.001-05:00

Posting Thirteen
"How to Impress Those Judges – Part Four"

This four part article was authored by Jack Alexander and appeared in The Lens Tissue, The newsletter for the Greater Brockton Camera Club.
Jack finishes his helpful hints.

Just what catches the eyes and the hearts of the judges as much as people – animals! Easily available critters would be your pets and those belonging to your friends and neighbors. Kittens and puppies score well with most judges – IF properly set-up. Filling up a basket of kittens or having a puppy frolic with a ball are sure winners.

Looking for something a bit wilder – try the zoo! Remember to keep the hand-of-man (fences, cage bars, bales of hay, dirt roads, sawed-off limbs, and phony looking rocks) out of your image. On a more positive note, zoo directors take considerable time and money to give their animal residents a more natural setting!

Now, how does one make a zoo shot not look like a zoo shot? Your zoom could be all that it takes. Zoom in tight for a head shot on larger animals. Avian houses offer interesting bird photos in a very natural setting. Again, the use of your zoom and a flash might get you that winner.

One of my favorite local spots for shooting animals has been Roger Williams Zoo – especially the polar bear enclosure. We are very fortunate to have a couple of butterfly conservatories in Massachusetts – Westford and South Deerfield. With some advanced planning and a little luck, you can catch these winged beauties resting on colorful flowers. (ED Note – next week’s blog will address shooting butterflies).

For a more controlled environment, check out the opportunities at NECCC Amherst. Here you will not only get some rare and exotic animals but the organizers at NECCC provide the proper lighting as well. If it’s adventure you are seeking, our national parks provide great photo ops for wildlife. Yellowstone is probably the premier park for variety - bison, elk, wolves, moose, deer and coyotes. One of my favorite bird locations is the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades – you should be able to catch a few gators there as well.

Well, that wraps up Jack’s tips on “How to Win More Acceptances.”

2011-02-07T19:05:00.001-05:00

Posting Twelve

"How to Wow Those Judges – Part Three"

This four part article, which appeared in The Lens Tissue, the newsletter for the Greater Brockton Camera Club, was authored by Jack Alexander, former member of HDP.

Because of their many moods, people are often the most rewarding subjects to capture with your camera. Look for interesting facial features. Since your camera is a severe critic, let me add some dos and don’ts when shooting people:

1.   Tidy up the subject’s hair without overdoing it.

2.   Have you subject stand tall or sit – slumping is a negative.

3.   Turn the torso at a slight angle to the camera so your   subject becomes a slimmer, more flattering photo.

4.   A slight tilt of the head can be pleasing as it softens the skin tones.

5.   Be especially careful of hand placement. When in doubt leave them out of the frame! Take particular care NOT to cut off a limb at the joints!!

6.   Avoid one of the most unflattering areas – the armpit!

7.   Generally, the eyes should be in the upper thirds of your frame.

8.   If your subject is a child, get down to their level. Never shoot down on them!

9.   If a catch light is involved, try to have it fall at either 11:00 or 1:00, if possible.

10.If your subject is wearing glasses, a slight tilt may reduce their reflections.

11. If your subject has prominent ears, have him or her turn until the far ear disappears.

12. Leave more room in the frame toward the front of your subject rather than the back.

13. Working with children, bring along a few toys – great props!

14. Try to shoot your subject at eye level.

15. Since the eyes are the focal points of any picture, focus on them.

2011-01-31T19:23:00.000-05:00

Posting Eleven

"How to Wow Those Judges – Part Two"

This four part article, which appeared in The Lens Tissue, the newsletter for the Greater Brockton Camera Club, was authored by Jack Alexander, former member of HDP.

Flowers are always a popular subject for competitions so let’s take a closer look at some dos and don’ts when photographing them.

With these petaled wonders, you should seek out that perfect specimen, taking extreme care to avoid selecting one with damaged or wilted petals. Now, check the background – is it distracting or flattering? Any debris to clear? Often an out-of-focus background offers the best scenario. In any event whatever is behind your intended subject should not draw attention AWAY from the flower.

If you have selected your macro (gets you in tight to fill the frame) for this floral shoot, I trust you have your trusty tripod (allows a slower shutter speed for increased depth of field) set up as well. I have found the use of fill flash creates a desirable effect whether indoor or outside.

Here are a few helpful hints on floral photography:
1.   Think about allowing the stem to enter from the bottom or lower left at a curve or an angle – as long as it’s not straight up. (With our digital darkroom capabilities, cropping and or flipping might get you the same angling).

2.   If you decided to shoot more than one specimen of the flower, try to remember the Rule of Odds – an odd number of subjects is more pleasing than an even number.

3.   If two flowers are in your viewfinder, make every attempt to have them of different sizes. If they are in alignment or the same size, they will fight with each other for the judge’s attention!

4.   If you are using a flash, try to move it off-camera to give the effect of side lighting, which adds shape to your subject.

5.   If you’re using a false background, take extra care that the subject’s shadow doesn’t look staged.

6.   For an interesting look try to position the sun directly behind your intended subject. This works really well with florals – sometimes referred to as trans-illumination.

Well, what are you waiting for, go out and buy a bouquet and set up a still life right in the confines of your home. . .

2011-01-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

Posting Ten

"How to Wow Those Judges – Part One"

This four part article, which appeared in The Lens Tissue, the newsletter for the Greater Brockton Camera Club, was authored by Jack Alexander, former member of HDP.

Four major criteria are used in evaluating our images “Technique,” “Composition,” ”Interest,” and “Impact.” Each of these factors is awarded points in the eyes of the judges when reviewing our submissions. I believe the first two speak for themselves, so let’s look at Interest and Impact.

Just which subjects are of the most interest to the vast majority of us? Why people (especially children, attractive girls and the elderly) and nature (wildlife, pets, flowers, and landscapes)! All of the aforementioned subjects are of great interest IF they are photographed well (Technique and Composition). Because of their universal appeal, they tend to fare better in competitions. The best aspect about these popular subjects is that you don’t have to travel very far to capture them – however, you should select them with care.

Not every person, animal, or flower makes a good subject. Some are more appealing than others. When you think you have found a good subject, give some thought to grace and balance. Remember, if a pose or arrangement is awkward or clumsy, even the best of shots will fall short in the eyes of those beholders – the judges!

2011-01-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

Posting Nine
"Pre-shoot Checklist"

Before going on any photo shoot, there are specific preparations to consider…
Night Before
  Battery check
         Are they charged?
         Did you pack a spare?

  Memory cards
         Have enough memory?
   How long will you be shooting?
   Which format will you be using – RAW, high jpeg, etc.
   Have the cards been formatted in the camera?

  Lenses and sensor
         Clean your equipment before heading out

  Camera setup
         Which mode - Aperture / Shutter / Manual / Other?
   White balance?
   ISO?

  Camera bag
         Pack it up the night before with the proper lenses, filters,
   memory cards, batteries, flash, manual and TRIPOD!
         Any extra equipment not needed in the bag? Take it out!

   Field Work
   Focus check – auto focus on?
         White balance – set for the day’s lighting?
         Camera settings – ISO?
         Shoot and review – test fire a shot and look at its
   histogram, highlights, etc. on the LCD
         Subject orientation – portrait and/or landscape or both?
   Snacks? Water? Cell phone?

2011-01-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

Posting Eight

"Indoor Challenge I"

According to my local weather forecasters, we are in for quite a Nor'easter starting Tuesday and ending sometime on Wednesday. So I figured you might want to spend some quality time indoors with your camera.

Are you ready? So, walk around your humble abode and select a room to photograph TWENTY-FIVE images. Here’s the challenge, you must stand in the same spot for ALL twenty-five. You can use flash, vary the focal length, change lenses as long as you are in the same spot in that one room.

Now, let’s download them and see what we have. I’m guessing you are seeing that room in a totally different light (no pun intended). Perhaps, your change in focal lengths has opened up areas and objects that were there but you didn’t notice as much. Which focal length gave you the best image? Check the meta data for these images. Which appear to be out of focus – check the shutter speed (fraction of 1/xxx)? Can you crop any of these tighter to give almost a macro look to them?

Send me a couple of your best (use the same sizing as we do for Image Study). Give me a brief description of why you chose these along with that all-important meta data.

When the storm is winding down and before you head back outside, refer back to Posting Six - "Snow and Your Camera."

2011-01-03T22:05:00.000-05:00

Posting Seven

"Shooting Outdoors"

Mother Nature can be very unpredictable after you have done the proper preparation for your field trip. Your ability to roll with her punches will determine just how successful your shoot will be.

Raining? Throw on a polarizer and shoot the forest foliage. This must-have filter will reduce the glare and enhance color saturation.

Be mobile! Get out of the car and start walking. If the shot isn’t there, take a few steps to the left or right. Shooting from your car – shut off the engine!

Three legs are better than two! Use a tripod… it has a two- fold benefit. First it will allow you to shoot longer time sequences and secondly, it will slow you down!

Too sunny? Shoot in the shadows.

Snacks… Did you remember to pack some munchies and water? A day in the field will go a lot smoother if you have a Devil Dog and something to wash it down!

Watch your back! All too often we are focused on what’s in front of us when what’s behind us may be the better shot – turn around!

Follow the water. Found a stream? Follow it and check out the different photo ops that arise!

Patience filter packed?

And, remember - “Life is not measured by the breath we take but rather by the moments that take our breath away!”

Here is a shot from this past Sunday's fog. . .

2010-12-28T08:18:00.000-05:00

Posting Six

"Snow and Your Camera"

The Blizzard of 2010 left behind more than a foot or so of frozen flakes, it also left us opportunities to capture Mother Nature's beauty. So prep your camera, grab a few spare batteries, dress in layers and head outdoors.

As you know incorrect exposures can result in gray - not white - snow. Here is a link to help you with the challenges of shooting snow:

www.outdooreyes.com/photo18.php3

2010-12-21T16:13:00.000-05:00

Posting Five

"Highlights / Blinkies"

The second most looked at screen on my camera is the Highlights or Blinkies. Check your camera menu to see if your model offers this screen. If an image has areas that are blown out (over-exposed), then that part of the screen will blink. In my readings I have learned that blown out highlights are much worse than clipped shadows.

Scott Kelby in his “Digital Photography Book I” recommends using your exposure compensation control to “back down” the exposure by a third or even a half stop. If the “blinkies” continue drop your exposure another third or half stop.

Here is an article from Ralph Nordstrom’s Photography Blog on this matter:

Clipped highlights are perhaps a worse sin than clipped shadows. As with clipped shadows, you don’t have any detail in the highlights. If the highlight is a brilliant cloud you just lost all of its shape and texture. Now the beautiful, dramatic cloud is a flat, featureless white blob. And there’s nothing you can do about it, even with the most sophisticated post processing.

Clipped highlights ruin more photographs than clipped shadows. When the image is printed all you see is the pure white of the paper. There is not a drop of ink on the paper and ink jet printers make really small drops. Aesthetically, we find deep shadows more appealing than featureless highlights.

Camera manufactures recognize this and have a feature built into their histograms. The highlight areas that are clipped will flash. This provides us with a dramatic warning that something is wrong and we probably need to decrease the exposure and re-shoot the image.

But now there are circumstances when clipped highlights are all right. This is when you are photographing what is referred to as ‘specular highlights.’ The sun glinting off of brightly polished chrome is an example. There is no detail and we wouldn’t expect any. In this case clipped highlights are not only ok; they are what we would expect. And of course, don’t forget the famous picture of two polar bears fighting in a snowstorm.

Shooting in the snow is a classic example of needing to move the histogram to the right. Your camera’s built in light meter will want to put the histogram in the center of the range and that will make the snow like dingy and gray. You’ll need to increase the exposure to move the histogram back up to the right so that you get bright, white snow.

I had a most difficult time finding links on this matter that weren't overly technical - here is the sole survivor of that quest:

http://www.appshyderabad.org/basicsofphotography.php?id=50

2010-12-14T19:23:00.000-05:00

Posting Four

"The Mighty Histogram!"

Have you ever wondered why some photographers take a shot and then quickly look at their LCD screen? They are probably not checking how the image looks as the screen is quite small. Instead they are reviewing the tonal qualities in that particular image to see if adjustments need to be made. Two screens that are invaluable to photographers are the histogram and the highlights (blinkies). I’ll address the former on this week’s blog.

Most cameras will give you choices as to which screen to look at after the picture is taken and processed in the camera. See if your camera has this option. If so, make sure HISTOGRAM is selected. Histograms can have different looks depending on the exposure of your image. Some photographers claim that the perfect histogram will have a bell-shape to it.

This is not always the case, especially if you have a scene with fog, snow, nighttime, etc. These images will dramatically alter that bell shape by having more information on the left (shadows) or the right (highlights).

Of course, this has been a very simplistic look at this most important digital tool. There is much more which can be found at these sites:

http://www.basic-digital-photography.com/how-to-use-the-camera-histogram.html

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-features/advanced-settings/histogram/

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/read-cameras-histogram-perfectly-balanced-images/

Posting Three

2010-12-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

Meet Bert Monroy - Digital Photo-Realist Artist

Several years ago I signed up for my first NAPP (National Association of PhotoShop Professionals) hoping to pick up some helpful hints on how to effectively run my images through the program. What I got instead was a rude awakening in the person of Bert Monroy, self-proclaimed Digital Photo-Realist Artist. I knew I did not belong when Bert projected his latest endeavor, "Damien." It was a great image of a Chicago Elevated train station. But why did it take him nearly eleven months to create? I thought PS was a lot more efficient than that. Truth be told, "Damien" wasn't an image at all, the entire projection was created in Illustrator and PhotoShop. The hundreds of real professionals in attendance let out one large gasp when Bert mentioned "Damien" needed some fifteen thousand layers, which collapsed into a file of 1.7 GB (you read it correctly GIGABYTES). I didn't want to draw attention to me by asking, "What was a layer?" I did remain for the entire presentation realizing that I had a long way to go before I could effectively use PhotoShop and its tools on my images.

Today, I have advanced my PS skills to include the use of layers - not the 15K that Bert needed - and masks, and other PhotoShop techniques. NAPP has been a huge help in my learning curve.

Check out Bert's website and his photo-realistis artistry: http://www.bertmonroy.com/

Posting Two

2010-11-29T19:10:00.000-05:00

B&W Photography

One would have thought with all of the bells and whistles of our sophisticated digital cameras enhanced by the power of the digital darkroom, color would be first and foremost in our images. On the contrary of late there has been a resurgence of B&W photography. These images are captured in COLOR and then converted to B&W. I have been enjoying the challenge to find the right images for this change. Helping me immensely in this decision process has been NIK Software's Silver Efex.

This plug-in has about thirty templates for a starting point. From here you can choose to work the various sliders to alter the brightness, contrast, and the structure. Two other sliders help to vary the Shadows and the Highlights. If that wasn't enough, how about using one of the five color filters there but for a click of your mouse. And, one more pleasant surprise for old-time B&W film (that plastic-like material that came in a canister) users, you can take a stroll down memory lane with Kodak TriX 400TX Pro or Ilford Pan F Plus 50 and ten others. Each of these film choices recreates the effect that B&W had.

Here is a site where you can read up more on B&W Photography:

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/5-black-and-white-photography-tips

T-6 Texan Trainer

Welcome to Posting One. . .

2010-11-23T18:25:00.000-05:00

I recently attended a Rick Sammon seminar where he mentioned having your own Blog is more important than a website. My website - www.JoeKennedyPhotography.com will continue but now I will be adding a weekly blog.

I'm planning on posting articles, images, links, and other photographic topics for your look-see.

To get us started, here is one of my favorite links for photography from Photo Secrets:

http://www.photosecrets.com/photography-tips.html#instruction

This site will keep you photo-busy until we meet again.

Keep clickin'
Nikon Joe