Simple Tutorial on Smoke Photography
July 29, 2009
Photographing Smoke can be an extremely frustrating as well as a rewarding experience depending on an individual's approach to the theme. If one is locked indoors all day long with no other work to do then smoke photography is the perfect technique to try. There is a general misconception that smoke photography calls for expensive and sophisticated equipment, however that is not the case. All you need is a digital camera, a few other commonly used household products, basic understanding of the relationship between lighting effects, subject, background and tons of patience.
Step #1: - Collecting the Equipments
A digital camera preferably a DSLR (in manual mode), smoke generating element, a dark background, a strobe light with snoot, a reflector, a portable light (like a torch, optional) and a well ventilated room, these are the equipments required for photographing smoke. Any smoke generating component can be used, however incense stick is preferred as they provide a long lasting and continuous plume of smoke along with a pleasant smell. A holder is required to secure the sticks in place.
Although, any dark background will do the job, a black background is preferred as black surface will prevent any stray light from bouncing off the surface. A reflector is needed to reflect light onto the smoke while the torch will aid in locking the focus. The room should be well ventilated as smoke will get filled in the room quickly. If there is no provision for ventilation, then this smoke may decrease the quality of the photo.
Step #2 : - Setting Up the Equipments
Set up the black background. Now place the incense stick about 3 to 4 feet away from the background. The strobe light or flash has to be situated to the right or left of the incense at a distance of 1 or 2 feet. The reflector should be positioned exactly opposite to the strobe light facing the smoke generating component (incense stick). The camera should be located in front of the incense at a distance of 2 or 3 feet.
Step #3 : - Adjust the Camera Settings
The auto-mode of the digital SLR camera should be disabled and a full manual mode should be activated. The flash should be turned off. The camera should have a fast shutter speed, this is because the smoke will be constantly moving and only a faster shutter speed will be able to capture this motion.
The camera should be set to a smaller aperture for a larger depth of field. A smaller aperture is capable of capturing sudden changes in shape. Also the light sensitivity must be set below 100, as a higher ISO will introduce noise into the pictures. Finally, light is required to illuminate the smoke, this is because a smaller aperture and faster shutter introduces very little light into the image.
Step #4 : - Shooting Smoke
With the equipments and camera all set and ready, now it is the time to start shooting. Ensure the doors and windows are closed as even a slight breeze will cause disturbance to the smoke pattern making it difficult to be captured. Now light the incense stick, if you need thicker plume of smoke, light more than one sticks and place it together.
Ideally the focus should be about 2-3 cm above the tip of the incense stick. Torch light can be used to light the smoke if necessary. This helps you while adjusting the focus on the smoke pattern. Next is to be patient and observe the smoke pattern.
Once you have observed the pattern, try a few test shots. In case you do not like the pattern of smoke, you can modify it by using a metal ring, a spoon, a wire mesh etc. and many other objects to create a pattern you like and then start shooting. Keep designing and creating various patterns and focus and shoot. Please do remember to ventilate the room every few minutes so that the smoke does not play havoc with the picture quality.
Step #5 : - Creating Coloured Smoke Patterns
Finally, edit and process these images in Photoshop to create designs and patterns. You need to go to adjustments, and choose the brightness/contrast option. Now add contrast and colour to the smoke photos. After finishing just hit the adjustments-invert option and you will be able to obtain some cool and colourful smoke designs. Whether you want to colour the photos or just redesign them use Photoshop to the maximum and just play around. You can get as creative as you want.
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9 Guidelines for Capturing Fireworks Exceptionally
July 27, 2009
Whether it is the victory of England Team or any other special event, fireworks definitely form a major part of the celebrations. In fact no celebrations are complete without a display of fireworks. Fireworks are fun to watch and enjoy. Everyone would want to capture this marvellous display of fireworks to be etched in their minds. Shooting fireworks requires selecting the right equipments, having a thorough knowledge of the digital camera settings, planning about the correct locations and finally oodles of patience. By following a few tips everyone interested in engulfing this splendid display, can manage to do a brilliant job at it.
Tip #1 : - Use a Tripod
Perhaps, one of the most important things is to have the digital camera secured in a place so that it does not move while the shot is being taken. While photographing fireworks, long shutter speed is required; one cannot steadily hold the camera for such a long duration, hence the need for a tripod. This makes the fireworks photos crisp and pleasant.
Tip #2 : - Make use of remote control and timer options
You can use the remote control option if your camera has one. If not then you need to be able to anticipate the shots and make use of the timer function. Ideally it is better to practice the timer and remote control option before trying it out while shooting fireworks.
Tip #3 : - Use Low ISO and High Quality Settings
Higher ISO settings may introduce noise into your photos. You may want the background sky to look as black as possible so that the fireworks stand out exceptionally well, thus its is better to use a low ISO setting of 50 or 100. Also it is better to use the highest photo quality, resolution and size. This may occupy more space but it is worth it considering the effect it is able to reproduce.
Tip #4 : - Keep the camera's Flash switched OFF
The darkness of the surroundings may end up tricking the camera that a flash is necessary, however it is not. A flash just ends up capturing the unnecessary smoke spoiling the whole picture. Therefore it is better to have the flash turned off, unless you want to give prominence to some statue or monument along with the fireworks display.
Tip #5 : - Focus to Infinity
While trying to capture fireworks it is better to use a wide area of focus, ideally infinity. It is same as the landscape modes in many cameras. Thus always check your camera and set it to the correct focusing mode before attempting to capture fireworks.
Tip #6 : - Have a long Exposure
There is a general misconception that a fast shutter speed is required for capturing the fireworks display. However, the truth is that a nice long exposure will assist you in capturing the movement with precision. The best way to shoot would be to hit the shutter button as the firework is about to explode and hold it down for a few seconds until it finishes exploding.
Tip #7 : - Keep a good stock of memory and batteries
Fireworks are to be shot in high quality mode that ends up eating away your memory. Thus it is advisable to have loads of memory space. The most irritating thing to happen would be the camera dying away due to loss of power. Therefore, it is preferable to have the batteries fully charged as well as to keep a few charged extras handy.
Tip #8 : - Be Early
Location plays a very important part in shooting fireworks. You will be able to capture the show with perfection only if you happen to be at the best possible spot all ready and prepared to fire away the shutter. Therefore, it is advisable that you go to the specified place a little early, grab the best spot and set up the necessary equipment.
Tip #9 : - Take heaps of snaps
Fireworks do not happen every other day that you can afford to miss out on. It is better to take loads of snaps of the show as one a couple may turn out to be perfect and marvellously brilliant.
Overall, with fireworks show you also need to pray for luck and timing. The perfect shot fired away at the right time results in exceptional images, one that you can save for years to come.
Tips for Photographing Nature
June 7, 2009
Photographing nature is truly a rewarding experience. It is considered to be one of the most emotional and pleasing encounter. By snapping away some rare once-in-a-lifetime instances you are able to freeze that particular moment for ages to come only to be remembered and recalled later. However, you need to have some great photographic skills to perfectly capture the specific juncture. One thing you need to ensure while photographing nature is that the instance may stay for a split second and you need to be really quick to be able to shoot at the correct time. Although, you need to possess good photographic skills, with the help of a few tips and tricks, even beginners can manage to click away some exceptional pictures.
Tip # 1 : - Get to know your Camera and its Settings
Before you go on any nature expedition, it is important that you know and understand your camera very well. It is crucial to have an idea of the various modes and settings of the device and an overall view of what combinations help deliver excellent results.
Tip # 2 : - Patience
Nature photography is not just about going to a particular spot and clicking the shutter. It is about closely observing the subject over a period of time to determine the best moment to shoot. This requires a lot of patience as well as an eye for details. For example, if you are interested in get a snap of the sunset or sunrise, then you need to observe and determine the perfect time to fire your shutter. The perfect image is obtained when the sun is half set and the colours are spread across the sky. Also the look and feel of the snap would be enhanced if there is a bird flying at the time of sunset or sunrise.
Tip # 3 : - Attention
While moving along the woods or bushes, you need to keep all your senses open. You may stumble upon an interesting opportunity to shoot like a young animal suddenly pops out of a bush with a look of fear and shock. You may not be able to get that emotion again. So, the bottom line is to pay attention to the happenings around you and anticipate what might happen.
Tip # 4 : - Lighting Effects
With regards to lighting, you needs to check out for three major factors; the direction of light, the quality of light and the temperature of light. The different directions of light is capable of producing different effects. Say for example, is the sun is behind you, then the scene will portray strong colour and tonal effect. If the light is coming from the side then the it works towards emphasising the texture of the subject. Finally, back light is best for creating a silhouette.
The quality of light can be divided into two parts; specular light and diffused light. While specular light is the direct and bright form of light such as direct sunlight, diffused light is distributed form of light. This may be when the sun rays pass through the clouds and are scattered across the area. The diffused light is the most favourite forms of light used to capture close-up scenes, forest areas, wildlife, waterfalls etc. This is because they are able to expose the subject properly. On the other hand specular slight might cast ugly shadows on your subjects. But with proper camera mechanism this can also be optimally used.
The temperature of light refers to its colour effects that keeps changing throughout the day. To take optimal advantage of the light temperature, it is advisable to set the white balance to daylight mode.
Major Do's and Dont's
Do's
- Always ensure that your picture does have a story to tell, even if it is a little mysterious.
- Always ensure that you do follow the “ Rule of Thirds”. This means that you need to divide the screen horizontally and vertically into thirds and situate the subject at the intersection of these lines. Some digital cameras come with a “thirds grid” that can be used to compose the image and later turned off.
- See to it that you do make maximum use of the camera's various scenic modes. Every camera comes with an auto mode that is capable of doing all the necessary adjustments, however there are instances when the image is much better when the correct scenic mode is used.
- Always ensure to shoot the subjects in odd number. This prevents you from dividing the photo into two halves. Also it creates a better dynamic effect.
- Finally, try and shoot rare moments that cannot be seen on everyday basis.
Dont's
- Do not place your subject in the centre of the picture. Ensure that you subject is a little off-centre. This is capable of creating a more interesting picture.
- While shooting nature, ensure that you do not stop with a single snap. Take multiple shots, this not only gives you the best snap of your subject but at times is capable of exhibiting some rare emotions of the subject.
- Although, you have the scenic modes for assistance, do not completely rely on them. Trust your instincts and view the image on the screen to analyse if this is the perfect one. Even a slight doubt of imperfection should compel you to change the settings and try again.
- While focusing on your subject, do not neglect the background. An incorrect background or improper lighting effects spoils the whole image. Thus ensure to maintain a perfect balance between the two.
On the whole, by keeping these basic tips and tricks in mind, you can also become a great nature photographer. Another major advantage provided by the digital camera manufacturers is the panoramic mode wherein you can shoot a series of images and later stitch it together to create one large image. So make optimum use of the camera and its settings and get started on your excursion.
Seven Simple Tips For Breath-Taking Snaps
February 2, 2009
Tip #1 :
Hold the Camera to the Subject's Eye-Level
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For capturing the magnetic gazes and mesmerising smiles you need to hold the camera at the eye level of the subject. However the subject need not have to look into the camera, holding it at the eye level itself will create an personalised image.
Just imagine how this snap would have come out if taken from top. Thus it is important to go down and shoot from the subject's eye-level to obtain the true-to-life expressions |
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Tip #2:
Prefer a Plain Background
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Before taking a snap always ensure to check the background of the subject. In case the background is cluttered or filled with other objects such as lots of plants and leaves then it will remove the emphasis that the subject needs. A plain background on the other hand adds prominence to the subject.
As shown above the polar bears gain more prominence as they are shot in a plain background. |
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Tip #3:
Try to Flash Outdoors on in Brightly lit areas
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Ideally flash is not required in well lit areas. However there is a possibility of this light casting a shadow on the image. In such case it is advisable to use the flash, which helps in brightening up the faces and accentuating the subject.
The use of flash in this situation has helped in delivering a realistic image, else the butterfly would not appear as it has now, there would be some dark shadow cast upon it due to the effect of the sun. |
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Tip #4:
Make maximum use of the Camera's Macro Mode
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The macro mode of the camera determines the closest range at which clear and precise images can be shot. In case you are capturing flowers or insects or animals; then either move close to the object or zoom till the object fills the camera's viewfinder and then shoot. This helps in producing realistic images.
A complete naturalistic effect has been obtained in this flower due to use of macro mode. |
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Tip #5:
Turn the camera around to take vertical snaps
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Some images like portraits, tall buildings etc. are enhanced when they are shot with in the vertical format. In such cases ensure that you turn the camera sideways and shoot vertically.
For example a realistic image of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is obtained only when a vertical snap is taken by turning the camera sideways. |
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Tip #6:
Always check for the Maximum Flash Range
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When images are shot beyond the flash's maximum range, then it may result in dark images. Generally the maximum flash range in most cameras is 10 feet. Thus ensure that you always capture images that fall within 10 feet.
For example if this image would have been shot as it is without getting close to it or without zooming, then the result would have been a considerable dark image with fewer details. |
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Tip #7:
Check the Effect of Light
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While taking snaps constantly check the effect that light would create on the image. Like images taken with the sun over your head will result in pictures having a dark shadow across the face. Thus it would be better if you could move the subject away from direct sunlight or select the correct scenic mode before shooting.
For Example in this snap if the sun would have been overhead then there would be dark shadows cast on the child's face thereby resulting in an unsatisfactory image. |
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