St. Louis (FEB-01-2013) – St. Louis Garage band, Roundheels, opens the 4th Anniversary show of the Firebird in Midtown.  Roundheels is Justin Fremont on Guitar and Vocals, Eric Moore on Drums and Kyle Christians on bass.

Change your attitude

Tricia Krefetz wrote a two-part article on night photography for MCP Actions. In part one, she says that photographers should learn to embrace changing light, especially the Magic or Golden 15 minutes, which is what she calls the 15 minutes before sunrise and the 15 minutes after sunset.

The dramatic colours provide a visually stunning backdrop to any landscape; you just need to develop the confidence to take advantage of it.

Preparation is everything

The Boy Scouts are always right; you need to be prepared if you want to impress your friends with your night (or twilight) photos. Krefetz says that this starts with your equipment, which includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Tripod: You need something stable on which to balance your camera. If you don’t have a tripod you should scout the area for a suitably level surface that will suffice. However, tripods allow you to work with different angles, which a make-shift surface won’t do – at least not without some very delicate maneuvering.
• External flash: So you can better illuminate certain areas while taking advantage of various exposure settings and times.
• Flashlight: Not so much for taking pictures as to help you find your way around your set, as it were. If you’re up a mountain or in a field or climbing rocks near the sea, you definitely want to see where you’re going. You also want to be able to find the equipment you need without needless fumbling – which costs you time and could cost you the shot.

Know your tools

You have to know your tools so that you can’t blame them. This means that you should be able to find all the buttons on your camera in the dark, so you can change settings quickly. You also need to be able to attach and remove lenses, adjust your tripod and change cables by feel. (Although your trusty torch will help with some of the trickier moves, if necessary.)

You also need to be familiar with all the settings on your camera, including shutter speed, exposure, zoom, flash and shooting mode (thesparine – instructables.com).

Practice

You’re not going to go out and start shooting award-winning night photos straightaway. You’ll need to practice and practice and practice some more. One of the nice things about digital cameras, as opposed to film cameras, is that you can take hundreds of pictures and discard them all.

Start experimenting with different landscapes, different light settings, different sources of external light (Krefetz suggests headlights and sparklers), aperture settings, exposures and subject matter. Make your family and friends your guinea pigs; venture into the city at night and try to work with street lights (or take long shots of the city) and head out of town to get some natural scenery.

It won’t take too long before you get the knack of all the things that you currently think are too complicated to contemplate, and start to have some real fun.

Attached Images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source

Written by Sandy Cosser on behalf of Now Learning, which promotes higher education courses in Australia, including photography, small business management and finance.

RX100

Due to some distinctive design choices, the RX100 assumes a smaller profile than the XZ-2. Among these opportunity costs were the abandonment of a hot shoe, though many would defend this choice as any kind of standalone flash would dwarf these cameras. The built in flash stands on its own merit, having options for fill flash and slow sync, something that cannot be said of the Olympus model. The full scale of ISO sensitivity can be utilized on this camera; even towards the higher end of the spectrum, at a setting of 3200, images are crisp even here. Menus are fast to navigate and set up in a logical manner; many options are where you would expect them to be. Additionally, 7 buttons on the camera double as assignable macros. A few fanciful fixtures such as a fluid panorama mode complete the picture and ice the cake.

XZ-2

Though the XZ-2 is rated for higher ISO performance than the RX100, noise starts to become a nuisance  earlier on, around 1600. Its autofocus is blazing fast and by far its shining feature; it can cycle through its entire range in about a quarter of a second, and will grab a sharp image on subjects as small as the nutrition facts on a cereal box. Included with it is a rudimentary optical viewfinder that clips onto the hot shoe. The pop-up flash also is a simpler assembly than the one found on the RX100. The menu system on this camera is much more convoluted than on the Sony, with some important options hopelessly buried. The beautiful touch screen will quickly feel like an aesthetic add-on, as there is not much functionality actually added by it.

Side by side, the Sony RX100 demonstrates a clear win in most categories over Olympus, with only a minor price hike. Autofocus remains the domain of the XZ-2, however; Sony’s satisfactory performance here is overshadowed by Olympus’ excellent execution. Realistically though, if fast paced photography is not one of your requirements, the RX100 sits only $30 above the XZ-2, making it a desirable choice in the $500-600 price range.

Bill Green is an engineering student and freelancer for Photo.net where you can find hundreds of camera reviews including a more in-depth analysis of the Olympus XZ-2: http://photo.net/reviews/olympus-xz-2-ihs-review

1. Control Light

A difference between light, which I feel, should be mentioned first is that artificial light can be very helpful when you want to have full control of your subject study. Especially with wine
bottles, you’d want to be able to orchestrate every single light and reflection that appears in your shot. I’ve had sessions where it took hours to remove the light completely from a reflective
object when we were shooting outside. The only down side to using a studio with artificial light is that you won’t be able to use stunning backdrops that nature or architecture produces. So
depending on the location of the shoot it would decide the lighting factor of your shoot.

2. Concentrated light vs. Diffused light

Once again back to the studio. If you don’t know what you are doing you can ultimately destroy a photo with over exposure or not enough light on the subject. Natural light has a way of looking, well, more natural.

3. Effect

Id’ say that artificial light is a lot more flexible in the way you can use it. With natural light you can only use reflectors to manipulate the light to a certain degree, but with artificial lights you can create different sets of lighting. This is a very important rule since light has a way of creating dramatic signs, low lighting for mystery and danger, full lighting for honesty, righteousness, purity and so on.

4. White Balance

Artificial light’s will greatly affect your white balance settings. Many photographers tend to forget the importance of white balance adjustments. Natural light has at most two white balance options where artificial light may need a score of options to correctly balance your photo.

5. Cost

I’d think one of the greatest difference in artificial light and natural light is the cost of it. Artificial light can become expensive when you have to replace bulbs and batteries. I’ve seen
photographers run around with three flash heads and battery sets for wedding photography shoots. If you plan your shoot accordingly you can score a ton of free lighting for your shoot from natural light instead of paying extra for your artificial light expenditures.

Shireen Louw is a wedding photographer in Cape Town who as photographed more the 300 weddings.

For many amateur photographers capturing photos of friends and loved ones is one of the driving forces behind their hobby; being able to take well composed and flattering photos of people. However once you begin to move away from snapshot images, to a more structured portrait, most people discover that taking portrait photos that both the photographer and subject are happy to have displayed is much more difficult and frustrating than expected.

First gather a selection of portraits that you like, from any sources, and look at them; the chances are that a group of images that all appeal to you with have shared technical elements (lighting, viewpoint, exposure), even if the images are very different.

The viewpoint and positioning of the subject are very important in portraiture, think of the ever unpopular passport photo – square on and at eye level with the sitter, this combination is rarely going to make for a flattering image even with the most photogenic of models.
Even a small change to the angle from with the photograph is being taken can make a big difference to the final image:

Eye Level – being on eye level with the subject will not emphasise any feature and can give a bland mood to the image, however if used correctly it is good for creating an image with strong eye contact. It is also a good viewpoint to use for photographing children.
Slightly Raised – this is a commonly used angle in portraiture, particularly of women, as it emphasises the eyes making them appear larger; increasing the angle slightly more can create a sultry feel as the subject looks up to the camera.
Slight Low Angle – often used in fashion and lifestyle images, this makes the subject appear confident, important and dominate the image. When using this angle it is extra important to be aware of lighting, as low angle and uplighting can combine to create the classic horror style effect (think of holding a torch below your chin when telling ghost stories).

Lighting can change the feel of a portrait, at home you are unlikely to have the lighting and reflectors available in a full studio but a little experimentation and ingenuity can lead to pleasing results.

If your room has a large window, do not discount using natural light, a thin white fabric draped over the window will act as a diffuser, softening the light.
When first using artificial light for portraits keep it simple; have the model face the main light whilst keeping the camera 45 degrees from the light, the light should be slightly above the models eye level, and keep a close watch for shadows around the eyes and nose.

Attached Images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.stevenbrooksphotographer.co.uk/services/lifestyle-portraits/

Colin McDonald writes on behlaf of Portrait & Wedding Photograhy Specialist 

The art of photography is, for many, the freedom of self-expression through vivid imagery that captures the imagination, or a moment in time. Whatever your preferred style, be it macro, landscape, portraiture or nature, you can always benefit from the inspirational works produced by others. Social media is making it easier than ever to connect to others who share the same passions and hobbies as you. So, if you feel like exploring work produced by people the world over, check out my list of photographers to follow on Twitter for networking, inspiration, or just useful hints and tips.

1) @MagnumPhotos Co-operative Magnum Photos is a photographic giant run by its members. Daily updates chronicle the world through the eyes of its diverse members, who produce work that I have always found hugely exciting. I have purchased their books before and poured over the pages, gaining insights into new techniques to try with my own camera, so I was personally delighted when I came across their twitter. Not only do members share their work, but also useful hints and tips, as well as the stories behind the photos. Definitely one for all aspiring and established photographers to follow, they also run competitions that can lead to getting your own work featured and viewed by over 400,000 followers

2) @photojojo  Photojojo: unusual name, essential follow. They regularly update with projects for photographers to try and DIY hints and tips such as at home studio lighting. They also share the work of other photographers and host photography events. Photojojo have been featured in The New York Times, and they’re not shy about telling you that on their home page!

3) @MartinBailey Tokyo-based professional wildlife and nature photographer Martin Bailey produces stunning images and keeps his feed regularly updated. He is also the host of a weekly photography podcast and a member of X-Rite Coloratti, a group of professional photographers dedicated to achieving beautiful, accurate colour results in their work.

4) @yyanidel Giving up his life in Paris to embark on an 80-week round the world trip, self-confessed globe trotter Yanidel is a street photographer with a difference. Not content with the documentary style that goes hand-in-hand with street photography, Yanidel instead attempts to inject surrealism into his work, and has produced some of the most striking images that I have seen.

5) @ishotyourband Concert photographer Jason Wilder is world renowned for his work photographing some of the biggest names in the music industry. He has been published in several magazines, including Guitar World and Spin, and was one of a select few photographers used by MySpace secret shows. Follow him for regular updates on his life and work; a must for those who have a real interest in concert photography.

6) @cntraveller The addition of Condé Nast magazine to this list may come as a surprise, but the images produced for the magazine are of an extremely high standard, featuring beautiful locations from around the world. Whether you’re a budding travel photographer, or you just want some inspiration for those luxury family holidays, they really are worth a follow. Expect photos from some of the best in the industry; a commission for the magazine is one of the top prizes in the Travel Photographer of the Year Award.

By following photographers who draw from a range of different interests, you may find that your own work starts to grow with techniques that you never would have thought to try before.

Do you have any further recommendations for photography-based twitter accounts we should be following?

Attached Images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source

Shannon Tucker is a blogger with a flair for fashion and the arts and all other things creative. She blogs for Dynamic Lives.

With so much cutting-edge equipment in such close reach, the photography industry offers a wealth of opportunities for both those new to the field and those who have been working with film for decades. This surge in demand currently means that any budding professional photographer has to be equipped with more than just a keen eye for a well-balanced photo. A true twenty first century professional photographer is not just great with still images, but is now armed with video and motion skills too.

The Multimedia Professional

When a photographer has also worked hard to hone his or her video shooting and editing skills as well as perfecting their stills, they are not only known as a photographer – they are a multimedia professional. The world of digital marketing and advertising has advanced in recent years and is calling for companies to brand themselves over a variety of platforms. This shift has created a divide between photographers; those who can do video and those who can’t.

The switch to multimedia has meant that any photographer who is serious about their future in the industry must be taking steps to move into recording motion pictures. Anyone who possesses a camera with advanced video capabilities will now have a much larger reach into the photography industry, as this it will help them stand out from their competitors who do not have video expertise.

Taking The Plunge

Throwing yourself into something new (and virtually unknown) can seem daunting at first, especially if you need to prioritise client bookings over your own self-development. This is particularly true if you are a sole trader, or run a small team of other photographers. But these days, learning more about how to shoot a professional-looking video clip couldn’t be simpler.

Not only is there an abundance of high quality DSLR cameras and equipment flooding the high streets (most at a reasonable price), there are plenty of courses to help ease you into the transition. Besides the afterhours institute-based courses that are run in most towns and cities, there are a number of cheap online motion courses that you can take at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home at any time you choose. The latter option often suits those who lead busy lifestyles and need the flexibility of a web-based tutorial.

 Advancements in Post-Production

Cutting and editing shots is a key part of the process, too. Thankfully, post-production software is also becoming more and more advanced, meaning that those who are not overly well versed in these programmes can create superb motion pictures.  Unlike five or so years ago where most video editing software was predominantly developed for the Mac OS, the playing field has been evened out significantly with the introduction of many Microsoft-based motion programs. So whichever operating system you prefer to work with, you’re sure to find a package that enables you to experiment with your media and create professional-looking results with just a little know-how and a keen eye for detail.

Simon Revill is a Cheshire (UK) wedding photographer who’s always looking to learn more about his field to better his prints and create truly magical images for clients.

The Mac Daddyz – Images by Halflife Studio