The Photo-Genie

Aerial Photography – What You Always Wanted to Know

Kurtis Richards — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:12:18 +0000

Hi everyone, Photo Genie here. Someone asked me the other day if I had anything on aerial photography. It just so happens that I have an article on the subject. But first I found a great video on kite aerial photography that I’d like to share. Check out the video then read the article. If you’re into aerial photography, you’ll love it.

Aerial photography and aerial videography are a valuable art in today’s society. We use the work of aerial photographers for more than simply pretty pictures. Aerial photographers and aerial videographers are utilized for such items as surveying sites, movie shots, business planning, magazines, town events and much more. There are many strategies in which they take these overwhelming photographs.

We’ll discuss the numerous kinds of aerial photography and commonplace uses for these footage. Kite aerial photography or KAP is a methodology that involves the flying of kites together with cameras to supply dazzling sky shots. These sky shots are customarily limited by the wind and weather but they’re a minimal cost means to making attractive photographs. Kite aerial photographers aren’t only ingenious in taking photos from the sky; they also need to be made at kite flying mixed with a hint of physics to perform what they do. Balloon aerial photography or BAP is a technique that involves balloons to take their cameras high up in to the sky. Unlike kites, balloons are not as paralyzed by the absence of wind, however too much wind may make this a challenge for the average balloon aerial paparazzo.

This is an exceedingly great strategy in which it isn’t making a heap of noise and is what’s considered “low impact” on the area around them. Chopper aerial photography or HAP is photography employing a chopper to take pictures or video. The advantage of employing a drivable automobile is that it permits movement which is a great resource for the videographer.

Aerial Videography is very similar to its photographic opposite number only as the name says it involves video rather than photographs. By employing a helicopter they can take shots from within the car providing excellent control and lucidity of shots. The drawback is this isn’t what would be considered reduced impact shooting. Remote-controlled aerial photography or RCAP as the name implies is the strategy used to take footage or video using radio-controlled copters.

This is a cheap means, it is comparatively low impact and gives the user control over almost any situation. Many various remote-controlled aerial photography corporations have popped-up all over the US from Gresham, Beaverton, Clackamas and Portland Oregon to New York, New Jersey Long Island and everywhere in between. It’s a both thrilling and fun means to take aerial shots permitting a full-size SLR Camera to take flight. Regardless of what technique you choose to go as an aerial paparazzo, there are lots of means as which to go about taking stunning sky shots in about any terrain.

Visit us at aerial photo maps.

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If You Have A Flair For Photography You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures

John Whelan — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:47:41 +0000

Hello everyone, it’s the Photo Genie here with some useful tips and tricks on how to make money with your photography.

There are many ways to get paid to take pictures. As long as you have a high quality camera and some know-how, you can earn a good income. If you are interested in photography but don’t know the basics, you will need to learn some essential pointers before you get going. The best way is to enroll for a short course. It will also be necessary to have some computer knowledge and know how to use photographic software.

Weddings can provide a good source of extra cash. Every bridal couple wants to have professionally taken pictures for their wedding album. Start off by offering your services to relatives and friends. In this way, you can build up confidence in yourself before approaching the public.

Offer a package deal that includes your time, your expenses and a certain number of printed pictures. You can include an album if you wish. Take a small advert in the local newspaper advertising your services. In addition, hand out business cards to wedding shops and put small posters on the notice boards at local grocery stores.

Portrait photography is another sphere that you could pursue. There is always a demand for family portraits, family gatherings and reunions. Another winner is pet photography. There are lots of people who think of their pets as children and want professional pictures of them. This could be a very lucrative market, especially if you have an affinity with animals.

If tourism is big in your area, you could make money by taking postcard pictures. Photograph all the main attractions, then get to your computer and make a couple of eye-catching designs. Use a few words and create some special effects. Take these samples to publishing or printing companies, as well as the local tourism office.

Contact the editors of small newspapers. Many can’t afford a full-time photographer and will be more than happy to pay you on a freelance basis. Go to public events like dances, charity functions, festivals, fairs and sports day and take pictures. Be sure to get the names of the people in the photos. The editor will expect you to supply names.

If you try your hand at any or all these ideas, you will certainly get paid to take pictures. And, if you build a good reputation, you could earn really well. Spend some of this money on new photographic accessories and equipment so that you can extend your services into other areas such as fashion, advertising or investigative photography. Apart from running expenses, your overhead costs will be negligible because you can operate your business from home.

Get paid to take pictures uploading them to hundreds of stock photo sites. Check out these recommended guides on how to sell pictures and follow your passion full time.

Here is a course you might get some good out of. Check it out.

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Canon Cameras Offer Endless Possibilities For Digital Photography

Joe Kidson — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:56:01 +0000

Hi all, Photo Genie here,

It’s great to be back. Someone like Joe Kidson started raving about the Canon digital camera and I just had to pop out of my genie bottle and tell you about it. Take a look at Canon’s finest, then read what Joe has to say and you be the judge.

Professionals and novice photographers alike rave about the Canon digital cameras and the excitement about this line of products shows no signs of dimming. The details in every single image is captured. This camera offers many controls to take photography anywhere you want it to, but automates them so using the camera is a snap.

There’s no need to learn how to use every feature the camera offers in order to get clear, vibrant, eye-popping photos from the first use. Canon EOS digital cameras are user friendly.

Canon also offers a wide range of accessories and lenses which expand the functionality of each camera. A wide range of optional lenses are available which offer endless possibilities for your digital photography.

The EOS Rebel series has been around for almost a decade now and in that decade, the technology when it comes to image reproduction has come in leaps and bounds. The company which manufactures this line of cameras has gone with the flow and has even pioneered some of the features that we now find so common within the digital cameras of today. The EOS series was one of the first series of cameras to incorporate a digital processor inside the manual SLR. Mind you that this was still in the era of film cameras and no digital imaging was involved.

The use of the chip was to assist the photographer in making the right exposures. This resulted in better lit pictures in their cameras and even vivid pictures when printed because of the exact value of the exposure setting. This feature also ran the auto focus of the lenses which was a novel addition in film cameras since it allowed for less focusing time which saved the photographer time.

The LCD screen also did away with the long wait that photo enthusiast had to endure in order to see the pictures that they’ve taken. This would also eliminate the bloopers shots that would otherwise be waste of film.

These features were still in their unrefined stages back then. Most of the auto focus functions would not be as reliable, and lenses had their quirks with the most common problem being a cloudy picture which resulted from the incompatibility of the lens light refraction with the fledgling image sensors.

Learn more about Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera . Stop by Joe Kidson’s site where you can find out all about Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera and what it can do for you.

Thank you, Joe Kidson, for that great article.

Till we meet again, this is the photo Genie signing off.

Just remember… A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know. ~ Diane Arbus

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Effective Wildlife Photography Tips

Photo-genie — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 21:19:26 +0000

Featuring the Photo Genie

Hi all, Photo Genie here.

I know, I’ve been gone quite a while. I’ve been stuck in this genie bottle far too long and it’s great to be out and about. I’m on my way to a safari and wanted to share some of my research on wildlife photography with you.

I’ve got some great tips on wildlife photography. First of all, I know most of you will agree that wildlife photography is one of the more challenging bodies in the field of photography. It can be highly motivational to see wildlife in its own natural habitat and easily provoke an incentive to jump right out there in the middle of the wilds.

Well, let’s just suppose there’s a nice cuddly bear you see off in the distance that you’d just love to “get a little closer” to..just a little closer so you can get your best shot. I know that feeling very well. With that in mind, let’s start with the Wildlife Code of Ethics:

Wildlife Code of Ethics

Most photographers are conscientious and respect the animals and the setting around them. I said, most. So the Code of Ethics tips are simply a reminder to set an example for you to follow and for others to follow you. You lead.

Never lose site of the fact that the subjects you are encountering are wild animals and it is important that you understand how to photograph wildlife in a sensitive manner.

Tread gently. Never interfere with animals that are caring for their young or breeding.

Be aware. Do not get too close to nests, as certain animals will desert their young.

Where private property is concerned, always get the owner’s permission before entering.

Use natural light as often as you can, especially for filming close-ups.

Careful observation and patience plus a good understanding of the animal’s behavior and habitat are important.

Learn wildlife signals, never alarm or provoke a creature.

Weather

A certain amount of planning, preparation and scheduling is a must where weather is involved. This of course depends on what you’re photographing. It’s important to learn about shifts in the weather.

The internet can find weather reports and other resources for you. The perfect times for photography are just before sunset or just after at sunrise and sunset.

Composition

As I watch this video on composition, I become very inspired to photograph wildlife. Check it out.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned photographer, composition is not only fascinating but a real challenge to get the shot before the moment passes. A close-up shot will fill the frame. Make sure you have enough room to place your subject off to the side. Even in close-up shots this is necessary.

If the subject is looking to one side position it towards the other side. In this case the subject will be gazing toward the center of the frame. The space around the subject is important.

In the video the Rule of Thirds was discussed which is an important factor in photography, especially for wildlife.

Inspiration

If you are living in a city it may be a little tough to get excited about photographing wildlife. But look at it this way, there’s always the zoos. And I don’t say that jokingly. They are waiting there just for you and you could get inspired very easily.

It’s a good idea to think about what kind of wildlife shots you’d like to add to your portfolio. How about elephants (my favorite) or maybe huge cats like lions and tigers. Perhaps zebras, hippos or even rhinos may catch your fancy. On the other hand, you may want to go small. Birds and insects are quite interesting.

This is the Photo Genie signing off with this provoking thought: My best work is often almost unconscious and occurs ahead of my ability to understand it. Sam Abell

I’ll be back soon with more inspiring tips…

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5 Tips Every Photographer Needs to Know

Photo-genie — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:15:19 +0000

The Photo-Genie

Hello everyone, it’s the Photo-Genie here calling all photographers to listen up. I’ve got five hot tips I know you don’t want to miss out on.

Whether it’s colorful landscapes or black & white street photography, freelance photography is the highest degree of expression of one’s love for photography. That said, what about rules? Well, Ansel Adams once said – “There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” That’s an interesting quote but let’s examine “points of interest.”

Points of Interest

One of the most basic rules in photography is “the rule of thirds.” And it bears repeating because once you understand it you’re on your way to capturing brilliance. Portraits or landscapes, the rule stays the same. The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. This technique can definitely create more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the image.

The points of interest in the photo don’t have to actually touch one of these lines to take advantage of the rule of thirds. For example, the brightest part of the sky near the horizon where the sun recently set does not fall directly on one of the lines, but does fall near the intersection of two of the lines, close enough to take advantage of the rule.

Timing

What’s so special about dawn and dusk? It has to do with the angle that light hits objects. And there is such a wide spectrum of colors that you get at thirty minutes before and thirty minutes after sunrise or sunset. It’s in this time period you get cloud formations, weather, shadows and color changes in the sky. Just a matter of minutes or seconds can drastically change a photo.

Another interesting factor is shutter speed. If we are talking digital camera the camera’s shutter speed allows you to freeze action or use motion blur to create many interesting and stunning visual effects. Shutter speed is dependent on the length of exposure and is expressed in fractions of seconds. High shutter speed, eg 1/1000 of a second, can even freeze the fastest moving subjects. But there are several things to take note of. For more technical aspects of timing on shutter speed make sure to visit Learn Digital Photography Now

Lighting

Light has three main qualities: Intensity, direction and color. Another important factor is the angle of the light entering the frame. Think about what kind of shadows you want, and whether you want to use fill-in-flash. Great affects can be achieved if you are shooting at night. You can create all sorts of cool effects like lights in motion, pictures with moonlight, or silhouettes. Lighting can be the deciding factor as to whether your photograph will be spectacular or displeasing to the senses.

Landscapes

What makes a good landscape? Many factors go into this genre but one of the most important things to remember is the KISS factor. Keeping it Simple is true in many areas of life and landscape photography is one of them. Of course you don’t want it so simple that it’s boring. The main thing to keep in mind is the balance between the background and foreground.

Street Photography

Street photography is truly an art; usually done in black & white, often concentrates on a touching moment in time in the blink of an eye. It can be a documentary that features subjects in candid situations within public places. It can show humor, joy or heartbreak down on the streets of skid row. Street Photography brings out the best in most freelancers and gives photography a feeling of purity, like a pure vision of something, like holding up a mirror to society.

The art of a good street photographer is to go unnoticed and keep the subject from being aware that he or she is being photographed. Perhaps follow in the footsteps of one profoundly famous French photographer. He was considered the father of modern photojournalism who was known to wrap a large handkerchief around his camera and pretend to blow his nose while he took the picture.

That’s it for now. Until next time I wish you success and happiness in all that you do.

The Photo-Genie

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PS – If by chance you’ve been wondering how to operate your digital camera, check this out:

“Finally… Learn How To Work That Darn Digital Camera Like A Pro”

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How to Turn Wedding Photography into Profits

Photo-genie — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:05:22 +0000

The Photo-Genie

Profitable Wedding Photography

I’m sure most photographers will agree that wedding photography is not only a science but truly an art-form. YOU the photographer must think out of both sides of your brain. You must not only have great technical skills but you are the visual creator of a love story captured on a wedding day. A day that will go down in the family’s history and be viewed by generations to come.

If you are just getting started in your photography business, I’d like to share Five Powerful Profit Making Steps with you to help you gain success in your business. If you are a seasoned photographer some of this might be helpful to you too.

1. The Wedding Rehearsal:

Make sure you’re invited. Even though you’ve probably been to a few weddings, every wedding is different. The wedding rehearsal is usually held in the evening before the wedding. What happens at the wedding rehearsal? They are guided through the wedding ceremony by an officiate. Keep a low profile and observe.This will help you learn everyone’s role, meet the guests, and give you good feel of the dynamics of the people involved.

2. Make a List:

Before the ceremony spend plenty of time with each family. Get to know the families and establish a rapport. Find out exactly what they want and write it on your list. Also get acquainted with friends of each family. Make a list of all requests, taking into consideration your time element and the cost of processing. Make sure this is all spelled out in the contract. Your list should include everything from the pre-ceremony photos, the flowers, to the wedding ceremony, to the post ceremony, and parties after the wedding. This includes the reception photography, speeches, first dance, bouquet toss, garter toss, cake cutting and departure of the bride and groom.

3. Take Advantage of Sentimental Moments:

See yourself as a unique story teller. Find the emotion, the fun, the love that tells the story of the day. This is bound to show up in your photos and make for a beautiful portfolio for future weddings and events. There is nothing more powerful than word-of-mouth. Before you know it, word gets around that you are the top-notch photographer and you’ll be on a roll to success with your profitable photography business.

4. Come Prepared with Enough Equipment:

It’s been said all you really need is a tight box with a pinhole and something to act as a shutter and a sheet of film. But seriously, I overheard some experienced photographers the other day say you need a whole lot more. Like at least two bodies, two flashes, a fast prime, a portrait fast prime, a wide to normal zoom, a telephoto zoom. Oh, yeah, don’t forget extra batteries and above all extra memory. For more info on the equipment for your wedding photography business go to: http://photo.net/learn/wedding/equipment.

5. Draw up a Contract:

Your contract is vitally important. This protects your client and you as the wedding photographer. Make sure your contract includes a disclaimer. The Internet is a good place to find sample wedding contracts.

Is wedding photography profitable?

Yes, indeed! One only has to view television or see it on the internet to know that weddings carry powerful weight in today’s business world. That means there’s a lot of money to be made as a wedding photographer or photojournalist.

So just remember to go out and easily start up and market your own profitable photography business

That’s it for now.

This is the photo-Genie signing off sending you good karma.

Until next time I wish you happiness and success in all your endeavors.

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7 Shortcuts to Boost Your Freelance Career

Photo-genie — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:36:02 +0000

Hi all, it’s the Photo-Genie here. I’d love to share some valuable money-making shortcuts with you today. First of all, I’m sure you’re already aware that freelance photography can be a highly rewarding career and potentially take you around the world. It has become one of the hottest work-at-home businesses for basically anyone who enjoys taking pictures. Successful photographers are usually creative individuals. They also have a good business head on their shoulders. Here are seven money making shortcuts I think you’ll find useful:

Turn Your Hobby Into a Business – It’s one of the best ways to go into business for yourself. The key factor here is if it’s your hobby then you enjoy what you’re doing. Right? That’s one of the unique advantages of being a freelance photographer–the enjoyment factor. It also means you have the freedom to take charge and run your business the way you want to. There is a great demand for freelance photographers in many different career areas, which I will touch on in this article.

Stock Photography Has Potential Assets – As a copyright holder of your own photographs you can license your images again and again. You can sell your stock photos online through stock agencies or by selling directly on your own web site. A consistent source of income for freelance photographers is selling your photography as “stock.”

Start a Portfolio Of Your Best Work – Even though you’ve never published your photography you can start a portfolio of your best work. IMAGES SPEAK and much of a successful freelance career is based on your portfolio. However, don’t over-populate your portfolio. Keep it simple. Keep it classy. Once you begin to learn the business you can submit your photographs to contests and magazines and before you know it you’ll be on a roll.

Weddings Give You Steady Income – One of the most profitable sources of work for freelance photographers are weddings. Your photography services are always in demand not only for the wedding day itself but the wedding receptions and parties before and after. There are also engagement portraits that coincide with wedding portraits. Also, don’t forget to take photos of the guests and then sell them during and after the reception.

Distant vs Close-up Photos – It’s important to use the zoom lens on your camera for those magical close-up shots. You won’t be sorry at the phenomenal effects you create. Or for even better, for more dramatic results, get as close as you can to their faces. Don’t worry, most people love the attention. In the end, rather than a tiny speck in the far-off distance, they will thank you and be glad to pay you for beautiful close-up personal photos.

How To Find Jobs In Your Area – Craigslist is a good place to start looking for jobs in your area. You can place a personal ad for your photography services. It’s free. Or you can search the ads for local freelance photography jobs they have listed. Also, check out the Photography Job Forums. It’s a free photography job finding service with jobs posted daily. Another way is to place your photography resume with job agencies, such as Monster.

Places to Find Freelance Opportunities – One way to have fun and make money at the same time is at sporting tournaments. It doesn’t have to be a sporting tournament, it can be the theatre. I’m using sports as a good example. When you go to these events, make sure to take along a fast running laptop and photo printer. Now you can print off pictures on the spot and sell them. Additionally, if you travel someplace, or you live in an area that has a high tourism rate, you can freelance by taking pictures and selling them to local stores or tourists or to anyone who is interested

Well, that’s it for now. I hope you got some good out of my shortcuts. Always remember the most important key factor to your success is your determination and passion for your work.

Until next time, this is the Photo-Genie wishing you happiness and success.

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How to easily start up and market your own

profitable photography business

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Photography Equipment Checklist

Photo-genie — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:33:47 +0000

Hi, Photo-Genie here,

How many of you would not agree that capturing the beauty of nature with your digital camera is not a gratifying experience?

For me, just breathing in the beauty is rewarding enough, however recapturing those moments in time and then sharing the photos with friends and family doubles the enjoyment.

Just the very idea of it moves me right out of my genie bottle. I get so excited I want to swoop right into the desert to capture photo shots of the wildflowers. Is there anything more beautiful than colorful verbena spread across the desert floor in springtime? Is that not a photographer’s dream?

After a day in the desert, my plan is to zip on over to the coast, perhaps Monterey California. First I’ll take a drive along the famous seven-mile-stretch then I’ll find a cozy cove somewhere to set up my photography equipment.

I’ll spend enough time there (maybe even sleep out under the stars) to use my wide-angle zoom to capture the ocean whitecaps as they crash to the shore. The time is right just before dusk as the sun is setting and then in the early morning just as the sun rises and meets the visible horizon.

I can think of many breathtaking scenic places where I’d like to go to capture fabulous landscape photography shots, the big question is what will I take in the way of photography gear?

I put on my Photo-Genie thinking-cap and came up with a list that goes something like this:

Tripods: For Landscape photography tripods are a must. It’s possible I may want to point and shoot spontaneously, however in most cases I may have to wait for the right moment to appear, this may take hours for the light or shadow to be just right, and I want to be ready.

This is where my tripod is useful. And in situations where the terrain is rugged, a flexible-legged tripod is perfect. This type of tripod can grip on to tree branches or other fluxing surfaces and hold my camera in place.

Filters: Filters are a must-have for landscape photography. They help provide contrast between the land and the sky, otherwise I may not get the effect I desire.

Lenses: I’ve found the best lens is a wide-angle zoom to capture as vast a terrain as possible. A wide-angle is important so I can gain the details at a distance.

Backpacks: I want to purchase a sturdy backpack, one that will carry a sufficient load and have sufficient strength. I want to protect against rugged terrain that may have tree branches that could snag and rip up my bag. So I want to find the toughest bag possible.

Maps: I don’t want to take for granted that I know the terrain, even if I do. I may get caught up with captivating scenes and get lost in my photography shots. I could easily drift into unfamiliar terrain. A map of the area is a must.

Cameras: Now if you are interested in a new camera, I’ve placed two here for you to check out. They are my favorites and if you want more info on either one just click the links or images.

Canon PowerShot A620 Digital Camera
For less than $600 you can have this camera, which is great for both beginner and advanced photographers. This is one of Canon’s best cameras in the A-series and it comes with many great features. A 7.1 mega pixel camera, this is great for those who need pictures with high definition, and you are sure to be pleased with all the exposure controls available too.

Nikon D200 Digital Camera

For those who are truly serious about photography and aren’t afraid spend around a $1000, this Nikon is a great choice. It is a digital SLR that comes with both manual and automatic controls. It is a favorite among many, especially because of the ability to control lighting and take pictures that are amazing.

For more info on photography gear click this link and check out my equipment site

Thanks for dropping by. It’s been great sharing my list with you. I hope I’ve shed a touch of light on photography equipment for you. It’s important to me to hear from you so please drop me a line if you get a chance. Until we meet again…

I wish you joy, happiness and success.

The Photo-Genie

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Black & White Photography

Photo-genie — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:21:16 +0000

Hi all – Photo-Genie here,

One of my favorites genres is Street Photography. To me it is artistic and yet earthy and natural. Well, okay, I suppose I’m a people watcher at heart.

Lately, I’ve become hooked on YouTube and have discovered many excellent videos. I finally chose one video depicting the streets of New York. Take a look. It’s really a cool show. If you click the “full-screen” button you will get a great view and have the full effect. The photographer seems to capture a feeling.

Then I have some awesome black & white photography I came across by my late brother James Cronkhite. Hey, I just discovered I will have to resize the photos before displaying his photos on a WordPress blog. Well, okay, I’ll work on that. In the meantime, you can check out his gallery here… James Cronkhite Gallery

Here we go with the street video…just give it a click:

I love a mystery and black & white street photography creates drama that baffles the understanding and cannot be explained. It reminds me of the old classic “Casablanca” staring Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Bergman. I wonder if the mystery and the love story would be as captivating in color?

Chat with you soon again.

To your joy, to your happiness, to your success,

The Photo-Genie

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http://www.cameraready.wordpress.com

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The Exquisite Waterfall

Photo-genie — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:40:00 +0000

Hi All,

Photo-Genie here…

A few days ago I found a video with the most beautiful waterfall photography I’ve ever seen and I wanted to share it with you.

I also want to introduce you to my good friend Amy Renfrey. She is a professional photographer/teacher. In the latter part of this post she will give you some pointers on how to take breath-taking waterfall shots.

But first, just to put you in the mood, take a look at this awesome waterfall video…from the Photo-Genie’s own lips, these shots are stunning.

Just click this link:

Waterfalls

Now, here’s Amy…

How To Shoot Waterfalls

By Amy Renfrey

If you’ve ever photographed a waterfall you’ll understand why people go back again and again and shoot them. When I lived in Victoria, Australia, I would take a trip for a day or a weekend and shoot many shots of Stevenson’s Falls. If you are fortunate to live near the Rockies in Canada or in America then you will have a fantastic time applying what I am about to show you through some handy techniques.

One of the important aspects about shooting waterfalls is knowing the waterfall itself. What I mean by that is knowing the lighting conditions at each time of year and day; knowing what time you are going to get your best shot.

Here are some useful tips for getting beautiful waterfall shots.

Lighting for waterfalls is best when it has just finished raining such as a storm that has just passed. You can take advantage of this to get a soft and dim light that brings out the dramatic nature of the waterfall. In order to get a slower shutter speed on auto, you will need to capture the waterfall particularly at this time after the rain.

There are a couple of successful tips to get two types of waterfall shots. The first is the soft smooth flowing effect of water such as water looking like a blanket of silk over the rocks. If you want to get this look, set your shutter to a speed of 1 to 2 seconds. To get the right exposure at this speed set your aperture at an f stop of f/16 or smaller say, f/22. You will notice that with these settings you’ll get a better, larger depth of field.

The entire frame will be in focus this way, which is always a bonus. If you find you have too much light, just change your shutter to 2 seconds or just slight of that. You can also use a polariser or neutral density filter.

Filters for waterfall shots? I have found that a ND filter gives some fantastic effects. If you invest in one of these for your waterfall photos you will find that the amount if light on the lens is reduced. Once the light is reduced (provided you are shooting during the day on auto) the shutter speed will change accordingly. You will find no reduction of colour at all.

It’s also wise to use a tripod when taking waterfalls. When you are using a shutter speed of 1 to 2 seconds (depending on light), you must remember that this is a pretty slow shutter speed and you don’t want to take any chances. So many times subscribers have sent me photos of their waterfall shots with some significant blur, leaving them disappointed in the process.

Also, with such a slow shutter, try to get yourself a shutter release cable. A remote shutter release is even better because the chance of knocking your camera goes from 10% to absolute zero. It’s a must when taking such slow shutter speeds like this because even the most beautiful photo is ruined by the slightest movement.

If you don’t have a remote release cable, you can use the cameras self-timer. This is something I’ve used a lot when I first started photography. This will get a similar, if not the same effect, as using a remote shutter release cable. When you set the timer, press the shutter, you still have a few seconds before the shutter will open and take the picture. During this few second window, you can take your finger off the shutter and then the picture will be taken after this set amount of time. (Usually three to ten seconds depending on what you set it at. Some cameras may have a pre-set timer for this window.)

Just remember that the time of day you are shooting your waterfall is very important- watch for stormy clouds to enhance colour and capture that beautiful water with a slow shutter speed of less than 2 seconds. One more reason why it’s good to have low light is because water offers come high contrast on a photo when taken in the mid afternoon sun. The low light will soften any potential harsh contrasts.

If you do find that you have too much light during the day with the slow shutter, you can always adjust the levels on the Photoshop Histogram.

As always happy shooting!
Amy Renfrey

Check out Amy Renfrey’s photography course.
Learn to take stunning photos with bold color & super sharp clarity.

Digital Photography Success

I highly recommend it.

Bye bye for now…To your success!

The Photo-Genie

http://photography.mgc-ctr.com

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