Los Angeles is not known for any one architectural style in particular. It is a city that contains modern glass curtain skyscrapers and buildings that look like giant hot dogs. But Los Angeles does have several of the best example of the Art Deco architectural style to be found anywhere. Here is a guide to some of these sites not to be missed.
Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
After an earthquake in 1933, building codes in California were updated to prevent structural damage from these inevitable natural shakes. Pasadena Junior College, as it was known then, had to shut down its three major buildings for restructuring compliance. These buildings had been named after early 20th century notables: Horace Mann, a social engineer attributed with conceiving the plan for our modern education system; Jane Addams, a proponent of the women's suffrage movement and co-recipient of the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize, and; Dr. Louis Agassiz, a Harvard naturalist who proved the earth had an Ice Age. None of these notables had any particular connection to Pasadena, or Los Angeles, for that matter. When the school rededicated its buildings in 1937, it renamed these structures with the bland labels of Buildings C, D and E. The campus may have lost some names, but it gained a dramatic new quad area. With the help of funding from the Federal Administration of Public Works, Pasadena City College blossomed into an impressive Art Deco site which is still in evidence today. The three main buildings are made even more impressive by the campus reflecting pools, or "mirror ponds" as the school refers to them. This quad area makes a perfect photo opportunity.
Oviatt Building, 617 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles
This opulent structure was built in 1927 by the architectural firm of Walker & Eisen as the headquarters of Alexander & Oviatt, a high-end haberdashery of the day. It was topped by a luxurious penthouse for owner James Oviatt. It is reported that the forecourt of the lobby contained over 30 tons of glasswork by the famous French designer Rene Lalique. Features such as the mailboxes, directory signs and elevator doors were custom created by Lalique. Most of the glasswork has been sold, demolished or lost over the years. But some of the original work remains, especially at the lobby column topping panels. The original Alexander & Oviatt retail space has seen several incarnations of restaurants over the years, but still has the amazing Art Deco ceiling, fixtures and stair rails. Mr. Oviatt's penthouse was a shrine to Art Deco. It also dripped in Lalique glasswork and featured geometric parquet inlaid wood floors. It was known for its terrace gardens, tennis courts, pool and artificial beach with imported sand and palm trees. A great neon clock tower rises above the penthouse area, reminding us that the time of such meticulously crafted architecture has come and gone.
Eastern Columbia Building, 849 S. Broadway, Los Angeles
Perhaps the most prominent clock in the downtown Los Angeles area is the four-faced clock on the tower of the Eastern Columbia Building in the Broadway Theater District. This monument to Art Deco was built in 1930 by architect Claud Beelman for Adolph Sieroty, who is not exactly a household name in Los Angeles today, but was the largest retailer of his time. Sieroty owned both the Eastern Outfitting Company and the Columbia Outfitting Company, selling furnishings, appliances and clothing. This building served as dual headquarters, with each company occupying opposite sides of the structure. The structure is distinctive for its glossy turquoise colored terra cotta cladding and gold leaf detailing. Art Deco motifs abound, with chevrons, stylized plants, zigzags and sunburst patterns. Originally, the building was meant to accommodate mixed use, with office space above a retail pedestrian arcade. Sieroty's son remodeled in 1956 to pure office space. The building experienced refurbishing in the 1980s, and is currently being convered to accommodate residential units.
Southern California Edison Company Building, 601 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles
Everything about this building says it it the home of a major utility company. The entrance to the limestone and terra cotta structure features Art Deco friezes of allegorical figures rendered by sculptor Merrell Gage in symbolic representation of light, power and hydroelectric energy. Inside the lobby, a huge mural by Hugo Ballin tells the story of the Edison Company as the alchemist that magically turns water into power. It is titled "The Apotheosis of Power." The dramatic punch of this structure has been watered down by the addition of a shopping corridor in the 1990s, but enough of the original remains to deserve a visit.
Bullocks-Wilshire Department Store, 3050 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
It is more accurate to refer to this site as the Southwestern University School of Law, as that is the new proprietor. Although the building no longer serves as a retail store, it is alive and well as the university's law library and administrative offices. It is such adaptive reuse that saved Bullocks from possible demolition and oblivion. What a loss it would have been. This outstanding example of Art Deco was designed by architects John and Donald Parkinson in 1928. It was one of the first businesses to recognize the rise of automobile traffic over pedestrian traffic. In order to accommodate, the floorplan in essence turned its back on Wilshire Blvd. and opened its portals to the parking lot on the reverse side of the building. It is on that side you will find the grand porte cochere featuring a gorgeous fresco on the ceiling by Herman Sachs paying tribute to modern modes of transportation. A dominant aspect of the Bullocks building is the 241 foot tower rising from the north fascade. This outstanding structure rests on a black marble base and has copper spandrels and chevron details between tan colored terra cotta. The copper has oxidized to a rich green, giving the whole structure a sophisticated patina.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Five Great Art Deco Buildings in Los Angeles
Using Depth of Field for Photography
It's one of the greatest tools available to photographers, it's easy to use, and yet it's among the least known and used abilities of a camera today. Pro photographers have used it for decades, but the amateur can use these same techniques without paying the professional price. It's called depth of field, and it's accessed through the use of the aperture.
The aperture, simply put, is the hole that light comes through in your camera. Light passes through the front of the lens, through a series of glass pieces, through a hole at the back of the lens, and into the camera. The aperture is the hole in the back of the lens, and you get to control this vital part of the camera, if you decide to want to bump up your pictures. You can place the camera on auto, and the camera will adjust its aperture, shutter and more to the situation it sees. By placing the camera in more manual modes, you take on powerful and personal control, and YOU get to decide what you want to create with your photographs.
An important factor here is lighting. Any photography relies heavily on the lighting that you are using, whether it be from the natural, ambient light around you, or artificial light, like a strobe or other flash unit. Especially while using natural light, it will be important to use a tripod to keep the camera steady while shooting. If you are shooting on a cloudy day, without much light, then the camera must compensate for less light by having a longer shutter speed, which it will do automatically in the mode I'll be explaining in a moment. A longer shutter speed means the camera won't be able to have a clearly focused picture without the use of the tripod.
Depth of field simply means the area of focus, or the area in the picture that is in focus might be a more accurate term. Photography is a two dimensional medium, having height and width, but it lacks depth, the third dimension. Your photography can create the illusion of that depth through a few easy camera settings. You may be asking yourself, why would I want to create the illusion of depth, and what is it good for? Part of the reason is to create a sense of emphasis. When you take a picture of a large area, with trees, birds, squirrels, people, rocks, etc, what is the thing or object that you are zeroing in on? Is there anything that you really want to emphasize to your viewer? If so, it's probably getting lost in the crowd of other things on the scene. The squirrels are so small you can barely see them, the people are walking their dogs, and the trees are swaying in the breeze. But what if you wanted to focus on the viewer on the flowers in the garden? When you create emphasis on an object, it strengthens your photo, and actually guides the eye of the viewer to that object. You could take pictures to create a story about that, as you can read in my article about photo stories. When you get in to take close-ups of the flowers is where the possibilities of great photography begin.
Emphasize the garden by focusing in on one or two flowers at a time. Grab a tripod, get down to eye level with them, and then get ready. Place your camera in a mode that allows you to change your aperture; the mode is usually called "A", or "AV" on some models. Film cameras can allow these changes too, on SLR models. They require you to simply change the f-stop manually on the aperture ring. On your digital camera, use your selector buttons to change your aperture. You'll see on your digital camera, most likely, a letter f, with the number on the readout on either the monitor, or the info panel on the top of the camera, or perhaps both areas. The f means f-stop, which is the name commonly used to describe the number of the aperture setting. The best way to emphasize a flower is to have only that flower in focus, and to have the rest out of focus. Change your aperture to a really low number, such as 2.8, 4, or 5.6. When the lens is at a low number like this, the lens hole is wide open, but it is creating a small area or depth of field; basically an inch or two will be in focus. Focus your camera, and shoot. Now, look at the camera, and look at your pictures. The one or two flowers should be in focus, but do you see how the background is fuzzy and out of focus? This is what is called a "shallow depth of field", and that comes from using a small number f-stop. That's because you've taken control of your camera, and changed the outcome! Because only the flower is in focus, and the rest is blurred out, you have guided your viewer to what YOU want to emphasize! You have used one of the most powerful tools available for a photographer to bring a new focus to your pictures. Try this with a lot of different scenes; look how the item is forced to really stand out for you because it's the only thing in focus.
Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum are the pictures that have the entire photograph in focus; such as a lighthouse standing out from the beach, with horseshoe crab shells in the immediate foreground. This is also done by changing the depth of field of your camera. Here, you again change your aperture, but this time place it on a high number like 16, 22, 28, etc. This is to create a large depth of field by using a small hole in the back of the lens. Again, you must use a tripod to keep the camera steady. Take a picture with something in the near foreground, such as a rock or the crab shells, and then compose your picture with a mountain or some other object some distance away, focus, and shoot. Remember to use the rule of thirds here for additional emphasis. As you'll see, both areas should be in focus, again showing the third dimension and creating the illusion of depth. This is a large depth of field.
It's a little known tool in the photographer's toolbox, but almost any camera made in the past four years will have some sort of ability to work with depth of field, whether they have a point and shoot or DSLR. Every photographer, of every level, has the ability, through practice, to create beautiful photographs that can rival those of the pros, by using the tools available with every camera. Use the strength of depth of field when you create the third dimension in your photographs, and add a new and incredibly
powerful personal dimension to your photography.
Five Great Art Deco Buildings in Los Angeles
source
Los Angeles is not known for any one architectural style in particular. It is a city that contains modern glass curtain skyscrapers and buildings that look like giant hot dogs. But Los Angeles does have several of the best example of the Art Deco architectural style to be found anywhere. Here is a guide to some of these sites not to be missed.
Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
After an earthquake in 1933, building codes in California were updated to prevent structural damage from these inevitable natural shakes. Pasadena Junior College, as it was known then, had to shut down its three major buildings for restructuring compliance. These buildings had been named after early 20th century notables: Horace Mann, a social engineer attributed with conceiving the plan for our modern education system; Jane Addams, a proponent of the women's suffrage movement and co-recipient of the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize, and; Dr. Louis Agassiz, a Harvard naturalist who proved the earth had an Ice Age. None of these notables had any particular connection to Pasadena, or Los Angeles, for that matter. When the school rededicated its buildings in 1937, it renamed these structures with the bland labels of Buildings C, D and E. The campus may have lost some names, but it gained a dramatic new quad area. With the help of funding from the Federal Administration of Public Works, Pasadena City College blossomed into an impressive Art Deco site which is still in evidence today. The three main buildings are made even more impressive by the campus reflecting pools, or "mirror ponds" as the school refers to them. This quad area makes a perfect photo opportunity.
Oviatt Building, 617 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles
This opulent structure was built in 1927 by the architectural firm of Walker & Eisen as the headquarters of Alexander & Oviatt, a high-end haberdashery of the day. It was topped by a luxurious penthouse for owner James Oviatt. It is reported that the forecourt of the lobby contained over 30 tons of glasswork by the famous French designer Rene Lalique. Features such as the mailboxes, directory signs and elevator doors were custom created by Lalique. Most of the glasswork has been sold, demolished or lost over the years. But some of the original work remains, especially at the lobby column topping panels. The original Alexander & Oviatt retail space has seen several incarnations of restaurants over the years, but still has the amazing Art Deco ceiling, fixtures and stair rails. Mr. Oviatt's penthouse was a shrine to Art Deco. It also dripped in Lalique glasswork and featured geometric parquet inlaid wood floors. It was known for its terrace gardens, tennis courts, pool and artificial beach with imported sand and palm trees. A great neon clock tower rises above the penthouse area, reminding us that the time of such meticulously crafted architecture has come and gone.
Eastern Columbia Building, 849 S. Broadway, Los Angeles
Perhaps the most prominent clock in the downtown Los Angeles area is the four-faced clock on the tower of the Eastern Columbia Building in the Broadway Theater District. This monument to Art Deco was built in 1930 by architect Claud Beelman for Adolph Sieroty, who is not exactly a household name in Los Angeles today, but was the largest retailer of his time. Sieroty owned both the Eastern Outfitting Company and the Columbia Outfitting Company, selling furnishings, appliances and clothing. This building served as dual headquarters, with each company occupying opposite sides of the structure. The structure is distinctive for its glossy turquoise colored terra cotta cladding and gold leaf detailing. Art Deco motifs abound, with chevrons, stylized plants, zigzags and sunburst patterns. Originally, the building was meant to accommodate mixed use, with office space above a retail pedestrian arcade. Sieroty's son remodeled in 1956 to pure office space. The building experienced refurbishing in the 1980s, and is currently being convered to accommodate residential units.
Southern California Edison Company Building, 601 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles
Everything about this building says it it the home of a major utility company. The entrance to the limestone and terra cotta structure features Art Deco friezes of allegorical figures rendered by sculptor Merrell Gage in symbolic representation of light, power and hydroelectric energy. Inside the lobby, a huge mural by Hugo Ballin tells the story of the Edison Company as the alchemist that magically turns water into power. It is titled "The Apotheosis of Power." The dramatic punch of this structure has been watered down by the addition of a shopping corridor in the 1990s, but enough of the original remains to deserve a visit.
Bullocks-Wilshire Department Store, 3050 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
It is more accurate to refer to this site as the Southwestern University School of Law, as that is the new proprietor. Although the building no longer serves as a retail store, it is alive and well as the university's law library and administrative offices. It is such adaptive reuse that saved Bullocks from possible demolition and oblivion. What a loss it would have been. This outstanding example of Art Deco was designed by architects John and Donald Parkinson in 1928. It was one of the first businesses to recognize the rise of automobile traffic over pedestrian traffic. In order to accommodate, the floorplan in essence turned its back on Wilshire Blvd. and opened its portals to the parking lot on the reverse side of the building. It is on that side you will find the grand porte cochere featuring a gorgeous fresco on the ceiling by Herman Sachs paying tribute to modern modes of transportation. A dominant aspect of the Bullocks building is the 241 foot tower rising from the north fascade. This outstanding structure rests on a black marble base and has copper spandrels and chevron details between tan colored terra cotta. The copper has oxidized to a rich green, giving the whole structure a sophisticated patina.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Great Tips for Memorable Baby Shower Gifts
baby clothes gifts
I never realized how complicated buying a baby shower present could be. I always loved to shop for the gifts before I had a baby. Unknown to me, I actually thought I knew the best things to get. You just pull up the registry and get something. This is a full proof way o make sure you get something the new mommy wants. However, let me propose another idea.
I have a 13 month old little girl. When I was pregnant, I had 3 baby showers. I was very fortunate and my friends and co-workers were very generous. I didn’t have to buy any clothes or onezies for about 6 months. I also found out, after my showers and registry completion, which I didn’t know what to register for when my daughter grew a little.
These are some of my tips on baby shower gifts that I give friends when they ask:
- How much I spend depends on how well I know the person. If it is an acquaintance, I usually spend $20-$25. If it is a close girlfriend, I usually spend a little more. I also keep some basic stuff on hand and buy it when it goes on sale. That way it is cheaper. Those items are infant Tylenol and gas drops.
- I start buying for close friends when they are about 4 months along. This way I can spend a little more and not feel it so bad in the wallet.
- I always start out with a basic set for everybody. This consists of diapers, infant Tylenol, and gas drops. Usually I can find a box of wipes on sale and include a couple of packages.
- Other items I try to include off the registry are things that the baby will need later on. Such items are usually spoons that change colors when too hot, sippy cups, other feeding items, and bibs that are for when the baby starts eating solids as opposed to the adorable drooling bibs that the new mommy will probably get a ton of. I have found that these are very much needed and are usually not purchased off the registry as they are not “cute” gifts to give.
- Filler items that I can usually find for $1 or less are teething rings, socks, generic bottles (make sure you get the right size nipple neck the new mommy registered for), and toys/rattles.
- Things I don’t get are onezies, cute drooling bibs, towels, washrags, and outfits. I have found by going to many showers and by my own experience, that the new mommy gets plenty of these whether she has registered for them or not.
- Diapers are an item all to themselves. I loved getting all kinds of diapers. That way I got to try different brands without having to buy them myself. I do have a confession, however. I was so blessed that when I figured out that only Pampers didn’t leak or break out my little girl, I returned $105 worth of unopened diapers to Wal-Mart. So I don’t worry about whether I look cheap or not when I buy different kinds of diapers.
Here are some tips I would give the new mommy that I learned the hard way. I made the mistake of washing all my new clothes as soon as I received them. I would whole-heartedly recommend not washing anything until you are all done with your showers. I probably would have exchanged some onezies for other things I needed but didn’t get but couldn’t because I washed everything as soon as I got them. I also received duplicates but didn’t realize it until I had washed both items. I could have exchanged these as well. I also saved all of my shower bags and have used them for other baby showers that I have been invited to since then. This allows you to spend a little more on the gift since you don’t have to spend anything wrapping it.
I hope you have a great time buying for your baby shower. It is one of my favorite gifts to buy. New mommies are so appreciative of anything they get. I know I was. Not to mention that they are usually starting off with a clean slate and have nothing to begin with. Maybe these tips can help you buy the best gift sets you know the new mommy will love. I have gotten lots of complements even though I never buy the “cute” stuff.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Daily Round Up Of Great Posts
http://digitalcameradriverblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/six-tips-to-help-you-clean-and-organize.html
http://anothonysblog.pblog.com/2011/02/27/upgrade-your-digital-photography-studio-on-a-budget/
http://jansweightlossblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/six-tips-to-help-you-clean-and-organize.html
http://mycoffeetipsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-your-commercial-photography.html
http://hitachihdc1061e10mpdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/digital-photography-home-business.html
http://bestpricedigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-your-commercial-photography.html
http://consumerreportdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-to-find-great-black-and-white.html
http://leicadigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-shot-list-for.html
http://konicadigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-photography-tips-and-advice.html
http://digitalconceptcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/budget-bride-guide-to-saving-hundreds.html
http://digitalcameraworkblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/using-depth-of-field-for-photography.html
http://digitalcameraownerblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/amazing-secrets-of-underwater.html
http://digitalcamerabinocularsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photography-insights-and-techniques.html
http://digitalmoviecamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/shooting-for-stock-photography.html
http://digitalcamerabuyerblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photography-tips-and-tricks.html
http://digitalcameradealblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/boppy-pillow-photography-prop.html
http://digitalcamerapriceblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/budget-winter-wedding-photography-guide.html
http://digitalphotocamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-on-budget.html
http://digitalstillcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/starting-your-own-professional.html
http://digitalcameraphotoblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photography-insights-and-techniques.html
http://comparedigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-photography-tips-and-advice_27.html
http://kiddigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/budget-winter-wedding-photography-guide.html
http://digitalcamerapictureblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/amazing-secrets-of-underwater_27.html
http://digitalcameraratingblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/wildlife-photography-tips-to-learn.html
http://discountdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/using-depth-of-field-for-photography_27.html
http://digitalhighspeedcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-your-commercial-photography.html
http://travelerdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/look-at-some-helpful-photography.html
http://sanyodigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/look-at-some-helpful-photography.html
http://samsungdigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/anglin-wedding-photography-in-bend_27.html
http://digitalcamerabuyingguideblog1.blogspot.com/2011/02/photographer-interview-break-into.html
http://digitalwildlifecamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/10-great-tips-to-make-any-diy-winter.html
http://slrdigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/six-tips-to-help-you-clean-and-organize.html
http://digitalvideocamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/history-of-photography.html
http://smalldigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photographer-interview-break-into.html
http://bestcompactdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-to-find-great-black-and-white.html
http://discountdigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-shot-list-for.html
http://nikondigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/digital-photography-home-business.html
http://digitalcamerasforkidsblog1.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-your-commercial-photography.html
http://bestdigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/look-at-some-helpful-photography.html
http://beginnerdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/starting-your-own-professional.html
http://digitalcamerasratingsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/wildlife-photography-tips-to-learn.html
http://comparedigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-light-photography-tips-and_27.html
http://12mpdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/anglin-wedding-photography-in-bend.html
http://reddigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-breaking-into-sports_27.html
http://compactdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/anglin-wedding-photography-in-bend.html
http://digitalcamerapinkblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/shooting-for-stock-photography.html
http://minoltadigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photographer-interview-break-into.html
http://digitalconceptscamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-to-find-great-black-and-white.html
http://disneydigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/stephanie-harrison-photography-where.html
http://digitalcamerabagblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-on-budget_27.html
http://argusdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/blair-hill-photography-in-salt-lake.html
http://digitalcameramemorycardblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/wildlife-photography-tips-to-learn.html
http://digitalcameracomparisonsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/history-of-photography.html
http://digitalcamera-apos-sblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/six-tips-to-help-you-clean-and-organize.html
http://sonydigitalvideocamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/whoever-said-picture-is-worth-thousand.html
http://freedigitalcameraofferblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/10-great-tips-to-make-any-diy-winter.html
http://whatisthebestdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-your-commercial-photography.html
http://i631digitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-light-photography-tips-and.html
http://digitalcameracaseblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/budget-winter-wedding-photography-guide.html
http://sanyodigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-your-commercial-photography_27.html
http://canonrebeldigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/wildlife-photography-tips-to-learn.html
http://digitalcameralensblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/look-at-some-helpful-photography.html
http://mercurydigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/whoever-said-picture-is-worth-thousand.html
http://kidsdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/10-great-tips-to-make-any-diy-winter.html
http://sonydigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/shooting-for-stock-photography.html
http://digitalcamerablog1.blogspot.com/2011/02/stephanie-harrison-photography-where.html
http://canondigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photographer-interview-break-into.html
http://olympusdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/10-great-tips-to-make-any-diy-winter_27.html
http://bestdigitalcamerablog1.blogspot.com/2011/02/upgrade-your-digital-photography-studio.html
http://hpdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/digital-photography-home-business.html
http://polaroiddigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-breaking-into-sports.html
http://kodakdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photographer-interview-break-into.html
http://fisherpricedigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/boppy-pillow-photography-prop.html
http://kodakdigitalslrcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/shooting-for-stock-photography.html
http://digitalcameraratingsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/six-tips-to-help-you-clean-and-organize.html
http://buydigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/wildlife-photography-tips-to-learn.html
http://pentaxdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photographer-interview-break-into_27.html
http://digitalcamerabatterychargerblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/stephanie-harrison-photography-where.html
http://minidigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/upgrade-your-digital-photography-studio.html
http://digitalslrcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-shot-list-for.html
http://digitalcamerareviewblog1.blogspot.com/2011/02/anglin-wedding-photography-in-bend.html
http://cheapdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/starting-your-own-professional.html
http://panasonicdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/whoever-said-picture-is-worth-thousand.html
http://digitalcameracasesblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/blair-hill-photography-in-salt-lake_27.html
http://digitalcamerabatteriesblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/budget-winter-wedding-photography-guide_27.html
http://slrdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/amazing-secrets-of-underwater_27.html
http://nikondigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-to-find-great-black-and-white.html
http://digitalcamerasonyblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/history-of-photography.html
http://fujifilmdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/anglin-wedding-photography-in-bend.html
http://digitalcamerabatteryblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/digital-photography-home-business.html
http://vivitarminidigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/history-of-photography.html
http://useddigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photography-project-1-recreate-family_27.html
http://digitalcameraaccessoryblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/budget-winter-wedding-photography-guide_27.html
http://vivitardigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/boppy-pillow-photography-prop.html
http://sonycybershotdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/budget-winter-wedding-photography-guide.html
http://digitalcameracanonblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photographer-interview-break-into.html
http://digitalcameramemoryblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-photography-tips-and-advice.html
http://newdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-photography-tips-and-advice.html
http://kidtoughdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/amazing-secrets-of-underwater.html
http://freedigitalcamerablog1.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-photography-tips-and-advice.html
http://digitalcameracomparisonblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/upgrade-your-digital-photography-studio.html
http://digitalslrcamerareviewsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/whoever-said-picture-is-worth-thousand.html
http://cameradigitalhpblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/digital-photography-home-business.html
http://fujidigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/shooting-for-stock-photography.html
http://casiodigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/baby-photos-and-art-of-photography.html
http://megapixeldigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/blair-hill-photography-in-salt-lake.html
http://mackwarrantyforuseddigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-to-find-great-black-and-white_27.html
http://understandingbankruptcy.info/wildlife-photography-tips-to-learn-the-basics-of-wildlife-photography/
http://buydigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/history-of-photography_27.html
http://wideangledigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-shot-list-for_27.html
http://canonpowershotdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/stephanie-harrison-photography-where.html
http://nikondigitalcameramaintenanceblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photography-insights-and-techniques.html
http://wholesaledigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photography-tips-and-tricks_27.html
http://digitalcamerasoftwareblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-on-budget.html
http://sonydigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/six-tips-to-help-you-clean-and-organize.html
http://digitalcameraforkidsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/photographer-interview-break-into.html
http://smalldigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-on-budget.html
http://buyingdigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-wedding-photography-on-budget.html
http://kodakc743digitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-light-photography-tips-and.html
http://kodakdigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/starting-your-own-professional.html
http://digitalslrcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/using-depth-of-field-for-photography.html
http://cheapdigitalcamerasblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/tips-for-breaking-into-sports.html
http://digitalcamerabasicsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-photography-tips-and-advice.html
http://bankruptcyking.info/diy-wedding-photography-on-a-budget/
http://manualsblog.mychoicecoffee.com/2011/02/27/wildlife-photography-tips-to-learn-the-basics-of-wildlife-photography/
http://thindigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-to-find-great-black-and-white.html
http://howtobuyagooddigitalcamerablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/using-depth-of-field-for-photography.html
Using Depth of Field for Photography
Photo Credit: celtics baby clothes
It's one of the greatest tools available to photographers, it's easy to use, and yet it's among the least known and used abilities of a camera today. Pro photographers have used it for decades, but the amateur can use these same techniques without paying the professional price. It's called depth of field, and it's accessed through the use of the aperture.
The aperture, simply put, is the hole that light comes through in your camera. Light passes through the front of the lens, through a series of glass pieces, through a hole at the back of the lens, and into the camera. The aperture is the hole in the back of the lens, and you get to control this vital part of the camera, if you decide to want to bump up your pictures. You can place the camera on auto, and the camera will adjust its aperture, shutter and more to the situation it sees. By placing the camera in more manual modes, you take on powerful and personal control, and YOU get to decide what you want to create with your photographs.
An important factor here is lighting. Any photography relies heavily on the lighting that you are using, whether it be from the natural, ambient light around you, or artificial light, like a strobe or other flash unit. Especially while using natural light, it will be important to use a tripod to keep the camera steady while shooting. If you are shooting on a cloudy day, without much light, then the camera must compensate for less light by having a longer shutter speed, which it will do automatically in the mode I'll be explaining in a moment. A longer shutter speed means the camera won't be able to have a clearly focused picture without the use of the tripod.
Depth of field simply means the area of focus, or the area in the picture that is in focus might be a more accurate term. Photography is a two dimensional medium, having height and width, but it lacks depth, the third dimension. Your photography can create the illusion of that depth through a few easy camera settings. You may be asking yourself, why would I want to create the illusion of depth, and what is it good for? Part of the reason is to create a sense of emphasis. When you take a picture of a large area, with trees, birds, squirrels, people, rocks, etc, what is the thing or object that you are zeroing in on? Is there anything that you really want to emphasize to your viewer? If so, it's probably getting lost in the crowd of other things on the scene. The squirrels are so small you can barely see them, the people are walking their dogs, and the trees are swaying in the breeze. But what if you wanted to focus on the viewer on the flowers in the garden? When you create emphasis on an object, it strengthens your photo, and actually guides the eye of the viewer to that object. You could take pictures to create a story about that, as you can read in my article about photo stories. When you get in to take close-ups of the flowers is where the possibilities of great photography begin.
Emphasize the garden by focusing in on one or two flowers at a time. Grab a tripod, get down to eye level with them, and then get ready. Place your camera in a mode that allows you to change your aperture; the mode is usually called "A", or "AV" on some models. Film cameras can allow these changes too, on SLR models. They require you to simply change the f-stop manually on the aperture ring. On your digital camera, use your selector buttons to change your aperture. You'll see on your digital camera, most likely, a letter f, with the number on the readout on either the monitor, or the info panel on the top of the camera, or perhaps both areas. The f means f-stop, which is the name commonly used to describe the number of the aperture setting. The best way to emphasize a flower is to have only that flower in focus, and to have the rest out of focus. Change your aperture to a really low number, such as 2.8, 4, or 5.6. When the lens is at a low number like this, the lens hole is wide open, but it is creating a small area or depth of field; basically an inch or two will be in focus. Focus your camera, and shoot. Now, look at the camera, and look at your pictures. The one or two flowers should be in focus, but do you see how the background is fuzzy and out of focus? This is what is called a "shallow depth of field", and that comes from using a small number f-stop. That's because you've taken control of your camera, and changed the outcome! Because only the flower is in focus, and the rest is blurred out, you have guided your viewer to what YOU want to emphasize! You have used one of the most powerful tools available for a photographer to bring a new focus to your pictures. Try this with a lot of different scenes; look how the item is forced to really stand out for you because it's the only thing in focus.
Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum are the pictures that have the entire photograph in focus; such as a lighthouse standing out from the beach, with horseshoe crab shells in the immediate foreground. This is also done by changing the depth of field of your camera. Here, you again change your aperture, but this time place it on a high number like 16, 22, 28, etc. This is to create a large depth of field by using a small hole in the back of the lens. Again, you must use a tripod to keep the camera steady. Take a picture with something in the near foreground, such as a rock or the crab shells, and then compose your picture with a mountain or some other object some distance away, focus, and shoot. Remember to use the rule of thirds here for additional emphasis. As you'll see, both areas should be in focus, again showing the third dimension and creating the illusion of depth. This is a large depth of field.
It's a little known tool in the photographer's toolbox, but almost any camera made in the past four years will have some sort of ability to work with depth of field, whether they have a point and shoot or DSLR. Every photographer, of every level, has the ability, through practice, to create beautiful photographs that can rival those of the pros, by using the tools available with every camera. Use the strength of depth of field when you create the third dimension in your photographs, and add a new and incredibly
powerful personal dimension to your photography.
Wildlife Photography: Tips to Learn the Basics of Wildlife Photography
photo source
If you really want to learn the art of wildlife photography, then you should be aware of the basics of wildlife photography. It is rightly said that wildlife photography is one of the most challenging but rewarding hobby or career. It takes honest practice, persistence and hard work to master the real art of wildlife photography.
For mastering wildlife photography you have to have the basic knowledge of camera handling. As majority of the photos you take will be captured with the help of telephoto lens. This will test your patience and dedication as you have to wait a much longer time for the animal to come in the range and taking right pictures through right angles before that wild animal leaves from the site. Many of the times the animals you want to shoot will be yards away from you so that you have to take your pictures with more precision and care with zoom lenses.
While shooting wildlife you always have to watch out for minute movements happening around you. And for that purpose you have to be attentive for the longer time. The sunlight also plays a very important role in taking these wildlife pictures. For this purpose your camera should have the proper adjustments according to the various angles of sunlight so that pictures will be much clearer without any fuzz.
Also wildlife photography is all about capturing a particular moment of the wildlife. It makes or breaks your photography style. Many of the best wildlife photographers out there are really skillful in shooting the exact speed and momentum of the particular animal they are watching. But to be the best wildlife photographer out there you should first master the basics and you can begin this process by starting to shoot your own home pets. If you learn to shoot their natural movements and habits in their natural style then you can say that you are ready for outdoor wildlife photography.
There are no shortcuts to learn the basics of wildlife photography. Rather you have to practice it religiously and with full devotion. You should have to pay a special attention to your cameras. You have to take care that your camera has a quick shutter speed which is very necessary to take more than one shot as you roam around the wildlife to take pictures. In this type of photography most of the times you have to follow your subject to shoot many pictures at a time in one shot. This process is mainly known as "panning" which consists of taking faster pictures in one snap as you mover closer to a particular animal you want to shoot.
Thus wildlife photography is all about your patience, persistence and shooting skill where you need to wait a longer time to take the perfect picture. But at the end of the day it is also the most satisfying art where you get the really thrilling and enjoyable experience to cherish for.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Christmas Light Photography Tips and Advice
credit,photo source
We're out taking photographs of Christmas lights. There are so many beautiful displays, and we want to capture them on film. So as we prepare to take our pictures of Christmas lights, we back away so that we can capture the entire magnificent scene within our frame.
Correct. But also incorrect, if that's all we do. And this leads to our first Christmas photography tip for illustrating Christmas light displays.
(1) The best Christmas lights photography captures not only panoramic scenes, but also close-ups of the highlights within the panorama. We want both. Let's say that on the sprawling front lawn of a suburban home, we see Santa on his sleigh in one location, and a Salvation Army bell-ringer in a second spot, and a nativity scene someplace else. In addition to our distant Christmas photograph, we can also zero in on each of those three highlights.
(2) Opt for a high shutter speed. We want to illustrate the lights, not the light that they emit. A wide angle lens is for the panorama, and a macro lens is for the close-ups.
(3) Those Christmas light displays are so brilliant in the deep, dark, Silent Night. Maybe so, but our Christmas photography will be lousy at that point. Our photos will show the lights, but not the property in the background. Or, we'll see the property but we won't clearly see the lights, so to speak. Our best bets are at dusk or at dawn, and overcast usually is better than clear sky.
(4) If we're really dedicated and sticklers for perfection, we'll shoot our Christmas photography both at dusk and at dawn. Great photography of any sort is trial and error. Furthermore, if we show up maybe a half-hour before the optimal time, then we can plan our logistics and our camera angles, so that we're ready when the time is right. Extra time = excellence in our Christmas photography.
(5) Let's see here. We have the lights. We have the various props that go with the lights, such as the nativity scenes or Santa on his sleigh. We have the property in the background. Aren't we forgetting something? Oh yes, the sky. The sky! Look at examples of Christmas lights photography that impress you (or even thrill you) the most, and odds are that the sky will play a prominent role. Seek an angle at dusk that shows an afterglow in the evening sky. To include more sky, shoot from a low angle, upward toward the Christmas lighting display and toward the sky.
(6) People. Where are the people? Just because your subject is Christmas lights photography, that doesn't mean the scene must be devoid of people. Have some children pose in the scene, or better yet, just tell them to go ahead and frolic. This can add a unique element to your Christmas lights photography.
SOURCES
http://www.intofotos.com/photography/2007/11/10/how-to-photograph-christmas-lights/
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/12/how-to-photograph-christmas-lights.html
http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/tips/christmas-lights.shtml
DIY Wedding Photography: Shot List for the Traditional Couple
source
How can you save money on photography for your wedding? Do it yourself! DIY wedding photos won't sacrifice your precious wedding memories. Just make sure you are doing the wedding justice by creating a shot list before the ceremony.
As a traditional couple, you will want "classic" wedding portraits. Make sure you get the following shots for your do it yourself wedding album.
DIY Wedding Photo Shot List - Pictures of the Bride and Groom
Have the bride and groom stand in front of the church. Stand back from the couple so you can get their entire bodies into frame. Make sure to get the entire wedding gown in the picture.
Take a few steps forward, use your zoom, and take a close-up portrait of the bride and groom facing forward.
Have the bride and groom turn their heads and look into one another's eyes. Take a close-up.
Snap a photo of the bride and groom standing in front of the church on their wedding day.
DIY Wedding Photo Shot List - Photos of the Wedding Party
Every wedding album needs a picture that includes the entire wedding party. Line up the bridesmaids and groomsmen with the bride and groom in the center. The flower girl and ring bearer can stand in front of the attendants, but do not place them directly in front of the bride and groom. Doing so would block the bride's wedding gown.
Take some wedding photos of the bride with her bridesmaids. Then take some pictures of the groom with his groomsmen.
Make sure you get a picture of just the flower girl and ring bearer. These cute wedding photos will turn out great!
DIY Wedding Photo Shot List - Pictures of Family Members
Family plays an important role in any wedding. Make sure to include them in the wedding photographs.
Shoot the bride with her family and the groom with his family. Marriage unites these two families, so get a shot of them all together as well.
Make sure to get a picture with the grandparents as well.
DIY Wedding Photo Shot List - Photographs of The Ceremony
The ceremony is the most sacred part of the wedding. Don't be too intrusive while getting your shots. Here are some wedding photos you must get:
Each bridesmaid and groomsmen as they walk toward the altar
The flower girl and ring bearer as they walk down the aisle
The bride walking down the aisle and being given away
Close-up of the groom when he sees his bride
The bride and groom standing at the altar (from behind and from in front if you can manage)
The entire wedding party during the ceremony
Bride and groom's first kiss as a married couple
The couple lighting the unity candle
Bride and groom exchanging rings
Bride, groom, and attendants as they walk back down the aisle
DIY Wedding Photo Shot List - Reception Photos
The reception offers many opportunities to capture the spirit of celebration. Take a lot of journalistic style photographs during the reception of guests dancing, eating, and laughing.
In addition to these spontaneous photos, remember to snap the following pictures:
The bride, groom, and attendants in the receiving line
Groom removing and tossing the bride's garter
Bride tossing her bouquet
The wedding cake being cut and fed to the bride and groom (protect your camera from flying cake!)
The couple's first dance and dancing with their parents
The Most Important Tip for DIY Wedding Photography - Be Creative
This wedding photography shot list will get you started. It is not intended to limit your creativity. These are only the basic poses and wedding pictures a traditional couple would like to have in their wedding photo album. Take these basics and add your own ideas to create a unique wedding gift -- the gift of memories.
Sources
DFM Photography, Wedding Shotlist Helper, http://www.dfmphotography.com/wedding_shotlist.shtml
Personal Experience