November | 2018 | Frank's Photography Blog

Archive for November, 2018

Nov

University of Michigan Photo Walk

Categories: Photography
Tags: Abstract, Ann Arbor, Architectural, architecture, Autumn, CameraMall, Dramatic, Dramatic Tone, Fall, Michigan, OM-D E-M1 MkII, Photo, Photo Tour, Photo Walk, photo workshop, Photograph, Photography, Presentation, University, University of Michigan, Workshop

I had the opportunity to present an architectural presentation and lead a photo walk for The CameraMall and Olympus. The events took place at the store and the photo walk took place on the University of Michigan campus. We spent time looking at abstract architectural components. All of the images were shot with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and paired with the M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO lens. We had a partially overcast day, which lend itself perfectly to the in-camera Black & White Dramatic Tone mode.

Nov

8 TIPS FOR CAPTURING FAMILY HOLIDAY SCENES

By Frank T. Smith 4 Comments

Categories: Photography
Tags: Christmas, Family, Holiday, Holiday Card, Holiday Scene, Olympus, Photo, Photograph, Photography, Winter

Whether you’re trying to create the ultimate holiday card, or capturing a special photo that speaks to the joy in your life, keep these simple tips in mind this holiday season.

1. SET THE STAGE

Plan for your props, test the environment and adjust the background accordingly ahead of time. Shooting outside? Take advantage of local holiday venues and try to find locations with good lighting opportunities

OM-D E-M1 Mark II | M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO| 1/50sec | F2.8 | ISO1600

2. BE PREPARED

In order to get the appropriate lighting and depth of field correctly I typically will shoot the area prior to adding the subjects (kids and dogs). In this particular instance, I set my camera at ISO 200 at 50 mm (I00 mm which is 35 mm equivalent).

3. KNOW YOUR SUBJECT

When you are shooting with toddlers, remember that your window is short and that sensitivity to pre- or post nap is important. Don’t plan around your schedule – plan around theirs and always plan for snacks. Keep in mind that even though you planned for the day, toddlers can decide that running and falling (creating a goose egg on their forehead) is not their concern – but now yours. Regardless, get the shot and then work on the goose egg in post processing!

4. DON’T FLY SOLO

You need to enlist support of family or friends who both your subjects will respond to. You will need as many hands as possible.

See a before and after, having removed the bump from her forehead.

5. FOCUS ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT

Use defused artificial light source when natural light is not an option. Not only do you need your camera (with flash – indoors) but you may also want to use a reflector to capture light in shadow areas. For this shot, I used one on camera flash with a modifier and a reflector positioned low to the ground in order to get even light distribution.

6. ADD LIGHT

7. BE NIMBLE, TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS

Take photos using multiple poses and angles – even if though they may or may not reflect your planned final result. You may be surprised! Be nimble and quick – take as many shots as your subjects (in this case a dog and toddler) will tolerate, adjusting positioning and lighting as you go. With this shoot I had many great takes with just the toddler so I decided to make an additional gift of a “triptych” image of 3 great poses.

8. PERSONALITY, NOT PERFECTION

Remember, perfection of the subjects is not the goal – moreover seeing the personalities come through should be your aim.

This post is taken from the Olympus Learning Center Page. “Click here for a link to the original content”

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