With this untitled shot, Shiv captured an entire life story, and was well deserving of the win.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

Lighting

Ultimately, the lighting of surreal photography should not mimic natural light in a simplistic way.  By having light focused in an unnatural way, the photos take on the imaginative look that the artist is trying to accomplish. One way of doing this is by having multiple lighting focuses, each with a different type of lighting. Some natural light may be used, in addition to filtered lighting such as yellow gel lighting.  Another technique is to light multiple subjects within the photo, and some of them not necessarily what you would expect.  You may shine special lighting on an interesting background prop, for example.

Angles and Levels

Another way to achieve a surreal and imaginative effect in surreal photography is through the creative use of angles and levels which create a warped effect on the subjects. This is called perspective distortion. Using creative angles and levels can make the subject appear larger, smaller or of much different proportions than it normally would. This adds a surreal level to the photograph and enhances the effects.

Shadows

Shadows are often used in surreal photography to create unique and thought provoking imagery. The shadows are often treated as subject matter themselves. The subjects and their shadows can create interesting dual mirror images. This technique is usually done with black and white exposures.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on at the links cited below.

http://kaz-d.deviantart.com/journal/What-is-Surreal-Photography-214230945

http://petapixel.com/2013/08/17/tutorial-creating-a-surreal-conceptual-photo-using-zone-lighting/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspective_distortion_%28photography%29

http://www.ufunk.net/en/photos/alexey-bednij-shadows/

Though making a professional studio space may be expensive, it is perfectly reasonable and possible to make a low cost, home-made photography studio that can do everything you need. The trick is in knowing what you need. To help solve that problem, and hopefully turn a room of your house into a studio space, below is a short guide on what you should focus on in order to make your own DIY studio.

Space

No matter what, you are going to need some space. However, it doesn’t have to be a large, cavernous room. In fact, it could be a hallway, living room, and even bedroom. Look for a space 5 feet wide by 15 feet deep. At the bare minimum, this should provide the space you need to shoot.*2

Lighting

The second most important thing when creating a DIY studio is lighting. Lighting can be tricky.  Natural light from outside is best, but not every room will have an ample amount of it or even have the lighting facing the right direction.  To solve this problem, there is a wide range of specially made portrait lights. The problem with these are that they can cost a great deal of money.*1

Instead of focusing on fancy lights, consider what these lights are supposed to do. For good photography, you want to remove any extra or unnecessary shadows.*1 This means having a number of light sources. Work lights, sold at a number of home improvement stores, are perfect for removing shadows.  They come with a highly reflective metal cone that helps distribute light.*1  In addition, these lights can sell for as little as 9 dollars, and can be clamped to a number of surfaces, making them easy to use.*3

Background

Now with the lighting and space solved, we can turn to the backgrounds of your photography studio.  Backgrounds ensure that the subject of the picture is stands out. A background can be a large roll of paper *2, or even a green screen.*1  With no shadow lighting, both make changing the background via photo-editing a breeze, allowing for any number of possibilities.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on at the links cited below.

1* http://voices.yahoo.com/yes-own-homemade-photography-studio-2212485.html

2* http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/so-you-think-you-cant-have-a-studio/

3.  http://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrical-Electrical-Tools-Accessories-Work-Lights/N-5yc1vZbm8p

1 Long Exposure Photography

This technique can produce dramatic effects but is usually used for shooting in low light or for capturing a motion blur. With a longer exposure, the shutter will stay open longer, allowing more light to enter. In a low-light setting this will help when capturing still images, as the longer exposure will compensate for a lack of light. Moving subjects however, will become blurred, and any bright areas can become overexposed.

2 Light Painting

This technique is less basic, and expands on the effects created by the long-exposure photography described above. The method gives limitless possibilities and creates stunning arts photos if it is done correctly. By leaving the shutter open long enough, you can capture motion in a single shot. This is usually done in low light settings to allow the subject (usually a light source) and its motion to stand out from the background. The result is the capability to draw images with the light.

3 HDR Photography

With modern cameras, HDR photography became not only possible, but a highly popular type of photography. HDR shots are finished through post-production, by combining multiple exposures of the same image. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range referring to the wide range of exposure you get from the dark to the light areas.

4 Panoramic Photos

A panoramic photo is a great trick for any photographer to be able to pull off. By combining multiple photographs seamlessly end-to-end, you can create an image that shows a much greater field of view than a standard lens could create. With the panoramic feature being available on many smartphone cameras these days it is quite easy to produce an amateur version, but learning how to create them by yourself will help you to understand post-production and photo editing.

5 Composition and the ‘Rule of Thirds’

One of the most important aspects of photography, even at a basic level, is framing. Positioning your subject is your best asset in showing its place in its environment. The most popular guideline for composition is the rule of thirds, which states that pictures should be framed as if divided into nine equal sections or into thirds both vertically and horizontally. The lines that divide these sections are then used as placement markers for the different aspects of your photo, with the subject and background relating to each other based on them.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on at the links cited below.

http://photodoto.com/popular-photography-techniques/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-photography/

http://lightpaintingphotography.com/

Having your camera broken can be a stressful thing and can cause anxiety just thinking about the costs. Depending on the problem, some cameras – digital or film cameras can be used without seeking out camera repair. If your camera is digital and has a lens issue or an operational issue that prevents you from using the camera for its intended purpose, you may need to consider the following:

v  Contact the camera manufacturer

If you managed to purchase your camera with a warranty you may be in luck. Many companies offer a warranty for incidences where you may need camera repair in a short space of time. Depending on the duration of the warranty, you can contact the manufacturer, who may give you the opportunity to replace or repair your camera. An important thing to consider is not attempting to fix the camera yourself as this will make the warranty invalid. Having a warranty may not guarantee you camera repair as they will assess if the camera damage is due to the users misuse or if it was a production problem or issue. If the manufacturer does think or consider that you may have misused the camera for other than its intended use, you may be stuck with a broken camera regardless if you are within your warranty time frame. Service and support offered by some manufactures are Nikon Repair Service, and Canon Service.*

If you do end up in a situation where your warranty has expired or if your camera manufacturer has denied fixing your camera lens for free or at all you will have to outsource other options. Another option for you to go get your camera repaired would be:

v  Calling a camera repair shop or a professional gadget repair shop.

This is your best option for those in a situation where your warranty has already expired. It is best to seek out professional help if you are not confident or trained in camera repair. You do not want to start fiddling with functions that you are not familiar with. Trying to fix the situation can end up costing you more as you may damage the camera even further. If you bought the camera at a third party camera shop and not directly from the manufacturer, you should take it in there for repairs. If you may have bought your camera outside of your current location, you can look up a local camera repair shop.*

Other options can include finding another camera shop that sells cameras of the same brand as the camera you own. They may be able to recommend or actually put you in touch with a professional that services camera repair and fixes their client cameras. A key thing to remember is making sure that whatever camera repair shop you visit must possess licensing or accreditation to sell and fix your camera brand. Some good repair shops that may be local to your area are the Geek Squad, available in store at Best Buy, and Radio Shack.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, check out the links cited below.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Service-And-Support/Service-And-Repair.page

http://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Lens-Problems-on-Your-Digital-Camera

When you look at a photo taken with a fisheye lens, you are going to realize that this lens was used immediately. It is an unmistakable and remarkable effect that creates a unique image, making it feel as if you are looking at something through a fish bowl. It is like a bubble, and it is something that can be manipulated to create astonishing images. It is able to do this by bending the light.* The shape of the lens causes the light to bend and to curve the image, resulting in what you have once the photo is taken.* This is very different from the straighter lines of light that you normally have with your basic photographs.

This effect can change the way that you take photographs. You need to look at photography in a new light and you need to change how you set up a photograph. While something may look good in your basic rectangular, simple image, it may not have the same appeal when using a fisheye lens. You have to use shapes and space to your advantage here, composing an image that creates a flow and that works with the lens. This is a challenge at first for any photographer, but the results will allow you to develop more skills and grow.

If you do this successfully, the opportunities are truly astounding. Any photographer will be able to make more of every moment because of this, and it is possible to change the mood and the appeal of an image with this simple effect. It can help you to send a different message and it can help you to change the way that people view something. A fisheye lens is able to manipulate a view in multiple ways because of this.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

If you would like more information, read on at the link below.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cameras-photography/tips/fisheye-lens-photography.htm

Use the Weather to Your Advantage

One of the main photography tips when taking architectural photographs is to use the weather. If you were trying to get the perfect shot of a sun while it sets, weather would work against you. However, when you are capturing images of building, the weather can add excitement to an otherwise traditional photograph. Imagine capturing a photograph of a high-rise in the city while the rain is pouring down. If you are careful enough with the camera, you can literally capture bits of raindrops while they fall, which adds something more and makes the building look even better. Rain is not the only element you can use in your pictures. Dark gray clouds, snow, and lightning are especially ideal.

Work With Lighting and Shadows

Do not let difficult lighting or shadows discourage you from getting a great picture. When you are taking photographs indoors of a building, there are many different elements that can come alive if you adjust the lighting a bit until you find the right match. While you really want to capture the actual design of the building, it is the extra bits and pieces inside the building that can make a difference. Most importantly, never be afraid to use something different, such as a curve in the architectural structure of the building. The curve inside part of the building could transform your picture from basic to beyond wonderful.

Use the Right Lenses

As a photographer, you likely carry multiple lenses with you. When taking pictures of buildings, lenses with wide angles are most suitable. The wider lenses that you use will help you get the full image that you want and need, especially if you are outdoors and are taking a picture of a building that is fairly wide.

These photography tips can help you produce better pictures. With your passion for architectural photography, the right equipment, and the knowledge on capturing buildings to the best of your ability, you can end up with impeccable photographs that are like no other.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

If you would like more information, check out the links cited below.

http://digital-photography-school.com/architectural-photography

http://www.lightstalking.com/architecture-tips

One of the things you are going to want to know about is an f stop. Basically, it is the opening through which light enters your camera. The numbers that show on the f stop let you know how much light is being allowed in. While some cameras use settings such as f4, f8, and f11, others also have half and third stops. This is known as the f stop scale. *The f stop can be imagined as a toilet paper or paper towel cardboard roll, with a piece of foil over one end.  When a hole is made in the foil, and you look through the roll, the light being let in would equate to a high f stop, and a small opening. If you make the hole larger, your f stop number would be lower, and more light would be coming through. Using these controls allows you to have more control over the exposure on your picture. The best way to find the proper f stop setting is to experiment with the effect that you get from the different settings.

It is easiest to get started learning about f stops and apertures if you have remembered a few simple f stop tips. First is that when you are trying to take pictures which are sharply focused, the more light that you have, the better the quality of the picture. When the light is not sufficiently bright, it is best to use a low f stop number.

When you are trying to create a picture where a certain object is in sharper focus than the rest – for instance, a child playing in a field, where the child stands out from the rest of the picture, you will want to use an f/1.2 or f1/4 setting. On the other hand, where you want a deeper depth, such as in landscape pictures, you will want to use an f stop in the f/16 or f/22 range.

It may take a little experimentation, and the best way to get used to your camera is to go out and take pictures, but write down what settings you used, and compare them to the effects you get. There are few rigid rules about using the f-stop, but if you try a few things out, you will learn to balance this setting against others to create the image you want.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

For more information, read on at the link below.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cameras-photography/tips/how-to-know-what-f-stop-to-use.htm

Congratulations to the 2014 Outstanding Landscape Award Winners!

Each winner received an award badge to showcase to friends, family and the public.

Here are the list of winners:

1. Jyothi Thathekile Frömming
2. Julieann Hansen
3. Justin Berndt
4. Jeffrey Lafever
5. Shannon Wood
6. Dianna Miljour
7. Doug Pickelheimer
8. Terrayza Bowen
9. Heather November Hall
10. Vishal Marty
11. Grent Neubauer
12. Cait McDemus
13. Jonny Garcia
15. Krystal Pasley
16. Missy Lynn Milliman
17. Morgan Strobl
18. Risa Kelsey
19. Bonnie Miller DeMoss
20. Eric Giuliani
21. Kait Crean Johnson
22. Nicole Puranda
23. Trevor Tobie
24. JoAnna DeLuna
25. Nicci Miller
26. Darrin DeRose

For a visual showcase of the winning photos, please visit: http://photography-colleges.com/landscape-photo-contest-showcase/

Stay tuned on our Facebook page for more contests and fun!

Questions? Please send us a message at https://www.facebook.com/PhotographyCollege.

Photography Tips for Action Sports

The most essential element of taking great action sports shots is to understand exactly what it is you are shooting. An intimate familiarization with the sport will allow you to predict where the movement or motion is heading, so you will be set up to capture the image when it appears. For example if you are covering figure skating, knowledge of the type of routine a skater is performing will key you in on how and when the jumps will take place if there are any. If it is more rhythmic, you will know where to set your camera’s frame for the most moving and intimate of poses.

Other sports require different attention to detail, depending on what the action will be. Soccer shoots require the photographer to be prepared to shoot the action around the goal keeper’s net, or along the sides of the field where most of the drama takes place. A baseball photographer must have an innate ability to track a baseball in the air based on how it was hit and by whom, so they will be ready to capture the image of the outfielder’s incredible catch.

Choosing Your Equipment

Look for durable and reasonably priced camera equipment for your shoots. Action sports tend to have a way of breaking cameras, as errant hockey pucks and flying nine irons have an uncanny attraction to the sensitive lenses of expensive cameras. Look for a camera that has a high shutter speed to reduce any unwanted motion blur. A burst setting is also very handy as you can depress the release before the intended action takes place and the camera will capture multiple images for you to choose from. Whatever the case, make sure you also know the settings of your gear, and know how to best use them to take that shot of a lifetime.

Are you ready to pursue your photography career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our photography degree finder at the top of this page. ↑

If you would like more information, check out the link below.

(*)http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/action-sports-photography/