Project 12, Month 8, Color

This month's topic is about composing with color.  It's not about taking color photos, but about actually considering color when composing the photos.  Just as artists who are painters study color theory, so should photographers.

Things to consider:

• Composition can use colors that are contrasting, complementary, or harmonizing.  Photographs can be composed using one color of varying tones.
• Contrasting primary colors can create a dynamic image. 
• Colors can set the mood for a photograph.  Generally speaking, reds are vibrant, orange is hot, blues and greens are cool and relaxing, green is refreshing, yellows are warm and comforting.
• Hue is the color - like red, orange, green, blue.  Tone (aka brightness, lightness, or value) refers to how light or dark the color is.
• Strong, bright colors have a "heavier" visual impact than lighter/less bright colors.  Be careful you don't upset the balance of your composition, causing disharmony (unless that's what you mean to do, of course).
• Your eye will be drawn to bright colors so a spot of color can draw the viewer to the main subject.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Composition: A Look at Color by Bob Johnson at Earthbound Light
2. Color at Fodor Focus on Travel Photography; a short article with 3 examples
3. Colour Theory as Applied to Landscape Photography by Michael Reichmann at Luminous Landscape; longer, more technical article
4. Using Color to Create Strong Photo Compositions by Ron Bigelow at Picture Correct; a short illustrated article
5. Photography Rules of Composition at Ultimate Photography Tips; a slightly longer article, there is one section on Color but the other sections also apply to composing with color
6. Color in Photography - Color Theory at Framed Reality
7. 50 Impressive Examples of Selective Color Photography at Artfan Design; just photos - in my personal opinion some of these look too contrived or trite, but others are creative.  But whatever floats your boat - check them out and see what you think
8. The Psychology of Color by Moose Peterson at Wildlife Photography; unillustrated article

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Project 52, Week 31, Sunrise Sunset

You'll need to get up early and/or go to bed late for this week's topic as we'll be shooting in the golden hours to capture the sun rising and setting.

Shooting a Sunrise with Rick Sammon.  Mr. Sammon has a new feature, Sunset Saturday, on his photography blog where he will publish selected sunset photos submitted by his readers. 

Things to consider:

• Focus on composition to make your sunrise/sunset photos stand out.  (Accidental pun)
• Consider the Rule of Thirds when composing your sunrise/sunset photo by placing the sun off-center. 
• Most sunrise/sunset pictures are horizontal landscapes.  Try some vertical shots.
• Look behind you.  The sun may be creating "special effects" on a subject just over your shoulder that you'll miss if you don't turn around.
• Slightly underexpose to bring out the colors.
• The best colors are often seen just before or after a storm or rain.
• Get there early!  You need to scout the location and set up your camera before the sun gets up or goes to bed.  A sunrise/sunset calculator can be helpful in getting there on time.
• Stay late!  You'll get the photographs that others miss.
• Bring a flashlight!  It may be dark before you begin or after you finish.  It can be rough walking in unfamiliar terrain and it may be difficult to set your camera controls if you can't see them.  (Bonus: Maybe you could try a little light painting while you're there.)
• Avoid looking directly into the sun, staring into the sun, or pointing your camera lens at the sun for a prolonged period.

Suggested Reading and Photographic Examples:

1. 30 Tips for stunning sunset photography by Jim Harmer at Improve Photography; short but useful tips
2. Sunrises and Sunsets at Ron Bigelow Photography; illustrated article that includes comparison photos
3. 40 Breathtaking Examples of Serene Sunrise Photography and 52 Dazzling Examples of Sunset Photography by Bill Jones at The PhotoArgus; just photos
4. How To Shoot Heavenly Sunrises and Sunsets Anywhere by Jeff Wignall at Adorama; moderate length illustrated article
5. Sunset Photography Settings and Tips by Nick Carter at learnmyshot.com
6. 7 Steps to Perfect Sunrise Sunset Photos at Yanik's Photo School;short illustrated article
7. Sunset and Sunrise Photography: Five Tips by Andrew Goodall at Nature's Image Photography Weblog; short illustrated article
8. Sunset Photography by Roie Galitz at DIY Photography; illustrated article (a little different)
9. Shooting Sunsets and Sunrises Over Water at Mountain High Workshops; a pdf document
10. 12 tips for Photographing Sunrises and Sunsets by Darrin Rouse at Digital Photography School

Project 52, Week 30, Light

So far this month we've used light to create reflections, silhouettes, and shadows.  This week we create photographs of light, or light sources.

This is a photograph of waiting room in Union Station, Chicago, Illinois, taken in 1943 by Jack Delano.  The light rays are the main subject, but also act as frames for the 2 people in front.

Things to consider:

• Light can add an uplifting mood to a photo.
• Rays of light can be leading lines
• Light can be used as frames.
• Light can be the main subject.
• Use long exposure times to create photographs of "light trails" or for "light painting"

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Natural Light in Photography at Cambridge in Colour
2. Rays of Light - 30 Magical Photographs at WDCore Editorial
3. Photograph the Light not the Land by Darrin Rouse at Digital Photography School; photographic examples
4. 5 Photo Composition Hints. The Fifth Element- Light at ShotAddict
5. Taking Photos in Fog, Mist, and Haze at Cambridge in Colour; illustrated article (you may need to study some of these photos closely to see that they are pictures of light)
6. Leading Lines of Light at Lori Kolbenschlag Photography
7. Creating Your Own Rays of Sunlight (in Photoshop) at Smash&Peas'
8. Qualities of Light at Garry Black Photography

More specific topics:

1. How to Shoot Light Trails by Darrin Rouse at Digital Photography School; illustrated article
2. Photographing Car Light Trails at Photography Mad; illustrated article
3. How to Photograph Candles at Photography Mad; illustrated article
4. Steel Wool Photography Tutorial by Evan Sharboneau at PhotoExtremist ; an 8 minute YouTube video
5. How to Photograph Fireworks at NYIP; illustrated article
6. How to Photograph Christmas Lights at Strobist; illustrated article
7. How to Photograph Lightning at Weatherscapes
8. Stalking the Wild Firefly [lightning bug] at The Iowa Source; interview by Christine Schrum with Radim Schreiber
9. How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Digital Camera by Patrick J Endres at Alaska Photography Blog; not a short article but interesting with lovely photos, tables, and graphs.
10. Light Painting Photography at Light Painting Photography; many different articles - some stuff looks "too dangerous to try at home" 

Discount on Perfect Picture School Classes

Who: the PERFECT PICTURE school of photography
What: 25% discount on August on-line classes
When: register between July 15, 2012 - July 21, 2012; Classes start August 3, 2012
Where: http://www.ppsop.com/
How much: $99 - $395 USD

• $99 for a 2 week course (with discount approximately $74)
• $195 for a 4 week course (with discount approximately $164)
• $295 for a 6 week course (with discount approximately $221)
• $395 for an 8 week course (with discount approximately $296)

I haven't taken any of the classes, but this is what I learned from the web site:

• The Basics will give you information about how the classes work
• The classes are on the Internet so anybody, anywhere with Internet access can take them
• You have to complete the assignments to get your money's worth and the classes include professional/instructor critique of your work.
• The school offers a money-back guarantee
• Classes range from beginner to advanced and include topics such as exposure, composition, business, building websites, lighting, and digital darkrooms. More focused subjects include nature/landscape, food, street, wedding, portrait, pet, architecture, birding, children/infant, and flower photography .
• Understanding Exposure is based on Bryan Peterson's well-known, frequently recommended book of the same name.  PPSOP says it's their most popular class.

Reviews: For some reason, it was difficult to find recent reviews of this school, but here are a few.  I did find comments in forums from prior students but they were older (2007 - 2009).  I only found one negative comment and it was about the Understanding Exposure course which received good reviews from others.

1. brightstarphotos - The Perfect Picture School of Photography - worth it?  (Check out the YouTube links for examples of critiques)
2. 2 Guys Photo - Perfect Picture School of Photography by Janet McQueen
3. ronmartblog - Review: PPSOP's The Art of Seeing online course by Chris Hurtt and Bryan Peterson

Update: 7/21/2012: This offer has been extended through 7/22/2012

 (I am not associated with the PERFECT PICTURE school of photography in any way and I receive no remuneration of any kind from the PERFECT PICTURE school of photography for this posting.)

Project 52, Week 29, Shadows

This week's topic is shadows.  Photographers often try to eliminate or control shadowsthrough lighting techniques, but without some shadows subjects can appear dull and flat.  However, this week isn't about "lighting" an object, it's about using the light to create photographs with shadows.

Things to Consider:

• Shadows can add drama and set the mood.
• Shadows can create leading lines, add contrast, be used as framing, or establish depth.
• Shadows can be the focal point of a subject with or without including the object casting the shadow.
• You don't need a strong light source to cast an interesting shadow. (from Harold Davis's article below.) 
• Shadows are longest at sunrise and sunset and very short at noon.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Natural Light in Photography at Cambridge in Colour
2. Photographing Shadows: The Basics by Anshum Madore at Fotoflock; short, illustrated article
3. Eight Great Ways to Include Shadows in Your Pictures from DIY Photography; suggestions for compositions with shadows
4. Photographing Shadows at Shutterbug; a few good hints
5. Using Shadows to Enhance Your Compositions at photoble; several examples with brief narratives
6. How to Use Shadows to Enhance Your Composition by Harold Davis at Amazon.com; a short article with accompanying examples
7. 17 Fantastic Examples of Using Shadows to Enhance Photographic Composition at Light Stalking; just pictures
8. Photographing Shadows and Seeing and Photographing Shadows: Using a Key Visual Element at Photographic Digital Photography Guide; short, illustrated articles
9. The Ultimate Guide to Shadow Play at Photojojo; article with different ideas than other links
10. Rembrandt Lighting and Chiaroscuro by PhotoshopMama; 4 minute YouTube video on portrait photography. 

Project 52, Week 28, Silhouettes

Remember that old song Two Silhouettes on the Shade?  That's the theme song for our composition project this week.  Silhouettes can be dramatic, adding depth, dimension, mood, and mystery to a picture.

Things to consider:

• The light must be behind the subject.
• Expose for the background, not the subject, but remember to focus on the subject.
• When you want a dramatic silhouette, set the EV to -1 or -2 (Rick Sammon in Exploring the Light)
• Silhouette subjects should be distinctive shapes.  Remember to move you and/or the subject up, down, left, right, and all around to find the best angle.
• Keep the horizon line low (if there is a horizon). 

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. How to Photograph Silhouettes by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; short articles with pictures. 
2. 5 Tips for Photographing Silhouettes by Steve Berardi at Digital Photography School; short articles with pictures.
3. Truly Breathtaking Examples of Silhouette Photography by WDCore Editorial  at WebDesignCore
4. How to Take Silhouette Photos - a Tutorial at Rebecca Spencer Photography
5. Silhouette by Steve Hermitage Photo; 5 minute YouTube video on composing a tabletop silhouette scene indoors with toy dinosaurs; unfortunately it only includes 1 photo, but this looks like a fun project
6. How to Photograph and Edit Silhouettes-Part 1 and Part 2 by Jodi Friedman at MCP Actions; article with photos; includes Photoshop tips
7. Photographing Silhouettes by Scott Simmons at Learn Outdoor Photography
8. How to Photograph Silhouettes at Enchanging Karala.org, School of Digital Photography
9. Photography - Silhouettes by Kristie Hegarty Wilson at Pinterest
10. Wedding photography: Phenomenal Photography Silhouettes at junebug Weddings and How to Take Silhouettes by Christopher Lin at PhotographyTips

Better Portraits

Scott Kelby recently invited Joe McNally  to critique viewer submitted portraits on The Grid, Scott's weekly photography show.  You can watch the re-broadcast here: If You're Serious about Taking  Better Portraits, Watch This.  More of a conversation than a lecture, Mr. McNally's critiques are very helpful to anyone wanting to improve their portrait photography.

The most common advice given was (these are paraphrased):

1. Get closer to the subject.  Several of the pictures were good scenes, but not good portraits.
2. Use the Rule of Thirds for better composition in most scenes and portraits.  Placing the subject dead center (or in the bull's eye) is only effective occasionally.
3. Watch the lighting.  It should match the subject and the mood of the composition.

Joe McNally says it better than I do so watch the video.  It is about an hour long, but is so interesting it seemed shorter.