Inspiration - Rain filled skies

Feeling inspired by the recent rain filled skies. This image represents the beauty of the typical english weather. I feel it also incorporates the glowing and vibrant colours of the Christmas season.

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10smark/5792385639/

Studio

These images were produced in a very simple home environment using one main light - a soft box, shot against a white background (a living room wall!) and with my model sat comfortably crossed legged on a cushion; this is a natural position to anyone meditating. My main light was positioned at a 45 degree angle to the right (my right) of my model. My aim was to create a series of images that were soft and natural; overall conveying an essence of peace and solitude. I chose to shoot in black & white as I feel it delivers emotive qualities, creating depth and feeling. The theme that these images represent is 'Meditation' - a state of pure quiet, balance and tranquility. I was also able to capture the key lighting effect seen within 'Rembrant' lighting.

I was very happy with the final outcome of these photographs, to add to my own satisfaction I received a fair amount of positive feedback from these images and my model adored them.

" Namaste "

Traffic Trails

I have always wanted to capture the awesome effects of traffic trails, so i set off on a night time adventure to do just that. I didn't want to over complicate things so i just went out with the mindset of capturing a few simple images, mostly to prove to myself that i could achieve the desired result.

The technique for capturing traffic trails is very simple, it only requires a tripod, a night time sky and some fast moving vehicles......and of course your fellow friend in crime, your camera!! It is handy to take a small torch with you so you have a little light to help see what you are doing.

For these shots i had my camera mounted on my tripod in the landscape position. I placed myself on a bridge that was looking over a motorway, this allowed me to look down through my camera lens throwing a nice perspective on my subject; in order to get a well balanced line of perspective, i framed my image so i had equal distance on the left and right side of the frame; using the dash markings on the road as a mid point mark is helpful in creating the desired position. I then set my camera mode to manual and the ISO at 100. I set the aperture to F16 and selected a slow shutter speed - i started with a 20 second exposure time. The first couple of images came out too dark with only a sliver of traffic detail - it was pretty quiet on the roads mind! To compensate i selected a slightly slower shutter speed and exposed for 30 seconds, i felt this worked well overall.

Overall these images have worked well as i achieved the simplistic effect i had set out to do. Night photography is something i am very keen to delve into and practice with various locations and learn more of what i am capable of achieving. In the near future i would like to expand on these images and aim for more striking results. Firstly i would shoot a more busy scene, so photographing during rush hour traffic in the same location, i hope, will give me more colourful, interesting and vibrant results.

To aid in my depth of learning through this technique, i would like to try and photograph a variation of 'night scenes' i.e flood lit buildings/churches, moonlit lakes, street scenes, busy city/town at night. I hope to also add a christmas themed shoot as part of my blog as it tis the season to be jolly!!

Manual Mode
ISO 100
F16 @ 20 Second

Manual Mode
ISO 100
F16 @ 30 seconds

Manual Mode
ISO 100
F16 @ 30 seconds

Manual Mode
ISO 100
F16 @ 30 seconds

Manual Mode
ISO 100
F16 @ 30 seconds

Manual Mode
ISO 100
F16 @ 30 seconds
For this shot, i had the moon within in the frame when i i pressed the shutter, held the camera steady for approx 10 seconds then i moved the camera back towards the moving traffic just for fun to see how it would come out. I think the final result is quite interesting and a bit quirky with the zig-zag lines.

Digital Photogram's

Creating a digital photogram is one of the simplest ways to create an image with striking results. Ordinarily this is a technique mostly used in a darkroom as a way of creating a photograph without the use of a camera, which is also a fantastic skill to learn and experiment with.  

Ok, let me explain how you can create a digital photogram at home using a few key things. Firstly you'll need a digital camera, a sheet of glass - I used a glass chopping board! You will also need a torch, a sheet of A4 plain paper and an object of your choice to photograph. The method is to shine the torch up from underneath a glass or a see through surface; if you can acquire a glass table then that would be perfect, if not, you will need to find a way to balance your sheet of glass/clear surface, in order to place your objects steadily on top. I used a small wooden tray holder from Ikea. 

Now you have everything you need, let's get to the fun bit! Place your sheet of plain paper on top of the surface you are using, place the objects on top and arrange in to an eye catching composition that feels and looks good, you will need to shine the torch from underneath the paper to see where the light falls. The tricky part is focusing your camera, so you are best off mounting your camera on a tripod and manually focusing while you have a main light on. Once the main light is off you can still use the light from the torch to find your focus point. Using manual mode set your aperture to F22 and the ISO to 100 and your shutter to around 20 sec - the timings may vary depending on how light or dark your images come out. You need a longer exposure to compensate for the low light conditions from using a torch as the only light source. I used a very small torch which didn't give much light so I had to leave my exposure longer to allow more time for the light to reach the sensor. You can easily gauge this on the back of your camera. The tricky bit is shining the torch and moving it around underneath your subject, so a tripod, long exposure and even a cable release are very handy for capturing digital photogram's, and worth every bit off effort.

Studio

Natural Light Photography

Music Photography

                                  

Bath time Splashes

If you have children then you know how much little one's like to make a splash in the bath tub!! Capturing these images was a lot of fun; my daughter reveled in the chance to splash around in the bath and throw water up over her face! As a mum i wanted to have some fun rather than just picking up wet towels and half sodden clothes off the floor, so i decided to take the opportunity to have some creative fun!

For these shots i turned the bathroom light off and placed a studio light just out of the door (please be very mindful of where you position a light if you attempt this, water and electricity is never a good mix!) I wanted to have more control over the light rather than just having a standard light fixing that i could not move. I got my daughter to splash around and throw the water over her face so i could capture the drops of water mid splash; for this effect you will need to select a fast shutter speed so you can freeze the water. I focused my camera on my little girl so i could get her in sharp focus. I synced the flash light to my camera so it would fire off when i pressed the shutter and took the picture. This will be explained in more detail over on my 'Techniques' page.

I really like these shots. The second one is my favourite, I think the overall composition and central framing adds instant impact in this image. I would expand on these images by experimenting with adult models and water, i feel this would create a completely different visual effect. It could be bath tubs, lakes, swimming pool. Also children playing out in the rain, splashing in puddles etc.....something to add to my 'Inspiration & ideas' page.