Rachel Jayne Photography: location

Showing posts with label location. Show all posts

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

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
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.

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Natural Light Photography

Friday, 17 October 2014

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.

Portfolio

Music Photography

I have had the honor of photographing music locally in Witney, Oxfordshire. I first started photographing local bands in my spare time. I loved the vibrancy and uplifting vibes of the thriving music scene; it became quite addictive and replaced my lack of a social outlet as a single parent. Being right in the middle of some amazing and very talented muscians was where I found my unique eye for creatively capturing live music and the energy and personality of bands and individual artists. I went on to to photograph Witney Music Festival as head photographer for 3 years. I have had my images displayed at fundraisers and published in brochures and leaflets as advertising for this event. I feel very lucky to have met some fantastic people and incredibly talented and passionate artists along this journey. Music photography has given me an amazing opportunity to combine my passion for photography and music.......and a spot of dancing!