ON-LINE PHOTO INSTRUCTION-- with detailed critiques of your work
My new 4-week and 8-week courses began last, Wednesday, May 4 at Betterphoto.com. It's still not too late to sign up. To improve your compositional skills, for example, click here to check out the outline course to see if you feel this material is exactly what you need. The 8-week courses begin again the first Wednesday of January.
I have a new photoshop course called Photoshop: Thinking Outside the
Box.
You can click here to see the outline of the course. It is very different from my other Photoshop courses in the types of techniques I demonstrate (include 3-D), and it's a heck of a lot of fun.
Do you want to make money in photography? Want to feel more confident in using natural light outdoors? Interested in learning more about Photoshop (like putting fireworks in the sky or removing lens flare). Are you insecure about your exposure skills?
The way the courses work is this. Every Wednesday you receive a lesson that consists of text and photos, explaining various principles in photography, marketing your work, digital manipulation, or whatever subject you are studying. At the end of each lesson there is an assignment, and you have plenty of time to take pictures and upload them for my critique. You can use photos you did specifically for the assignment or images that you have taken previously.
On-line photo courses are like virtual classrooms but not in real time. Other students can see your pictures, read my critiques, and comment on your work. Similarly, you can comment on the pictures of other students. It is a unique and wonderful learning experience.
One of the great things about these on-line courses is that students participate from all over the world. In a single lesson's uploads, you may see pictures from Bryce Canyon or Brazil, or from Singapore or South Carolina. It's a very stimulating environment, and it will help you become the photographer or digital artist that you would like to be.
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Backlight Your Subjects with Flash
The most dramatic form of lighting is backlighting. It makes subjects stand out beautifully, and when the background is black the effect is amazing.
When shooting outdoors, backlighting from the sun is always beautiful but rarely can you get a black background. With flash, though, it's easy to achieve this look. The result is powerful, dynamic, and attention-grabbing.
 In order to do this, you need (1) the ability to use off-camera flash, (2) a wireless trigger, (3) a dynamic subject that will look great either with rim lighting or transillumination (where the light comes right through the subject itself). In addition, I sometimes use a piece of black fabric (preferably velvet) to make sure the background stays black.
To fire the flash, you need the Pocket Wizard. This is a two part device. The transmitter sits on the camera's hotshoe while the receiver attaches to the flash. The Pocket Wizard works on a radio signal as opposed to an infra-red beam. This is extremely significant because the flash must be positioned directly behind the subject from the camera's point of view to achieve the kind of lighting I'm describing. This means that an infra-red beam emanating from the transmitter would be blocked by an opaque subject like the seashell, above, thus preventing the flash from firing. The Pocket Wizard's radio signal is unaffected by an opaque subject and the flash fires no matter what the subject is.
 Exposure
The big question, of course, is how to accurately expose for this very challenging lighting situation. The easiest way to do it is to put the flash on ETTL (iTTL for Nikon users), use the camera on manual exposure mode, and choose a small f/stop (like f/22 or f/32) for maximum depth of field. Study the LCD monitor on the back of the camera to ascertain whether you like the exposure or not. If not, tweak the light output in 1/3 f/stop increments using the flash exposure compensation feature. This will be either on the camera body itself or on the flash, depending on what equipment you are using. If you don't know where this feature is, find out by reading your instruction manual. If you can't find your manual, it will be available online as a PDF file that you can download for free. It's an extremely important thing to know when using flash.
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SELF-CRITIQUEThis photograph of an Indian dancer was taken on an outdoor stage. I used the stage lighting which was professionally done, and I like everything about this except for one thing. First, let me tell you what is good about this shot. The dancer has a great face and striking makeup, her pose is classically beautiful, the lighting is good, the dark background directs all of our attention on her with nothing distracting at all, and the warm colors are attractive. 
What I don't like is the fact that the white fabric of her pants has lost texture and detail on the raised leg. In the original photo, I captured that detail, but when I used a Nik Color Efex 3.0 filter on it (the sunshine filter), the image gained too much contrast. I could have fixed this using the controls within the dialog box, but I was so focused on the color, tone, and exposure on the dancer's face that I overlooked her clothing.
Whenever you are using any filter or plug-in, always watch the possible gain in contrast. This frequently happens, and the last thing you want when you work in post-production is to blow the highlights. I love the effect of the sunshine filter, but now I have to go back and do this again and hold on to the highlight detail. Because the raised leg was closer to the stage lighting source, it was more vulnerable to becoming overexposed.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the Nik software programs such as Color Efex Pro 3.0, Silver Efex Pro 2.0, Viveza 2, or HDR Efex Pro, use the discount code JZUCKERMAN and you will save 15%.
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When depth of field is irrelevant
When your subject is relatively far away and there are no foreground elements, depth of field isn't a factor to consider. For example, in the photo  of Chicago taken from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building, the entire cityscape was far away. Therefore, I could use any lens aperture from f/1.4 to f/32 and the depth of field would not be affected. The same is true with the picture of St. Louis and the famous Gateway Arch at sunset, below. There is nothing in the foreground, so depth of field is not relevant. The reason why this is important is because you don't want to use a small lens aperture if it's not necessary. When shooting in low light situations, this would make the shutter speed too long. In addition, lens apertures in the f/5.6 to f/8 range are the sharpest settings on the lens. It is much better to use f/8, for example, rather than f/32 unless you need extensive depth of field. My point is that you'll have extensive depth of field in both of these shots at any aperture.  In the shot of the Montreal skyline below, however, the situation is a little different. Now the foreground water is fairly close to the camera position and if you focus on the distant architecture and use a large aperture, the reflection near the camera will be soft. Even though it is abstracted, it still needs to be sharp. Therefore, depth of field is suddenly quite relevant. In this situation, it is best to use an aperture in the range of f/11 to f/22.
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New App Coming
I am developing a new app on photography and Photoshop (as well as photo news and equipment recommendations), and it will be available sometime this month through iTunes. I'm excited about it and I think you will be, too.
The way it will work is that Monday through Friday, you'll get a blog delivered to your iPhone, iPad, or computer. I call it 'Photography in your pocket', it will be educational, visually arresting, and it will inspire you on a daily basis to go out and take great pictures.
 
The subjects I write about will encompass everything you want to know, from getting permission to go behind the scenes at the zoo to using ring flash for macro work, from how to shoot portraits of kids to using Photoshop techniques to dramatically enhance your images. Every day, you'll receive photography in your pocket for a one-time payment of only $9.95. No subscription. No monthly fees.
When the App is available through iTunes, I will let you know. I think you will find it to be an invaluable resource of ideas, techniques, news, and inspiring images.
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Smile for the Camera!
I had to share this image with you. I took it last weekend at my frog and reptile workshop in St. Louis that I conduct twice a year. This was the first time we had a tokay gecko to shoot, and it's indeed a fascinating creature. But I never expected to have such a cooperative subject who, with a slight amount of coaxing, said cheese in a VERY big way.
I shot this with a ring flash on manual exposure mode with the flash set to ETTL. The lens aperture was f/32 for maximum depth of field, and in the background was a large print of out of focus foliage. This meant that I could use the smallest aperture on the lens so the small gecko would be as sharp as possible, but the background would still be attractively out of focus.
The next frog and reptile workshop will be December 3 - 4 in St. Louis. If you'd like to participate, send me a note: photos@jimzuckerman.com.
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New eBook on Nik Software
I'm excited to have finished my second ebook, this time demonstrating unique and creative ways to enhance and embellish your images using many of my favorite Nik Software filters. Combining Photoshop techniques with the various Nik filters can produce some astonishing images. Techniques using Silver Efex Pro 2.0, Color Efex Pro 3.0, Viveza 2, and HDR Efex Pro are included in this book. Think of this as an idea book to get your creative juices flowing. It will be available for sale on my website (jimzuckerman.com) and on the Nik Software website (niksoftware.com) within a few days. |
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eBook on Macro Photography
My first self-published ebook is now available on my website. This is the first time I've had total control in producing a book: the layout, choice of images, cover design, etc. The subject is macro photography, and in addition to explaining the pros and cons of equipment options, depth of field issues, and the artistry of macro work, I also give you a lot of ideas of what you can shoot. This is among the most exciting aspects of photography, and if you haven't seriously delved into it yet, you owe it to yourself to explore the creative possibilities of filling the frame with small and intriguing subjects. If you are already shooting macro images but aren't happy with your work up to this point, this book will give you the tools to take great macro images.
eBooks are great because they are much less expensive than conventional books, and you can carry them with you on an iPad, iPhone, or laptop. The colors in the images are dazzling, too -- much more so than in a conventional book.
On the home page of my website, jimzuckerman.com, click the 'ebooks' link. When you order it through Paypal, you will be directed to a link where you can download it. Don't forget to do this. If you have any problems, let me know.
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PHOTOSHOP WORKSHOP in my
HOME Sat. & Sun., August 27 and 28, 2011
Photoshop is a photographer's best friend, and the creative possibilities are absolutely endless. In a personal and 'homey' environment (I have a very cool classroom setup in my home), I start at the beginning -- assuming you know nothing -- but I quickly get into layers, cutting and pasting, plug-ins, using 'grunge' textures, modifying lighting, and a lot more. I promise to fill your head with so many cool techniques that you won't believe what you'll be able to do.
Photoshop instructors approach teaching this program from different points of view. My approach is to be as expansive in my thinking as possible in creating unique, artistic, and compelling images. In addition to showing you how to use the various tools, pull down menus, layers, and so on, I spend a lot of time giving you creative ideas that will inspire you to produce amazing images with the pictures you've already taken.
A lot of people, once they learn what the tools and commands do, still need help in deciding what images to work with, what composites look good, and how to be artistic within Photoshop. This is one of the main things I address in this workshop.
I live in the Nashville, Tennessee area, and if you fly into the airport (BNA) I will pick you up. If you drive, I'll give you my address and you can find it on Mapquest. For the $450 fee, I include one dinner in my home (prepared by my wife who is an amazing cook and hostess) and two lunches, plus shuttling you back and forth from my home to your nearby hotel.
Contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop and I will tell you how to sign up (photos@jimzuckerman.com).
I will do my best to inspire you with all the great things Photoshop can do. All you need is a laptop. If you don't have one, I have two laptops (they are Macs) I can loan out.
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LISTING OF PHOTO TOURS/WORKSHOPS FOR 2011/2012
I am now offering some new photo tours for the first time. A brief description follows, and if you would like more information about them, you can either drop me a note (photos@jimzuckerman.com) or you can visit my website: jimzuckerman.com.
A note about my photo tours. The entire emphasis is on getting great pictures of great subjects. You will expend a lot of energy in that pursuit, and you may be exhausted when you get home, but you'll take the best pictures of your life. My motto is "you can rest from your vacation when you get home!"
IRELAND PHOTO TOUR, Sept. 8 - 18, 2011
I have one space left for this wonderful photo tour that encompasses both Ireland and Northern Ireland, UK. I have selected awesome destinations to photograph, from castles to ruins and stunning cathedrals to ancient cemeteries and breathtaking coastal landscapes. We cover a lot of territory on this tour because I didn't want to leave anything out. The people are incredibly friendly, the history of Ireland is fascinating (and certainly tragic), and you will thoroughly enjoy photographing this beautiful land.
INDONESIA, JULY 14 - 29, 2011. My wife is from Indonesia, and I have been there 20 times. It's a fantastic photo destination, and this tour includes exotic Bali, two active volcanic areas, the ultimate fashion show, and 1000-year old Hindu and Buddhist ruins. In Bali, we photograph the amazing stylized dancing this island is famous for, a bat cave used as a temple, sculpted rice terraces, and we will have a private model shoot of Balinese dancers. In addition, I am arranging to shoot a wild (and dangerous) race of water buffalo pulling two-wheeled carts where young men stand barefoot on the backs of the animals. On Java, we will photograph a stunning Javanese bride wearing as adornment hand-woven live flowers like you see in the young model below right.
As an aside, the shopping in Bali is amazing. My wife, whose bargaining skills can only be described as brutal, will help you get the best prices on anything you want to buy.
PATAGONIA, Jan. 13 - 28, 2012 (two spaces left).If you love photographing landscapes and nature, the southern region of Chile known as Patagonia is a must. It is beyond spectacular. The southern portion of the Andes has to be the most rugged and most visually dramatic of any mountain range in the world. The fjords, lakes, and wildflowers make incomparable photographs. Come join me on this remarkable trip and bring home some of the best nature pictures ever. This trip is sponsored by Distinctive Journeys. Chile retains an air of uniqueness as it is the most southerly nation in the world, and is separated from its neighbors by natural barriers. In the north one of the most arid deserts in the world; to the east one of the greatest mountain ranges of the planet, the Andes, with heights close to 22,000 feet; to the west the Pacific Ocean opens out, and to the south, the Drake sea and Antarctic Ice. Due to these natural barriers, and extremes of nature, Chile enjoys a diversity not found elsewhere on the planet. It is also this diversity - with the heat of the deserts in the north, and the cold of the glaciers in the south - that makes Chile known as the Land of Fire and Ice! This photo tour is limited to only 6 people.
TURKEY, Oct 18 - 30, 2011. Turkey is a stunning photographic destination with tremendously varied subject matter. From ancient ruins to religious architectural marvels, from exotic dancers to dramatic landscapes in which the early Christians hid from Roman soldiers, Turkey is a place I am always happy to return to. Our local guide is fantastic. He is extremely knowledgeable about Turkish history and he loves sharing his insights with us. Our hotel in Istanbul gives us the best view of the Blue Mosque you've ever seen, and the people of Turkey are incredibly friendly and a joy to be with. They love Americans, and interacting with them is a big part of the enjoyment of this trip.
NAMIBIA, May 25 to June 7, 2012. Namibia is a photographer's dream come true. It has the largest sand dunes in the world, great wildlife, and primitive tribes right out of the pages of National Geographic. Some of my favorite pictures from Africa have been taken here. We visit the primitive Himba people as well as the Bushmen (you will be able to hear their incredible 'click' language) and photograph them in their natural environment. The stark beauty of the Namib desert creates some of the most compelling landscape images you'll ever make. We also visit some unique wildlife rescue facilities that afford amazing opportunities to get face to face with cheetahs, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and other exciting species. I have added stunning Eupapa Falls on this year's itinerary as well. This is a trip not to be missed.
To see my favorite images from this last trip to Namibia, click here.
SPAIN & PORTUGAL, April 5 - 15, 2012  
I choose a different itinerary almost every year in Europe because there is so much to photograph there. In 2012, I've chosen Spain and Portugal. Spectacular castles, beautiful cathedrals, ultra modern architecture, fascinating history, and warm and friendly people make this destination a great photographic experience. We shoot twilight in the evening, we take advantage of sunrise and sunsets, and as always I find the best vantage points and I choose subjects that will, well, knock your socks off!
INDIA, February 22 to March 10, 2012.
No place in the world is like India. The color, the faces, the architecture, the festivals -- there are outstanding pictures everywhere you look ... literally. This photo tour is timed to coincide with the elephant festival in Jaipur where elephants are painted in wild colors and patterns. We will have exquisite models to shoot in numerous locations throughout this trip, including a camel caravan at sunset in the Thar Desert, colorful dancers, holy men, and much more. Nowhere will you see faces that are so compelling and beautiful. You will shoot many more pictures on this trip than you ever imagined simply because India is so rich in subject matter.
FROG AND REPTILE SHOOT, December 3 and 4, 2011
Join me for a fun-filled weekend photographing poison dart frogs (they are not poisonous in captivity because their diet is different than in their natural habitat), exotic reptiles, and a few other unique creatures. The location is St. Louis, Missouri, and you are guaranteed visually arresting images. This workshop is really all about macro photography, and the subjects you will be shooting (over 50 species) will keep you excited and engaged for the entire weekend. Everyone who has taken this workshop over the past 4 years has loved the experience. To have close encounters with these rare and engaging animals is special, and to return home with award winning photographs is tremendously gratifying. The plants I buy for backgrounds add color and pizazz to the images and make the shots look like they were taken in the tropics.
For more information, click HERE.
 
ICELAND, May 3 - 13, 2012 What a contrast Iceland is between fire and ice! Glaciers, volcanoes, geysers ... the landscape photography here is spectacular because the geological events that formed Iceland were cataclysmic. You will see breathtaking waterfalls, lots of blue ice formations in the form of glaciers and ice floes, truly wild landscapes, and of course the stunning Icelandic ponies. There are also beautiful churches and architectural details to be photographed, too. Click here for the itinerary and pricing: Iceland 
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For a listing of other photo tours and workshops I'm leading,
please click here.
Drop me a note for any additional information you may want
at photos@jimzuckerman.com
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http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs031/1101654139463/archive/1102299763866.html
For AOL users have difficulty at times seeing the pictures in my newsletters, this feature is especially helpful.
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