ON-LINE PHOTO INSTRUCTION-- with detailed critiques of your work
My new 4-week and 8-week courses begin again at Betterphoto.com on November 9.
To improve your compositional skills, for example, click HERE to check out the outline of the Developing Your Creative Artistic Vision course to see if you feel this subject matter is exactly what you need.
I have a new photoshop course called Photoshop: Thinking Outside the Box.
You can click HERE to see the outline of this unique course that will introduce some intriguing techniques that you've probably not tried before -- like 3D, making a sketch, and more. It is very different from my other Photoshop courses, and it's 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.
|
|
|
|
Wide angle closeups Many photographers buy a wide angle lens thinking its primary purpose is to take sweeping panoramas, to get the entire scene into the frame. It definitely does that, of course, and if you stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon with a 14mm lens, you will encompass most of this giant chasm. However, I think the real power of a wide angle -- as evidenced by the pictures in this article -- is to distort reality. The word distortion has a pejorative connotation, so let me rephrase. I will say it this way: A wide angle lens is most effective when it (1) exaggerates perspective, (2) makes the foreground disproportionately large compared to the background, and (3) makes the background seem much further away than it really is.
The picture above of the driftwood on a beach in South Carolina near Charleston is an example. The wood seems huge compared to the background, and this occurred simply because I placed my 14mm lens very close to the wood. In this case, the camera was about 18 inches away from it.
Of course, our eyes never see images like this. So what? No one ever said a camera must capture what we see. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. We are dealing with a visual, artistic medium, and a wide angle lens is a tool at our disposal to create some extremely unique images. The wider the angle, the more extreme will be the distortion. I took the picture of the costumed carnival participant in Venice, above, also with a 14mm lens, and the portrait of a curious cow, below, was shot with a 16mm focal length (the Canon 16-35mm). I was lying on the ground shooting a landscape in Switzerland when he walked right up to me, so I rolled on my back and took this picture looking up at him.
 If you shoot with a less-than-full-frame digital camera, then the power of your wide angle lens is reduced. For example, a 20mm focal length becomes a 32mm wide angle with Canon and a 30mm lens for Nikon (Canon lenses must be multiplied by 1.6x, and Nikon's lenses have to be multiplied by a factor of 1.5x to know what the actual focal length will be).  The closer you place the lens to the foreground, the more distortion you'll see. The large leaf in front of the waterfall I shot in Costa Rica, above, was only about two feet away from my lens. The photo at the top of this newsletter shows my wife in a pool in Budapest, Hungary, and I was also about two feet away from her. That's why she seems unusually large in comparison to the background.
The flowers below that I found in the Swiss Alps didn't seem this large compared to the sky when I stood there looking at them, but a 16mm focal length lens placed about three feet away from the foreground flowers created this type of look. The formula, so to speak, for achieving this style is: (1) use a wide angle lens, and the wider the better, (2) place the camera very close to the foreground (between 2 and 5 feet), (3) use a small lens aperture for complete depth of field, and (4) use a tripod. 
I used the same technique when I photographed a 1st century B.C. megalithic head from Mt. Nemrut in Turkey with a 14mm lens. Even though wide angle lenses have extensive depth of field, I still used a tripod and a small aperture, f/22 in this case, to make sure I had sufficient depth of field. 
A fisheye lens is a unique wide angle in which the vertical and horizontal lines are bent. If you shoot something round, however, such as the round chandelier and the dome of a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, you can't make it 'more round' by bending the lines because they are curved already. Therefore, it looks virtually undistorted. I was literally lying on the floor, hand holding the camera (this is one exception where I couldn't use a tripod because no tripods were allowed) when I took this shot. The chandelier was six feet above me, and this is farther than I suggest in the above formula for using wide angle lenses. However, in this instance I wanted to include the entire periphery of the light fixture. Fisheye lenses have limited use, but I was glad I had it in this situation. I was leading a photo tour here, and several of the Canon users borrowed the fisheye to take this same shot once I showed them how incredible it was. 
|
SELF-CRITIQUE and REPLACING A SKYOne of the things I see over and over again in students' work when they submit pictures to me in the online courses I teach for betterphoto.com is distracting backgrounds. There are many factors that constitute a background that takes attention away from the subject, and one of the most egregious is when a white or very light element is behind a darker subject.
A case in point is the closeup of a megalithic head from the 1st century B.C. I photographed last week in Turkey, below.
The light sky takes attention away from the subject by attracting our eye. We tend to be drawn to very light areas of an image, and if that area is not the subject, the background is usually considered to be distracting. I would call this picture a failure. In addition, the pole and the other slab of stonework are distracting. They are too graphic and they stand out too much.
I took the shot anyway, knowing I could fix this problem in Photoshop. I photographed a section of the distant mountains separately and made sure the lighting was the same as the light on the head -- soft and diffused -- and when I put the two photos together, below, it made a world of difference. The image was transformed from a failure to a success.
Never underestimate the power of a background to make or break a picture. Ideally, of course, we would all like to get it right the first time with a single click of the shutter. But you know very well that so much of the time conditions aren't right for that perfect picture. That's where a knowledge of Photoshop comes in handy.
Here are the steps I took to replace the sky:
1. I used a combination of the magic wand tool and the lasso tool to select the background. By holding the shift key down, you can add to the selection. So, first I selected the sky with the magic wand tool, and then, holding the shift key down, I used the lasso to select the rest. I worked at 200%
2. Using the pull down menu command Select > modify > expand, I chose one pixel in the dialog box.
3. Using the pull down menu command Select > modify > feather, I again chose one pixel in the dialog box. Doing steps 2 and 3 eliminated all telltale lines that might show up from the original background.
4. I opened the photo of the mountains and sky and chose Select > all, and then Edit > copy
5. I chose Edit > paste special > paste into (all of these commands are from CS5). This put the sky into the selection.
6. Using the move tool, I moved the sky/mountain image into place.
7. I chose Filter > blur > gaussian blur to blur the sky photo because the ground behind the head wasn't sharp due to a lack of complete depth of field (my mistake). If the ground wasn't sharp behind the head, the sky had to be soft, too.
8. Using the clone tool, I blended the edge of the ground with the sky.
|
|
NO TRIPODS ALLOWED
I have written about this in a previous newsletter last year, but I wanted to reiterate a solution to a common problem because it's so useful. When tripods are not allowed in a museum, a cathedral, a famous monument, or in a theater, take the ball head off your tripod and use the flat, bottom surface of it pressed against a solid support like the floor, a railing, or a wall. With a continuous pressure against the ball head, you can capture tack sharp pictures.
The ancient cistern from the Byzantine Empire that I shot in Istanbul on my recent photo tour is an example. No tripods are allowed here, and the lighting is so dark it's impossible to get a sharp picture unless the ISO is raised to 5000 or so, and who wants that? The solution was to take the ball head off the camera and place it on the floor or on a railing. I mounted the camera on the ball head, set the self-timer to 2 seconds and used the mirror lock-up feature to minimize or eliminate any vibration. I wanted depth of field, so I used f/11 with my wide angle lens. The exposure time was a full 8 seconds, and the picture turned out to be perfectly. I applied a continuous pressure against the base of the ball head during the 8 seconds to make sure the results were tack sharp.
|
| A Formula for Outdoor Portraits
Successfully photographing people outdoors is not hard at all. In fact, it's easy if you use the following guidelines.
1. Use soft and diffused lighting such as from an overcast sky or shade.
2. Make sure the background is in shade, too. Don't photograph someone in the shade and have a background with direct sun or even sunny highlights. That will ruin the picture.
3. Use a telephoto lens, at least 150mm or so.
4. Make sure the background is either out of focus or complementary in some way.
5. Don't ask for a fake smile.
There are other types of outdoor portraits that can work, but these five guidelines will always give you great results.
|
New eBook -- Flash Made Easy
Now available!
I wrote this ebook to help you get over the fear of using flash. This is all about using a portable flash like the Canon 580EX II or the Nikon SB-900. I don't address popup flashes because if you want to take creative control over your flash photography, you must be able to have options ... such as taking the flash off the camera and using it to the side of the subject. In this ebook, I start at the beginning and explain basic flash terminology, the pros and cons of on-camera versus off-camera flash, flash exposure, diffusion techniques, using flash with closeups, and creative experiments you can do with flash. After reading this ebook, flash will no longer be a mystery to you. You will actually like working with a flash, and you'll be amazed by the pictures you'll be able to take with the knowledge gained from reading this ebook. Click HERE to visit the promo page on my website where you can see some sample pages. 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. And trees don't have to be cut down to make the paper for the books. The colors in the images are dazzling, too -- much more so than in a conventional print book because the photographs seen on a computer or iPad are illuminated from behind. What a great time it is to be a photographer! Below are some photos that demonstrate various points made in the text. 
 
eBook on Nik Software
In my second ebook that has become very popular, I demonstrate unique and creative ways to enhance and embellish your images using many of my favorite Nik Software filters. These filters expand your creativity in every direction, and I use them all the time. When you combine Photoshop techniques with the various Nik filters, you 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 is now available on my website -- click HERE for a direct link. Below are a few images using techniques I discuss in the book. If you order any of the Nik filters, use the discount code JZUCKERMAN and you'll save 15%.
 
|
|
eBook on Macro Photography
Macro is an intriguing blend of technical know-how and artistry, and it's one of my favorite aspects of picture taking. 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 subjects. You never know where it will lead you.
To purchase the macro ebook, click HERE and scroll down the page.
  
|
PHOTOSHOP WORKSHOP in my
HOME Sat. & Sun., November 26, 27, 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.
The photo above was taken in Delhi, India. I placed the sun (taken with a long lens) precisely behind the center of the mosque. I spend a lot of time in the workshop explaining how to do this so the composite looks believable.
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.
|
|
|
LISTING OF PHOTO TOURS/WORKSHOPS FOR 2012
The entire emphasis on my photography tours is on getting great pictures of great subjects. You will expend a lot of energy in that pursuit, and you may be tired 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!"
Most of these trips require a lot of walking (with some exceptions), and often there are steps to negotiate in archeological ruins, hotels, temples and churches, or in the case of Venice, Italy, there are many bridges over the canals that can only be traversed by walking over stone steps. If you have problems regarding your hip, knee, or feet, keep this mind when deciding on a photo tour. If you are in doubt of your physical abilities, contact me about a particular trip and ask what the challenges may be.
I invite you to check out the Student Showcase on my website that features pictures that were taken by people participating in my photo tours and workshops. They are inspiring to say the least. Click HERE to see them.
WINTER WILDLIFE SHOOT, Jan. 6 - 8, 2012
(2 spaces left)
It's a special experience being up close and personal with wolves, mountain lions, bobcats, lynx, arctic fox, and other North American wildlife, and to be able to take great shots of them in a natural environment is truly exciting. I am conducting a workshop in Minnesota to photograph these animals in their full winter coats, and the pictures you'll get are guaranteed to be fantastic. Even though this is a captive shoot, the enclosures in which the animals are placed are large and they look entirely natural as you can see from the photos below. Click HERE for more information and to see more images.
 
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! For more information, click HERE.
 
INDONESIA PHOTO TOUR, June 29 to July 15, 2012
The photography tour I led to Indonesia last July was incredibly successful. Everyone loved the experience and got stunning images. Several days are spent in exotic Bali where we photograph the beautiful young dancers, sculpted rice terraces, Hindu temples, wild monkeys, and more. On the island of Java, we visit two active volcanic areas, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur, and the itinerary is timed to experience the spectacular fashion festival in Jemper. What an incredible photo opportunity this is.
My wife is from Indonesia, and she can help you buy artifacts and souvenirs at the best prices. Her negotiating skills can only be described as brutal!
 
FROG & REPTILE SHOOT, Feb. 4, 5, 2012
Join me for a fun-filled and unique 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. Your friends might think you are crazy, but when they see your awesome pictures they'll change their tune. 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 fascinating, 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.
PHOTO TOUR TO MYANMAR (Burma), Nov. 9 - 24, 2012.
The Burmese people are among the friendliest in the world, and the photography in this beautiful southeast Asian country is fantastic. The young monks are always willing to be photographed, the Buddhist temples are stunning, and the ancient ruins in Pagan at sunrise or sunset make remarkable travel images. We will get amazing pictures of the leg rowers on Inle Lake, and the photography of the long necked women will produce some of your best portraits ever. Returning to Burma is always a joy for me, and I look forward to sharing this great travel destination with you. Check my website for detailed information by clicking 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
HUMMINGBIRDS in COSTA RICA, March 13 - 19 2012
It is impossible not to be captivated by hummingbirds, and to be able to photograph them with tack sharp clarity -- to freeze their wings -- is something very special for nature photographers and especially for those of you who love photographing birds. With four strategically placed flash units (I supply all the flash units, light stands, etc.), it's possible to get frame-filling shots of these brilliantly colored birds, and in Costa Rica the variety of species is what you'd expect from a tropical environment.
 My friend and superb nature photographer and instructor, Adam Jones, co-leads this trip with me, and between us you have many decades of experience. This is a technically challenging photo set up, but in the end it's the easiest bird photography you'll ever do. You sit in a chair (with drink in hand if you like), and when the birds drink nectar from the flowers we position in front of complimentary backgrounds, you fire away and a certain percentage of the shots are guaranteed to be stunning award-winning images that will make you proud. I supply all the flash equipment, backgrounds, light stands, etc. that are needed to get these great images.
On this trip, we also have a fantastic reptile shoot where you can get up close and personal with native Costa Rican species of snakes, frogs, basilisks, etc. This is a highlight of the trip. There are also superb opportunities to photograph many other species of birds, tropical flowers, insects, and some unique jungle mammals.
For more information, click HERE.
|
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
|
SAVE MONEY WHEN YOU BUY PHOTOSHOP
If you don't own the full, extended version of Photoshop and you want to save money when you buy it, go to academicsuperstore.com. The 'educational' version, which is the same as the full priced version but much less money, can be purchased for $199. All you need to do to qualify for this discount is to email them a copy of a student's report card from school. Any student (their last name can be different from yours), any grade (including elementary school). If you are a teacher, you automatically qualify for this discount. You will save HUNDREDS of dollars. |
Missed a newsletter? You can see all of my past newsletters (starting with the February, 2008 issue) if you paste this link into your browser:
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.
|
|
