Month: April 2011

How to capture better color with your camera

by Stanley LearyWhite Balance
Reading Time: 4 minutes
glare
Reflections in hood and glass
no glare
Polarizing filter eliminates reflections
“I’ll fix that in post,” is the mantra for so many photographers.  As long as you get the best possible exposure and shoot in the RAW mode of your camera there is a great deal that you can correct in the postproduction.  However, there is one thing that cannot be fully corrected that needs attention before you push that shutter release. 
If you shoot RAW rather than JPEG you can change the color temperature much easier and more precisely in the postproduction.  For example when you open the photo in either PhotoShop or Lightroom the RAW image will give you a pull down menu that is similar to the white balance menu built into the camera.  You can pick Auto, tungsten, fluorescent, daylight, flash or custom white balance settings.  If you shoot JPEG these options are not available.
So, the mantra for the RAW shooter of, “I will fix that in post” can be done as far as white balance.  The problem with being able to correct a photo after the fact can give you the false sense of security that everything is fixable in post.
If you miss the exposure even in raw you can adjust the exposure in post, but the results will not be stellar.  Correct exposure will give you more dynamic range in the RAW image than one poorly exposed.
I recommend before you press the shutter to take the photo to do a custom white balance with your camera.  This is where you tell the camera the perfect white balance in that setting. 
expodisc
ExpoDisc is used to get a incident “white balance”
grey card
Grey card is used to get a reflective “white balance”
There are different devices to help you set the custom white balance.  I use the ExpoDisc as my primary device.  This is a device you put on your lens like a filter, stand in the place of the subject and point the lens back towards the direction of either the light or the camera.  This is called an incident reading.
Another great and inexpensive way to set your white balance is a grey card.  This is a 15% grey card that is calibrated to give you what would be the absolute middle tone in your histogram.  You put this where the subject is and filling the frame with nothing but the grey you set your camera to it.  The card is facing the direction of the camera.  This is called a reflective reading.  
If you take time to get a custom white balance you will save this step in postproduction and increase the accuracy of the color in your photos.
no glare2
Polarizing filter diminishes the glare in foliage
glare2
Without the polarizing filter you have glare in foliage
One thing that is not correctable in post is glare.  This is often everywhere in a photo.  The polarizing filter is the best way to correct for this flaw in photos.

Often fishermen wear polarizing sunglasses so they can see below the surface of the water and see the fish.  It helps cut the glare of the light on the surface of the water to see the fish below.

Polarizing sunglasses also help those operating motor vehicles.  The glare from the dashboard, hood and road can be removed with the polarizer.

The polarizing filter fits onto the lens of the camera and after it is attached the photographer rotates the filter while looking through the camera lens is able to decide how much of the glare they want to remove from a scene.  
Besides water and driving conditions glare is everywhere.  The landscape photographer uses the polarizing filter to improve the color of foliage.  Leaves and grass often have glare that a polarizer helps to remove and give a richer color that is not possible to correct in postproduction.
There is one more thing that a polarizer does besides cut glare, but this is a little tricky to grasp.  The polarizer can give you a darker sky, but this depends on the direction you are pointing your camera in relationship to the sun.  Only ½ the sky can be darkened.  Without going to a long explanation, you just need to rotate the filter to see what part of the sky is affected.  If it gets darker then you know it is working and if it doesn’t get darker it isn’t working.
The one thing you want to be careful about when using the polarizer is if the sky in part of the photo is in the area that will darken and some of the sky is in the area that will not darken in the same photo.  
When you listen to the weather report you often hear them talk about humidity.  This is how much water is in the air.  Humidity can be something a polarizer can help with as well.  The water in the air can add to the glare.  Using the polarizer can help in this situation.  The lower the humidity the richer the color because there is less interference between the lens and subject.  Where you will see this the most is in the sky.  In dry climates the sky will almost be black with a polarizer.
I highly recommend you own a polarizer and use it to improve your photos—because postproduction will not fix what it will.
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Students have access to superstars

by Stanley LearyPhotography
Reading Time: 3 minutes
photo1
Sergej Krylov and Arild Remmereit talk to the students from Elkins Point Middle School orchestra and band. Next to Sergej is his Stradivari “Scotland University” (1734) from the Sau-Wing Lam Collection, courtesy of “Fondazione A. Stradivari” in Cremona. (photo by: Stanley Leary) 

Having kids give us a great excuse, if we need one, to take them places we want to go. Parents of kids get to enjoy children’s movies that they may feel awkward going to alone. We get to go to places like Disney World.

Sometimes kids have advantages to give us access to adult subject matter.  This is what happened last Friday night with our daughter.

Seth Gamba is my daughter’s orchestra teacher who organized group ticket sale for the students and parents to see the Atlanta Symphony.  Friday night was special because of guest violin soloist Sergej Krylov and last minute bonus of guest conductor Arild Remmereit.

photo2
Students, parents and teachers from Elkins Middle School enjoy listening to the artists answer their questions. (photo by: Stanley Leary)

At first you might think the “discounted ticket” was what excited me, but really it was what happened after the concert.

Seth Gamba had asked if the soloist violinist and the conductor would talk to the students after the concert.  They graciously stayed after the event and the students sat on the first 2 rows of the symphony hall for question and answer time.

You could see the faces of the students paying close attention to these superstars.  The parents I think were just as excited and also asked questions.

photo3
Arild Remmereit talks about his journey from the time of the student’s age to now. The students got to hear how his path was different than of Sergej Krylov’s. Arild’s mother made him take piano, which he wasn’t fond of at that time and had to practice 5 minutes a day.  Sergej took from his parents and practiced for 6 hours a day as a young 5 year old. (photo by: Stanley Leary)

The lesson is simple—as a student you have access that is difficult later in life to get. Professionals are very excited about talking about their work and answering questions to students.

If you have children be sure you are aware of the opportunities that the community has for them that give them access to “superstars” and go with them.  If you don’t have children—volunteer to help youth programs and by doing so you will not just get an opportunity to tag along to meet superstars you are one for giving of your time.

photo4
I seized the opportunity to thank Seth Gamba by offering to photograph him with the conductor and violinist. Follow the lead of Seth Gamba and organize an outing for the students you know to get access to professionals and artists–you will be glad you did. (photo by: Stanley Leary)
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Why Seeing the Big Picture is Crucial for Photographers

by Stanley Learymultimedia / photojournalism
Reading Time: < 1 minute

As a photographer, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of a scene, focusing on capturing the perfect shot of a single subject. However, taking a step back and seeing the bigger picture is essential. By doing so, you can capture images that showcase the subject and the context and environment in which it exists.

One way to do this is to vary your perspective. For example, instead of always shooting from eye level, try getting down low or climbing up high to capture a different view of the scene. This can help you see how the subject fits into its surroundings and give you a more dynamic image.

Another way to see the big picture is to pay attention to the foreground and background of your shots. You can create a more compelling image that tells a story by including elements that frame the subject or provide context.

So next time you’re out shooting, remember to step back and see the big picture. You might be surprised at the images you can create.

Struggling and being successful both bring stress.

by Stanley LearyTaxes
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it can be caused by various factors such as work, relationships, and personal goals. Whether you are struggling or thriving, stress is a shared experience. Success can even bring more stress than struggle.

When you are struggling, stress can arise from the pressure to overcome the obstacles that you are facing. This pressure can be due to external factors such as financial problems or personal issues or internal factors such as self-doubt and fear of failure. However, when you are successful, stress can arise from the pressure to maintain your success or exceed the expectations of others.

It is essential to understand that stress is not always a bad thing. It can motivate you to work harder, push yourself further, and achieve your goals. However, excessive stress can lead to negative consequences such as burnout, anxiety, and physical health problems.

To manage stress, it is essential to develop healthy coping mechanisms. Some effective strategies include exercise, mindfulness meditation, social support, and time management. Additionally, it is necessary to recognize your limits and prioritize self-care.

In conclusion, stress is a natural part of life and can arise from both struggling and being successful. To manage stress, developing healthy coping mechanisms and prioritizing self-care is essential. Remember that success does not have to come at the cost of your well-being.

I always travel with a tripod

by Stanley LearyTripod / wildlife photography
Reading Time: 2 minutes
tripod
Gitzo GT-0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber tripod
 
I always try to have a tripod with me. Finding a sturdy tripod was pretty easy. However, you will quickly look for something much lighter once you fly and carry your tripod through airports worldwide.
 
Carbon fiber’s high tensile strength, low weight, and low thermal expansion make it a perfect solution for making tripods strong, durable, and lightweight. So, a few years ago, I researched and tried a few tripods before buying my Gitzo GT-0531 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber tripod. 
 
Weighing only 1.6 lbs, it is 20.9” tall folded, extends to 51.6″, and can go as low as 10.6” with legs spread. 
folded
Folded
 
When looking for a tripod, the smaller it is folded, combined with a really tall height when expanded, will make a tripod cost more. Carbon fiber cuts the weight by 1/3 compared to a similar tripod made of metal.
ballhead
Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head
 
This tripod doesn’t come with a head. I liked ball heads and needed something small yet strong again, so I bought the Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head.
 
This combination fits in a small carry-on bag and keeps my camera steady when needed.  

Active Listening

by Stanley LearyPhotography
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Vince Stanton attempts Troublemaker during the Professional Bull Riders Atlanta Classic at the Georgia Dome. 

From Wikipedia
Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret, and evaluate what they hear. Listening actively can improve personal relationships by reducing conflicts, strengthening cooperation, and fostering understanding. When interacting, people often do not listen attentively. They may be distracted, thinking about other things, or thinking about what they will say next (the latter case is particularly true in conflict situations or disagreements). Active listening is a structured way of listening and responding to others, focusing attention on the speaker. Suspending one’s frame of reference, suspending judgment, and avoiding other internal mental activities are essential to attend to the speaker fully. “The Most Dangerous Eight Seconds in Sports” is how National Geographic writer Zoltan Istvan describes bull riding.  Death is a real possibility for the bull rider.  The bulls are 15 times the size of the rider.  Imagine a defensive lineman in football being 15 times the quarterback’s size. One of my photography friends is also a bull-riding coach.  His name is Maxy Pinson.  When you meet Maxey, you see a well-dressed and groomed elderly gentleman.  He is from Oklahoma and was a scientist for the oil industry in his earlier career.   

Reuben Geleynse hangs on to Long John during the 2004 RBR Atlanta Classic at the Georgia Dome, February 7, 2004.

 I was fascinated with Maxy’s career and interested in what a coach does to help a cowboy ride a bull.  What he teaches these bull riders parallels what we need to know about being a good listener. Maxy teaches the bull rider to focus his “full attention” on the bull’s head.  “The bull’s head will let you know what the bull is doing and going to do,” says Maxy.  You cannot take your eye off it.  You have to stay focused for 8 seconds to ride the bull. Active listening requires you to make eye contact and listen to understand the message, and not just hear the words. You cannot be distracted by whatever else is happening around you, or by forming counterarguments you’ll make when the other person stops speaking. Nor can you allow yourself to get bored and lose focus on what the other person is saying. All of these contribute to a lack of listening and understanding. You also need to communicate to the person you are listening.  Sometimes just an “uh-huh” or nod will let them know you are listening.  This isn’t saying you agree, but it communicates you are listening. An occasional question or comment to recap what they say

WE REMEMBER
10% of what we read
20% of what we hear
30% of what we see
50% of what we hear and see
70% of what we discuss with others
80% of what we experience
95% of what we teach others–Edgar Dale

The first step to becoming a better listener was acknowledging that my communication style has been less than stellar.  While I was getting better at getting my ideas across as I matured, my relationships with people were not improving.  I had to stop and evaluate my communication style.  It needed an overhaul. I can see that the successes I have had in life have usually been when I practiced “active listening.”  There are still many relationships where I need to implement these skills better.   I have discovered that Edgar Dale is right. I remember more of what I needed to do to be more successful: write and share what I found on this blog.   While you might get something out of the blog, the very nature of writing these posts has helped me improve in many ways.

Bart Jackson attempts to ride Smokin Joe during the 2004 RBR Atlanta Classic at the Georgia Dome, February 7, 2004.

If you don’t listen actively to those needing your attention, you will go down like a bull rider.

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What will they buy? —Not what do I have to sell?

by Stanley LearyPhotography
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Are you selling prints, DVDs, digital files, or the memories you capture?

Too often, photographers look only at the cost of making a photo—pushing the button. In the days of film, many of these same photographers would try and sell a 25¢ piece of paper. Both then and now, these photographers miss the point—the medium is only a vehicle.     

Photographers of people sell moments. The better the photographer can raise the feelings in the beholder’s mind the monetary value of that image is increased.     

The door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman isn’t selling appliances but a clean house.   The key for photographers is to realize they are not selling pictures but what those pictures capture. Even in advertising photos of products, the incredible images help capture a mood and create a craving in the audience in some way.     

Photography has five stages in selling.   

  1. Attention 
  2. Interest 
  3. Desire 
  4. Need 
  5. Action   

You need to, in some way, have their attention first. There are many ways to get this. One of the best ways is through a referral from a happy customer. This is based on relationships. The relationship you as a photographer have built with a client and the excitement they have and want to share you with their friends is, in my book, the best way to get someone’s attention.   

Great images will also get someone’s attention. These are often done through your advertising. Getting your work in front of someone to get their attention would be best.   

The next step is creating an interest in your product. Your referral will use their testimonial to help you create interest. They will tell their friends about how you impressed them in some way.     

Many photographers may have celebrities in their portfolio, and some photographers have exotic locations, and as you can see, these things create an interest in the photographer and their work.    

This interest should lead to desire. This is where they start to inquire, want to know more, and are engaged with you. You must move them from seeing you as a commodity; otherwise, they will look for another photographer.

Instead, you have to establish a real need for your services. This is where your ability to demonstrate to them how you are the best choice for them. This may be how you communicate your ability to care for them, and you might explain this by just how attentive you are in the sales process.     

Questions for yourself:   

  • Did you offer them something to drink?  
  • Did you listen and ask thoughtful questions based on what you heard them say?   
  • Did you have good eye contact with them?  
  • Did you greet them with a genuine smile?  
  • Are you conscious of their time and clear and concise in your answers to their questions?

If you establish your ability to meet their needs, it is on to action. The client wants to sign the contract and hand you the money to make it happen. If you seldom get to this stage where the client is taking the initiative to close the sale for you—then a real need for “you” was never established. Instead, you are seen as a commodity, and someone else can fill the market.