Sometimes rules are meant to be broken.
Take this shot for example I deliberately shot this photo with a dutch tilt to enhance the motion of the oncoming wave. If I had photographed this image with a straight horizon the motion of the wave wouldn’t have the same effect. What do you think? Do you think it works without having the horizon straight?
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
Being an Australian photographer is rewarding as the diverse landscape offers some truly remarkable locations. The Pinnacles is located along the coast of Western Australia near Jurien Bay. Whenever I look at this photo my eye is lead through the passage of towering rocks into the unknown. A total of 5 images combined with a sandpaper texture were used to create this vertical stitch.
Is this image your cup of tea?
I’m really interested to hear your feed back on the sort of images you like seeing on this blog. The feedback is really important to me as I am planning to make all my landscape and wildlife photos I take next year free to download. There will of course be an option to donate if you wish. You can read about my future plans in an article written by Maximilian Majewski. Check out the link to the article on one of my previous posts – The Meaning of Free
Please leave a comment below and let me know what sort of photos you would like to see in the future. Thank you.
Until next time – Happy Shooting
The deafening howl increased as wind shuttled passed my ears. My vision was temporarily interrupted, the blast of sand in my eyes was agonizing. Recovering the gritty debris from my vision I wasn’t about to retreat to the car without exercising my camera. Nothing was going to stop me.
The picture before me was developing into a scene…one that was worth waiting for.
The light was starting to revel itself from lost clouds gathering on the distant horizon. Secure in its footings the wooden jetty stood strong against the battling water thrashing against its dilapidating wooden boards. Seaweed draped over the edge of the wet structure breaking up horizontal repetition within the frame. My mind raced as fast as the clouds gathered in front of me.
With the fishing trawler awaiting a new dawn the light above began to broadcast itself between the clouds. A magical glow illuminated the camera sensor into action. The scene was born.
If you would like to see the scene I also took from this spot check out my recent post – Beauty Abounds in Port Gregory.
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
When I saw this scene on the side of the road I had to stop and take a photo. I used to drive a tractor similar to this once. Every second day I would get up early in the morning to deliver hay to hungry cows. Living in the country was certainly on the of great joys in life. Fresh air and vast landscapes….what more could you want?
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
The latest FREE fine art photograph is ready to be downloaded.
August 2012 – Osprey.jpeg
REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
Just had this shared with me on a dpreview forum – another new Fujifilm compact camera – Source – http://digicame-info.com/2012/08/x-3.html
Thoughts?
POST UPDATED WITH NEW SPECIFICATIONS (SEE **UPDATED**) – 6TH SEPTEMBER 2012
Fujifilm are always pushing the boundaries when it comes to extreme developments within the imaging industry. Over the past decade Fujifilm released a number of exciting developments within professional photography arena.
The incredible Fujifilm S3 is still a camera that brings back great memories for professional wedding and studio photographers. I believe we are seeing another revolution in imaging with the ever-increasing family of X-Series cameras.
The recent X-100 camera has been highly successful for the iconic brand due to the manual design and impressive image quality. The X-100 camera has been out now for almost two years (announced 19th September 2010) so it really is no surprise that Fujifilm will be continuing the X-Series legacy with a new line of X series cameras. The X-E1 is one of those cameras soon to be announced by Fujifilm.
I have had a look at what the Fujifilm X-E1 may offer and I can speculate the following specifications.
Pictured below is Japanese made X-E1 which boasts the new XF 18-55mm lens with Super EBC coating.
14 Megapixels **UPDATED** 16 Megapixels
APS-C size sensor
Electronic Viewfinder – 460,000 Screen Dots **AMENDED** ** This should be screen resolution **
3.0″ LCD Screen
Diopter adjustment
Full HD Movie Recording
Electronic hot shoe to suit the Fujifilm EF-X20, EF42 and EF20 flash units.
Screw in shutter release for long exposures
7 White Balance Presets
RAW file format
Autofocus Modes – Contrast Detect (sensor), Centre, Continuous, Live View, Multi area and Single
HDMI output
USB 2.0
Exposure Compensation Dial +2, +1, 0, -1, -2
ISO Control Auto, 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) **UPDATED** (expandable to 25600)
Film Simulation Mode
Built in pop up flash (I would imagine this would be rated to 7-12 metres)
XF Lens Mount
AF/AE Lock
Still, Continuous and Manual Autofocus Modes
Bulb Shutter
3.0″ LCD Screen **UPDATED** (2.8″ LCD Screen)
SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
NP-95 battery or NP-50 (Battery Life around 250 – 270 photos) **UPDATED** (Battery NP-W126 – Battery Life around 350 photos)
Level Assist and guide lines as a display mode
Customizable Function Button
Quick Mode – Where the user will be able to change the majority of camera settings without accessing the menu system.
AF Selection Mode
Silver or Black design
I would imagine the camera would be nice to hold as it looks to be a similar size to Fujifilm X-100. However the camera does look a bit smaller than the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
The XF lens pin configuration system on the X-E1 is the same on the X-Pro 1 – hence my conclusion for the 6 different focus modes.
I’m sure this camera will be affordable for the pro-enthusiast. I can imagine the price to be around AU$1499.00 including the XF 18-55mm lens (AU$999 Body only?) . This of course is purely speculation as the camera hasn’t been officially announced by Fujifilm. If you want to read more about the X-Series camera system be sure to check out my review on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
The distant memories of a loved car – forever forgotten.
Ghostly trees stood still, silently witnessing the devastating scene. The abandoned wreck lay alone and motionless.
Blistering paint cracked and peeled under the burning light; heat to intense to move. The ride was no more.
Pride and joy just a distant memory.
Forever lost. Forever forgotten.
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
So what do you do if you have a crap image and you don’t know what to do with it?
Edit it in Photoshop of course!
Last night I had a bit of a play and produced the following results. I’m not saying it is a great image but the effect is cool.
Check out the video for the brief on how I did it.
Original
Edited
THE BRIEF EXPLANATION
I watched as the darting bird stealthily fished beyond the reaches of my telephoto lens. The bird dove with tucked wings from a standing height; water erupted on the horizon as the bird breached the surface chasing a scaly meal from the watery depths below.
The choice of a telephoto lens was rewarding, I was able to separate the common predator from the breaking waves and colourful ocean hues. It’s such a shame the Tern returned to shore without a prize meal as it would have made the photo into a masterpiece. I suppose that is what wildlife photography is all about, you may capture a great image you may not – it can be so unpredictable if you don’t know what you are looking for. You simply have to perceive and eventually the behaviour of an animal will become known. It is only then you can master the art of wildlife photography.
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
Photography can be a challenge at the best of times however being a colour blind photographer can sometimes make it a bit harder.
Colour blindness is a term used to describe a persons inability to see colour. The term colour blindness is really a misconception as people can see colours however they may not be able to distinguish between colours. In most cases it is referred to as being colour deficient not colour blindness. If you are unable to see colour you would be an achromatopsia sufferer. Fortunately for me I can still tell if a traffic light is green or red (thank goodness) but when it comes to identifying colours it becomes more difficult. This can affect my photography in a number of ways.
I found a video that might help explain the subject more clearly than I can:
There are three basic kinds of colour deficiency.
When editing photos on my computer I don’t seem to have too much difficulty adjusting colour. Over time I have learned where the colour sliders should be to best represt colour. Something that also helps a great deal is the camera’s RAW files. I am able to change the white balance setting in post production which automatically corrects the colour within the scene. My problems start to occur when I play around with photos using Photoshop or Lightroom. For instance I may edit the colours within a seascape making the sunset more vivid. If I make a wrong move the rocks may turn a pink hue when all I wanted them to be was a natural colour. I have no way of distinguishing if the colour is correct so I rely on users comments and my memory of colour tools in Photoshop as my best guidance. Most of the time in my photographs I get away with correct colour. On the odd occasion you may see some horrid colour present in my photographs. If you do please tell me as I can’t see it!
When it comes to printing I leave it to the professionals. I have no clue what to do if a photo looks like it has too much magenta because I don’t know if it has too much magenta. Sounds a bit confusing I know but I can tell you now it is more frustrating than anything else.
I have had a search on the internet to find a similar test to ones I have done in the past. In the following video I could only see 3 of the numbers in the patterns. How many could you see? (some advice before watching the video….mute the music!)
Thanks to Kev Isabeth for the suggestion to write on this subject and to The Colour Blind Photographer for your descriptions on colour blindness.
I got asked a few days ago is landscape photography really worth it? It sort of got me thinking about why I do it. I suppose this post is some of my thoughts on the subject and hopefully it answers the question – is landscape photography really worth it?
There is nothing like the feeling of the ocean breeze in your hair or the silence of a still desert night; these feelings are part of an experience that makes landscape photography so important to me.
When I lived in Albany, Western Australia I met Andrew Halsall who showed me just how to appreciate landscape photography. I always thought landscape photography was about arriving in a remote location only to unpack heavy photography gear. My thoughts had left me with the impression landscapes were was such a waste of time – I mean all that travel just to set up the camera on a tripod and take a photo – what a stupid idea! I couldn’t have been more wrong! I was shown there was a lot more to photographing landscape than I had imagined.
My thoughts started to change when I was taken on a few landscape adventures armed with some of Andrew’s essentials which included a camp cooker, stove top coffee plunger and some great humor. I have great memories of camping under the stars on uncomfortable ground after relentless days of hiking through the Stirling’s or even cooking toasted bacon sandwiches whilst the camera was photographing a star trail. Thinking back now I know that these experiences are really why landscape photography is one of the photographic subjects I now pursue.
Bluff Knoll, Stirling Ranges National Park
Living in Western Australia, I have been fortunate to photograph forests, oceans, deserts, mountains and salt lakes. I truly believe Western Australia has some amazing landscapes. You simply just need to get out there to photograph it.
So what does it take to photograph a landscape?
Simply put – determination! All you need is a little bit of determination to get yourself out of bed. The cold mornings and nights when all you want to do is go to back to sleep are the moments when you need to push yourself. My mums voice ” You’ll enjoy it when you get there” is a constant reminder which haunts me to get out of bed. The thought of getting up in darkness to take a photo is clearly mad for non photographers but the experience when you see the sunrise over a valley or a shooting star really makes the effort worthwhile.
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
I suppose what separates landscape photographers from the happy snappers is really a simple answer – you either enjoy landscape photography or you don’t. Being a landscape photographer isn’t really something you just think about it is something you become. It becomes a passion. All you need to do is get out there, make sure you have a full battery and memory card and the landscape will do the rest. Although don’t get me wrong there is a lot of art and post production behind a good landscape photographer but that will come with time and experience.
I really have never been much of a writer or philosopher but photographer yes! My motivation to get out and photograph the landscape comes down to the love of the outdoors. So next time you aren’t motivated in your photography just remember to break past the mind barrier and get outdoors with your camera in hand – I’ll tell you now you won’t regret it.
Lake Leschenaultia, Western Australia
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
Have you ever wondered what makes a good black and white photo?
When I photographed this Warthog in the Kruger National Park, I was anticipating the final image to be in colour however after a quick conversation to black and white in Photoshop I changed my mind.
What do you think makes a decent black and white photo? Do you think it has anything to do with the texture or is it something else. I’m still scratching my head. Please tell me the answer!
My photographic story continues in an article written by Maximilian Majewski titled – “The Meaning of Free.”
Be sure to visit the article to find out what my big photographic plans are for next year.
I don’t want to say too much here as everything is said in the article. So go on have a read here.
If you have any comments be sure to join the conversation where the article was posted.
Until next time – Happy Shooting :)
This Wedge Tailed Eagle was captured near the Stirling Ranges. The magnificent bird is certainly my favourite to photograph and one of the hardest!
Does anyone know what the name of this Kangaroo/Wallaby is? Photographed near Hearson’s Cove, Western Australia.
Considering the storms we are having at the moment I thought I would be a good idea to stick to the wet weather theme. Enjoy
Until next time – Happy Shooting
The latest FREE fine art photograph is ready to be downloaded.
August 2012 – Port Gregory.jpeg
REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
Google has just released their latest video – John Butterill’s Virtual Photo Walks. I am quite proud to have been involved in Virtual Photo Walks by conducting a few walks in Fremantle, Western Australia with Paul Pichugin. I was really pleased to see myself and my name mentioned briefly in the video (0.39 seconds into the video and a bit later with my name). Interacting with like minded people is what I love about Google+. So if you haven’t joined Google+ be sure to jump on board.
Below is a brief explanation taken from the Virtual Photo Walks About page on Google+
+Virtual Photo Walks is a project to allow people using Google+ to be interactive citizens again. Utilizing the hangout feature and smart phones, people are able to visit and interact with smart phone enabled photographers to see places and people they use to, see things that they might not have had the chance to see.
It is a not just a service for those who are hospitalized or cannot go out into the community, but also for the many who just need a break in their day. It is a way to lend a helping hand by providing a window to places and things most of us take for granted. A truly interactive experience.
Check out the video below and be sure to walk the walk for those who can’t.
Blue, clear and bathed in beauty. I watched in wonder as the undulating movement enlightened my soul.
Rising and falling, brimming with shine the ocean was moving – forever the tide.
Beauty amassed under the daylight blue as each clear drop reflected an untold hue.
Ripples of reflection mirrored the surrounds as my photograph spoke of the beauty abound.
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
Cropped to a square, the original image was too clean so film grain was added to enhance the detail. I have been debating whether to put this image on the blog. Do you think the texture works on this photo? Feedback needed good and bad please!
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
This is a continued post from Part 1 – Who Needs Carrots When You Have A Fujifilm X-Pro 1?
“You don’t need carrots to see in the dark – you simply need a Fujifilm X-Pro 1. Hopefully the photos and story show just how this camera performs in low light when using high ISO – no need for those carrots anymore!”
Motionless, beat up and lost the door stood as a gateway into a darker world. The urban rustic weathered paint was a reminder of the harsh abandoned life this building had become custom to. The distant street light shed new life on the neglected doorway. My X-Pro 1 picked up the little available light with ease. ISO 5000 had never looked so clean against a decrepit dirty background.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 5000 – f1.4- 1/40 second
Continuing my stroll down heritage surrounds my camera was drawn to a light like a moth to a flame. The building before was bathed in an iridescent glow. Bold straight architectural lines gave form with a modern twist.
Double doors centred as a focal point balancing the two outer archways. Caged vertical bars broke horizontal lines. Interior warming light shone juxtaposed against the outside cool colour temperature. All I had to do was simply lift the camera, look and click. The magic light danced around my viewfinder and instantaneously the camera showed off its work on the back LCD. Impressive!
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 2500 – f2.0 – 1/125 second
Street art always intrigues me. Fremantle is not really renowned for the modern art form so it was a breath of fresh air coming across it. The intricate detail of pen on textured walls stood proud. I was impressed at the quality both of the artist and camera’s reproduction alike. Smooth tones and noiseless photos proved the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 had been a perfect choice. ISO 6400 had never looked so clear before. Maybe it was down to the amazing sensor or just the sharpened glass present on the robust camera either way I was happy the X-Pro 1 was in my hands and my Canon Pro body was at home.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 6400 – f1.4 – 1/25 second
Eyes attuned to detail my legs trekked down the road stopping momentarily at a nearby notice board. Full of interesting events I focused my attention toward the centre of the board and set the lens to a shallow depth of field. Posters hung carelessly fighting for space. People hurried past ignoring the abundant plethora of words and information. Noticing the lack of interest my eyes lost focus and blurred the swamp of dictation before me. Briefly all I could see was vibrant colour – words became a jumbled mess.
I wanted to recreate the vibrant colour I had seen briefly so dashing through the menu, Velvia film simulation mode was locked and loaded. Colours popped and vibrance shone, E6 processing without the chemicals was proven to be the perfect combination. Slide film was reborn. Digital had finally made its modern move. The debate of film was no more.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 1200 – f1.4 – 1/50 second
By now the light was falling into a darker trance. Contrast and shadows filled every space the moonlight burned textures reflecting an eerie glow. Gathering clouds surrounded the ball of light above. My camera pitched into the darkness. The frame was set, ticking time detailed the foreground as my camera’s ISO was pushed to capture the remaining light. The clouds formed clean white streaks which brushed the blackened sky. The halls magnificent towering peak almost formed a pirouette in the night sky as the clouds danced behind, stars twinkling in delight. The night show had begun.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 5000 – f1.8 – 1/125 second
Walking along a busy Queen Street I felt like a photographic King as I noticed the printed word Queen on a window pane. Bathed in a strong red backlight (from an interior sign) I lined up the text to fill my viewfinder. The text stood strong with hardened edges as a the lens depicted the scene without colour bleed. I was more than impressed.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 2500 – f5.6 – 1/220 second
Amassing on the monument of Fremantle’s heritage I found myself among the buildings that time forgot. The worn, cracked weathered limestone reflected the hastiness of the surrounds. Windows bound in formality repeated along the structure. Shadows formed across the strewed masonry filling shadows with amazing hues. My camera picked up the contrast with ease and the final shot stood still, the way time had left it.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 1000 – f1.4 – 1/105 second
The detailed attention of the master sculptor filled my frame. His eyes fixated and focused at the sculpture at hand. Street light hit the bronze statue highlighting the shapes of his worn jacket and combed hair. Standing as still as the statue I locked focus, held my breath and proceeded to push the shutter. The almost depressing light engrossed the frame. Beautiful golden bokeh broke the scene into two as the emerging human shape jumped from the foreground. It was almost as the statue had come to life.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 2500 – f1.4 – 1/15 second
Steps filled with a hurried pace as I travelled on my homeward journey. The chilled cold night air had won. The quest to test the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 was over. I didn’t need to eat any carrots as the camera was able to see into the darkness for me. High ISO and low light noiseless images had made this camera one of the best in my collection.
I hope you have enjoyed this two-part test. If you would like to see some more of my work be sure to subscribe to this page.
If you have any questions on the camera or any of the images feel free to ask them here or on my new collaborated website – F Stop Lounge – a site made by photographers for photographers.
Until next time – Happy Shooting
Osprey feathers fly silently upon the wind soaring in grandeur. Patterns dance in the breeze above. Light falls on feathers enhancing pools of striking reds and electric blues. The sound of the sea stirs, the powerful Osprey beats its wings steadily toward the headland wind. Eyesight sharp and focused.
Mysterious shapes travel below in the churning water. The powerful bird tucks wings and dives to the depths grasping its trophy within its sharp talons. Beats of power gracefully lift the bird to its place of rest were it consumes its prize. Victory has its calling, the Osprey cries a whistles in the wind preening its feathers with pride.
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
I am intrigued to find out what the most popular camera is in the list below. Please have your say and vote.
The following are my thoughts I have learned over the past 5 years of photographing weddings. I hope you find my insights helpful for when you next shoot someone’s special day.
I typically meet with all my clients at least two or three times before the proposed date to plan a photography shoot around their desired needs. The first step for me is to establish what type of wedding the couple will host . Country, beach, church, backyard or is it going to be something completely out of the square?
I then proceed to ask one of the most important questions – what sort of feel would you like portrayed in your photographs? Would you like the photographs to looked relaxed, hipster, documentary or traditional? Most couples would have previously looked at your website or portfolio of images so I also ask if there any wedding photos that they enjoyed looking at. I find asking these simple questions really gives you a great foundation to plan their wedding photography.
A wedding is one of the biggest events you will ever photograph in your lifetime. Most brides have been dreaming of this day their entire life. From the moment a young girl styles her favourite doll in white cloth forming the most elegant of gowns, the slow steps begin down the confetti filled isle. The unsuspecting brothers toy, typically a dreamy Tuxedo Ken nervously awaits the hand of his beautiful bride as the ceremony unfolds.
The Fat Controller announces the famous words – “You may kiss the bride” and the perfectly timed monumental occasion rises to a new level, Elmo and the other stuffed congregation of misfits (family or friends) celebrate with cheers of joy. The makeshift shoebox comes alive as the bride and groom skip back down the aisle.
So now lets look back at this scene. Where is the photographer in this dreamed scenario?
The photographer is actually the child directing every move of the day as the preparation, ceremony and reception unfold. Knowing this fact it well worth your while to find out what the developed child’s mind is visualising for her wedding day. It’s your job to develop a shooting schedule that will show off her dreamed vision of the day. You will have to use all your creative, negotiation and leaderships skills to pull off the best wedding photography shoot ever.
I would say photography is a small part of photographing weddings. Firstly you have to be a people person, secondly a business mind and thirdly you need to have the creative genus to create amazing memories. Be sure to learn some good editing techniques, learn how to use your camera gear and if possible try to encourage an assistant to come along for the ride. I have used an assistant on all my wedding jobs and the difference is clear.
I pay my assistants well as they work just as hard as me! I have had a few assistants work with me over my time and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all (you know who you are) for the wonderful photographs you helped create. I would especially like to thank Caroline for giving me my first film SLR to explore this amazing world with. Without my first SLR camera I wouldn’t be where I am now. So thank you.
Getting back to discussing some wedding preparation – next on the list would have to be discussing the timeline of the day. As a general rule I normally arrive an hour before I need to be there. The extra time allows me to interact with the everyone involved and set up any gear. If you arrive too close to leaving for the ceremony the rush will last the rest of the day and the photos you capture will certainly suffer.
I really don’t want to make this post into a long boring wedding speech so I will keep it short.
Be sure to practise your photography craft at friends weddings, learn from others and practice some more. Wedding photography isn’t for everyone so if you aren’t up to the task then certainly leave it to a professional.
Weddings are truly one of my favourite things to photograph so I do hope you have enjoyed some of my thoughts and tips on the subject.
Remember to enjoy what you do and you will always succeed – Leigh Diprose.
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
Sometime photos (and blog posts) only need to be black, white and simple. What do you think of this photo?
Isn’t funny how we look for composition. Some of us practise it and for others it comes naturally.
My mother was an artist so composition came naturally to me. Maybe I was born with it….maybe its…..oh no that sounds like an ad! Seriously if you’re not born with composition then you will find it comes with practise. I think I learned how to compose an image as a child. Television and movies were my forte. Living in Sydney I would visit the cinema with a mate at least three times a month and the video rental card certainly got a work out too – normally 7 movies a week. When I watched a movie or TV show I would constantly look at the way the Director of Photography composed a scene. People were allocated head room and looking space…it was always consistent teaching. Two thirds looking room with the subject on a third line.
Want to learn composition but you don’t have the time to watch movies and TV? Don’t stress there is another way – bucket practice!
What the? Bucket practice I hear you say? Let me explain….start with some strong rope, a sturdy bucket (with metal handle) and some rocks. Attach the rope to the handle of the bucket. Throw the other end of the rope over an overhead strong horizontal beam. Measure so the bucket is hanging around chest height and tie off the rope again to the handle of the bucket. Add some rocks to the weigh down the bucket. Now your bucket will be hanging freely from a horizontal beam.
Hold the bucket and walk away from the hanging position so the rope is pulled tight. Release the bucket in any direction..for example swing the bucket left or right in circular motion or simply in a release it in a straight line. Once the bucket is in full swing pick up your camera with a telephoto lens attached and proceed to follow the bucket with the lens zoomed in all the way. This will take a bit of practice.
Once you have mastered following the bucket with the lens zoomed all the way try keeping your framing consistent by zooming in and out as the bucket moves towards or away from you. Try and make the bucket stay the same size. Spend about 10 minutes on this step. Once you have mastered following and framing proceed to the next step.
The next step requires a tripod and lots of practice. Set the camera up and turn your focus to manual. Proceed to do everything I mentioned above, keeping framing and zoom…..now simply add focus to the mix. This is hard but possible! You will now have two hands on the lens; one operating the zoom the other operating the camera’s focus…..let me know how you go!
All the hours of bucket practice has really helped my wildlife and sports photography. To this day I feel quite comfortable following a small bird through the viewfinder whilst maintaining framing and focus at 800mm.
Now back to the composition…
When out and about I’m constantly looking for leading lines and composition angles within my photographs. If I need to crop an image in post processing then I use the common third lines as a guide.
Don’t get me wrong. Not everything needs to be perfect. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken you simply just have to have the correct photograph to do it. I hear you say, when should they be broken Leigh? Simple answer….you just know…that’s what composition is about – producing a photograph that pleases the eye.
Take this photograph as an example. The birds lined up on the railing create a leading line to the bird looking in the other direction. See it?
So now I challenge you all, next time you are out with your camera don’t press the shutter button until you have composed the image first. In other words know what to shoot before you shoot it. Be sure to look for those leading lines too – they will make a big difference to your photography.
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
The world is light; tone; shape and form – its my job as an artist to share life’s intricate details.
Beauty abounds the natural wonders of Port Gregory. Waves turn and tumble roaring as weathered water amasses to the shore. Running in synchronization waves continues their forceful journey along the beach gliding until the evanescent wave reaches its peak. Receding water reflects the final afterglow. The watery rhythm continues as the bright beams fill voids upon the open ocean.
A gazebo stands steadfast upon its foundations as winds howl in its path. Weathered rotting wood holds little protection for the passing traveller. The storm shows no sign of holding back. Light passes through thick developed clouds shedding warmth wherever it lands. The spectacle emerges as low clouds pass; clearing the misty confusion. Crouched with tripod and camera in hand the words develop in my mind. Wind; rain; light and water – the perfect composition.
Canon EOS 1D MK IV – 85mm – ISO 50 – f14 – 1 second – PS CS5
LEIGH DIPROSE 