|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Cathedral Rock at Dusk • Sedona, AZ • Photograph by Susie Reed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AIM FOR THE SKY
|
|
|
| I'm lucky to live in beautiful Sedona, AZ where we have spectacular red rock landscapes, wonderful clouds and amazing sunsets. I sometimes think of Sedona as a photographer’s paradise. There's no end to finding great places to photograph. Throughout the seasons and at different times of day the light |
|
|
|
is ever changing, creating a variety of conditions in which to shoot our beautiful surroundings.
I have a lot of photographer friends who live in Sedona as well. Many of us have taken pictures the same places over and over again. That being the case, the challenge becomes how to get a better shot of the same location or how to create a picture that hasn’t already been seen and taken repeatedly. As one of my students once asked, “How do you take it to the next level?”
For outdoor landscape photography the answer is to shoot for the sky. What’s happening in the sky in the background is what can make a photo stand out and be unusual and unique. That can be the difference between a good photograph and a great one. So capture dramatic clouds before a storm, shoot rainbows and colorful sunsets. Such backdrops will take your photo to the next level and differentiate it from others.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Airport Mesa • Sedona, AZ • Photograph by Susie Reed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One night while I was out photographing the full moon at Sedona’s famous Cathedral Rock I took so many long exposures I depleted two camera batteries I had with me. I wished I had another so I could shoot more, but since I was essentially out alone in the middle of nowhere I disappointedly resigned myself to the fact I was done for the night.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
During that long shoot I noticed two other photographers off in the distance. As I was about to pack up one of them, who’d been shooting across the creek from me, gingerly approached from behind. He courtesy asked if I’d mind if he took a few shots next to me. I told him I was about to leave because my camera batteries were dead. “What kind of battery do you need?” he inquired. I showed it to him. He opened his backpack and pulled out the exact battery I needed, which he gave me to use.
That was serendipitous and amazing. Sometimes wishes do come true, but the fact of the matter is, considering my remote location, the odds of someone coming along with the battery I needed were slim at best.
I try not to get caught without something I need at a shoot as happened that night. To prevent this I bring certain things with me, which you might consider as well. These items aren’t very heavy and can easily fit in a camera bag or backpack. Exactly what I take with me varies depending upon the type of shoot I’m doing – if it’s inside or out, day or night. Sooner or later I’ve found I’ve needed or wished I had with me all the things described below. Some items aren’t camera gear. They’ve been added for comfort or safety reasons.
|
|
|
|
Moonrise at Cathedral Rock • Sedona, AZ • Photograph by Susie Reed |
|
|
|
It’s good to carry extras... extra camera cards, batteries, a filter, lens brush and lens cap. If you’re shooting film bring more than you think you’ll need.
Thought, as I often say, you should get to know your camera well enough that operating it becomes second nature, it’s good to carry your camera manual with you in case you want look up how to set a particular adjustment or if you have a camera malfunction you want help resolving.
It’s good to carry sunscreen, plenty of water or a beverage and some food like a power bar, sandwich or a snack. For long hikes it’s good carry a roll of toilet paper and some plastic bags to put used TP in so you leave nothing behind.
It’s good to bring extra layers of cloths. Depending on the weather you may want to have a hat and/or gloves, sunglasses too. I also bring along a flashlight in case I’m out later than expected. I like hiking with a walking stick. Mine has a compass on top. It can also be used as a monopod. Sometimes I bring my tripod. It’s always nice to have a friend along who offers to carry it for you.
I keep my cell phone with me. I’ve found even in some remote locations I can get a signal. If an emergency happens it’s good to have a cell phone. Some have GPS features that can be useful. When hiking it’s also good to carry a map, if not for you own use, for others you may meet along the way that need help with directions.
To protect camera lenses keep filters on them. It’s much less expense to replace a filter than a lens. Carry a polarizing filter to use on bright, sunny days.
Though I don’t always use all of the aforementioned items on a photo shoot, when I do need them I’m always grateful, happy and relieved to have them at hand. I’m more comfortable when I have some food, drink and the right cloths with me. Generally, the more comfortable I am the better my shoot goes. |
|
|
|
STAY FOCUSED
In photography, as in life, it’s good to keep focus on what’s before you. Auto focus on cameras is a great feature, but it doesn’t always work to a photographer’s advantage. A camera sensor cannot necessarily distinguish what in the picture you want to focus on. It’s not a mind reader...
When you find your camera is not focusing where you want, switch your camera setting to manual focus and adjust the lens yourself. Remember to switch the camera setting back to auto focus when you’re done so you don’t continue to take pictures thinking the camera is utilizing auto focus when it is not. You can find how to turn on and off auto focus in your camera manual.
Focus more attention on your subjects than your camera. A big part of creating successful pictures is how well you see what you’re shooting. If you’re paying more attention to your camera and its various settings than your subject you’re taking away from your ability to engage with what or who you're photographing. Get familiar enough with your equipment so operating it becomes second nature. That will enable you to focus more fully on your subject and create better pictures.
|
|
|
PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE - MAKE THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE
Throughout my career I’ve photographed a wide array of people, one of my favorites being Walter Cronkite who I had the good fortune to photograph for the Common Wealth Club of San Francisco. I recently got to photograph actor and artist Tony Curtis while he was at my gallery in Sedona, AZ. Both Walter and Tony, with all their experience in front of a camera were perfectly comfortable having their picture taken, but many people are not. Some people haven't seen many good pictures of themselves so the prospect of being photographed makes them uneasy.
When taking pictures of people try to make them feel as comfortable as possible and be quick. Don’t spend too much time fidgeting with your camera and looking at the LCD screen. The longer a person has to wait to be photographed the more uncomfortable they’re likely to become, which will show in photos. You’ll end up with pictures of people with forced smiles who look uneasy rather than getting spontaneous, flattering, natural looking, telling shots.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Tony Curtis and Linda Goldenstein at Goldenstein Gallery
|
|
|
If possible take a lot of pictures both posed and not. People tend to calm down after the first few shots. Sometimes what happens between poses is more interesting than what you’re setting up. Allow for spontaneity to occur; be ready to capture the unexpected. If you make taking someone’s picture a fun, comfortable experience it will be reflected in your photos. When I show people pictures I’ve taken of them they often say to me pleasantly surprised, “I look like that!” I enjoy showing people how good they can look, dispelling their notion they can’t take a good photo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TAKE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF WHAT YOU LOVE
I love photographing beautiful subjects, especially flowers. I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in discovering their unique presence, vibrancy, and beauty. The troubles of the world seem to fade away when I focus intently through the lens of my camera.
I have the same experience when I look at my photos. So do others. People often breathe a sigh of relief when they see my beautiful pictures. They tell me it's like therapy. The photos calm and uplift them.
Certain pictures makes us feel better. We react to images in many ways – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Bear this in mind when taking pictures. Strive to capture beauty. Art can be a great panacea for those who create it and those who view it.
Photograph what you love. Take pictures of happy occasions and inspiring, beautiful places and subjects. You can experience them again and again through your photos.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
"Fantastic Phalaenopsis" by Susie Reed
|
|
|
SUCCESSFUL PHOTOS - FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Many factors can contribute to a photo’s success. Here are some to bear in mind.
Shoot interesting, appealing subjects that evoke feelings and inform.
How subjects fit in the frame, composition and cropping make a big difference. Consider the final size picture you want when shooting so important information is not cropped out if the photo needs to be reduced to fit a particular finished size. The dimensions of an image a camera captures may not be the same as the final size needed.
Lighting is very important. Make sure what you’re photographing is well illuminated. Use a flash to fill in light if necessary. If possible try to avoid harsh lighting situations with a lot of contrast.
Take colorful pictures. Beautiful colors add depth, vibrancy and richness to photos.
TO GET GOOD PHOTOS - SHOOT A LOT
One of the best ways to increase the chances of getting good quality photographs is to take a lot of pictures. Doing so provides more options when editing. It stretches the imagination and improves one's ability to see subjects well.
Taking good photos is more than just point and shoot. Good timing, vision and instincts are crucial to a picture's success. The image captured in the decisive moment when the shutter is pushed is the most important step in the process of picture making. It's what all camera gear and photo software revolve around.
When taking a picture pay attention to every part of what’s in the frame, not just the main subject. Check the four corners and the background. Shoot from different angles and distances. Imagine seeing the photo in a picture frame. Ask if there's anything you could do to improve it.
EDIT WELL
After shooting a lot of pictures make sure to edit well. Be discriminating about which photos you choose to share. Select only the best images to show. Digital pictures that aren't good can be deleted. With film, to save money, contact sheets can be made and only the best shots enlarged.
Try to avoid showing too many similar photos when sharing your pictures with others. Its gets boring and diminishes the impact of your images. Viewers loose interest if what they see is too redundant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
