Archive for the ‘How-To’s’ Category

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DIY Darkroom Developing

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

Summer project #4

As we move forward in the digital age, it may become harder and harder to find photo labs that will process film. In that case, analogue enthusiasts will have to resort to creating their own darkrooms. Fortunately, setting up your own dark room is fairly inexpensive, only requiring some effort to evaluate what you have and how you can make it work. Developing your own prints is cost-effective, and it is extremely satisfying to see your photos materialize in front of you. Some photographers have turned sheds and garages into dark rooms, or even their bathrooms. So, how do you get started?

1. You will need a suitable room. To turn a room into a dark room, it will need to be light-tight, have running water and electrical outlets, and some type of ventilation system. To block out and light leaks, you can nail wood over cracks in the walls, tape layers of black plastic bags over windows, or stuff strips of felt into cracks. If there is a crack under the door, stuff towels into it or install an exclusion strip. You will need running water to wash your prints free of excess chemicals, outlets for your safe lights and enlarger, and room to store your chemicals and hang or spread out your prints to dry.

2. Arrange your room into separate areas for wet and dry procedures. If your sink is located on the left side of the room, it is ideal if the outlets are not close to the source of water both for safety reasons and to eliminate spills. Keep your chemicals separate from your completed prints or your store of photo paper.

3. The problem of proper ventilation can be frustrating, but is very necessary. Fumes from developing chemicals can cause serious health issues, if you are exposed to them for very long. If you plan to spend your weekend developing your images, you may find yourself with an extreme migraine. You can install a standard ventilation fan like those used in bathrooms with little effort.

4. The color of the safe light you will need to get will depend on what type of films you will be developing-some require a red light, while others can be used with a more amber colored light. You will need to do some research and experiment in order to find the correct wattage to use.

5. There are other bits and pieces that you will find useful in your new endeavor of processing your own photos–timers, thermometer, towels for drying your hands off, measuring cups, tongs, trays, clips, fans and other things that you may discover that you need.

Wherever you decide to set up your dark room, be sure to always clean up all chemical spills right away. This is especially important if you decide to set it up in your bathroom or near food preparation areas. While there are many factors to consider, setting up your own dark room can be very rewarding. For the DIY photographer, this project can be on-going–you can always improve your dark room or find better ways to do things. Are you up for the challenge?

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Long-Exposure Photography

Thursday, August 30th, 2012

Summer Project #3

Long-exposure photographs give you a myriad of creative possibilities and a great deal of “wow” factor. Many amateurs are afraid of the dark and avoid night photography as being too technical for them to tackle. While long-exposure photography may take some trial-and-error for you to perfect your technique, employ these simple tips to get you started:

1. The most important piece of camera gear to bring along on your night-time adventures(and perhaps the most obvious) if your tripod. What basically happens in a long exposure is that the shutter stays open for from 30 seconds to an hour or even longer. Movement of the camera will most likely ruin your photograph. You can also set your camera on a wall or ledge, but it’s usually most convenient to have a tripod on hand.

2. Nearly as important as a tripod is a remote cable release. Although you may not realize it, it is nearly impossible to press the shutter button on your camera without causing it to move a bit. To eliminate any possibility of camera shake, a remote cable release allows you to open the shutter without even touching your camera. You can also use your camera’s self-timer, but if you are planning on taking a lot of exposures that night, it will save you time to use a cable release.

3. Another useful piece of equipment is a lens hood. Why do you need a lens hood at night? Long-exposures capture all available light and while the sun may not be causing glare, street lamps might. Lens flare may be an element that you wish to incorporate into your images, but it’s hard to predict or control so many photographers like to avoid it altogether.

4. Turn auto focus off and change settings to infinity. Long-exposure photography is the capturing of light in motion and if you leave your auto focus on, it will constantly be changing its focus throughout your exposure.

5. The length of the exposure is usually dependent on the amount of available light. Photographing a city at night, you may need 10-30 seconds of exposure time. Capturing star trails( a lifelong hobby for some photographers) will require 8 min to an hour or longer.

6. Long exposures are usually done with DSLR cameras, but film cameras can also produce wonderful results. In fact, depending on the type of film you use, an analogue camera can cause some unique effects such as color shift. Tungsten film, though sometimes difficult to find, is known for giving excellent white balance in night photography.

There are many tutorials and websites dedicated to helping amateur photographers to venture out-of-doors at night and tackle long-exposure photography. Some professional photographers prefer to photograph stars, some prefer urban landscapes. Each scenario requires slightly different techniques–trial-and-error is part of the learning process for every photographer. If you live in the city, grab a coffee, set up your gear somewhere and open your shutter. If you love far from city lights, seize the opportunity to photograph the stars. Summer is coming to a close, and soon those clear nights may be accompanied by less comfortable weather. Now is the time to experiment!

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To Use, Or Not To Use….Lens Filters

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

For the amateur photographer, lens filters are perhaps a lesser-known area of photography gear. There are many different types of filters–some to create artistic effects, others for practicality such as protecting the lens from dirt or UV light. Rather than fiddling with their images in image-enhancement programs, some photographers prefer to use filters to increase saturation, when doing long exposures, or to blend shades of light to create a smooth ambiance in landscape photos. Today, we’ll look at the three of the most common lens filters and then some tips for caring for and using lens filters.

First up is the polarizing filter, generally just known as “polarizers”. If you’ve ever had polarized sunglasses, you have some idea of what these filters do. Most often used by landscape photographers, polarizers reduce glare and remove reflections from the surface of water, as well as increase color stauration. Using a polarizer can be tricky, though; when used with a wide angle lens, polarizers can cause unnatural looking skies by deepening the color in part of the image while leaving the rest light. Shooting with a polarizer also requires you to be aware of your position in relation to the sun as certain angles will increase of decrease the amount of polarization that will occur. There are two types of polarizers–linear and circular. Circular lens allows for autofocus, while linear cannot be used with most SLR cameras.

Another filter often used in nature photography is the natural density(ND) filter. They are used when doing a long exposure in nature photography to blur moving subjects to suggest action or for artistic effect, such as turning a waterfall into a soft blur of color. An ND filter also reduces the amount of light that gets through to the sensor, eliminating over-exposed images. A good example can be seen here.

The third lens filter that we’ll look at today is the UV filter, which is intended to protect your camera lens from dust and smudges while also reducing haze that often occurs when photographing on sunny days. UV filters are generally not necessary on digital cameras, but many photographers still use them as they are a clear lens that protects against scratches.

If you do use lens filters, one key tip to remember is to never hold onto the filter by the glass. Lens filters pick up fingerprints easily–be sure to clean your lens filter often. Like anything in life, you get what you pay for; if you’re going to buy a lens filter, be sure to buy a good quality one.

There are many types of filters on the market that come in many sizes and with varying applications. For some photographers, the cons of lens filters outweigh the inconvenience of modifying the image in Photoshop later on. Lens filters, since they are an extra piece of glass over your lens, tend to reduce image quality or contrast. If not properly suited to your lens, light will leak in through the lens filter and the lens and cause flaring or vignetting. Some photographers don’t use a UV filter, but a lens hood instead to block out haze.

There are many photographers on both side of the debate–some photographers swear by using lens filters, while others can’t be bothered with them. There are pros and cons to lens filters, just as there is with any type of photography gear. It really comes down to a matter of opinion, the only way to find out what you think of lens filters is to try them out or ask other photographers about them. To use, or not to use…experiment! Use until you decide not to.

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Street Photography

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012

Summer Project #2

Last time, we took a look at the fascinating science of light as demonstrated by the phenomenon of pinholes. In the next week or so, we will discuss photography projects you can enjoy while the sunny weather lasts. Summer is a great time for experimenting with various aspects of photography—getting out of your comfort zone, traveling to new places, and making new friends. Street photography is one area of photography that can accomplish all three of these things.

There are wedding photographers, sports photographers, paparazzi, and myriads of other classes of photographers. However, for some reason, street photographers seem to be in an entirely different class. There are many street photographers that become famous for particular styles or moods they tend to bring out in their work. What is the appeal of street photography? One blogger at photo.net sums it up in one word: serendipity. You never know when a wonderful photo opportunity will present itself. Out of the street, especially in a big city, there are hundreds of people each going about his own particular business and experiencing life in their own unique way. A street photographer tries to freeze small, yet significant, moments in the lives of the strangers they see through their camera lens. Another appeal of street photography is that every person that sees the photo may interpret it in a completely different way than how the photographer did. In a way, a street photographer’s work and what it means to him is always changing.

Street photographer David Gibson, when asked about the future of street photography replied, “Street photography is real and therefore people respond to it. Trends in photography seem to go in cycles, but street photography has always been there…” Especially in metropolises such as New York, exhibitions and galleries of street photography are featured prominently, and are continuing to gain popularity. Many people feel that street photography can help to capture the essence of an entire city.

So, what should you do to try street photography for yourself? Firstly, you will need either a camera with a wide angle lens, or a camera with an excellent autofocus and a zoom lens. If using a wide angle lens, it is recommended that you set a high ISO, 400 or 800. David Gibson recommends shooting in late afternoon to avoid glare and get the most flattering light on your subjects. Secondly, don’t be afraid of strangers! Go up to someone, give them a compliment, and ask if you can take their photograph. One photographer’s favourite trick is to ask a pet owner to pose with their pet. However, most street photographers are looking for those wonderful candid shots. If you can be sneaky with your camera, all power to you! If someone gets angry at you for taking their picture–be polite, show them the shot that you got, and try to start a dialogue. Either they will want you to delete the picture, or you will end up having a nice chat with someone. Just keep your finger on the shutter and soon enough you will discover why so many photographers make street photography their first pick.

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A Camera Obscura and a Pine Nut

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

Although photography is considered to have been invented in the early 19th century, the science behind it really began to be explored as early as the days of Aristotle. In the tenth century, Persian scientist Ibn Alhazen wrote a book entitled Book of Optics, in which he described the behaviour of light when passing through a small opening. Basically, when light passes through a small opening it throws an inverted image onto an opposite wall or the ground. This is also the way that the human eye takes in life; the eye takes in light and is reflected in an upside-down image on the retina. For the first few days, infants see the world upside-down until the brain trains itself to flip the image so we see things right-side up.

When photographic paper was invented in 1800, the exploration of the concept of pinhole cameras was able to be explored more fully. The first real photograph taken with a pinhole camera was not realized until 1850 by Sir David Brewster, the man who also popularized the name “pinhole camera”. Thereafter, the science of photography began to expand dramatically—with the invention of film by George Eastman(who would later found the Kodak company) to the beginnings of color photography in 1908—pinhole cameras were only used for a small portion of the photography timeline.

Today, there is a resurgence of interest in the roots of photography such as pinhole photography, solar-graphs, and do-it-yourself film developing. There are several websites that sell kits for making your own pinhole camera out of paper, tin cans, cardboard, and more. Why bother with all that fuss? Pinhole photographs are known for a dreamy quality and often have vignette around the edges of the photo. Its also fun to experiment and explore the inner workings of photography at its most basic. There are pinhole enthusiasts world-wide, with competitions, travelling galleries, web pages, and forums dedicated to the art.

One of the most fascinating aspects of pinhole photography is the fact that anyone can create a working pinhole camera out of household materials. All you need is a container that seals out light, photographic paper, and a photographer’s thirst for experimentation. Making your own pinhole would make a great kid’s science project, something to do with grandkids, or just a fun summer experiment. One young photographer even built a pine nut pinhole camera and made it his graduation thesis.

There are many websites that offer detailed instruction on how to get started with pinhole photography. Since it requires a sunny day to get the best results, it really is the best summer project one can hope for. So while the summer lasts, round up some photographic paper and a container and experience for yourself the beginnings of the science of photography.

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Video Blogs Are More Than A Trend

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012

Recently, video-hosting sites(most notably, Youtube) have changed the way people browse the internet, exchange information, or even promote themselves to universities or employers. Youtube was created in 2005, and in only a year was worth $1.65 billion. It is the third most visited site in the world, behind Google and Facebook. One major trend to emerge from the advent of Youtube was the vlog. What is a vlog? It is a shortened version of the word “video” and “blog”–the latter itself being an abbreviated form of the word “weblog”. A vlog is a video diary, whether it be a public vlog created for subscribers and viewers or a private hobby for your own amusement.
What is the appeal of a video blog? Well, there are several main reasons video blogging might be for you:

1. You’d like to keep some sort of diary, but you don’t have a flair for writing. As a tween, I spent my allowance on many a pretty journal, certain that this time I would use it regularly. I simply lacked the motivation to write about the simple things that I experienced every day. Recording little moments on video can be far more rewarding than writing down something that you may be tired of trying to describe in different ways.

2. You’re creative, and want to show off your video-making skills. With sites like Youtube, where anyone can post and anyone can view, talent always gets noticed eventually. Users who upload good content will receive subscribers and eventually may find themselves with a loyal fan base. Many popular vloggers began their Youtube accounts for personal use, attracted attention, and ended up turning it into a career. If nothing else, vlogging can give a you a creative outlet that is valuable in itself.

3. It costs very little to get started. Vloggers that have been doing their thing for several years usually invest in high-quality video equipment. However, all you need to get started is a camera(point-and-shoot digital, the built-in webcam of your laptop, or even the camera on your phone) and a room with decent lighting and an uncluttered background. A small tripod is always useful. For a beginner, any basic editing program such as Windows Movie Maker, is sufficient.

In 2005, the internet saw a huge surge of interest in video blogging–there are books, websites, and blogs dedicated to helping people get started on Youtube and other video hosting websites. Some people do it in the hopes of making money online; some people merely do it as a hobby. Whatever the reasons behind it, there’s no denying that people are taking hold of the internet and carving out a place of their own. If you want to keep a record of your daily life or showcase your creativity at very little cost, video blogging might just be for you.

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The Best Photography Mistake Ever Made

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

On Tuesday, we looked at the advantages and disadvantages of slide(reversal) film and color negative film(in case you missed it, check it out here). When you drop off your film at the photo lab to be developed, the technician looks at the type of film that is in the canister. The type of film determines what chemical solution it is processed in. Slide film is designed to be processed in a solution known as E-6, while negative film is processed in the solution C-41. But what happens when film is processed in the “wrong” solution? This “mistake”—known as cross-processing—alters the original images on the film and can increase vibrancy, enhance shadow details, or cause shocking color shifts. Cross-processing has been used by photographers who develop their own film as early as the 1960s. So, what does cross-processing do to your film and why should you risk it?

The most common type or cross-processing is that of developing slide film in the negative-film solution. Depending on the brand of film, the cross-processing can turn skies deep purple, bring out an overall green tone, or make blue tones pop out. Some films, most famously Fuji Velvia 100, allows for dramatic color shifts, while Kodak Elitechrome increases saturation and contrast without color shifts. Either way, you can never quite know for sure what you will be getting—but it’s sure to be eye-catching!

Less common is the practice of processing color negative film in E-6, the chemical solution intended for slide film. The result of this type of cross-processing is much less dramatic; instead of heightening contrast or shifting color spectrums, negative film usually comes out with muted, pastel-like colors. This is especially attractive for photos of wildflowers or portraits or for photos with a vintage feel. Different brands yield varying degrees of change in saturation and color. There are even some films that are designed to be cross-processed, there is such a growing demand for this type of alternative photography.

You may be asking, “Why should I risk getting results I don’t like, when I can change colors however I like with computer programs?” Well, the simple reason is: you already know what you’re trying to achieve. Cross-processing allows you the opportunity to view the world in ways you have never seen it before. Although you can predict your results to a degree based on experience with a film brand, you don’t really know until you get your photos back what they’re going to turn out like. Many photographers love to be surprised and cross-processing is definitely fun and unpredictable. It’s a far cry from the digital work we live in where we can view a photo right after its taken—recent years have seen a resurgence of young people abandoning digital photography and experimenting with analogue.

Maybe you’re of the younger generation and have never shot photographs on film before. Maybe you abandoned film and kept up with the ever-changing whirl of advancing technology. Whatever boat you’re in, it’s worth a bit of time and money to give cross-processing a chance. At the very least, you’ll get to have a photography day; at best, you may be at the threshold of a new hobby—cross-process photography!

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Photographing Pets

Thursday, July 19th, 2012

Our pets hold special places in our hearts; we remember our first pet, the time we got a kitten for Christmas, or when we gave a puppy to a child or grandchild. More often than not, pets end up becoming an integral part of the family, coming on vacation with us or sleeping at the foot of our bed. Why not do a special photo-shoot with your pet and permanently capture its growth and personality for sentiment’s sake in future years? Photographing a pet can be tricky, but it is also very fun and rewarding. Let’s look at some tips for photographing your pet, whether it be your child’s rabbit, a kitten, or your elderly dog.

1. Natural light is best for photographing a pet, as the flash feature on your camera tends to annoy or distract animals. Also, the red-eye effect you often see in photographs of animals is caused by the flash. Shooting in a well-lit room or outside is the best place for your photography session to avoid having to use flash.

2. Stalk your subject. Candid shots of animals are endearing, just as they are of children. Photographing your pet simply going about its business, without paying much attention to the camera is the best way to capture its personality and unique little habits. Rather than putting a great deal of effort trying to get your cat to look at the camera or to pose, why not try sneaking up on them and snapping a shot of your cat in mid-stretch? This works especially well with small, inquisitive animals such as hamsters and rabbits that simply want to try nibbling on the camera.

3. Pets usually don’t stay still for very long. To avoid getting blurry shots, shoot in “sports” mode or the highest shutter speed you can. This way your camera can react quickly and freeze your pet in mid-air as he jumps to catch a Frisbee, or runs toward the camera.

4. Get up close and personal. Play with camera angle, and don’t forget the magic of a good zoom lens. Don’t simply take photos of your pet looking up at you. Get down to their eye level and view them in their environment from their own perspective. Or, reverse the perspectives by shooting your pet looking down at you from the top of the stairs.

5. Take photos that reflect your pet’s personality and its relationship to the rest of the family. People love to see photos of big dogs and babies—why? The relationship of pet to owner is unique for every family. A candid shot of a child with their pet is sure to be treasured when the child is older.

Photographing animals is similar to photographing children; both require patience, and both make for a satisfying photo-shoot.  Utilize the above tips and you will be sure to come up with a pet portrait that you will treasure in future years.

 

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How to Shoot a Top-Quality Home Movie

Thursday, June 14th, 2012

When shooting a home video of an important event such as Christmas morning or a birthday party, it’s always nice to get a smooth-flowing concise video without unnecessary shots or interruptions. Of course, one can always use editing later on to cut out unwanted bits; however here are some tips to make top-quality recordings that won’t need much extra tidying. (more…)

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Put Those Last Rolls of 35mm Film to Good Use

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

If you’re anything like my parents, you most likely still have some unused or partially used rolls of film. As a child of the nineties, just before the advent of digital camera, my mother used a giant camera on a shaky tripod to take our family pictures every summer and Christmas.  Now, ten years later, I recently discovered a box of seven or so rolls of 36-exposure film. (more…)

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