Photoscout

• Black and White Portraits

  Many black and white photographers are into portraits. This is a favorite subject because black and white portraits are elegant and powerful and have timeless quality that is difficult to match in color. Not only this type of photography produces great images, it also brings out what is usually not seen in other photographs - the person and the character behind the face. It lays bare the subject’s soul and exposes all his or her traits and flaws. Looking at the black and white portrait is like looking at the subject’s personality, rather than the physical attributes. Black and white portraiture shows the subjects as they really are.

  Subject

  You do not need an actor to photograph in black and white. Everyone can be a good subject. Whether you are taking a portrait of a housewife, an athlete, or an outlaw, you can capture what is behind their gaze or facial expression in monochrome. But there are some demographics that lend themselves more to the allures of black and white portraits than any other - the old, wrinkly people. The lines and folds in the face make a really captivating black and white photo. Portraits of old people reveal their character and personality. They tell a story.

  Another great subjects are young children. Whether you are taking a photo of a child licking ice cream or a hungry street child, black and white photography can reflect their innocence alongside joy/suffering on print. Regardless of your subjects’ age, getting in close when photographing them can be worth your while. Many photographers make an extreme close-up, usually losing the ears and the top of the head out of the frame. They focus only on the facial features of the subjects.

  Setting up

  The exposure should be set right in order to get the crispest whites and the darkest blacks. Try to bracket your shots. Use the exposure compensation function of your camera to take a picture at the automatic setting, then one at -0.5EV and one at +0.5EV to make sure you get come up with the best results. You can also experiment with this as this can produce excellent silhouettes.

  Lighting

  Think very carefully about lighting. If you are taking a picture of an old person, strong daylight can help if you want to highlight the lines and folds of the face and add character. On the other hand, if your objective is to make your subject look younger in photograph, a bright burst of flash can help. In addition, you can also bounce light off a piece of white card for a lovely effect. With proper lighting, black and white portraits can capture the atmosphere and show to the viewer the emotion you are trying to convey.

  Painting with light

  You can take photos in black and white. But many photographers also shoot in full color, converting the photos later on using RAW file editor. Either way, you have to approach your subjects in an entirely different manner. Piercing green eyes or bright red make-up simply will not have similar impact in a black and white picture. What you should do is focus on texture, shape, and shade.

  Posted in Black and White Photography

  August 20th, 2008 / No Comments

• Rain Photography

  Rain photography is categorized under nature photography. It usually requires the photographer to go outside, so it’s also considered outdoor photography. Once you get through dealing with potential resistance from family and friends to go outdoors, and despite the risk of getting colds, you’ll see how rain gives you new dimensions of photography opportunities. But many photographers, even professionals, find it miserably difficult to shoot photos in rain. With some care and lots of practice you can produce memorable and interesting rain photos.

  Rain photography bonuses

  Why are so many photographers so drawn into rain photography, despite the difficulties associated in shooting photos in rain? It’s because rain offers unique features that make a great photography. Here are just some of the bonuses rain provides: dark cloudy skies and hazy conditions can make very artistic and ethereal looking photos; raindrops on flowers and leaves; the rainbow after the rain; overcast skies enable for a great black and white portrait; rain makes a scintillating effect to nearly everything it touches.

  What to shoot

  There’s no limit to creativity. You can shoot anything stunning and captivating from the camera lens view. But there are certain things you need to consider before, during, and after rain for optimum photography.

  Before rain. You can shoot skies fully covered with stormy clouds. Dark clouds usually create magnificent backgrounds for breathtaking images. For example, stormy clouds make a great background for a long road that appears to meet the sky at a faraway place. Lightning before rain provides an awesome effect to the photo. During a storm, you’ll see different colors in the sky, so planning is very crucial before shooting great photos of lighting.

  Shoot in the rain. Rain bridges the gap between the sky and the earth, making it one. There are plenty of subjects to shoot when it’s raining: people running for shelter, children playing under the rain, a beautiful young lay stranded at a bus stop, animals searching for shelters, raindrops falling on the roof and other surfaces, and many more.

  After rain. The wet world gives you an opportunity to shoot different designs, reflections, and textures created by the rain. You can shoot droplets of water on or hanging from flowers, leaves, railings, and other surfaces. It is recommended that you shoot these droplets in close-up. Reflections are great subjects to shoot. Still water on the ground usually give dazzling reflections of anything above it, producing different perspectives. Plant leaves washed by rain create varying textures to the background photo.

  Measures and precautions

  You need to have a water proof camera as raindrops that drip into your camera can spoil the photo and worse, damage the camera. You also need water proof pants, jackets, and gloves to protect yourself from the rain. If you don’t have a waterproof camera, then you should have the following water proof camera accessories: rain hoods, towel, shower caps, protective filters,and lens shades.

  Posted in Outdoor Photography

  August 5th, 2008 / No Comments