WHEN THE SUN SETS...........

JUST A FEW TIPS ON SHOOTING SUNSETS

YES,  the sun sets each evening, but know that each sunset is quite different than the night before and Mother Nature gives photographers ample opportunities to capture this glorious event as day moves into night.  But to photograph a setting sun there are several shooting considerations that might help one to create that one special capture worthy of becoming a "Wall - Hanger".

LOCATION, LOCATION......  Quite a variable, for sure, and all I can suggest is to find a location that suits what you are trying to accomplish.  Adding shapes, shadows and detail can add to getting that dramatic shot.  Use the clouds, be patient.

TOOLS....... Obviously a camera....... but a tripod is a must. 

CAMERA SETTINGS:  I generally shoot at low ISO, Aperture Value (experiment with f/8 and lower....f/11, f/16)  Shutter speed will be dictated by the Aperture Value.   THE TRIPOD IS INVALUABLE AS YOUR SHUTTER SPEED WILL BE SLOW AND YOU MUST AVOID CAMERA SHAKE.

I find it's good to shoot in aperture priority when the sun's still up because the light is changing so fast. If I were shooting in manual, I'd be changing settings every 30 seconds or so. I like aperture priority especially when I'm moving around a lot, trying to find the right composition. I'll look at the image on the LCD from time to time, and if it's too dark, if I don't want a silhouette, I'll adjust the exposure compensation.

BE CREATIVE WITH YOUR COMPOSITION........ 

UP, UP AND OVER!

MONTGOMERY H.S. GIRLS POLE VAULTING

Last week, I shot some pole vault competition and I was astounded by the performances of the Montgomery Team.   From the initial stance of the vaulter, the concentration, and the technique that does vary from athlete to athlete, this sport has captured me to shoot more events in the future.

There are several phases to complete the vault which include, the approach, the plant and take-off, the swing up (methods do vary here), the extension, the turn and finally, the fly-away.

Execution must be precise in all stages, and as a novice AND knowing little about pole vaulting, I did find myself concentrating on the action of clearing the bar.  (I'll know better next time to record the entire technique) 

Additional action shots of the Montgomery Girls Pole Vaulting Team can be found on my website.  The link to the gallery is here:  http://www.rjgleason.net/MONTGOMERYHS2011-2012/MHS-TRACK-2012/MHS-GIRLS-POLE-VAULT-5-1-12/22753373_mwjKCz#!i=1824981817&k=G57ZgTN

Water On The Rocks

Revisiting one of my favorite captures, being introduced to the wonderful world of Macro Photography.... This scene while giving the appearance of a small stream was actually a trickling of water flowing down and through some brush and small stones.   Would actually make a great landscape print, and best at 20x 16 matted and framed.

IT'S SPRING! GET YOUR CAMERAS OUT!

IT'S SPRING!  GET YOUR CAMERAS OUT!

My favorite seasons are Spring and Autumn.  Colors are everywhere and on days when skies are bright blue with some clouds, you can shoot some wonderful landscapes, cityscapes, people or whatever challenges you.

Remember that photography can be subjective, it's your mind's eye, first, that captures what you want and then, and only then, do you tell your camera what to do.

Landscapes

Composition and Framing are most important when shooting that special landscape.  Look for symmetrical shapes, unusual views, alternate angles and saturated colorings.  On a sunny day, without clouds, use your Aperture Value camera setting and set your aperture to f/16, and depending upon the light of the day, move down to f/11, etc.  (You can just use your "P" program or "A" Auto setting and let the camera do the work, but you'll eventually miss the creativity and challenge of choosing the way you want your shot to turn out)  I recommend using Aperture values in most instances.... especially landscapes to create depth of field (DOF) and, as well, maintain good shutter speed.

A good landscape photo is always framed.  Trees, slopes of mountains, brush, etc. should be part of the photo, at least to one side or perhaps both.  (Again, think subjectively)

Sunrise, Sunset

Take advantage of the sunrise now the days are getting longer. The air is cleaner at sunrise and at this time of year where day and night temperatures vary a lot the colors will photograph very differently early in the morning than they will late in the afternoon.

People

Shooting people on a sunny day during the midday hours is something to avoid, but obviously cannot be, for many reasons. 

Rather than photographing your subject with their back to the sun try photographing them with the sun to one side but still slightly behind them, or photograph them in the shade under a tree and use your flash to fill in. Try using a low f number on your lens to throw the background out of focus, this will also help to bring the shutter speed up to prevent camera shake if the light is too low.

Just a few helpful ideas that may provide a "WOW!" when you get back home and download your SD or Compact Flash card to your hard drive.  

I can gladly respond to any questions you may have and provide my insight, back at ya!  Email me at trebor121@gmail.com or comment below.