“Parents out there know there is never a lack of art projects for which we must find a home – a final resting place. I’ve only recently discovered the joy of photographing, not only them, but their art. It preserves it long after it has gone and takes away from the guilt on inevitably trashing it while they’re not looking. When I photograph my sons’ art, it makes them feel proud and encouraged that I think what they’re doing is important and I really love the results of thinking outside the box when photographing objects.”

I did a radio interview recently where I mentioned this tip. Interestingly, the host asked if I photograph them with their art (holding it or making it) or do I just photograph the art itself? Up until this point, I’d never really thought about my method for photographing their art and when given a moment to reflect, I realised that what I enjoy is not just taking pictures of their projects for posterity, but rather making portraits to give them a life of their own. To make art out of their art.

Yes, I often take photos of the kids painting, drawing, etc. But what I’m talking about is taking portraits without the kids involved. Place their pieces in interesting locations, give them a personality with POV. This way, their art will live forever and so will the moment of joy your children experienced when creating it.

Post from: Digital Photography School - Photography Tips.

Photographing Children – Photographing their Art

Whether it’s Spring or Fall where you are, this week we finished our Spring / Fall assignment. We wanted you to show us what spring or fall was like by you. Some of the photos were very literal, while others portrayed the ideas of the season.

Our winner this week was the most literal shot in the thread by i speak in math. It may be a little corny, it may be very literal, but we liked how it combined both spring and fall. The use of the diptych really worked here, as did the black and white which really lets you focus on the subject. Our two runners up this week used images that were much more symbolic of the season, and both showed off spring really well. First up was TyCarp’s rain of blossoms. This was just one of those “feel good” shots. The motion blur and the carefree posture of the faily really brings out the joy of a fulfilled spring day. Next up was phnee’s brand new foal. There’s nothing like young animals to get you thinking about spring, and you could almost see how this little guy was moving, just from the photo. Well done guys!

We also started a new assignment this week, and it kicks off a week of black and white images. We’re starting it off with Black & White: Nature. As usual, a quick reminder of the rules. In order to be considered for the mini-contest, first, your photo needs to have been taken between 31 March – 14 April 2010. Second, your post must include the date that the photo was taken and the words “Assignment: B&W Nature”. Finally, your EXIF should be intact and it’s helpful if you can include some of the main points. Next week we will continue our month of black and white photography with High Contrast Black and White. In all of our black and white assignments it’s up to you whether you want to shoot in black and white or shoot in colour and convert to black and white in post. So pick what works best for you. If you’re new to using black and white, check out the first post in the thread where there are a number of links to resources to help you out in figuring out how to best use black and white photography. Good luck everyone!

Hot Threads

• Wanderlust!: If you love travel photography you’ll probably start getting itchy feet if you read this thread because it’s your chance to tell us where you would go if you could travel anywhere to take photos. Come share your travel wishes over in the forum!
• Creating Missed Shot at Wedding: As a wedding photographer, there’s always the fear and possibility that you’ll miss an important shot. But what happens if you miss out on a posed shot? One of our forum members shows how she managed to put together a shot that would have otherwise been missed using a photo that she already had. Come check out the end result over in the forum.
• Embarrassed by Your Camera? I am…: As cameras seem to be getting smaller and smaller, it can make you feel more self conscious about carrying around a large DSLR. So, it brings up the question: are you embarrassed when carrying around your big camera? If you’ve ever felt like this, how did you get over it? Come share your thoughts over in the forum.
• What Would You Do: As always, another week brings another chance for forum members to practice their post-processing skills in our What Would You Do challenge. This challenge gives you the opportunity to practice your post-processing skills on another forum member’s photo and demonstrate a new way to look at an image. Everyone is welcome to participate in the thread.

Post from: Digital Photography School - Photography Tips.

This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (4-10 Apr ‘10)

1. Self Portraits

Image by John McNab

Many of us are less comfortable in front of the camera than behind it, but if you are lacking a willing model and need a subject to fill that spot than this may be your only option.

This is actually a great excuse to get a little creative and with the right focus you can actually have quite a bit of fun with self portraits. One option is to photograph your reflection in a mirror or other reflective surface which provides a plethora of compositions and ideas for creativity.

The use of an instrument such as a gorillapod (www.joby.com) allows you to attach your camera to stoic objects such as trees, lamp posts, even chandeliers to provide give you some height, as well as a variety of angles and perspectives. A remote trigger release is useful for this, but if you are quick a self timer may suffice.

Another neat trick is to create ghostly effects in low light or complete darkness. Position your camera on a tripod, dial in a long exposure and narrow aperture, and set the self timer. Start by standing still for a few seconds and look at the camera, then move slowly at a diagonal crossing in front of the camera and moving out of sight. Check the LCD for the results – you should find a slightly blurred ghostly figure with an ethereal trail leading into the distance. There are so many ideas to try, just push the limits of your imagination.

Read more at: Self Portraits: 7 tips to go beyond the basics and Self Portrait Tips.

2. Double exposures

Image by Janrito Karamazov

A lot of cameras today offer multiple exposure modes, which allows the photographer to take two or more shots and blend them together in camera to make one composite. With this option you can play with lighting, focus, shutter speeds, depth of field and more.

To create a sharp/soft image, switch your camera into this mode, meter from and focus on your subject and take the shot.

For the next exposure manipulate the focus manually the so subject is no longer defined and take the image again. When these two are blended together the subject will appear sharp with a softened edge and blurred background. If your camera doesn’t offer this mode, simply take the series of shots separately in camera and merge them in an editing suite later.

3. Silhouettes

Image by Thomas Hawk

Silhouettes can look so intriguing and inspiring when done correctly, the most difficult part can be deciding what to use as your focus. Architecture and elements of nature such as trees, rocks and mountains can provide adequate interest, but for a more vivacious capture find a willing model to portray a variety of position and shapes.

Your model may find they become more confident knowing their body will be look more defined and the person completely in the dark giving them more incentive to concentrate simply on the shape of the poses. Environmental portraits can also work well in silhouette – for example a fisherman bringing in his catch, a farmer forking hay in the fields or city workers commuting home after the daily grind. The best time to use natural light for this purpose is sunrise and sunset – when the sun is low on the horizon. Simply position the subject between yourself and the sun. If the sun is distracting in your composition, move yourself or the model so their frame blocks the glow. Deactivate the flash, meter from the sky and use a fast shutter speed to keep the subject defined.

Read more at: How to Photograph Silhouettes and 12 Stunning Silhouettes

4. Bad weather

Image by heanster

Just because it’s raining or foggy, there is no need not to go outside and get snapping. Yes a low auburn sun may be considered the perfect light for outdoor photography but if you live in a country where it drizzles more than it is dry your only option is to get out there and make the best of what you have to work with.

Thunderclouds can enthuse drama and tension into a shot, so meter on the clouds and set a narrow aperture to capture as much detail as possible, but don’t forget to include some foreground interest. If your camera can perform multiple exposures take a series of shots catering for the highlights, shadows and midtowns and blend these in a HDR program or editing suite.

For lighting set your camera on a tripod and use the bulb mode to keep your shutter open manually, as the lighting strikes release the button and if possible use a remote for sharper shots.

Even if it is pouring with rain you can still use this as a photo opportunity. For best results use a tripod, self timer and dial in a long exposure or use a narrow aperture. The resulting image should show the slow fall of the rain and convert to black and white for a more dramatic images. If you have a specially designed rain cover for your camera obviously use this or duck under a protected covering like a porch or tree for some shelter. Alternatively grab a plastic bag, make a hole in it for the lens to poke through and a hole for you to use the viewfinder or LCD and screw on the lens hood to protect the glass from droplets.

Read more at: Make the best of Bad Weather – 6 Challenges for Photographers

5. Blurred portraits

Imagey by peskymac

Who said portraits had to be defined and in focus? Set your model a few meters from your camera and attempt to use natural lighting by either photographing outdoors or near a large window (diffused with a white sheet or net curtain if it is particularly bright).

Deliberately defocus the shot to reduce the scene and subject to simple, yet intriguingly bold shapes.

Check out part 1 of this series of fun photography projects here.

Don’t be afraid to bolster the ISO if the light drops, as the noise can bring another interesting element to the shot too.

Read more at: Taking Unfocused Photos.

Post from: Digital Photography School - Photography Tips.

5 Fun Weekend Photography Projects [Part 2]

1. Random Objects

Toys, fruit, flowers, musical instruments, books, clocks… there are probably more things around you to photograph than you realize. Take some time to focus on composition and lighting and you can turn these “common” items into a great photographic subject. If you have a macro lens, now is the time to use it as it will give you a whole new view on familiar objects.

All the King's Men - by Zero1o1

2. Indoor Portraits

Grab a family member or call up a friend and make some portraits. Get your subject next to an open window and take advantage of the subdued diffused lighting that comes along with a rainy day. And there is no reason why you have to stay home… go shoot at a museum, school or any other indoor location that comes to mind. Just do a little research on their policies regarding photography first. Can’t find someone else to photograph? Then now might be a good time to try some self-portraits!

3. Water Drops

I won’t go into too much detail about the “how-to” because DPS already has a great tutorial available here (http://digital-photography-school.com/water-drops-behind-the-shot). Capturing images of water drops is very fun and is a very fitting pursuit considering the weather outside.

Splash - by Zero1o1

4. Go Abstract

Take a walk around your home and look for interesting shapes, textures and colors. If you keep an eye out for them, there are almost certainly a number of abstract photos waiting to be discovered.

5. Pet photography

Have a cat? Dog? Fish? Show your pet some love by spending time with them and capture some great photos in the process.

Man's Best Friend - by Zero1o1

Chris Folsom is a photographer based in Baltimore, MD. You can view more of his photos at Flickr or follow his photographic endeavors on Twitter.

Post from: Digital Photography School - Photography Tips.

5 Photo Projects for a Rainy Day

Extra photos for bloggers: 1, 2, 3 Free shipping LAST DAY Our Best-Selling Gifts: The Zumi Digital 2.0 - back in stock! Dreamy Diana Lens - (Low-fi photos with your Canon or Nikon DSLR) Bowler Bag (SLR bag with style!) Photoshop Fridge Magnets (New!) and more...

There’s one sure-fire way to make mom throw her hands in the air and scream this holiday season… Coasters!

No, not the roller type. Super fun photo-coasters made of cork! Corksters!

They’re the perfect gift for a mom who loves nothing more than seeing your smiling face stare up at her from under a beverage AND keeping water rings off of her coffee table.

Really, your mom HATES those rings.

So make her shriek with delight this Christmas, by making her some photo-coasters… and promising to use ‘em.

How to Make Photo-Corksters

p.s. Today is the Last Day for FREE SHIPPING for CHRISTMAS for U.S.A. orders over $50 in the Photojojo Store. Everything ships Priority Mail so you’ll have your goodies in time.

(After today, you can still get your orders in time via 2-Day or Overnight.)

p.p.s. You can also WIN some Store goodies today, including the Zumi! Read the details.

(...)
Read the rest of Make Your Own Cork Photo Coasters: Corksters! (377 words)

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Free shipping is back! Great Photojojo gift ideas: The Zumi 2.0 & Instax Mini (Our BEST-SELLING cameras, now back in stock!) Camera DIY kits (New! —Two great projects for DIYers) The Fisheye Adapter (New!) Woodnetic Frames (New!) and more...

Some people want to travel the world before they die.

Some want to be rich and famous.

And others just want to knit themselves a bodystocking out of albino poodle fur.

What do you want to do before you shuffle off this mortal coil?

Wait, wait, don’t answer yet.

Get a pal to snap a Polaroid as you tell them your dream. Then write your answer on the photo and send it off to the kids who thought up this crazy project.

New pictures go up each month from people all the planet, people just like you who appreciate travel, riches, and the comfort of discarded poodle hair.

The “Before I Die I Want To…” Polaroid Project

p.s. They’re only accepting Polaroids, so what if you’re outta film? Start your own project! with Instax or digital prints. ‘Cause nobody puts you in the corner, pally.

p.p.s. Still plenty of time for Photojojo Goodies for Christmas! Order by Mon, Dec 14 by First class (or FREE SHIPPING) and Wed, Dec 16 by Priority Mail (other methods available for later).

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Just when you thought we couldn’t possibly find more amazing photo goodies… We’re back with our second installment for Holidaze ‘09.

Nü today: Super-cool new gift cards, custom gift wrapping, and a fistfull of brand-new photo goodies for your enjoyment.

Hugs,
Photojojo

p.s. Shopping for the ho-ho-holidays? For Christmas delivery, order by… Mon, Dec 14 by 1st class, Wed, Dec 16 by Priority Mail, Fri, Dec 18 by UPS 2-Day, and Mon, Dec 21 by UPS Next Day.

				The Fisheye Lens Adapter Finally, a way to get that wide angle Fisheye look without dropping bank. Our Fisheye Lens Adapter is a thrillingly circular solution to a rectangular world, and works with any DSLR or SLR. The Fisheye Lens Adapter $50-55 at the Photojojo Store  Tweet it!      Share
The New Zumi 2.0 NOW IN STOCK! A store fave, the Zumi cam takes digital images and videos that have the look and feel of vintage film. The just-released Zumi 2.0 now records sound and has a new B&W mode — same lovable camera, two new ways to make a masterpiece! The Zumi 2.0 $170 at the Photojojo Store  Tweet it!      Share
				Polaroid’s Little Brother BACK IN STOCK! It’s Fuji’s answer to instant film and our answer to fun. This brand-new mini cam spits out tack-sharp prints that develop in the palm of your hand. We’re smitten. The Fuji Instax $90 at the Photojojo Store  Tweet it!      Share
Do-it-yourself Photo Kits Two DIY photo kits to remind us that photos are made with light and magic — not just gigabytes. Make your own working camera, and print your own prints! Great for the crafty photographer that loves to get their hands dirty. Pinhole Camera & Sunprint Kits $25 for both at the Photojojo Store  Tweet it!      Share
				Magically Magnetic Photo Frames They’re wood, they’re magnetic, they’re marvelously modern looking. Tack photos of any shape or size to these natural wood beauties with neodymium magnets included with each frame. Slick! Woodnetic Frames $20 at the Photojojo Store  Tweet it!      Share
Super-Secret Spy Lens A sneaky shop favorite that allows you to take photos undetected. The camera-shy, candid moments, those hammy kids — all victims to your sleuth-like Spy Lens. Muahaha. hah. hah. The Super-Secret Spy Lens $50-55 at the Photojojo Store  Tweet it!      Share

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by Miserere

A friend of mine believes that the Internet was invented for the sole purpose of allowing people to share cat photos. On Flickr there are over 3.2 million photos tagged with cat (although not all seem to be of the feline variety), while a Google Image search for the word cat returns almost 100 million hits. There are a lot of cat photos out there…and I wonder, do cats even like being photographed?

But now, one cat is fighting back, one cat is saying:

O yea? Wel nowz I teyk fotos of U.
Haw du u like dem apllez!?

Meet Cooper the Photographer Cat. Not only is he a handsome American Shorthair kitty, he also likes to take photos of his adventures in and around the Seattle neighbourhood where he lives with his two servants, Michael and Deirdre Cross.

How does he take photos, you ask? Good question! Cooper ordered Michael to provide him with a camera he could easily carry with him, yet adapted to his anatomical shortcomings (such as not having fingers). Michael, ever the faithful servant, commissioned a special little camera that Cooper could wear hanging from his neck and which would take a photo automatically every 2 minutes. Once a week, Michael puts the camera on Cooper and lets him roam the land, free to practice his Art.

You can see more of his photographs in his Flickr stream.

Philosophical Pondering

And speaking of Art, there are many who think one of the pillars of any artistic endeavour is Intention. That is, a photograph is only Art if the photographer intended it that way. So, for example, if I take a photograph of a dent in my car to send to my insurance company, that’s not Art; if, on the other hand, I set out on a walk with my camera and decide to take a nice photograph of the sunset over the hills, then it is Art. The question I pose to you, then, is this: Given the aesthetic merits of some of Cooper’s photographs (he’s had a gallery showing and is selling prints), can we consider them Art? And if we do, are we then saying that Cooper took them purposefully, and thus that he knew what he was doing?

As an aside, I hate to think of the legal ramifications of getting photographs of other people’s private lives through your pet.

All photos: ©Cooper the Photographer Cat (published here without his written consent)

by Miserere

As a card-carrying member (#249, Pentax chapter) of the Worldwide Squirrel Shooters Association, I am always on the lookout for a good squirrel photo opportunity. In general, one needs a fast DSLR with a relatively long lens for this endeavour (a 70-300mm zoom works well), but sometimes a chance encounter with a rare squirrel will have you shooting with whatever camera you may have, because a lousy photo is better than no photo at all.

Such was the encounter I had today. I was driving home early in the morning; it was cold but sunny, and I was in a rush to drop the car off at home before walking to work (I know this sounds backwards, but that’s my life). I had just turned into my street when I saw a white, fuzzy flash of fur cross the road. I looked to the pavement on my left, and right there, looking back at me with beady, red eyes, was a white squirrel. A white squirrel! Possibly the most prized photograph a member of the WSSA can take! I stopped the car immediately.

With trembling hands I took my Canon S90 from my jacket pocket and fumbled to turn it on. Alas, I was too slow, and sensing that she was in danger of being photographed, the white squirrel had fled through a hole in a fence. But I was not giving up! I parked the car and walked stealthily towards the fence; I could hear some rustling and the occasional flash of white in the bushes behind the fence. When I was some 5m away a sudden frenzy of shaking branches and the sound of little feet scampering announced the white squirrel’s departure. All was silent.

I reached the fence and peered over into a large garden with trees in the far side. Nothing moved, and there was no trace of the white squirrel, only the sound of far away traffic. I waited for a minute or so, camera ready and zoomed out to the max, set to Av and auto ISO; I was not going to miss again. And then I saw it. Sitting motionless atop a fence post, it had been there all along, yet remained invisible to my eyes. Not anymore.

I pointed the camera at it and took a few shots (the above is a resized JPEG straight from the camera). I wasn’t close enough for a high quality portrait, but I knew I at least had evidence of my encounter. All of a sudden a regular squirrel appeared in the branches above the white squirrel and started shrieking. The white squirrel shrieked back and scurried up the tree, possibly to claim it as her own. I snapped a few shots while this happened, then sensing it would not be leaving its tree nor coming any closer, I left it to its own devices, my mission accomplished.

As I walked to work a few minutes later I whistled a tune while admiring my catch on the rear LCD screen; I will even admit I skipped a little. It was a cold but sunny morning—and I had just photographed a white squirrel.

The image below is a 100% crop from the first frame, with a little bit of sharpening added.