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Author: Hamish McLaren

How to Photograph a Mirage

How to Photograph a Mirage

A mirage is one of the most spectacular sights for travelers. Hot air bellows near the ground and produces images for people to see. Many times it will manifest as a pool of water that doesn’t exist. Photography is used to capture images of objects in the area. These water pools may appear in desert or arid locations in the country. But there are other excellent examples of the phenomenon in nature. For example, a mirage of an iceberg may appear on the ocean surface. Use the camera to photograph these examples and get more information on how it works.

Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas...wrong type of Mirage.
Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas…wrong type of Mirage.

It is important to find the mirage itself. Photographers should research the topic before they approach the subject. It could be difficult to find an example of the phenomenon itself. These images may appear on land or out on the water. Reports suggest that ships could appear out on the ocean waves in an area. There are significant challenges when it comes to capturing the image on film. Keep in mind that it is an optical phenomenon and is only rays of sunshine. That could be difficult to locate and harder to capture while taking photographs of the surroundings.

Photograph of a mirage caused by a jet.

Get creative with the project and judge the results. There are rumors that mirage ships appear over the horizon while filming an area. The sun may also reflect off the water, even before it has risen. Photograph the mirage and get more information before selecting these pictures. Use captions and crop techniques to prepare the photo as needed. That will direct attention towards the phenomenon and explain the subject. A mirage is challenging, but well worth the effort it takes to understand. Few other phenomena on Earth will compare to its unique nature. Artists have been drawn in by the subject in the past as well.

Research the topic by looking online or in books. Arturo Alvarez Demalde suggests learning from other photographers. Arturo Alvarez Demalde says, “Whenever I want to learn a new photography skill, I research online. Who are the best photographers? What did they do? I look at lighting, composition, and other parts of the photography to see what I can replicate and learn.” Publications have taken note of the mirage and published photos of their own. They are rare and make scant appearances in these books. The mirage will add character to a vibrant landscape in front of the photographer. It also attracts attention and is a popular topic among nearby people. Expect to be the center of attention whenever the mirage has taken place. An expert should be ready to explain how the mirage forms and what makes it special. That could generate interest for anyone hoping to purchase photographs.

Use high resolution images to take these pictures. That will detail all aspects of the mirage and its surroundings. Care and attention may just explain how the mirage has formed in the past. It still remains one of the more mysterious natural phenomena that appear in nature. Distant objects must be centered within the frame of the photographs. Good technique will be important while taking pictures. But timing will also be critical as the day unfolds. Not every day will a particular mirage appear for people. Look for a chance to photograph the perfect mirage during the day.

Photography Roundup: Lighting, Lighting, Lighting!

Photography Roundup: Lighting, Lighting, Lighting!

I recently asked about 50 bloggers to give me an opinion on the following question:

Which part of photography was the most difficult for you to learn or master?

Honestly I didn’t expect the answers that I received! 24 people met the deadline and here are their answers. Sign up here to be part of the next roundup!

Learning to shoot in low light conditions has always been difficult to me. Increasing the ISO feels like cheating, but 1600-3200 is often the only way I can get great pictures! Ian Leaf, @IanLeaf

lighting. Liz Cleland, @westnewyorker

Setting up food/products in a well lit area of my home while making it look natural and not staged. Linda Kinsman, @ismilefirst

Lighting!! Kristi Gilbert, @therobotmommy

lighting, I am still learning. Miranda, @myrabev

I photograph food and I also photograph my son and my husband. But I find photographing food harder and the most difficult part about it for me is the styling. I’ve been trying my best to master it though. Erlinda Reese, @Lynndeeee

Aperture was the hardest for me to wrap my head around. I actually still struggle with it! I find myself going back to automatic sometimes. Jen Rattie, @craftymomof3

The lighting. Not having glares etc. Lisa C. aka Lisa-Queen of Random, @Lisa2900

Lighting. My house has such poor lighting. Tina, @LIChevyMetsGrrl

Lighting! My kitchen makes for a poor photography studio because all of my photos have a yellow tone. Not good for a food blogger! It took lots of practice to learn how to shoot and edit photos to look the way I wanted them to. Ashley Hill, @thehillhangout

Glare and I sometimes still have trouble. Cassandra McCann , @star95011

Trying to get the lighting right Jamie Knupp, @Cluelessmomma

food Tara Pittman, @momknowsbest15

getting enough light in a dark place w/o flash Judy Antell, @wheelsandeats

Getting the right lighting is crucial, and I would recommend natural light if at all possible. Also experiment with different angles, and take tons of photos. Then on the computer, narrow down the best ones. Teresa Britton, @MomsWhoSave

Definitely lighting! I am still learning! Kim Delatorre, @shopwithmemama

It’s hard to choose just one thing, because great photography depends on mastering and balancing a whole symphony of details. Beyond the basic challenge of learning how my camera really worked, I’d say composition was my biggest personal challenge – and the area in which I’m most proud of my growth over the years. It took me a long time to learn that less can be more and that contrasting colors can breath life into otherwise dull photographs. Mary Helen Leonard, @Marymakesgood

Getting the best angle to photograph. Patty, @pizzalogger

I struggled most with learning to shoot manually on my camera. Rose Atwater, @rosebakes

Outside or surrounding props around the food or plate. Deborah Dennert, @debbzs

understanding how to balance exposure, ISO, WB, etc. all together Jess Holmes, @WildishJess

Editing photos is my weakness. I have Photoshop and a premium version of PicMonkey, yet during the editing stage my photos still don’t turn out as good as I would like. Victoria, @wahmjourney91

I would have to say that food photography was the most difficult for me. I share food pictures all of the time, across both business and personal social networks. I didn’t realize that taking a picture from above, of the same paper plates we eat off of wouldn’t cut it. So, I started buying mismatched plates, bowls, platters, and China sets with missing pieces so I could make my pictures pop just a little. I also learned that taking a picture from the side or level with the plate would really capture the natural beauty of the food. It’s ok if a cherry tomato rolled away or a drop of gravy is running down the plate or the fork knocked the rice off of the perfect mound. It’s more natural this way and not staged. Brandy Oliver, @busymommylist

Learning nw equipment is always toughest for me. It takes practice and repetition. Mike Munter, @mike_munter

Thank you to all of the participants. To be part of the next roundup, subscribe here!

How To Photograph A Comet

How To Photograph A Comet

Comet against a setting sun.

Taking a caption of a comet can be difficult, and requires massive professionalism as it only occurs ones in a lifetime due to their unpredictability.

With the help of the modern equipment and the latest technology, one can be able to photograph a comet. The best moment to view a comet is when it is at its largest size in the sky. Several steps are involved in the due process of taking a capture of a comet as discussed below.

First, having the best instrument is a precaution. Here, you need a modern gear that uses the latest technology. You will need the best gears like digital SLR camera coupled with custom built sixteen inches Newtonian reflector to record the sun-grazing comet’s intricate tail.

Mercury Comet’s are much easier to photograph.

Secondly, you need to choose the best location with an unobstructed view. One need to be aware of the best date, time and position of the active incoming alien comet.

The third step is taking the shot. Set your stand at an angle that is appropriately depending on your height. Configure the focus of your instruments by carrying out a twenty minutes exposure of a nearby star along the area of the caption. There is the need to enlarge the image for a wider and clear vision. With readiness, take numerous pictures of the passing comet with pictures having a maximum interval of twenty seconds. Caution should be observed as prolonged exposure will lead to the viewing of blurred images due to the earth rotation. For clear and visible results, one should take a less neat pile of shots of the comet and then process the images later.

The final step involves processing the captured images. Any poor quality captured images should be deleted from the rest apparently captured captions. Only the best shots of the comet will be left with intriguing features. Stacking software is necessary for removing the dark flames and then piling the images into a single image.

man and woman preparing for a date.
3 Tips Every Low Light Photographer Needs to Know

3 Tips Every Low Light Photographer Needs to Know

Tips Every Low Light Photographer Needs to Know

Low light photography is not something that professional photographers do at night. Low light photography can be done at different times of the day. Low light photography is set apart by one main element. Low light imagery is done when there is a low level of ambient light. Low light can come from both inside the home and outside.

The Three Levels of Low Light Photography

1) The first type is visible. The low light happens to be in shadows during the day. You can be under a tree. You can be under a bridge. It does not matter. It is left up to the person to make the most of this light.

2) The second type is low light. Low light happens during sunset. Everything around you is visible. Take a step inside. You will see places which are dark.

3) The third type is dark. This is when only the objects with the most light can be seen.

Top 3 Tips

Check all your conditions. What is visible? What is not visible? Our eyes tend to have a much broader range. Professionals who deal in photography call this range “dynamic range”. You may think you have enough light for areas full of shadow. You may not. You may have to adjust the lens. Adjust the camera for blurred imagery. Invest in VR/IS technology. Adjust your ISO settings.

Are you shooting in an area which does not have much light? Decrease your aperture. Adjust your ISO settings. Stay close to your image. Stabilize yourself. Learn how to balance your camera. Try to capture the picture in RAW. It can always be adjusted later.

During sunset be careful of autofocus. Invest in a full frame camera. Invest in a monopod or tripod. The Tripod will give you the lowest noise for your ISO settings. Tripods will bring your shutter speed down.

Use a tripod for night time. Movement counts during the night. It is best to decrease movement as much as possible. Subject too dark? Try using a flashlight. The subject will have more light. You will get a better picture. Get in the habit of using manual focus.

Your setting will need adjusting. Shooting during the day is different than night. Try the infinity setting. It may work. It may not. It all depends on what you are taking a picture of. You can go back and adjust something later. Do not move your tripod once your focus is established. If you do, it’s going to through the whole thing.

Practice Makes Perfect

Keep at it. Do not give up. It is a great time to experiment. See what works and what does not. Low light is a good time to get some amazing pictures, maybe even sell a few pictures. You will find your niche. Your technique is going to improve. Practice is the key to your success.

How To Photograph Fire with Manual Settings

How To Photograph Fire with Manual Settings

Learning to properly photograph fire can be a very tricky endeavor. However, there are tricks and tips to pick up get that perfect shot.

Before you even decide to snap one photo you must make sure your camera is properly set up. To do this you must first adjust the shooting mode on your camera. After you have adjusted your camera to the proper shooting mode turn off the flash as it is not needed when photographing images of fire.

After you have adjusted the cameras shooting mode and turned the flash off you need to then
go out and practice with your cameras settings. As the saying goes practice makes perfect and that goes for photography as well, especially when it comes to photographing fire as it can be tedious. Moreover,in order to become the best photographer and come out with the best pictures you should be taking non stop shots and play around with exposure and long exposure.

After you have had gotten the settings adjusted, set it on the best mode for capturing fire and turned off the flash you should adjust the cameras shutter speed to longer than before. By lengthening the speed
you will allow the shutter to stay open longer so a fair amount of more light can be allowed in thus capture the flame in its movement as well as presenting a blurry, more interesting effect. A more memorable effect even perhaps.

In the final steps to adjusting your camera you must decide whether or not to choose a high ISO setting or a low. Most professionals will recommend using the high ISO setting as it will allow the cameraman to perfectly capture the flames. Another suggestion pertaining to a high ISO setting is to turn said setting to at least 1600 so as to make the image appear altogether more fluid. Now as for the lower of the setting it can also be used, unlike with the higher setting, without the use of a tripod.

Photography of any subject can be difficult at first and fire is in itself all the more work but with much practice you can learn to capture a moment of time within the flames of a photo.

Learning to properly photograph fire can be a very tricky endeavor. Click to Tweet
ACM Group Addresses Universal Importance of the Closer’s Role

ACM Group Addresses Universal Importance of the Closer’s Role

Chad Winters has always been interested in learning more about the principles and philosophies responsible for the continued success of any organization, even when that organization seems to have very little in common with his own organization, ACM Group. The founder of a remarkably successful sustainability and brand-building firm, Mr. Winters has been a close observer of the San Francisco Giants for the past few years, particularly due to the organization’s consistent ability to outperform expectations while winning title after title.

 

According to Mr. Winters, organizational balance and continuity are critical components that support the efforts of any well-run organization. Mr. Winters has deeply valued balance and continuity over the years since he first founded ACM Group, and he immediately recognized the role these qualities have played in helping the Giants win three World Series titles since 2010. With an exceptional core group of players in place — along with a rare level of continuity among the team’s executive personnel and coaching staff — the Giants have created a culture in which the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.

 

As a keen observer of the club, Mr. Winters saw how a sudden lack of balance affected the entire organization during a 2016 season that began with such promise. The instability of the bullpen led manager Bruce Bochy — one of the most respected leaders in the game — to make the kind of questionable decisions Giants fans had only seen from opposing dugouts and not from their own.

 

As Mr. Winters points out, Bochy did not suddenly become a poor in-game tactician; the instability of the bullpen and especially the lack of a reliable and lights-out closer made it nearly impossible to confidently develop and implement an effective strategy for winning close games. Despite the fact that 2017 is an odd year, Mr. Winters is staunch in his belief that the Giants will contend for the World Series after an offseason in which they will surely secure the bullpen help they lacked during the 2016 campaign.