Photographers versus Graphic Designers

Someone made an interesting comment at our first Photoshop Creative Series, 'that as being a Graphic Designer', tutor Diana Ziv 'would not be using Photoshop in the same way that photographers did.’ Is this a question of relevance? Diana answers what we find an intriguing question in relationship to photographers versus graphic designers.

Ms Ziv says not only do graphic designers use Photoshop for many of the same reasons as photographers, but they have been doing so for a lot longer. “Truth be told, I was using Photoshop when photographers were still using film and I was editing their images on a daily basis, removing blemishes, changing colours, spotting, taking objects in and out of images, montages, you name it,” said Diana. “Every day I was taking their images and building on them.”

Ms Ziv said photographers have been playing a catch up game with designers, trying to make up lost ground. “If anything, photographers have been very keen to learn the skills that graphic designers had to have, before photographers went digital.” She said it is also becoming more difficult to distinguish between the technical skills required of photographers and graphic designers. “The lines between designer/photographer/web designer/video editor are blurring into multimedia skills.”

Diana explained that her profession still demands more from Photoshop than photographers do. “[The] second part of the editing I would do to an image would include more or different creative techniques that photographers would probably not typically consider”.

In fact, do graphic designers deserve more credit than they are given? Are our professions combining? Indeed it is an exciting path forward we face in the multi-media world.

Star Trail Photography - Some of the Problems

Image taken by Kristin Repsher at the
Bluedog Photography Star Trail Workshop Jan 2010

Star trails can be one of the most rewarding or disappointing photo shoots you can do.
We love them! What are some of the pit falls and traps of star trail photography and why do images not always turn out the way you would like?

Star Trails may take a lot of experimenting under different conditions.

Noise is the number one enemy you will encounter doing a long exposure star trail with digital cameras – one reason some drag out their film cameras for this type of image capturing. Every camera will have different noise at different times; you just have to find your limit.

Factors such as the night temperature can affect noise. On our Bluedog Star Trail Workshop last weekend it was a warm 23°C. As the temperature drops, the signal to noise ration improves, and your noise will decrease.

Noise will almost always be apparent if you expose for more than 10-20min. Different parts of your camera heat up and affect how the sensor works. Every camera is different and it also depends on the environmental conditions such as haze, dust, ambient light and temperature as mentioned above. On this particular workshop we had also had a grass fire earlier on close by.

Digital noise is more pronounced in the darker areas of an image than lighter areas.

If you experience noise try to do the following:

Use Noise Ninja and try different settings to reduce noise

Use an adjustment layer and increase contrast (reduce brightness of the image).

Use the foreground as silhouette only.

A note about dew. Some of us experienced dew building up on our lenses towards the end of the star trail. This is very common and caused by the amount of humidity in the air. To overcome this use a sock wrapped around your lens hood, or use a battery operated hair drier every 5 minutes to keep the lens warm. You can also use one of those hand-warmers that you put inside your gloves for winter activities. Wrap it around your lens barrel (or even inside of your hood).

Never use a lens cleaner to clean your lens during a shot.

The images below show an example of noise in a star trail. While noise is very evident at 100% magnification it is far less visible at screen view.

We hope this information is useful and you are inspired to get out and try more star trails in the future.
Cheers Garry and Danielle

Image by Garry Schlatter  magnified 100%

 

 Image by Garry Schlatter at screen view%

Some of our Faves from 2009

As the dust finally settles on 2009 and we all plan our paths for 2010 we thought we’d ask some of the Bluedog Tutors for a memorable personal shot from their past year of photography.

Augustine

‘As a child I was terrified of electrical storms. The thunder would send me skittering to my mother looking for reassurance. Photography more than age has changed that. On Tuesday 17th November Brisbane was hit with a massive electrical storm and I couldn't have been happier. This image is one of my favourites I got from that night (and I got over 30 images all up). I like this one because it shows the true scope of the momentary flash. It clearly shows so much more than the naked eye can see with all the minor offshoots of the central strikes. One of the most rewarding things about this storm was that I got to sit in the comfort of a dry deck, drink red wine with good friends and storm watch while taking some cracking shots. Just gotta love a great storm :)’

Barry

'During my photographers' tours of Vietnam and Cambodia, my groups are quite often invited into the 'homes' of people living in small villages. This was one such occasion where my group had the opportunity to photograph this wonderful old lady as she was preparing dinner.

Image captured in the northern mountain region of Bac Ha, Vietnam in the village of Ban Pho.'

Mel

‘This photo of little 8 day old Sammi would have to be one of my all time faves for 2009... such a little angel and I was really happy with how the DOF and neutral coloured rug just worked... thanks to Deb for allowing me to capture such a precious memory.’

Suellen

Out of all the varied locations, cultures or subject matter I’ve encountered this year, be it studio work or in the field, this candid shot of the kids taken Christmas Day ’09 would have to be my favourite for the year – maybe ever! I just really like to look at it and it makes me smile when I do. I can really sense their characters in this image – 2 seconds before it Dylan was licking the side of Lily’s face. I’ve spent a lot of time away from family this year with work and somehow it made this moment of being together and recording it in 1/160 of a second sweet as. It also reveals how these two have developed from rivalling siblings into young adults who genuinely care for each other. As a mum I can’t be anything but proud. I like the colour version of this image too but the shades lent themselves to make it great in Black and White.

Danielle

2009 was filled with so many memorable photographic locations, people and times this was a hard task but one of my special moments was working with the monks in the ancient temples in and around Siem Reap including Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This image was shot at Bayon temple, a little older than it’s more famous neighbour Angkor however an amazing opportunity and one I will never forget. Another of my ‘must see’ ticked off the list!”

'All I want for Christmas' What we would like from Santa here in the Bluedog Kennel

With Santa and his elves busily stuffing sacks for the long haul we thought we’d ask the Bluedog crew what photographic gear they are hoping for in their Santa Sack this year.

Augustine: For me (as I am about to go travelling) I am asking Santa for a new lightweight carbon fibre tripod and a new carry bag for all my gear :), oh and if he could sort me out with a Sherpa to carry all my stuff around the place that would be handy as well.

Danielle: After having slipped three discs in my back at once this year from carting around my bag and tripod, a lightweight carbon fibre tripod that can hold my camera steady in vertical with any lens is at the top of my list. Come on Santa bring it on! Next would be to attend the Mary Ellen Mark workshop in Mexico and visit my friends Rebecca and Emmanuel in the US to have some ‘fun’ photography time.

Garry: Being the resident Swiss in the Bluedog Kennel I am hoping that Santa can bring me a gift from my homeland. Seitz (a specialist Swiss camera manufacturer) makes an amazing camera addition, the D3 digital scan back, that allows me to take seamless panoramas with the flick of a switch. Where better to use such an incredible toy than in the beauty of Australia’s vast outback.

Mel: Top of my list is the AF-S VR Micro- Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED and the Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF VR II lens. Not too much to ask for a girl who’s been good?

Suellen: There’s a rumour that Bluedog is planning a tour to Tuscany to sample all the delights that the Italian countryside has to offer. Santa – I want to go, please pretty please.

Nick: With Santa not needing to worry about weight in his sleigh I’d like him to bring me that big heavy 70-200mm Nikon f/2.8 lens that I have been hankering after. Just gotta love a big zoom. Oh and I’ll have the 2x converter because you can never have a lens that is too big. And ... I’d like a fisheye lens to really give the world a whole new look.  And ... oh, hang on,  I’d better save something for next year’s wish list.

Paul: I have my fingers crossed that Nikon brings out their new camera in time for your delivery this year. I have heard that there is a new model that is following on from the D700. Now I know that the D700 is good, but hey, sometimes newer is better. Thanks Santa and hurry up Nikon.

Tips for Buying Photography Gift Vouchers

Christmas is here and that means gifts. Of course we all enjoy spending time with the family, seeing relatives and enjoying some down time but … like I said, we get gifts. I love gifts.

It seems nowadays my Santa sack is nowhere near as bulky as my childhood memory remembers it. I think this new slimmer form is less from fad dieting and more a direct result of the popularity gift vouchers are enjoying today and I can see why. They are a great way to ensure our money isn’t wasted on something that the receiver doesn’t want or need – we’ve all gotten those gifts (no, really mum, I love that vase )


Gift cards and vouchers are a photographer’s best friend … er… gift. We’re able to get what we really want – photography gear, equipment, courses, and the list goes on.


Let’s be honest, our families often have no clue about photography especially about what we’d really like to learn in relation to courses or what gear we want, therefore they really don’t know where to start buying for us.


Many head to Mr Google, he has become a good friend, and while it does often cut out the middleman you can also be ripped off. Before we go requesting vouchers from Santa we should be aware of the pitfalls to safeguard yourself whether you shop online or in a bricks’n’mortar store. We call it ‘awareness insurance’.


To minimise the risk:
Ask if gift vouchers can be combined from one outlet to get larger purchases – that’s one big pressie! Like a Bluedog trip to Vanuatu that one lucky person has been bought by a group of friends and relatives this year.


Always try to use the voucher as soon as possible (which for me is never a problem – I have the list all ready to go)


Look for a gift voucher that has a clear expiry policy – and use it before it expires, no second chances on this policy.


While most of us hate fine print, indeed some of us are lucky to be able to even see the fine print these days, it is worth giving it a quick look. It generally covers the details about such things as what happens to the unused portion. Where and when you can use it and what happens if you accidentally wash it in those favourite jeans pocket or the dog eats it ... well these things can happen.


Do your research! Read reviews, ask advice. It’s a bit like buying a new car you need to kick the tyres so to speak. And only deal with reputable sellers – these will have a physical address.


Check out the return policy and their privacy policy. If the don’t have one the onus is on you. And if the retailer is OS the returns may be costly.


Common problems occur with buying online such as delivery delays and poor after sales service. Not to mention the product does not match the description offered by the seller or your credit card is misused. A good tip here is to have one credit card for on line purchases with a low limit.


Don’t judge an online retailer by their website – just because it looks good does not mean it is safe, though an old and outdated website should also ring alarm bells.


Here’s a couple of tech tips you can do with your computer to safeguard your online purchasing:


1. Ensure your computer has the latest updates from your operating system provider.
2. Download the most recent version of your browser to stay up to date with encryption capabilities.
3. Install a firewall, virus scanner and spyware detector.

Now that we have given you a few useful hints, it’s time for a little plug. Why not hint to Santa to consider a Bluedog Photography Gift Voucher. It is valid for 12 months and can be made out to any amount and guess what? If it does go through the wash, gets thrown out with all the Christmas wrapping or the dog does eat it, that is no problem at all. All voucher are kept on file so you can always reclaim them AND as a special bonus this year everyone buying a voucher and the person they buy for go in a draw to win a $100 canvas print voucher from WOW Prints!


Gotta love giving :)
Merry Christmas and happy shopping to all!


Just thought of another reason Bluedog Photography vouchers are so great for Chrissy – no searching for a car park in a crowded shopping centre :)

Tips for photographing Christmas Lights

Yes it’s that time of year – the trees are going up and presents are being wrapped.

Here’s a few tips for capturing great photographs of Christmas lights:

Do a drive-by and scouting mission first then depending on what you were after consider photographing it later in the evening. Early evening (6.30-8.00pm) tend to be chocker block with people to the point where the lights may be obscured, especially any garden lights.

Setting wise, use a wide aperture (small number) to allow maximum light into your camera. Team this with a shutter speed high enough to be able to hand hold your camera, around the 1/60th-1/100th for most people. While a tripod will get you lovely crisp images at night it can be a weapon of mass destruction at a crowded house. If the light levels are too low to get your shutter speed up remember that you can always lift that ISO to make the sensor more light sensitive.

Make sure you apply plenty of mosquito repellent - they are out in force at that time of night.

All those pretty lights can mean the opportunity to play around a little as well. Bokeh photos are a source of delight for most photographers and Christmas lights make perfect bokeh. Ok, so what is bokeh you ask? It is little points of light that are out of focus, often in the background of photos, where there is a really shallow depth of field. Large apertures (small number) will often produce this effect but there are ways to get even more creative bokeh intentionally. This requires a little bit of prep usually best done at home. Trying to cut card in your car is not always successful, I know, I’ve tried.

Cut a piece of card the same size circle as the end of your lens eg:57mm diameter and cut or punch a shape into the middle of the card. I’ve done Christmas trees, Santas, stars etc. Then carefully tape the piece of card over the end of the lens so that no extra light can sneak around the edges. With the lens on manual focus and the aperture as large as you can get it start snapping. The effect will be lots of little lights totally out of focus but in the shape of your cutout. Very satisfying and very impressive for a fairly simple process.

Remember that while you hope to get good shots, these displays are really all about people getting into the Christmas spirit so be sure to be considerate of others while you get your shots and keep a sense of Christmas cheer.

Ho, ho, ho and happy Christmas shooting to all.

Image by Anita Bromley

The Risks Photographers Take

The life of a photojournalist can be filled with many things. There’s adventure, fun, exploration, introductions to new people, their cultures, beliefs and ways of life. And there’s danger.

Danger became a living nightmare for Australian photographer Nigel Brennan (b. 18^th May 1972).

Nigel is your all-round ‘Australian’ bloke, he’s done a bit of this and that and then he discovered photography. His award winning images, such as the photograph titled “Saint Catherine” - portrait of Catherine Hamlin at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, which is one of the first inductees into the national Portraits Gallery in Canberra and has been purchased by the Gallery and hangs there today - hold him in good stead to become one of Australia’s most recognised photojournalists. But, and I stress here, there’ a big But!

In 2008 Nigel travelled to Somalia with Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout, whom he met whilst travelling and working in Ethiopia taking photos of the Danakil Depression and the thousands of displaced Somali people now living in refugee camps throughout the country.

They were not there alone. Fellow photographers and journalists from National Geographic were also there, writing stories on the war in Somalia.

On their last day, returning from a camp outside Afgooye, their car was stopped and surrounded by men with machine guns demanding they get out of the car.

Nigel and Amanda were kidnapped, in one of the most dangerous countries in the world, where kidnapping is as common as getting married. The asking price - $2.5 million US dollars each.

This has been a long haul for the families involved. After 15months in captivity, thankfully on Thursday that nightmare ended, in part, as Nigel and Amanda were released.

Why are we highlighting this? Kidnapping is not a new ‘event’.

Because social documentary is what a photojournalist does. They go and record events. Many of these events may not be pleasant or nice but they tell a story and often this is an important story that needs to be told.

 

It is true, freelance photographers and journalists the world over run these risks everyday: some die on the job, some get kidnapped and some escape unharmed, as the national geographic journo and photographer did travelling in a car behind Nigel and Amanda. They had to go to great lengths to out run, and outsmart and their story is published in this month’s issue of National geographic magazine.

We wish Amanda and Nigel the very best in their recovery from the ordeal and look forward to hearing the news they are home in their respective countries safe and sound very soon.

“Saint Catherine”

(c) by Nigel Brennan