Seeing the whole picture
Jan 12, 2015 17:07:15 #
Are there classes that can help you to see the whole picture and be aware of shadows or unwanted objects in the photo. I spend the time getting the camera set, focus, framing, and waiting for the right moment then sometimes I forget to look at the whole picture. The attached picture is an example. I didn't notice my shadow was in the picture until I got it on the computer screen and then I had to Photoshop it out later. Maybe it is just a matter of more experience and I will learn what to look for. Any suggestions?
Jan 12, 2015 17:22:19 #
It's awareness. You already took the first step. You know something you don't want. Check the four corners of your view finder and background,then concentrate on your subject. No school.
Jan 12, 2015 17:35:34 #
It will definitely become more natural with time. Maybe practice on subjects that aren't moving, so you can take your time and really look at everything in the frame.
Also, regarding overall composition, there are lots of books, even older library books for film, that can help you with composition. And of course, online articles, such as:
http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/
Also, regarding overall composition, there are lots of books, even older library books for film, that can help you with composition. And of course, online articles, such as:
http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/
Jan 12, 2015 17:50:47 #
It would seem that the fact that you are asking the question has this planted in your mind well enough, but if you need more reminders, put a note in your camera bag so when you open it you'll see it. Even better put a sticky over your lcd to remind you. It's not hard to make a mental checklist of things to do; you have one already with your setup routine, so why not add these to the list?
Think about pictures you need and eventually you'll take the one you want! S-
Think about pictures you need and eventually you'll take the one you want! S-
Jan 12, 2015 19:26:23 #
hairnet1948 wrote:
Are there classes that can help you to see the who... (show quote)
What you are looking for comes with practice. Shoot, Shoot, Shoot; and Shoot some more.
Jan 12, 2015 19:45:28 #
hairnet1948 wrote:
Are there classes that can help you to see the who... (show quote)
Shadows are one of the hardest things to "find" in the frame because our eyes are conditioned to overlook or look through them. They don't look nearly as dark to us in real life as they do on the computer screen. They will continue to surprise you even after you learn to get rid of the fire hydrants, twigs, phone poles and trash cans. It can help to review the shots on the camera back screen while you still have time to reshoot.
My own most annoying intrusion is the toe of my shoe sneaking in when I'm shooting down a river bank or cliff. I'll check for it on the first shot but by shot #4 or so, there the darned thing is again.
Jan 12, 2015 20:59:26 #
hairnet1948 wrote:
Are there classes that can help you to see the who... (show quote)
In the 70's my photo teacher at Cal St Los Angeles used say: "You have to learn to see the light." He would explain that it meant to see the tones, shadows, reflections, angles and everything else the light did, not just look at the subject because the brain processes the scene in ways a camera doesn't. That was film days, but it still applies with digital. The human brain adds, subtracts and alters things to sort of an ideal image unless you think and actually "see the light".
Jan 12, 2015 21:29:26 #
hairnet1948 wrote:
Are there classes that can help you to see the who... (show quote)
1948, I don't know of anything Internet, but college photography classes cover all of that stuff, especially by way of the critiques.
You could check out my Composition posts, they aren't specific to that but we have been discussing what goes into composition. You could ask that.
Of course the best way to deal with shadow is to use light or fill light, IF you know the shadow is there. Good luck. ;-)
SS
Jan 13, 2015 07:11:01 #
I really appreciate everyone's great advice and I feel that I am learning to look at shadows and unwanted objects in a new way.
Here is a portrait that I did for a couple's 65th wedding anniversary. It only took 15 minutes to get a good shot but about 45 minutes to take the glare from the glasses. Next time I will tether my camera to the computer and then I will be able to see problems before the client leaves.
Here is a portrait that I did for a couple's 65th wedding anniversary. It only took 15 minutes to get a good shot but about 45 minutes to take the glare from the glasses. Next time I will tether my camera to the computer and then I will be able to see problems before the client leaves.
Jan 13, 2015 07:35:24 #
jrushphoto
Loc: Flint, MI
A couple of tips for dealing with glasses that I learned from an excellent portrait photographer many years ago - have the subject tilt the bows of their glasses up off their ears just a touch and the reflection will be angled down and not straight back at you. This works great when you're doing portraits on the run such as at weddings, etc. Another option, if you have a little more time, is to have some frames on hand that do not have lenses in them and let them wear those just for the shoot, after all, they don't need to see clearly at that time, you do. Have fun!
Jan 13, 2015 07:39:15 #
jrushphoto
Loc: Flint, MI
P.S. Also just having the subject tilt their chin down a bit until you see the reflection disappear will also work, provided that doesn't give them the dreaded "turkey neck"!
Jan 13, 2015 07:46:40 #
hairnet1948 wrote:
Are there classes that can help you to see the who... (show quote)
It sounds like you just solved your own problem. I've read many articles that recommend looking at the "whole picture" in the viewfinder to see if there's anything you don't want. Take a moment to examine the scene.
Jan 13, 2015 08:11:02 #
We all make errors taking photos, and photographing your own shadow shooting with the sun at your back will often lead to this annoying problem. However, there are ways to correct this in post processing. I used Elements 12 clone tool to remove your shadow.
Jan 13, 2015 08:26:34 #
pcolatide wrote:
We all make errors taking photos, and photographing your own shadow shooting with the sun at your back will often lead to this annoying problem. However, there are ways to correct this in post processing. I used Elements 12 clone tool to remove your shadow.
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Jan 13, 2015 08:36:48 #
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