Be Ready for Any Opportunity

Hello All,

At this point, I would like to reiterate that this blog is not just about the technical side of photography. It is called The Photographer's Evolution, but the name is meant to refer to more than just an expanded operational knowledge gained over time. It also, and perhaps more importantly, lends itself to the idea that being a photographer is a way of life in a sense. By that, I mean to say that as one gets into the art more and more, it can start to cross over into every other aspect of one's continual thought process and/or routine. For myself, it means that at one point I began to see so many good opportunities for shots that I just started to carry my camera around with me a great deal of the time. Of course it is not by my side at all times, but slowly and surely that continues to change.

While I choose to carry a dedicated camera around for much of the time, nearly all of us always have a way to capture the moment. With virtually all phones including cameras now, each of us has the chance to create a memory or attempt to show others how we view the world. The real challenge for the aspiring photographer is simply to train our minds to pull that camera out when we see something that moves us.  One day you may even find yourself, like me, getting to the point where you are lying on the ground and taking shots just because you started wondering what everything looks like down there. Conversely, if we take the time to stop and look in any other direction, who knows what might strike our fancy. One day I happened to look up and saw a Luck Dragon in the sky, and as luck would have it, I had my camera ready!

Hey, it's Falcor!

Why so Serious?!

Just a quick thought today, as school once again conspires to monopolize my time. I was thinking about when I first started getting into photography, and feeling like every shot had to be some awe inspiring creation. I eventually came to realize that this is not the case though. Just like any hobby/pastime/pursuit that each of us enjoy, photography is supposed to be fun too. At least I want it to be. While it is great to capture that perfect and inspiring moment, there is nothing wrong with getting goofy either. I think that a good, or a least passionate photographer is able to convey a part of their personality with each shot that they take. With that thought and spirit in mind, I present to you... Sexy Iron Man!

I'm sexy and I know it.

If you're wondering, yes, I actually took the time to pose this thing. Hey, I said to get goofy!

Steve

The Wonderful World of Tilt-shift

All Right, All Right, All Right,

 One of my personal favorite effects to use on photos is what is known as tilt-shift. In truth, it's not really an effect, but rather a technique used while taking a photo that requires a special lens. In the most simple terms, this unique lens is able to shift the traditional focal plane that is used by other lenses. Another way to put it would be to say that it gives you the ability to put everything within a certain range of distance into focus. If you're a nerd like me and really want to read about the technical side of it, look here. If you were to buy one of these lenses then I envy you, because that means that you have an extra $1000-2000 laying around that you can spend. Of course, a lens is not necessary as the look can be simulated with Photoshop and many other free programs (links to some of these are in the "Check it Out" section of this blog).

Most people explain the look of tilt-shift by saying that it makes the picture look like a miniature set. In my world, I love it because of the altered depth of field and the forced perspective that it gives the viewer. Basically, what I mean is that it creates a sort of 3-D effect by putting a certain part of the picture into hyper-focus as I like to call it. In doing so, it almost tricks your brain into believing that you're looking at a scene as though you are actually there.

It should be noted that this sort of look can be accomplished in other ways, but it is most often with a single subject dominating most of the frame. Tilt-shift works best with shots of larger scenes, which I believe is a large part of the "feeling like you're there" aspect of it. Without further adieu though, the following is an example that I hope will allow you to get a better understanding of what I am trying to say. (Click on the photos to view with a darker background)

Normal - Take a look at the entire scene.

Tilt-shift - Look again, does anything seem different?

 I'm sure that some of you may be looking at these pictures and saying to yourselves, "What is he talking about, it looks the same to me." If you are, then look again and keep doing it until you see it my way (Haha JK :). The effect is more subtle in this case, but in others it can be quite dramatic. If anyone would like I'd be happy to come back to this subject or post links to some other examples. In the meantime don't forget to keep on L-I-V-I-N'.

Steve

Here's to the future...

The slideshow featured here displays photos by Peter Juerges. I don't know him personally, but he is a contact on my Flickr page. For anyone who hasn't explored it yet, Flickr is a great way to find tips, meet other photographers, and just see a lot of great work. Anyway, these photos by Mr. Juerges represent what I hope to be able to do myself in the not too distant future. Of course, getting that elusive SLR would be helpful, but that is for another day. In the meantime, enjoy the pics!


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

I'm Baaack!

Well all, I had gotten away from this thing as I had started to become discouraged. As much as I have coveted an SLR camera for the past year+, obligations and other responsibilities have prevented me from doing so. Alas, I did not give up taking photos though, as it has become a part of my daily routine. Even though I haven't been able to upgrade equipment, I realized that it doesn't mean I couldn't still learn and get better at the art. That is the point of this thing right? Getting a better camera doesn't make you a better photographer, so I say let the journey continue. Maybe one of these days there will actually be some people to actually read this crap!