Entries from April 2008 ↓

Blogged by: Brian Bruner

Although visiting places I have never seen is one of my favorite things to do, it is the people I encounter along the way that make my trips special. The candid photos of these perfect strangers are what complete my photo albums. People make your photos more natural and alive. The tough part - everything is spontaneous. In fact, more often than not, my photos with the highest level of spontaneity are my favorites.

However, we should always be mindful of the individual’s privacy. When taking candid photos of people living their everyday lives, always place yourself into their shoes. If the person does not seem to want their photo taken, then do not take their picture. But if you show common courtesy or simply pass along a smile, many people will be more accomodating to let you take their photo.

Sometimes artistic photos can be created from everyday objects, like peepholes! 

Peepholes are not just for doors.  You cannot deny it.  Peepholes are fun—the kind of mindless amusement that comes from playing with simple toys like a Slinky or silly putty. 

When I found an old peephole sitting in my junk drawer, I instinctively picked it up and began to play.  I loved how the peephole distorted the world around me.  I realized I had to try taking pictures through my newly rediscovered do-it-yourself fisheye lens. 

This was the beginning of my “through the peephole” photography.  This first peephole I used had a small viewing area and made it difficult to get a good focused shot.  After a quick trip to a local hardware store, I found a peephole with a one inch viewing area.  It was perfect for getting the focused shots with that fisheye look that I was going for.

Blogged by: Brian Bruner

Have you ever seen an impressive panoramic photo and thought, “I wish I had a camera that would take photos like that?” Fortunately, if you have a camera–you can take panoramics! This type of photography is easier than you think. All you need are a consistent series of photos and a process called “stitching”. There are several software programs available that include this tool. I prefer to use Microsoft Digital Image Suite.

Start out by setting up a tripod. A tripod is not required, but it does help in keeping your camera steady. Make sure the camera is mounted level to the ground or horizon and zoom out slightly more than you expect the image to appear. The reason for this is because stitching the photos together will require you to slightly crop the image as a final step.

Blogged by: Carrie Bruner-Hillyard

Sometimes an artistic photo can come from taking a “bad photo.” In fact, I often take bad photos intentionally by overexposing my digital images.

Overexposing simply means that you are letting more light into your photograph. It whitens your photos and can be an interesting and easy technique for you to make one-of-a-kind images. Often times, the edges of the subject you are photographing will have a softened glow, especially with backlighting. (Yes, ladies, with the right lighting overexposed images of yourself can make you look slimmer!)

Before you try this on your own, you should be aware that overexposed photos usually take minor photo editing. I prefer to use software that allows you to adjust the midtones. Without editing, your photo may appear washed out. But after a quick increase of midtones, prepare to be surprised at what jumps out at you.