Entries Tagged 'Carrie Bruner-Hillyard' ↓

When it comes to photography, it is a rectangular world.  It is certainly convenient to have the standards that we do (3×5, 4×6, 5×7, etc.)  It makes buying frames and albums easy—and inexpensive. 

After getting my feet wet with my own photography, I started paying attention to what other people were doing for a little inspiration.  One of the most interesting styles I have discovered along the way is square photography.   

Classic square format cameras are making a comeback in popularity.  While I would love to own film cameras, the truth is I really do not have the time or money to devote to getting into true square format photography with film.  My inexpensive and fun trick: crop it!

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: 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.