Two Hosers Photo Show- Unlikely Accessory

Posted on June 15, 2011 by allan

One of the most invaluable accessories you can keep in your camera bag is a small step ladder. Ok, technically not in your bag, but you get the idea.

It comes in particularly handy when you are taking someone’s headshot and you want to maximize their positive features while minimizing the not so positive ones. Depending on your subject mileage will vary but it is safe to say that everybody looks better from a slightly downward angle vs straight on. (This is generally a pleasant euphemism for “double chin de-emphasization”)

As an example I shot a quick series of 3 headshots of Meike. Now, as it turns out Meike has very strong, photogenic features (just the one chin) so the differences are very subtle but they are noticeable. The first shot is straight on, second shot is from one step up and the last shot is from the second step.

Even though the difference is subtle in this case I always make sure I have the step ladder on hand for this kind of shot. (Shot with Canon 5d MKII and 70-200mm f4L).

Be sure to check out The Two Hosers Photo Show for more tips on getting the most out of your DSLR. Subscribe free on iTunes or at www.twohosers.com.

The Two Hosers Photo Show- Looking For Light pt 2

Posted on April 29, 2011 by allan

Part One can be found here if you missed it.

And without further ado, on to Scenario 2

So while you’re walking off your Maultaschen lunch you want to snap a few photos. In this example we have direct sunlight blasting the building while the alley is in relative darkness. This is one of those times when the camera has difficulty rendering bright brights and dark darks (although to be fair, I do like the blue sky in this shot).

By simply turning 90 degrees to our left we can find a different street that features a more even light.

The shadows and the highlights are much closer together and the camera is able to capture them all. Well, ALMOST all. Nitpickers will see the small section of blown out pixels on the top right side. I don’t lose any sleep over a few blown highlights.

Scenario 3

One of the real charming features of Tübingen is the old style buildings. Trying to capture them at certain times of day can be challenging as we can see here.

The red building, where Goethe apparently used to work, is properly exposed while the other building is clearly over (blown out).

If we expose for the brighter building then the red one is under exposed. Again, we are limited by circumstances. An easy solution here is to eliminate the brighter building and only include the red one.

If you want to get both in the same picture you either need to come back at Magic Hour, bring a giant bounce board along, or fire off some serious flash. I recommend coming back later. Until then by controlling the “latitude” yourself you allow your camera to give you good results.

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The Two Hosers Photo Show- Close Ups

Posted on April 26, 2011 by allan

“I’m ready for my close up Mr DeMille.” -Norma Desmond, Sunset Blvd.

That very recognizable quote comes from a movie called “Sunset Blvd” which, if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend. I don’t automatically like B&W movies simply because they are old (some of them are pretty boring) but I really liked that one.

Let’s jump ahead to my point. Often, when traveling, a common instinct is to shoot very wide photos to ensure that everything is included. Nothing wrong with that of course, but don’t forget to shoot some close-ups as well.

Personally I like to include myself and fellow traveling companions in some of the wide shots to show that I was, in fact, at Yankee Stadium, Peggy’s Cove, and The Brandenburg Gate (not on the same trip).

But I also make sure to grab some close up shots to remind myself what it felt like to be there. These small details often have a more personal connection and can be great conversation pieces. Take this building in Tubingen for example.