2008 June | Behind The Lens Maui

Vacation Photo Tips

June 27th, 2008

National Parks with their bounty of wildlife, grand scenery, and beautiful details offer plenty of picture-taking opportunities.

Capture the landmarks
Most national parks are known for some special feature—a geyser, a mountain, a waterfall, a scenic view. Make sure you take at least one picture of that distinctive site.

Include a strong point of interest
Your eye needs a place to rest in the picture, so include something of interest—a clump of colorful flowers, a cloud in the sky, a mountain, a tree, a boat.

Place the point of interest off-center
The picture will be more interesting if the horizon or your point of interest is not in the center of the picture. Put the horizon a third of the way down from the top (or up from the bottom) of the frame, or the subject a third of the way in from the left or right. Experiment until you find a composition that appeals to you.

Include people for scale
The cliff may not look all that big, especially in a photo—until you put a person next to it. In some scenes, including a person adds a sense of awe by showing the sheer size of your subject.

Take extra batteries and film or picture cards
Wouldn’t you be crushed if your camera stopped? What if you ran out of film or filled up your picture card right at the crucial moment? The night before, check the batteries in your camera and snap a few pictures to make sure everything is working. Pack extra batteries and film or picture cards to take with you.

Use the self-timer
Don’t forget to get into some of the pictures yourself. Set your camera on a flat surface or a tripod. Check what you’re aiming at in the viewfinder, then set the camera’s self-timer so you can join the scene after you press the shutter button. Read your camera manual for detailed instructions on the self-timer.

Fill in with flash
If your family is standing in a shadow and the scenery behind them is in sunlight, turn on the flash to balance out the scene. This also reduces harsh shadows on their faces.

Use a zoom lens
Your camera’s built-in zoom may not be enough to make a wild animal more than a speck in your frame. Check to see if your camera accepts accessory lenses. If so, bring along a telephoto or zoom lens (and an adapter if necessary) to capture that wandering moose or bear. Follow park rules and don’t approach the wild animals.

Capture a panorama
If your camera has a panoramic format mode (P), you can use it to capture the grandeur of a wide vista. APS cameras, such as a Kodak Advantix camera, have this feature, as do panoramic one-time-use cameras, such as the Kodak Advantix switchable camera.

Take pictures, even in bad weather
Don’t let rainy days discourage you from taking pictures. Polished by the rain, colors seem to glow. On overcast days, try to include a spot of color to brighten your picture.

Take candid pictures
Catch the unexpected. The ring-bearer squirming in his unfamiliar suit. Aunt Bea straightening the bride’s bow. The bride greeting new family members. Old friends joking with each other. Don’t worry about taking a lot of formally posed portraits—the professional photographer will take plenty of those.

Show good camera manners
Everyone gets caught up in capturing the perfect moment, but there may be rules restricting photographs. Respect the dignity of the ceremony by refraining from taking distracting flash pictures. Non-flash pictures may, however, be acceptable. Turn off your flash and hold the camera very steady.

Capture the emotion
Catch the grins, tears, surprises, and hugs that make for memorable pictures. Keep your camera handy and turned on so you’ll be ready for those spontaneous expressions.

Take advantage of the dim light
Dim-light situations can work to your advantage. A silhouetted couple against a plain background conveys the romance and enormity of a lifelong commitment. Check the camera manual for turning the flash to “no flash.”

Food Photos

June 25th, 2008

How to take tantalizing food photos

Here’s a few helpful tips that will help you achieve professionally styled food photos with ease, right in your own home.

Timing is everything

Remember that food tends to melt, sweat, wilt, dry out, shrink, discolor or sag, so timing is of the essence. Make sure you set the table with napkins, glasses, silverware, flowers, etc. before you bring out your “hero” dish. Then finalize your lighting and make adjustments to the arrangement. When everything is perfect, bring in the food and shoot.

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Composition styles

Move in close

Fill your picture with the subject and keep everything in focus. This will eliminate background distractions and show off the details in your subject. Shooting this close requires using a tripod to help steady your shot.

Lock the focus

Move in close and focus on a particular part of a dish. This way only part of the food will be fully focused while the background is out of focus or blurred.

Include the table setting

Show off your expensive cutlery, wine glasses, chairs and table settings. Simply move far enough away to take an entire table shot with the food as the highlight.

For this type of shot, natural light works best. If natural light isn’t available, bounce light off white walls or ceilings to minimize reflections or glare off the plates, cutlery and glassware.

Hawaii Vacation Photo

June 23rd, 2008

Here’s How:

Remember that Hawaii has a tropical climate. The temperatures vary only about 10 degrees. If you are visiting the windward side of the islands you will see some rain so plan accordingly.
Evenings can be cool especially if there is a breeze. Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket.
If you plan to explore the higher elevations such as Haleakala or Mauna Kea, you may wish to bring a warm sweater and windbreaker also. Temperatures at the summits can drop to the low 30’s.
Swimsuits are a must as are shorts, short-sleeved shirts, light dresses, sandals, thongs and some good walking shoes. If you plan on riding horseback, be sure to bring some jeans and heavy shoes.
There is no real need for a suit in Hawaii. Even at most fancy restaurants and night spots a nice shirt and pair of khaki’s or Dockers will do just fine. A sports jacket is only needed at the most upscale restaurants.
Sun block, insect repellent, sunglasses and a hat are a must. The sun is very intense in Hawaii and you don’t want to ruin your vacation by getting a sunburn.
If you plan to explore Hawaii’s waters bring your snorkel and mask or better yet wait until you arrive. These can be rented very cheaply and often are available for free at many hotels.
Leave ample room to bring things back. Most tourists buy some aloha-wear and other souvenirs that you won’t find on the mainland. Remember that you can ship items home also, which is often much easier.
Hawaii is the most beautiful place on earth. Remember your camera, film, extra batteries, and x-ray protected film bag. You will find a lot of use for your video camera also.
Put important papers (tickets, reservation confirmations, travelers checks), all medications, spare glasses, a change of clothing and any other valuables in your carry-on bag.
Don’t forget your favorite tour book. You’ve probably purchases one or two to help you plan your trip. The Moon Publications Hawaii Handbook is an excellent all-round guidebook.
Consider whether you may need any of these specialty items: binoculars, hair dryer, inflatable raft, portable radio, or travel iron.

Tips:

Don’t over-pack. Travel as lightly as possible.
Leave plenty of room in your suitcase for all of the things you will bring home.
Make a list of things to bring and check the list before you leave home.
Remember to bring your digital camera to take your Hawaii Vacation Photos.