SJP – Tips & Lessons

Please click here to read my information on Cameras, Lens’s & Tripods for Macro Photographing.

Thank you,
Janice Sullivan

Hello everyone,

Hope you all enjoyed my guest author on the last post.  I’m always trying to learn something new in photography especially when it comes to Macro and Close-up work.  I’m reading two books now on Macro photography and I’ll let you know on my next post how they were.  Today, I would like to talk about stepping out of the box when you photograph or do anything creative…I don’t mean this literally…but if you want to go for it  There are many photographers that believe that a specific piece of equipment must be used for the purpose it was made for.  Being the artist that I am, I never take anything so seriously.  I enjoy playing with toys (equipment).  Today, I’ll show you a couple of examples of what I and many other photographers call, “painting with the lens”.   When I was in college we were taught to paint with light by opening the shutter in complete darkness and lighting your subject from one end to the other or taking a flashlight and writing your name.  Toooo much fun…try it!

The examples below are basically the same thing but what I did was slow my shutter speed to 4 – 7 seconds and left my aperture on F11, with an ISO of 100.  I moved my lens up, down, around or whatever way I felt like to satisfy my artistic needs.   I also made a beanbag with rice to put my camera on top of it to help stabilize my shot and do check your histogram to make sure your exposure is correct.

These photographs are beautiful on canvas panels.  Examples below:

Example on panel:

Vertical example:

Vertical Canvas example:

One more example for fun:

Example on Canvas:

These pieces of work are just a few that helped my need to keep the creative juices flowing.  So step out of your own box and do something different to satisfy your creativity…. but most of all have some fun!!

Cheers,

Janice

How to Photograph Up Close

Information on Macro & Close Up Photographing by Janice Sullivan

Introduction/ II: Cameras, Lens’ & Tripods / III: Fun Gadgets for Macro Photographing / IV:  Basic Macro Shots using Natural Light / V: Digital Darkroom Basics / VI:  Creative Techniques using Natural Light / VII: Alternative Lighting Techniques 1 / VIII: Alternative Lighting Techniques 2 / IV: Alternative Lighting Techniques 3 /  X:  Printing Your Close-Up Photograph

Hello everyone,

This is the tenth article of my series of How to Photograph Up-Close.  In this series of articles I have discussed various info to start you on a wonderful journey of photographing close up.  I hope that I have inspired you to go-for-it and enjoy the macro world.  Every time I shoot something new I learn something new.  Whether it be the subject or the process itself, it’s a wonderful feeling to learn something new everyday.

Before I start this post on printing, let’s touch on what I have discussed in this series of articles to refresh your memory.

I began my series of How to Photograph Up Close with an Introduction to discuss how the series would be  set up.  I said I would plan on discussing close-up photography and would give you links to read the technical information.  These articles will have various books, magazine articles, and links to help you learn this style of photography.  I stressed that to make a professional photograph you will need excellent equipment, patience and of course have fun!

The second article, Cameras, Lens, and Tripods, I talked about the digital single lens reflex camera, various macro lens’ and of course tripods.  I added links with technical info on the equipment and links to companies for you to check out, if you want to purchase these goodies.  The reading for this post was Hogan’s article on photography equipment.

The third article, Fun Gadgets for Macro Photographing, discussed equipment to make it easier while you’re shooting close-up.  I talked about some of my favorite gadgets…the focusing rack, ball heads for your tripod, the angle finder to help you focus, a cable release to help minimize the shake of the camera, and the ring light flash.  You can read all about these gadgets on this post.  Also, I wanted you to check out John Shaw’s book, “Macro & Nature”.  It’s an old edition but I like his concept of macro photo skills.

The fourth article discussed Basic Macro shots using Natural light. This post was a tutorial on using natural light and the importance of knowing the F-Stops, Shutter Speeds & the ISO.   I talked about how I start a project and how the depth-of-field affects your shots especially when you’re photographing close-up.  The reading material I gave you for this post is a wonderful book by Nicki Wheeler, “The Complete Guide to Close-up and Macro Photography”

The fifth article in this series, Digital Darkroom Basics, was a must… I discussed the software you most likely received when you purchased your digital camera and various formats like a tiff, jpeg, and raw files.  The reading material on this post is by Hoddinott, “Digital Macro Photography”.  Hoddinott has some excellent info on digital dark-rooming.

The sixth article, Creative Techniques using Natural Light, was on just that, techniques using natural light.  I also discussed some art rules and color info, (the rules of thirds & the color theory), and I focused on some fun macro shots with textures, water drops and backlighting.  The reading for this post Harold Davis’ article, “Focusing on What Matters”.

The seventh article, Alternative Lighting Techniques #1, discussed exposure, HDR (high definition range) and zone levels.  I gave you info on examples of light reflectors, flashes, and flash diffusers.  There are some examples of photographs shot with natural light and a flash to show you the difference between them both and again I talked a bit about the f-stops and shutter speeds.  The reading on this post was, “Closeup shooting” by Cyrill Harnischmacher’s.

Because I didn’t want to overload you with several lighting techniques in the seventh article, I decided to discuss more lighting in the eighth, Alternative Lighting Techniques #2. I talked about using a flashlight for lighting your subject and linked you to technical info on color temperature.   This article gives you a kit that works awesome for macro photographing. I also discussed strobe lighting, various grids, and snoots.  The reading suggestion on this post was an article by Urs Recher, on Light Lessons, and an excellent book on lighting is by Robert Morrissey, “Master Lighting Guide”.

The ninth article in the series, Alternative Lighting Techniques #3, had more information on lighting techniques using umbrellas and fun tools you can use with an umbrella.  I also talked about reflective surfaces and using a tent to help with this problem.  I gave you a link to help you make a tent if you didn’t want to purchase one and showed you some of my photographs using my tent.  This post gave you some of my favorite magazines for you to check out.

This article, Printing your Close-up Photograph, will discuss how to make that perfect print.  From this series you should be able to photograph a great macro shot…and how to print your work.  You have taken time to perfect your skills and now I would like to talk about the ending result…put a smile on your face and print your favorite work!

If you don’t have a printer you can use outside printer companies, which is nice when you have time for mailing etc… Of course you can go to Costco but I’m not talking about quick prints…I’m talking about professional prints.  These are the companies I have used and recommend… West Coast Imaging, Nations photolab.com,  &  if you want fun products with your images on them, check out Mpix.com.

But, if you are like me and really want your colors perfect using specific paper to add quality to your print, then you will need to purchase a printer.  I use Epson printers and I also use their paper.

If you want more details on various printers, check out this link I found, Printerinfo.com, so you can read up on printers before you invest your money.   As you will see, professional printers can be expensive.

I really need to stress that if you do have your own printer, please calibrate your printer to your monitor.  I used to go crazy and waste time, ink, and paper, trying to achieve what I saw on my monitor and what was actually printing.  Yes, there are techniques you can use if you know your color #’s but that’s for a later and more detailed post.

I would suggest using Spyder to calibrate your monitor.

From datacolor.com

Check around for pricing… I found this site, Calibration-Direct.com…you can start with them for some bargain shopping  and you can always check out Amazon.

Ok, let’s go through some basic steps on printing your photograph… When you purchase your photo paper you will see instructions on printing.   READ THEM, it does make a difference!

Let us print this image:

Remember, if you want to look at these images closer, click on them…to get back to my blog use your back arrow key

First you will want to go to file > Page setup > select your printer and paper size>

Now select your paper size:

You can print from this but I suggest you use a program like Photoshop to print from. You will be able to set up your pages, printer, manage color…

Once you click on print you will see the info below:

Check the print management: do you want the printer to manage the color or do you want your program (Photoshop) to manage the color?  <click on print>

You will see this screen next:

You will see a bar “Layout” click on this to get to printer settings, see below:

This is the box where you need to make your changes, layout, paper, & make sure “finest details” is checked and that you have the correct paper type. Click around to learn… click Print and enjoy ☺

Today, I went over the various articles on How to Photograph Up Close and because you now have the knowledge to create an awesome close-up photograph… you will be able to print that amazing shot! Print your favorites and put a huge smile on your face to remember the steps you achieve to make this photo. A couple of things to remember when you print:

• Select your printer
• Select the size you want printed
• Make sure you have read your info on the paper you choose to print on.
• Select the correct paper, for example “Epson fine art paper matte finish”.
• Select if the printer or your software will color manage your print.
• Select the “fine” print quality. If your printer is slow, be patient…it’s worth it.

Also, I highly recommend you use a program like Spyder to calibrate your monitor with your printer.

I would like you to read this link on Printing Quality Photos and “Fine Art Printing for Photographers” by Steinmueller & Gulbins, check it out at Amazon.com.

Hope this helps you feel confident to print, print, & print some more. Happy Fall to you all and hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Cheers,
Janice

Hello all,

Before I get into the post I wanted to let you know that I have various links for you to go to if you want more technical information on what I’m talking about.  So here we go….

Welcome to the 2nd post to our, “How to Photograph Up Close” series.   I would like to share with you the various tools that you will need to start your macro mode.  I personally use Canon products and the reason I am even telling you this is that you will be investing money on your equipment and I feel that your camera and lens’ should be the same brand (they work excellent together).  I have been frustrated with off brand equipment… try to keep the same brands at least for your lens and flash purchases.  So research the various cameras and choose the one YOU like.  My suggestion is to research Canon, Nikon, and then Olympus, they are wonderful cameras for macro photography.  Below is an excellent start.  The camera should be a D-SLR (which means Digital Single Lens Reflex).

This Rebel is an excellent starter camera:

Some of the various views from B & H:

Check out this article on “D-SLRs Buy Now” it’s a great article on why you will be happy with your investment.   The reason, I believe, that a 35mm D-SLR is a better camera to use for Macro Photography is: 1.  I don’t like point and shoot cameras because you can NOT interchange lens’.  2.  Medium and Large format cameras are bulky + pricy.

Once you have your camera, play with it…the more you know your equipment the better you will photograph.  Don’t worry if your photos turn out bad, it’s o.k…that is how you learn.  If you’re confused with the manual you received with your camera, check out Amazon.com, they usually have used books you can purchase at a discount.  I found this book for the Rebel camera above.   I personally use a Canon 5D and LOVE it!

I recommend B & H to purchase your equipment…they stand by their products!  Just check out various camera shops in your area to feel and touch the equipment… if you want to purchase at the time, go for it, but I bet you that the costs will be more expensive than B & H.  I have learned to be patient…it’s hard when you want your products NOW but trust me…you can buy more goodies if you shop logically

Now you have your camera…let’s check out some lens’.  Go for the MACRO lens’ (please click this link and go to equipment it’s important). If you took the time to read the link I gave you… you will understand why a macro lens is the best for what we want to achieve.  Also, the link gives you information on the various focal lengths you can purchase (we will discuss focal lengths in more detail in another post).

My favorite lens is the Canon 100mm macro lens:

Yes, I bought this lens at B & H  :)

Ok, now the tripod…In order to have your subject sharp and photograph looking professional, you really need to set your camera on a tripod.  I’m going to take you away from B & H and send you to another company I like, “Really Right Stuff”.  They really do have some really cool “stuff”, lol!  We will be visiting them next week with more goodies to check out but for now let’s just look at the tripod system.   Now, before you say, “This is way too expensive for me!”  Remember, I am giving you info on quality equipment.  Read up on it and if you can’t afford it, that’s ok…. I found you a starter tripod below  I do have to say that my husband always tells me that if you buy crappy stuff you will get crappy stuff and he is correct.  I have never been unhappy with my equipment until  I went cheap.  So learn from me before you waste your hard earned $ and read Thom Hogan’s article about wasting money with regards to photography equipment.  Ok, now read up a bit about tripods but don’t get discouraged about the price, remember I found a starter tripod for you at B & H.

What I like about my tripod is that it’s sturdy, I can adjust the legs to go flat to the ground (which I have used outdoors), and I can adjust the neck to a horizontal position, when needed.  I have the ball head, which is excellent for Macro Photography.  I plan to talk about this in more detail on my third post…I would also like to show you some other fun gadgets for macro photographing on the next post.  So for now, research and ask me questions on your camera, lens’ and tripods, okay

Of course, I need to put up a macro shot…

I used my Canon 5D, 100mm macro lens, my tripod, and some other goodies (we will talk about next week) to make this photograph. With that said….see you next week or sooner.

Cheers,
Janice