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Back to Basics Photography - Understanding Raw

Journal Entry: Mon Jan 28, 2013, 3:38 PM

dSLR cameras and most bridge cameras have the option to shoot in raw, but what exactly is it and what are the benefits? Let me attempt to explain.

A camera raw file contains all the data that is captured when the shutter button is pressed whereas a JPEG is compressed and a lot of the data is lost. They are often called digital negatives as they serve the same purpose as the negatives in film photography; they are not ready to be used as the final image, but hold all the information and data needed to produce one. This all means that you are left with a higher image quality which also allows you to have more control and manipulate more parameters than a JPEG. All of the metadata is also still in tact, meaning that the original state can always be referred back to if needed.

So, surely you want to see the difference, right? Well you're in luck.

Top - straight out of camera (SOOC) raw. Bottom - basic adjustments done in LightRoom raw.

This can either then be exported or saved as a JPEG for uploading to deviantART/Facebook/wherever. If you want to edit it further, you can open the raw file in Photoshop which is what I did with the image below.

As you can see, the image has been edited and brightened tremendously without losing quality. This is because a JPEG records only 256 levels of brightness, while a raw file records 4,096 to 16,384 levels. This is what is known as a "bit". JPEG captures in 8bit, while raw captures in 12 or 14bit. Those extra bits allow for more control over the adjustments - brightness, shadows, recovery, fill light, exposure, etc.

The shot above was saved as a JPEG, therefore, some of the data was lost during the compression stage. The file was then opened as a camera raw in Photoshop (File > Open As > Camera Raw > Select File > Open). This allows for a little control over the basic adjustments, but it isn't as easy as when working with the true raw file. It was then opened fully in Photoshop and edited in exactly the same way as the image before. As you may notice, the brightness is a little reduced and the colours are not nearly as rich as before.

This final one was saved as a JPEG and opened up straight away in Photoshop without first opening as a raw file or any basic adjustments. It was then edited in exactly the same way as the previous two. You will notice that the brightness has been significantly reduced and the colours are bland. The eyes do not pop and the whole thing is just a little too dark. Sure, you could brighten it a little, but the difference between this and the previous ones is remarkable.

Other Benefits

Easily correct under or overexposed images - if you only have one brief moment to get the shot right, but your camera settings aren't right, the image may come out too bright or too dark. With a JPEG file, it may be a little difficult to recover some of the detail in these areas. However, by shooting in raw, you will have all the data available to be able to recover the data for the under/overexposed areas easily.
Never lose the original state - no matter what you do to the original raw file in LightRoom or Photoshop, you will always be able to revert back as the file will always hold all the original information and data. Handy for if you ever need to refer back to it for some reason!
Easily adjust the white balance - when you take a photo, the white balance is applied to it, either from the white balance setting you chose or from the auto white balance setting. When shooting in raw, the white balance is still applied, but because you have a lot more data and levels, it is more easily adjusted after the fact.

Now, I'm not saying that converting to shooting in raw is going to be easy, but most cameras have a JPEG & raw setting where it will save both file types. I suggest trying this mode out while you first start out; yes it will take up more space, but if you master shooting in raw, it will open up so much more when it comes to your photography. You will also need an editing program that can handle raw files such as Photoshop or LightRoom - I tend to open and do basic adjustments in LightRoom before editing in more depth using Photoshop. Whatever you choose to do, I'd love to see some results! Get out there and try it, what do you have to lose?

Raw Features

_{Do you have any questions about photography? Is there something in particular you'd like to know about? Drop me a note and I'll make it into a new article which will hopefully answer any questions you have!}

78 Comments

Long Time, No See

Journal Entry: Sun Jan 27, 2013, 6:28 AM

Updates

I admit it, I have neglected you all so much.

I've had a bad few months health wise and with caring for my husband who has also had a bad few months, I haven't really felt in the mood for interacting with anybody, not just on deviantART, but in real life, too.

But I'm back! As you may have noticed. My message centre was a mess and exploded the other day when I uploaded the Be Happy shot and again today thanks to ^Kaz-D. So I've replied to all comments, replies and other things but I've deleted all the deviations/news/journals because there was just too many. So if you have anything you want to share with me, or something that you think I might want to see, please do leave a comment with a link or two.

Other Stuff

Firstly, thank you very, very muchly to ^Kaz-D for my fourth DD. It's especially wonderful when you're extra proud of the shot. Bradley is my step-son and he is a wonderful model and loves dressing up. He is wonderful

Secondly, as you may have noticed, I submitted an article a couple of days ago - Back to Basics Photography - Composition and I'm planning to write some more of these. I have some ideas lined up, so keep watch, but I was wondering if anyone had anything specific they'd like to know? I'm always open to ideas and would love to help you out if you need it.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr

26 Comments

Back to Basics Photography - Composition

Journal Entry: Fri Jan 25, 2013, 3:26 AM

Lately I've seen quite a few photos that have potential, but need some work. Composition is one of the most important parts to taking any photo (and making any piece of art really) and so I thought I'd share a few basic rules and tips. The word composition simply means 'putting together' and so, with any piece of art, it's how the piece is put together. With a bit of practice while keeping these tips in mind, you can create a more impacting, pleasing to the eye piece of work that will draw the viewer in and keep them interesting.

You could crop your images afterwards when you get them onto the computer, but it'd be lovely to have a great image right off the boot, right? By keeping in mind the things below, you'll be well on your way to taking better photos. And don't forget, it's always better to know the rules before you start break them

A few tips before we start;

Look around using the viewfinder every time you take a picture.
Look at each element and how it impacts the overall composition.
Become familiar with your camera. Learn how it works, play around with settings and really get to know how each setting changes the overall image.
Experiment and practice. Experiment and practice. Experiment and practice.
Study other pieces of art; photography, paintings, films; look at their composition. You'll soon develop a better understanding of composition.

Rule of Thirds

_{_{image from Wikipedia}}

This is the most commonly known rule when it comes to creating any piece of art. The idea is to place a grid over the photos (you can do this mentally, or some cameras have a thirds setting that will bring the grid up for you) and then place subjects of the photo along the lines and where the lines cross. As you can see in the image above, placing the horizon on a line and other subjects of the image where the lines cross creates a pleasing to the eye composition. If you're struggling with composing a photo, this is always a good rule to refer back to.

Rule of Odds

The rule of odds states that if you frame a subject with an even number surrounding objects, it will become more comforting to the eye, therefore an odd number of objects in an image will make the piece more compositionally pleasing. An even number of objects can create a symmetry in your image which can seem unnatural and too forced, but by using at least three in you photo, you can achieve a more informal, natural composition.

Rule of Space

The rule of space is used by artists to create a feeling of moving and/or fluidity. It is also supposed to create a contextual bubble in the viewers mind. This is achieved by leaving some negative space in the direction of the eyes of your subject or when photographing something moving, adding space in front of the subject, rather than behind.

Simplification

There are many ways to achieve simplicity in photography. The easiest, and most obvious way, is to photograph your subject against a neutral background such as the sky. Make sure that all clutter is removed so that there is nothing to distract the viewers eye and brightening your subject by altering your camera settings (larger aperture, longer shutter, higher ISO) can also eliminate some background clutter as the eye is drawn to brighter areas, as well as lines and colour. You could also throw the background out of focus (we'll go more into this below), or if photographing water, using a longer shutter to smooth the water out. These will all ensure that the viewer is drawn to the main subject, rather than the surrounding.

Framing

Framing has two uses - making the image more pleasing to the eye and also making sure the viewer is drawn to the subject you want them to be. The world is full of natural framing products - trees, archways, bridges, etc. The frame ensures the subject of your photo is isolated and doesn't go unnoticed, drawing your eye to the main point of interest.

Limiting Focus

Limiting focus ensures that your subject is automatically where the viewers eye is drawn. By throwing the background out of focus, you will minimize distraction and isolate your subject. To achieve this look, you will need to use a wide aperture (a lower f number) to limit the depth of field. If you don't own a lens that will open up wide enough, you can also achieve the same look by using a longer focal length (zooming in). Both these methods will give a shallow depth of field and will ensure that only your subject is in focus.

Depth

Because photography is very much two dimensional, composing your image to create a sense of depth can be an important thing, especially in landscape photography. You can achieve this by including images in the foreground while the land runs through the middle ground and onto the background. You can also overlap objects to create a sense of depth where there isn't any already.

Balance

There are two main types of balance we'll be looking at; Symmetrical Balance (Formal Balance) and Asymmetrical Balance (Informal Balance).

Symmetrical balance is when one or more similar subjects are composed with a symmetry to the image. The easiest way is to have a central composition (completely breaking the rule of thirds) and try to get them as symmetrical as possible. This type of balance can be tricky to master as if not done right, it can look a little boring. Regardless, give it a go to challenge yourself.

Asymmetrical is more difficult, but much more interesting than symmetrical balance. The subjects of the image are usually different size, shape, different tone, different placement and different weight but are composed in a way in which they look balanced despite their notable differences.

I hope you found some of this useful and remember, these are just guidelines to get you started - but sometimes, they're meant to be broken. Don't be afraid to mix and match or just ignore them all completely, but if you're struggling, they're always handy to refer back to. If you do find these useful, I'd love to see some of your results using some of the tips.

86 Comments

Life Through a Lens #10

Journal Entry: Wed Sep 19, 2012, 11:57 AM

Welcome to the tenth edition of Life Through a Lens - a regular photography feature showcasing some of the recently submitted deviations within the Photography gallery.

Previous Features

Week One; Week Two; Week Three; Week Four; Week Five; Week Six; Week Seven; Week Eight; Week Nine

Check out #Through-a-Lens for more fantastic work, features and contests!

34 Comments

Photography Discovered #10

Journal Entry: Thu Sep 13, 2012, 2:40 PM

Welcome to the tenth edition of Photography Discovered! This series was inspired by $Moonbeam13's Discovered journal series. Your eyes are not deceiving you, I'm really back. The following deviants were found using nothing but the Discovery Tool.

~javierherrera86

~anticuus

*MatiasSieppi

~unisexbluess

*LEkROm

Please show the artists some love and

the article if you liked it!

Previous Editions

Week One; Week Two; Week Three; Week Four; Week Five; Week Six; Week Seven; Week Eight; Week Eight

Check out #Through-a-Lens for more awesome photography, features and competitions with prizes!

6 Comments

Life Through a Lens #9

Journal Entry: Thu Sep 6, 2012, 3:43 AM

Welcome to the ninth edition of Life Through a Lens - a regular photography feature showcasing some of the recently submitted deviations within the Photography gallery.

Features

:thumb325556767:

:thumb325598564:

Previous Features

Week One; Week Two; Week Three; Week Four; Week Five; Week Six; Week Seven; Week Eight

Check out #Through-a-Lens for more fantastic work, features and contests!

27 Comments

Photography Discovered #9

Journal Entry: Wed Sep 5, 2012, 11:46 AM

Welcome to the ninth edition of Photography Discovered! This series was inspired by $Moonbeam13's Discovered journal series. Your eyes are not deceiving you, I'm really back. The following deviants were found using nothing but the Discovery Tool.

~Marteline

~IgorGlavas

~MiriamJanus

~ZYXik

~amiliay

Please show the artists some love and

the article if you liked it!

Previous Editions

Week One; Week Two; Week Three; Week Four; Week Five; Week Six; Week Seven; Week Eight

Check out #Through-a-Lens for more awesome photography, features and competitions with prizes!

10 Comments

Hey, everyone...

Journal Entry: Thu Jul 12, 2012, 1:53 PM

Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Wordpress

I cannot DD anymore. Stop noting me, damn it.

I have not forgotten about you, I just haven't been logging in much.

I have, however, been blogging a lot and Facebooking a lot.

Also, this amused me...

- courtesy of `Mollinda

How are you all?

28 Comments

I DON'T RECOGNISE ANYONE D:

Journal Entry: Sun May 20, 2012, 4:42 AM

Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Wordpress

Changing usernames is an awesome addition! And I was considering changing mine... but I realised I have become attached to it. So it stays.

_{^Pixel-Spotlight - deal with it}

I have had 24 people on my watch list change their name... mainly to something I know is them. I'll have to get used to a couple of them though.

So, it has been a month of nothing but uploading from my side. It's been a nice break, but I'm ready to get back into the swing of things over here now

I'll be throwing a couple of features up later and I'll be taking a long look at all the deviations in my inbox.

Also, if you have a facebook page for your art, let me know, we can do a like for likey thing if you like? _{too many 'likes'} Mine is Jennifer Hopkins Photography, which is updated daily. I'd appreciate a little more exposure :]

That's about it for now... how are you all?

15 Comments

Oh hey, look...

Journal Entry: Tue Apr 17, 2012, 12:54 PM

Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Wordpress

As you may have noticed, I no longer have a hat. This is because real life gets in the way sometimes. I'm spending more and more time in the darkroom at college and that takes a lot of time up. So at the moment, I can't put much time into volunteering and it's just not practical. Maybe if things settle down a bit... well, we'll see

Thank you for all your messages and everything. You're all awesome. And no, I'm not leaving dA.. you'd have to drag me out kicking and screaming.

It was awesome volunteering. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. It was fun, I made tons of friends and got to bring exposure to some deviants that really, truly deserved it.

For now though, I have over 12,000 messages to catch up on and 98 notes to sort through... I'll see you in a little while. For now, check out my Facebook Page or My Blog for more frequent updates :]

Also, I have started to watch Supernatural from the beginning again with mother. Cue obsession.

55 Comments

A Little Hiatus

Journal Entry: Thu Mar 15, 2012, 8:20 AM

Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Wordpress

Hey guys, just a quick journal to let you know that I'll be MIA for a couple of weeks or so. I'm just going to be taking a little break, so in that time, please can you direct all your suggestions/queries/whatever to ^Kaz-D and ^Pixel-Spotlight who has kindly volunteered to help out Katy while I'm gone. I will still take your declarations of undying love though, so don't stop those.

I'll still be updating other sites; Facebook, My Blog and Twitter so if you're missing me ever so much _{which I expect you to do} you can ~~stalk~~ follow me in those places. It would be much appreciated!

Thanks for being awesome. I'm off to sleep.

51 Comments

Photography Discovered #8

Journal Entry: Fri Mar 2, 2012, 3:20 PM

Welcome to the eighth edition of Photography Discovered! This series was inspired by $Moonbeam13's Discovered journal series. The following deviants were found using nothing but the Discovery Tool.

*Good-e-nuf

~Christophe-Niel

~Phoenixstamatis

~taposcsirke

~TheLastOfDays

Please show the artists some love and

the article if you liked it!

Previous Editions

Week One; Week Two; Week Three; Week Four; Week Five; Week Six; Week Seven

Check out #Through-a-Lens for more awesome photography, features and competitions with prizes!

17 Comments

Life Through a Lens #8

Journal Entry: Thu Mar 1, 2012, 1:20 AM

Welcome to the seventh edition of Life Through a Lens - a regular photography feature showcasing some of the recently submitted deviations within the Photography gallery.

Features

:thumb287607661:

Previous Features

Week One; Week Two; Week Three; Week Four; Week Five; Week Six; Week Seven

Check out #Through-a-Lens for more fantastic work, features and contests!

21 Comments

General Photography DD Roundup and News Feb '12

Wed Feb 29, 2012, 1:44 PM

#communityrelations

A collection of Daily Deviations from the General Photography gallery, featured by `ScENeYmE

Petri VI by ~AlexanderB

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

Doppleganger by ~MaryMadly

(Featured by `ScENeYmE, suggested by ^Astralseed)

i want to be free by ~SuperSzajs

(Featured by `ScENeYmE, suggested by *Fatooome)

000 by ~TokugawaLenari

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

untitled by *oprisco

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

lost causes. by ~moondrums

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

stugym by ~DelilahWoolf

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

Summer Tea by *kendellshanklin

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

Winter testing by ~SestoElemento

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

I'm not there by ~half-blood-inc

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

Black Milk by ~undoMeds

(Featured by `ScENeYmE, suggested by `im-not-sana)

A weird Clock by ~okilok

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

Swan song by ~Meravigiliosa

(Featured by `ScENeYmE, suggested by ~ConceptualMiracles)

nats by ~renesansowa

(Featured by `ScENeYmE, suggested by ~ConceptualMiracles)

Magnetic Moment by ~sciph

(Featured by `ScENeYmE, suggested by ~ahley)

Suggester says; I find this photo really arresting - the girl looks as if she's trying to escape something, and her look over her shoulder, captured so clearly, seems to immortalise that moment.

Hesitation by ~gndrfck

(Featured by `ScENeYmE, suggested by `Exillior)

Suggester says; Amazing colours, cropping and framing. A flawless portrait by the talented ~Orzz

F l o w e r by ~Orzz

(Featured by `ScENeYmE, suggested by =TheAppleScientist)

party by ~YaraKlaproos

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

Aegean Sea by ~Paulinaz

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

rain of petals by *M-a-e-e

(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

Riot police by ~EinarS

A powerful, well composed shot. Riot police by ~EinarS is a truly fantastic piece of photojournalism.
(Featured by `ScENeYmE)

Previous Features

Photography News

Street Photography DDs - February 2012About the Street Gallery, Street DDs etc.

by ~yanjin

by =burningmonk

by ~Benowski

by !sakisda

by ~ohyouhandsomeDevil

by ~panfoto

by *oO-Rein-Oo

by ~dannyst
PREVIOUSLY FE

Pinup & Glam : February Newsletter

Updates from Me
Well so much has been going on!

I hope you have all enjoyed the Valentine's festivities and been keeping abreast with Art History?

If any of you are members of #Death-Chicks (or just interested for that matter) I need people to help with some of the Art History articles. More information here ---> http://distortedsmile.deviantart.com/journal/Art-History-in-Groups-278305049
Also $Moonbeam13 talks about the decision to make the distance between DDs being awarded to the same deviant, now up to 6 Months ---> http://moonbeam13.deviantart.com/journal/Daily-Deviations-Update-284851582

Latest LUSH Article
LUSH is my News Article containing Pinup & Glamour Features.
Regularly showing the best, newest and most unseen deliciousness from the P&G Galleries.
Here is the latest gorgeous instalment and a cheeky preview of some of the ima

Project Educate: Summary of the week!

Sooo...It's time to wrap up Conceptual Photography Week at Project Educate.
February 20-26 Project Educate: Conceptual Photography - summary of the week:
Monday, February 20:
Project Educate: Conceptual Week - Introduction
The List of Conceptual Photography Resources on dA
Feature: Eco Concept
Tuesday, February 21:
What Does the Word "Concept" Mean to You? - mini interviews with deviants
Feature: Funny Concept
Wednesday, February 22:
Interview with: *BlackJack0919
Feature: Love Concept
Thursday, February 23:
Project Educate: The ideas factory - Conceptual Photograp

Upcoming Project Educate week!Hey guys! It's been a while since I posted an update, and I apologize for my inactivity as of late. There've been some complications in my personal life that required my full attention, but seeing this has now been resolved, I'm happy to announce I have plenty of spare time on my hands once again, which I can dedicate to my volunteering position for the Architecture and Urban & Rural galleries, and dAmn! The Daily Deviation suggestions have piled up quite a bit, but I ensure you I will give every single one of your suggestions the consideration it deserves.

As part of the #projecteducate program on deviantART, I will be hosting a Project Educate week for the Architecture and Urban & Rural galleries from March 5 to March 11. Project Educate, originally launched in 2008 by the Community Relations team, is a project to promote and support artistic growth and knowledge throughout the community.
I would love to hear if you have any suggestions for this week, or know som

Far AwayBlackfield, Far Away
>>> http://grooveshark.com/s/Far+Away/3JMPqA?src=5

February Roundup General Photography Daily Deviations awarded by ^Kaz-D
Animals, Plants and Nature...

People and Portraits...

Still Life

Transportation

Photo-Journalism

Macro

Conceptual

Do you want to suggest a piece of work for a Daily Deviation? Check ou

Photography Weekly: Edition ElevenPhotography Weekly Header created by ~TouchedD
“I can’t tell you how many pictures I’ve missed, ignored, trampled, or otherwise lost just ‘cause I’ve been so hell bent on getting the shot I think I want.”
-Joe McNally-

I recently blogged about Joe McNally and his book The Moment It Clicks. I've not yet read it but it's on my Birthday list for April. However I have read some of the quotes from inside the book - one in particular is the 'pause for thought' for this article this week. As some of you might know I'm taking part in the 365 day Photography Challenge and I would thoroughly recommend it to anybody who wishes to think outside the box and get more creative with their photography. How many times do we ignore, trample or loose the real one in a million shot bec

Spreading the dA Love: Volume 11

:iconGoldendAplz:

As the title suggests, this news article series aim to promote wonderful aspects of the deviantART community, from showcasing beautiful works of art, to informing you of great groups, and to interviewing inspirational deviants. I feel so happy being part of such a wonderful community and I hope to make it better, even if it's only a little bit, by making these articles. My goal is to bring to light everything that impassions me and, hopefully, inspire you!
=======================================================
Showcasing Gorgeous Artwork

=======================================================
A showcase of art that has simply left me speechless from all genres, from digital/traditional, artisan, emoticons, fractals, etc.

Groups to Check Out

10 Comments

I have been so lazy D:

Journal Entry: Sun Feb 19, 2012, 1:15 PM

Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Wordpress

I am currently working my way through over 4000 messages. I have been ill and it's the school holidays so Bradley has taken up more of my time than usual.

I will more or less be clearing the deviations and journals, so if you have something specific you want me to look at, feel free to link it here :]

My blog is also still going strong. You should check it out by clicking here. I am particularly proud of my photos from today

Kids are back to school tomorrow so I'm going to try and get a couple of features out and stop being so lazy. I hope you'll forgive me (I know you will because you're awesome

)

That's about it for now, how are you all?

Groups to Check Out

Recent Favourites

22 Comments

Project Educate: Interview with SimonSawSunlight

Sun Feb 12, 2012, 1:50 PM

`SimonSawSunlight's gallery is one that is astounding. His street photography incredibly well timed and the things he captures are scenes that are hard to come by. Make sure you check out the rest of his gallery, you won't be disappointed.

If you could bring one deceased legendary artist back to the current time, who would it be and why them?

Otis Redding and his band, humanity missed out on a lot when they died (Redding was only 26).

Who or what inspired you to take on the art form that you focus in?

Boredom of studio work and "effect" photography on the one hand, a shift of interest towards observation, culture theories and post-modern / post-structuralist theories... and all kinds of people and other factors, of course.

We all have bad days – when we believe that our work is not good enough, what would you suggest is the best way to overcome these and keep creating?

The day you think you're work is "good enough" you should stop doing what you're doing and enjoy the rest of your days bathing in the sparkle of your own glory. As for me, of course there's times when I'm very frustrated with my output, but that bad mood just pushes me to fight back, go out and do better. A certain amount of passion is important to keep up or restore the energy you need to "fight back", if you don't have that, if you stop trying because it didn't work out at the first attempt, maybe you should focus on something that stimulates you more. Or slap yourself in the face and try again.

You have been selected to go on all expense paid holiday for three days with historical figures, an artist, a writer and one free choice. Who would you take?

Michel Foucault, Garry Winogrand and Tom Waits. Or Maybe Akira Kurosawa.

What is your biggest challenge personally in creating your work?

Evaluating a situation on multiple levels and timing. But more importantly, not to have fixed, preconceived ideas as they rarely have much to do with an actual situation.

When are you most creative and why? Time of day/week/season e.t.c

From spring to autumn. I often take things a little slower for a few weeks in winter as it's usually very cold in Berlin and there's not many people out anyway. It also allows me to focus on different things a little more or plan projects etc., but I never stop shooting altogether.

Are you professionally trained in art – have you been to college or Uni to study it?

I started out working in a few different photo studios. Now I study something called "Kulturwissenschaft" which is related but not equal to english culture studies at Humboldt University here in Berlin (with art history as minor subject). Its main subject are post-modern theories and philosophy, aesthetics (not just in an "artistic" sense), semiology, culture-, media- and gender-theories and such and it can teach you more about photography than most people would expect (it is actually quite often a key object or technique), and certainly more than a lot of "photo schools" or courses teach you.

Finally, Describe an insecurity you deal with in making art.

One of my biggest "issues" is the word art. It is so ridden by misconceptions, over-used clichés, beautiful/meaningful-binarities and/or romanticised associations, that I do not like to call myself an artist, nor do I call my photography art. I don't think I mind if others call it that, though.
Other than that, I put a lot of pressure on myself sometimes.

6 Comments

Project Educate - Still Life Overview

Sat Feb 11, 2012, 1:09 PM

This week ^Kaz-D and myself are bringing you an overview of the Photography Galleries on deviantART. This won't replace the full weeks planned by the specific community volunteers for specific galleries - but instead it will help to give you a mini introduction into what's out there.

Still Life

Still life showcases studio-style photography that features inanimate objects.

Photographing Still Life - Tips

Keep the background simple! Keep it clutter and crease free, these will only detract from the final image. You can always add extra textures such as scarves if needed.

Take your time. Make sure the composition works - if it doesn't look quite right, keep tweaking until you're happy with the layout of the shot.

Lighting is an important factor. Depending on the light available, you may need to use a tripod if using a longer shutter speed. Shooting in natural light, such as near a window during the day, also really helps give the shot a softer touch.

Varying the focus can make for some interesting shots too. A shallow depth of field can give a soft effect whilst a wider DOF will allow everything to stay in focus.

Sub-Categories

Cut Flower and Plant Arrangement

Arrangements of cut flowers and plants displayed for the purpose of being photographed.

Dolls and Figures

Photography of dolls and other inanimate figures that represent living forms.

Food and Drink

Photographs depicting food items, drinks, and the objects usually associated with them.

Other

Other still life arrangements of inanimate objects.

Feature

11 Comments

Project Educate: Interview with Timothy-Sim

Sat Feb 11, 2012, 12:37 PM

Today's interview is with none other than `Timothy-Sim. Most know him as the ex-volunteer for the Photojournalism gallery, which makes him the perfect interviewee for today! Timothy's gallery is an inspiring one which is sure to grab, and keep, your interest and attention.

If you could bring one deceased legendary artist back to the current time, who would it be and why them?

I'm not an artist, but the one artist from the past who really did make an impact on me was Piero Manzoni. For an artist who strived to show the world that fame in the art world leads to any damn thing the person does equate to art, Piero took it one step further by canning his own shit and selling them to the world's best museums. Who bought them all.

When I think of the world at my finger tips with the power of "art", in any form at all, I remember Piero Manzoni's canned shit. I'd really have wanted to see what he could have done if he were still alive today.

Who or what inspired you to take on the art form that you focus in?

`zemotion was definitely one of the biggest factors to my delving into photography, having learnt most of my skills from dA before even picking up a camera, Jingna's works have always been popping up on my pages and being one of those highly favourited pictures I marveled at before I even started myself. Of course, it all changed when I delved into photojournalism, which is absolutely nothing like fashion and portraits. I'll thank Steve McCurry for that, although I later found out that most of his later pictures were more often than not, pre-planned and then staged if it didn't go to plan. What a bummer!

We all have bad days – when we believe that our work is not good enough, what would you suggest is the best way to overcome these and keep creating?

Get up, get out and continue doing it. I've learned very much from experience that moaning in my seat's not going to make my pictures any better, as much as photoshop would save a terrible picture. Once you get out and continue plying your trade, you'll find that your zeal will pay off. Improvement always comes from reflection and experience.

Do you feel that art is an isolating hobby in itself or not?

You'll be surprised... To me, art is one of the BEST ways to connect to the world. People from around the world connect with you when they see something that impacts and moves them even though they may never be able to see it in person halfway across the world.

Not to mention that the networks you can build by simply shaking the hands of the other photographer during a gig or the second or first wedding photographer. It all starts with taking the initiative. If you choose not to say hi to anyone, don't expect not to be isolated.

You have been selected to go on all expense paid holiday for three days with historical figures, an artist, a writer and one free choice. Who would you take?

Absolutely no one. I'd take my girlfriend and enjoy some time off. It's not a holiday if I have to entertain important guests on the vacation.

What is your biggest challenge personally in creating your work?

Access. It used to be light. But light these days, can be created. Experience has shown that if you have no access to a gig, a wedding or to the Formula One race, you will never get good pictures. Access can be such a facepalm.

What new art techniques have you discovered this year?

Just this year alone has been remarkable. Since embarking on my journey with Reuters, I've learnt the ins and outs of controlled news photoshop, great compositions from top-notch photographers across the world and not to mention, being able to move a picture that's freshly taken, out onto the global wire in under a minute. Yes, that's pretty much the time you take to walk to the fridge, get a glass of water and close the fridge.

When are you most creative and why? Time of day/week/season e.t.c

Doesn't matter. Once I raise the camera, I'm the beast.

Are you professionally trained in art – have you been to college or Uni to study it?

I only have six months of "training" when I first picked up my camera during a school course. That was it. The rest was all up to me.

Finally, Describe an insecurity you deal with in making art.

One of the biggest gripes for me would always be whether I got the shot. Did I make a mistake? Did an unwanted element step into the picture and ruin the moment? I fuss a lot over the perfect moment during the event. One screw up would be enough to spoil my day.

4 Comments

Project Educate: Photojournalism Overview

Sat Feb 11, 2012, 12:12 PM

Photojournalism

Photojournalism gives us newsworthy photographs wherein the primary motivation is to recount a story not assist a story.

Photojournalism photos aim to capture a moment that tells a story, without the aid of posing the subjects or the use of post processing.

Sub-Categories

Concerts and Musicians

Photographs of concerts, listeners, or other subjects documenting the lives and careers of musicians.

Documentary and Editorial

Photographs taken to accompany an editorial piece or photographed in a documentary style including photo essays.

Military

Photographs of military personnel, equipment, or other images documenting armed forces around the world./i>
:thumb283549654:

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous photojournalistic photographs.

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Photographs covering natural events and/or the results of such occurances.

People

Photojournalistic photographs depicting people in a newsworthy setting.

Performing Arts

Photographs of performers of all kinds in action, including actors, dancers, and all other types of artistic entertainers.

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Newsworthy photographs in which the location or setting is the main focus.

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Photographs depicting political events. Communicating some kind of political message, or depicting people trying to make a change.

Public Gatherings and Events

Photographs depicting public events: rallies, riots, marches, protests and so on in a newsworthy setting..
:thumb282824702:

Sports

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Photojournalistic photographs taken during a wedding or the reception.

Deviant Focus - ~Cigognes

~Cigognes's gallery is full of photojournalism that is sure to astound you!

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Feature

12 Comments

Project Educate: Interview with love4art

Fri Feb 10, 2012, 2:45 PM

`Whimsical-Dreams has a stunning gallery which varies greatly. A while ago, `Whimsical-Dreams agreed to an interview, and as her People & Portraits gallery is particularly beautiful, today is the perfect day to post it!

If you could bring one deceased legendary artist back to the current time, who would it be and why them?

This is a toughie... but I'd probably say Leonardo Da Vinci, as he wasn't just known as a painter/sculptor, but as an inventor, mathematician, architect, musician etc, known for his brilliant mind. I would bring him back so I could ask him a million questions about his work. Fore mostly, the painting of Mona Lisa, I would love to know his techniques and who this beautiful lady was.

Who or what inspired you to take on the art form that you focus in?

I dabble in all kinds of art, but my real love/passion is for photography. When I was 15/16 I observed how my older sister loved photography and watched her become so excited about taking photos of landscape scenery where ever we traveled. Soon enough, I kept 'borrowing' her camera until I received a little Canon IXUS 70 for my birthday, and I was so proud to have it. I didn't care that it was a tiny digital camera, it took some beautiful crisp clear macro photos.

We all have bad days – when we believe that our work is not good enough, what would you suggest is the best way to overcome these and keep creating?

I don't really have "bad days" when it comes to my photography... On occasion, I might be uninspired or unmotivated, but if I sit back and realize how lucky I am to have such a great piece of equipment to use, I feel more motivated to put it to good use. And I love to browse deviantART for inspiration, I'm blown away by the amount of unknown photographers out there who have such unique work.
I'm also very lucky I have someone in my life who supports and pushes me to achieve more out of photography than I usually would. My mum and my boyfriend are my biggest "fans" so to speak

I love that feeling after taking hundreds of photos and letting them pick out the best ones.

Do you feel that art is an isolating hobby in itself or not?

I wouldn't call it "isolating", no. I do feel that it's important to have personal time with your own art, and become really involved in it. I've never felt that it isolates me, because even if I am by myself taking photos, I'm usually taking photos of people, or being surrounded by nature. It never leaves me feeling alone.

You have been selected to go on all expense paid holiday for three days with historical figures, an artist, a writer and one free choice. Who would you take?

Hmm.. historical figures? I'd probably say Lewis Caroll, he came to my mind first because he was my favourite childhood author. I was obsessed with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and I always felt/thought there was more to his writing than people thought.. Later in my teen years I studied his work and wrote an essay on symbollism in Alice in Wonderland. I would use the "holiday" as an opportunity to pick his mind and ask questions. I'd be just happy to take the one person to be honest, haha!

What is your biggest challenge personally in creating your work?

I've never really found photography challenging.. but thinking of new, exciting, creative, unique concepts can be very challenging sometimes. I think a lot of people know me for my unusual concepts and vintage style, so sometimes I feel a little pressured to follow the same style, but I love to branch out and explore. I love mixing man-made objects with nature to create an interesting contrast - for example, miniature teapot set with a baby snail. Or a pocket watch with blossoms. It's my favourite style of photography but I don't want to be only known for that.

What new art techniques have you discovered this year?

I haven't really discovered any new techniques with my photography.. but I'm always learning new tricks in Photoshop and professionally editing photos. I love to practice and aim to improve every time I edit a photo. I find it really helpful reading other artists tutorials and seeing how they edit their work.

When are you most creative and why? Time of day/week/season e.t.c

I don't think you can really put a time on my creativeness.. I just go with the moment when I'm feeling really inspired. Obviously during my free days I'm more productive, but even when I'm busy, I'm constantly thinking of new ideas and always manage to grab a piece of paper to write it down.

Are you professionally trained in art – have you been to college or Uni to study it?

Personally I don't believe you have to "study" art to be professional. I've seen many amazing photographers learn through being self-taught, trial and error, and kick starting their own careers out of it. I've done wedding photography, was lucky enough to be the photographer for the Caulfield Racecourse last year, and this year working for a men's fashion label. If outside viewers believe your work is worthy and professional, you should be able to find work in all sorts of fields.
I do have great respect for those who do study art though, it takes a lot of dedication and years of hard work to make into a specific industry. I'm studying art through teaching, and I can't wait to be able to teach young children all about art/photography.

Finally, Describe an insecurity you deal with in making art.

The only real insecurity I have in relation to my photography, is that occasionally I feel like I'm selling something to people which they may not need... It's like marketing, you really have to sell yourself to get any clientele. What I have to remember is that I'm creating memories for them, not just a "photo". When I see it like that it really makes me step back and remember how lucky I am to have found such a passion.

Thanks for the interview

Cheers

12 Comments

Birthday!

Titly Arseomeness.

So I was interviewed...

100%

8 deviants said [link]

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Journal History

Jan 28, 2013 Back to Basics Photography - Understanding Raw
Jan 27, 2013 Long Time, No See
Jan 25, 2013 Back to Basics Photography - Composition
Sep 19, 2012 Life Through a Lens #10
Sep 13, 2012 Photography Discovered #10
Sep 6, 2012 Life Through a Lens #9
Sep 5, 2012 Photography Discovered #9
Jul 12, 2012 Hey, everyone...
May 20, 2012 I DON'T RECOGNISE ANYONE D:
Apr 17, 2012 Oh hey, look...
Mar 15, 2012 A Little Hiatus
Mar 2, 2012 Photography Discovered #8
Mar 1, 2012 Life Through a Lens #8
Feb 29, 2012 General Photography DD Roundup and News Feb '12
Feb 19, 2012 I have been so lazy D:
Feb 12, 2012 Project Educate: Interview with SimonSawSunlight
Feb 11, 2012 Project Educate - Still Life Overview
Feb 11, 2012 Project Educate: Interview with Timothy-Sim
Feb 11, 2012 Project Educate: Photojournalism Overview
Feb 10, 2012 Project Educate: Interview with love4art

Shoutbox

=kmnfive: Mon Mar 25, 2013, 9:29 PM
~beahufan: i love ur work!
Thu Jan 24, 2013, 9:28 AM
~gokenji: Thanks for the feature, what an honor!
Wed Sep 19, 2012, 1:34 PM
~s27w: thanks +)
Tue Mar 13, 2012, 3:56 PM
~LeviaDraconia: pewpewpew ^^
Thu Jan 5, 2012, 3:03 PM
*Skool4Psychs: Fri Dec 30, 2011, 10:48 PM
~Sangrde: :iconhappyhappyplz:
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*Spiritofdarkness: Thu Nov 17, 2011, 8:20 AM
~DrewTheRedPoochyena: hello
Thu Sep 29, 2011, 4:11 PM
=ffleret: Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to YOU TOO!
Fri Sep 16, 2011, 9:24 AM

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