Photo Workshop

Last Sunday (5th) I had the privilege to attend a Travel & Wildlife Photographic workshop run by Getaway Magazine. The presenter was Cameron Ewert-Smith. In general it was a good workshop. It is a good think now and then to go back to basics and also to hear other peoples views on various things. The one nicity is that as a Photo Journalist Cameron has had experiences that give credibility when the topic of "Whats in your Camera Bag" comes up and weight is a consideration.
On this subject comes the possibility that there is/could be/will be the implementation of  weight restrictions for cabin luggage. At the moment, with SAA and 1Time: the ones I have travel with recently, it is possible to take photographic equipment as cabin baggage along with a small carry on case. Only the future can tell us what direction the airlines are going to take. It has been said that all cabin luggage will have a weight restriction of 7 Kg!!!!

Kevins' Day

Tomorrow I will be picking up Kevin to go to Century City to the bird sanctuary for a change. The cameras will go with and I am hoping we can get a few good images. The weather report does not bode too well, they are forecasting rain, lets hope they are wrong.

A week or so ago I got a new lens Prime 50mm. Now just need to learn when is the best time to use it for Wildlife and Landscape.

My Mentor is.......

I have not put up anything for some time because of what occured some time back. My good friend and photographic mentor, Kevin du Toit, has had a stroke that has left him paralized on the right side, unable to talk, write or walk BUT he is re-learning how to use his camera with his left hand and is starting to write!

I have decided that as I am in a position to give some of my time, I am going to go around to help him one morning a week instead of just popping in now and again.

I will also be using more of his tips from "Kevins Photographic Bible", a series of tips and hints he typed up a few years ago.

What happened...........

Wow! both April and May have gone!

Photo tip

Picture Composition.

Picture composition is obviously one of the key components of taking great pictures. It goes without saying that if you manage to miss the head of someone that you are taking a portrait shot of, then you are going to be very disappointed!

41. Always give your picture a main focal point.

42. A picture should have one dominant colour. This is not always easy. So basically try to avoid putting strong colours that will clash into the same picture.

43. A basic rule of photography is known as the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds divides a rectangular image into nine, equally sized, smaller rectangles. You then position the main subject of the picture at any point where the lines cross.

44. Try to ensure that your pictures have a foreground, middle ground and background. One of the three should be dominant in the photograph.

45. If once the picture has been taken you are not 100% happy with the result, consider cropping the image. This is especially easy to do with digital images.

46. Move in close. When first starting out you will be surprised at the difference moving closer to the subject will make.

47. If you are photographing outside on a grey, dull day, keep the sky out of your pictures wherever possible.

48. Try using different viewpoints. Taking shots from high up looking down can provide you with interesting perspectives.

49. Look for ways of naturally framing a shot. Framing accentuates the main subject.

50. When shooting a horizon try to place it either a third of the way from the bottom of the picture or a third of the way from the top. Try to avoid placing it in the middle of the picture.

This is an extract of Kevins Mini-Photo Bible and is used with the permission of Kevin duToit.

Easter Saturday in Cape Town

Well the morning came and the clouds were low, thought to myself "stay in bed and read a book". No ways, up at just before 8am (very late for taking photos!), went to the bank for some awful bank type business then off to my second favorite shop, Camera world. Had a good chat with the owner about the pros and cons of various lenses. Guess what? Yes I came away with a new lens. I got the Nikon 70-300mm VR, this should be OK for my tour with my 2 British guests. (Check out the tour blog). I am leaving tomorrow 4th April and will be back in Cape Town on the evening of the 18th but only finish with the tour late on the evening of the 20th. I will try and follow up whilst away otherwise only on the 23rd or 24th.

The muses has gone!

A bad thing has happened, I am in the doldrums with picture taking. No matter what I try I just do not seem to see the picture/photograph/image!! This is very frustrating as I have to submit my images for the club monthly competition. This months set subject is 'Flowers - an unusual shot'. I have tried dead flowers (actually an Artichoke), No not what I was looking for. So then I tried some macros, well I think I must go for lessons again, got it all wrong, the theory was there but not the shot. I have a few days left so I am going to try the macro again, this time I will use the 20mm or 15mm extension tubes (not at the same time). What I am looking for is a shot of a white/pale yellow/pale pink rose bud, sort of 1/2 to 2/3 open. Focus dead center or the frame and the colour blown to total white at the edge with the hint of a shadow where the petals would be forming the bud. WHEN I get it right I will put it up on the gallery.

Bobos with the new camera!

I do not know what I was thinking of when I set the ISO whilst out at sea with Ocean Blue Safaris at Plettenberg Bay. Overcast sky, moving boat, swimming dolphins and I set my ISO at 100 or 200. shutter speed at between 1/80th and 1/200th. No wander they are blurred, not camera shake, just too slow a shutter speed!! Idiot I am. Oh well at least I will have another chance later in the year or just maybe I can convince my sister and family to go out towards the end of next month. Will let you know. Till next week, happy clicking.