Understanding ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed and Exposure

“To consistently create better images, you need more than luck. You need to build a solid foundation of knowledge from which to draw on in every situation.

Photography is an art form largely based in evolving technology, meaning there will always be something new to figure out, new gear to buy if you’re well off financially (in which case, we should be better friends!), a new technique to perfect and new ideas to try. To absorb all of those innovative ideas, you need to put in the time and effort to learn. We highly recommend starting with the basics because a solid foundation is one of the keys to success.”

The above quote and graphic is an excerpt from our new ebook, “Photography. DUH; A firsthand account of
Landscape Photography and the mistakes NOT to make.”  🙂  The graphic is meant to be a short-hand reference to help you understand how ISO, Aperture, Exposure and Shutter Speed affect an image.  Why, you ask?  Because understanding those basic concepts will allow you to consistently create better images.  And really, who doesn’t want that??

If you’re looking for more easy to understand tips on how to elevate your landscape photography, this ebook is probably (definitely) for you.  Grab your copy HERE today!  It’s on sale for a limited time only for $5.99 (regular price $8.99).

In Case You Missed It!!

…the Long Exposure Gallery is up!

I’m so impressed and proud of everyone who participated in this month’s project! We heard from several of you that this pushed you creatively, and helped you to work on a skill set you were unfamiliar with….that’s what it is all about! Learning together! =)

Please, show your fellow bloggers and participants some love. Comments, and encouragement welcome.

The next project will be announced in a few days…and I’m thinking you’re going to want to be a part of this one. Here’s a hint: you’ll need to get your Sherlock Holmes on. =)

You guys rock!

Blue Hour in Toronto

Blue Hour Toronto Skyline

The last of my three Long Exposure submissions for this month’s collaboration with my co-host Nick is an HDR image of the Toronto skyline.  It was my first visit to Toronto, and the lesson I learned: things close early on Sunday.  We had plans to eat at in / explore the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, but by the time we made our way to that side of the city, most of the restaurants were closed.

We eventually found a great little place to eat, but we were definitely into the blue hour by the time we paid our bill.  I was convinced I had missed my opportunity at a good skyline shot since I was smack in the middle of skyscrapers, with no clear lines of sight at anything…until we came to this spot.

I looked up, pointing out the CN Tower to my friend, telling her she should take a picture.  Then it dawned on me…perhaps I should also take a picture. haha

Falling Water

Watkins Glen, NY – Long Exposure HDR

I discovered a photo of Watkins Glen by accident about a year ago (thank goodness for Google image search!) and put it on the mental “to-visit” list. Over the long holiday weekend, the opportunity to go there came up!  It was a bit of a detour from my final destination of Niagara and Toronto in Canada, but well worth the trip.

19 waterfalls, a few hours of hiking around to break up the road trip and stretch our legs, and a bracketed pano series later…and here we are. 🙂

The Big LE Reveal

Niagara Falls (ON, CA) Ferris Wheel – Long Exposure

Finally, the submissions are in and we can show you our interpretations of Long Exposure work!

My first submission is an image of the ferris wheel on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, which also happens to be one of my fondest memories of the place.  I had gone several years ago and really enjoyed the view from the top of the ride.  It puts you high above most of the other buildings and lights and gives you a nice view of the main attraction – the Falls.

This image is actually a composite of two different images, layered and blended by hand.  The short and long exposures of this image both had components I wanted in the final version, so it made sense to layer and mask, so I could have fine control over the fnal blend.

I contemplated desaturating this particular image, but in the end, decided the lights were indicative of the area the ferris wheel resides in (Clifton Hill) and the image was better with the color.  Tourist demand has turned Clifton Hill into a fair-like atmosphere, with lots of bright lights and gimmicks.  The Sky Wheel is a major feature of the tourist landscape and obviously, it’s own bright lights give it personality.

In the end, it is just a ferris wheel but the view of the Falls left a lasting impression.  Sky Wheel, I salute…errr…photo you!

LE, Today!

Have you gotten your collaboration submissions in? 🙂 Today is the day! Send them on over to submit@nickexposed.com

LE Inspiration!

I don’t know about you, but for me, seeing other creatives beautiful work can be a huge inspiration. You can be introduced to new techniques, gain a new perspective on shooting, and aspire to make an image of similar quality (though for me, I prefer to add my own composition if at all possible).

For those of you participating in the Long Exposure project, we are getting down to the wire. You only have a few short days to get your Long Exposure on!

Get those tripods out, grab some snacks (personally, I think Gummy Bears = creativity fuel) and get creative with your cameras! 🙂

Here are a few super photos to get the wheels turning, juices flowing and other analogies inserted here. Lol

http://digital-photography-school.com/long-exposure-photography

Now get out there, and push those creative envelopes! Keep those submissions coming to submit@nickexposed.com!

Musings

Beavertail Lighthouse – RI

Let me start by saying, I’m not a “water” person.  I’m definitely an “I like my feet to be on solid ground, where sharks and alligators can’t eat me” kind of person.  I am also an “I almost had a panic attack while kayaking the other day” when my friend pointed out a snapping turtle in the water near us.

That being said, as much as I love being dry, I am drawn to be close to the water. It’s a powerful, beautiful force of nature and it makes a great addition to most photos.
Being at Niagara this weekend reminded me of how incredible, impressive and intense water can be.  There is a spot on the American side (in the Cave of the Winds) where you can stand under just a sliver of the Bridal Veil Falls.  The water slams into your skin, and the wind from the falls pushes you around on the deck – it is an experience that always takes my breath away.

As I walked away from the Bridal Veil this weekend, I turned to my friend and explained my feelings about water.  I don’t love the idea of being in it, but boy do I respect it.  And I love, love, love to photograph it in its various forms.  In fact, in the next few blog posts, you will definitely see some photos from the weekend.  But first…!

Today’s photo is one I’ve been sitting on for a few weeks.  It wasn’t what I envisioned when I drove to the coast in Rhode Island to take photos.  I have hopes of a colorful sunset on the horizon, rock formations in the foreground, leading lines, and somewhere in there, a lighthouse.  What I got was fog.  And some crazy powerful waves.  And lots of wind.  And raindrops on my camera lens.  And dangerous footing.  And about an hour of reflection – when nature acts up, it reminds me that we are just small (but mighty!) creatures in a gigantic (amazing, beautiful, wonderful!) world.

As I’ve had time away from the photo, it’s grown on me.  It is a pano, with only the rocks processed for HDR.  This was taken around 8:45pm, so obviously long exposure was used.  Also, as us photographers all know, the details make the shot.  It took me a few versions of this image before I realized I was missing the light from the lighthouse.  With it being socked in, I was hard to make out exactly what it was without the light so I had to begin counting the seconds per rotation.  Seven seconds per revolution, two second timer to allow the vibrations from my finger to dissipate.  So I set my focus, and began counting…at five seconds, I’d press the shutter and hope for the best. =)

Like, “Whoa!”

I found this link while searching for “to-do” items in Toronto, and I had to share! Talk about Loooooonnnnggg Exposure! 🙂

http://www.thegridto.com/culture/arts/what-goes-into-taking-a-year-long-photo-of-toronto-anyway/

Just Checkin’ In

How are everyone’s Long Exposure photos coming for this month’s community project? Anyone stuck and looking for ideas?

To me, it seems like the hardest thing about doing this project is the creativity aspect of it.  Taking a concept and making it your own can be intimidating sometimes.  If you’re anything like me, you want it to be good…no…great if you’re going to put it out there for the world to see.  But remember, my creative friends, we are in the tree of trust!  We grow through experimentation.  Don’t be afraid to try!  Sometimes our biggest inspirations comes from improving upon something that didn’t live up to what we envisioned.

I promise, your ideas have potential.  Don’t be afraid to push yourself to realize that potential!  Nick and I encourage you to make this project your own.  Learn the skills for long exposure (did I mention you’ll need them for the awesome-ness coming in next month’s project?? 😉 Well, if I didn’t…now you know! haha) but just as importantly, let the creativity flow!

If you have questions, or need someone to toss ideas around with, Nick and I are here for you.  Like all of you cool cats, we spend a lot of time on Facebook (SSP, NE) and we both happen to be email junkies.  Which, just to clarify, is not the same as liking junk mail. haha  And while you’re there, hitting the “like” button will keep you in the loop for future collabs, events and give-aways.  (Yes, I said give-aways!!)

seespotsphoto@yahoo.com
nrmayo87@gmail.com

So, in summary:
A) Long Exposures + Creative Expression = Awesome
B) We can generally be reached pretty quickly if you need someone to talk to about ideas.
C) You are awesome and we appreciate you!
D) Make sure to keep spreading the word about this project – re-blog, re-post, etc! More people is more fun. It’s also a larger resource for you…the more people we have in our community, the more knowledge and experience we have to draw off of.  See?  Everybody wins!
E) Those last few aren’t really a summary…but they are still important.  Seriously, you guys rock!