October 2008 Archives

Why on earth would Scott Stulberg have two Canon 5D Mark II's on order? Because he learned his lesson about always having a backup camera on hand. Here he explains how we can learn from our inevitable photography mistakes.

If you think one photographer backpack is no different from the next, you haven't explored all of your backpack options. Before you waste money on a bag that's no good (or waste time trying to make use of a backpack that just won't cut it), consider what Scott Stulberg has to say about the issue...

A tripod is a must for pictures that require long exposures, but image stabilizing technology can reduce the need to pull one out for every shot you take. Scott Stulberg went into detail explaining how image stabilization can really take your photographs up a notch...

Checking your camera gear through at the airport may seem like a travel convenience, but it's actually a disaster waiting to happen. Scott Stulberg shares a real-life story about just how bad it can get...

When I asked Scott Stulberg to share information about the camera gear he just can't live without he immediately brought up the topic of the wide angle zoom lens. If you're unsure whether or not you need one or you're wondering exactly how this type of lens can play a part in your photography success, there are some things you'll want to consider...

Previously in his 7 Photography Questions interview Scott had mentioned shooting pictures of people using a macro lens. The comment definitely intrigued me and I asked him to elaborate. If you thought a macro was only for close-up shots of minute details, a new world of photography is about to open for you.

It's nearly impossible to bring every single piece of camera gear in existence when you travel. That's why I asked Scott Stulberg what were the most important pieces of equipment to bring. His answer was quite enlightening...

Many people might think being paid for traveling internationally and taking photographs is a dream job. According to Scott Stulberg, there are some things you really need to consider before coming to that conclusion.

There's a common mistake that many a travel photographer has made, and avoiding it is sure to save you a lot of headaches and hassle. The question is, what is this mistake and how do you go about not falling into it? Scott Stulberg came to the rescue with the answer to this question during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

International travel photography may be one of the most exciting niches of the photography world, but it can also be one of the most challenging. What do you need to succeed, and what should you know before you get started? Scott Stulberg answered these questions and more during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

Great international travel photography involves a lot more than just throwing your camera around your neck and heading out to the hottest tourist attractions. When you visit foreign lands, your goal should be to capture the true feeling and culture of the area, not just the spots everyone else goes to see.

To do this effectively, you have to understand the ins and the outs of international travel photography. We were lucky enough to sit down with Scott Stulberg as he shared his travel photography secrets during a 7 Photography Questions interview.

There is so much to learn about lighting in photography, we couldn't possibly cover it all in seven questions. At the end of our interview I asked John where to go for additional resources and offerings. This is where you can go for more advice from John Siskin...

I asked John Siskin what exercises our listeners could do to achieve better creative control of lighting. To my delight he offered a simple, cost-effective way to learn exactly how light behaves and how you can manipulate it.

With some photographs, shadows need to be avoided but in shots like this one of Huntington Library, they become a part of the picture's ambiance and mood. How did John Siskin manage to create such a masterpiece? He let us in on a few of his secrets while explaining the techniques behind this shot.

The picture of this entry way is majestic, to say the least. Would you believe me if I told you there were six different lighting sources used to create the natural light look? John Siskin explained how during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

At first glance, you would never guess this photograph was of a plastic ice cube. How do you create art out of something so mundane? John Siskin explains the tools and techniques he used to get such an amazing shot.

Looking at this picture of tomato soup, you can almost taste the savory flavor. How did John Siskin manage to capture the essence of the meal? While he admits he had a food stylist to help, much more than that went into this appetizing shot.

Sometimes our eyes deceive us, and this picture of a bird nest is a perfect example. While it may look like this shot was taken outdoors, John Siskin explains how he captured this beauty in a studio environment.

A dog portrait doesn't have to be boring. While most people worry about head placement and expression when photographing their pets, John let creativity take over and created a shot that let the personality of his dog shine through.

This rhythm child photograph is filled with great shadow and highlighting. How did John Siskin manage the shot? He explains how placement and direction have everything to do with the mood of this photograph.

This picture of a brunette girl features an amazing combination of light and shadow. John Siskin explains how he did it in this portion of his 7 Photography Questions interview.

Every professional photographer holds a few trade secrets dear, and creative lighting secrets may be some of the most valuable. But how do you get a master to part with the secrets of the craft? John Siskin was kind enough to share a few during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

John Siskin took the time to explain a bit about the fundamentals of flash compensation and fill lights during his 7 Photography Questions interview. If you thought you knew how to make the most of your outdoor photographs, the following information may prove to be priceless.

If you want to shoot outdoors after the sun has gone down, you need to understand what it takes to shoot low light photography. After all, not all nighttime shots are filled with bright stars or shining city lights. John was happy to share some advice with us. Here he explains how to overcome the obstacles of shooting in the dark.

Low light photography can definitely throw some obstacles in your path. The question is, must you settle for sub-par photographs in difficult, low-light situations? John Siskin revealed the answer to that question, and it may change the way you feel about shooting in low light conditions.

Controlling light doesn't come without its challenges. That doesn't have to mean that trying to do so is a fruitless endeavor. According to John Siskin, there are just a few things you need to consider when trying to get light to do what you want.

When you choose to invest in equipment for lighting in digital photography, the cost can be a bit burdensome. It's best to know exactly what you need to start with so you aren't throwing your money out the window. Fortunately, John Siskin had some great money-saving lighting tips.

John Siskin had used the term sync speed more than once during our interview. In fact, he wrote an article about the topic. I asked John to explain what sync speed was, and the conversation took an unexpected turn...

Lighting types vary greatly from one to the other, and quartz lighting and strobe lighting are two very different lighting sources. How do you know which one is best for your photography needs? John Siskin sheds some "light" on the subject...

If you want your photographs to truly shine, you need to understand how to best use your lighting sources and which ones to choose. During his 7 Photography Questions interview, John Siskin explained which characteristic was absolutely most important to look for.

Not all lighting is created equal and John Siskin advised us that a strobe light was best for digital photography purposes. If you're wondering why strobe would beat out quartz lights and other photography lighting sources, this part of John's 7 Photography Questions interview is a must-read...

More than a few photographers assume that natural lighting is best. The question is, is it true? John Siskin tackled the answer to that question during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

We can all make mistakes when it comes to lighting sources, but what is the most common lighting mistake and how can our listeners avoid it? That's exactly what I asked John Siskin during our 7 Photography Questions interview, and his answer was really quite surprising in its simplicity.

We're all aware of lighting in photography. After all, our earliest childhood memories often involve the word "cheese" and a flash of blinding light. But why is lighting so important in the world of photographs? John Siskin explains...

Are you interested in learning the secrets of lighting in photography? Then this episode of 7 Photography Questions is something you definitely don't want to miss.

I'm interviewing John Siskin, a highly-acclaimed professional photographer, and asking him to explain the ins and outs of lighting in photography.

John fields the top 7 questions regarding lighting in photography and teaches us how to use light and control it. Join us as he shares his expertise and advice with our listeners...

Not using the proper lighting in photography can prevent you from ever reaching your full potential as a photographer. It's important to understand that one type of lighting can make a shot look extraordinary, while another can turn it into a blurry, shadowed mess.

How do you know which lighting is best and how to use it? We are turning to John Siskin for the answers.

Are you worried about losing your artistic eye as time goes on? Bryan Peterson has some encouraging words of advice to offer.

Bryan Peterson knows that learning to see creatively can be somewhat of a challenge. Here he offers an exercise to help overcome any roadblocks you may stumble upon.

How do you get parakeets to pose? You don't. Bryan Peterson explains it was just plain dumb luck that got him this humorous shot.

How did Bryan Peterson create such a dramatic shot of the Brooklyn Bridge? He explained the equipment and the techniques behind this shot during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

How did this Dalmatian picture come to be? Sometimes artists find inspiration in the weirdest places. Photographers are no different. Bryan Peterson explains where he got the idea for this intriguing shot.

When Bryan Peterson planned this shot of his daughter in fields of lavender, he had something else in mind. He explains how he was able to capture this amazing shot nonetheless.

Looking at this shot, do you know it's a lizard eye? How do you know it's not the eye of a snake, or a dragon for that matter? Bryan Peterson explains how he got the shot and how throwing yourself into the moment can have delightful rewards.

When you look at this picture of Palouse, you might assume it's been doctored up in some way. Perhaps even painted? What Bryan Peterson has to say about this particular shot might surprise you...

One might look at this picture of a black cat and assume it was planned. Did someone bring the cat there? Was it a prop? Bryan Peterson explains exactly how he got this dramatic shot in Greece.

This shot of a car going through the intersection is obviously not an ordinary shot. What's surprising, however, is how it came to be. While some shots you have to go out and look for, some come to you. Bryan Peterson explains...

One of our listeners was wondering if natural creative talent has an impact on one's style of photography, and what about the people who have no style? Bryan Peterson offered some insightful advice.

Chances are you prefer one photography style to another, and you probably realize it. But did you know the style that you prefer says something about who and where you are in life? Bryan Peterson offered some enlightening information...

You don't have to have a background in design in order to see creatively within a photographic frame. It's a skill that can be learned. In this part of his 7 Photography Questions interview, Bryan Peterson offered a wonderful exercise for doing just that.

Renowned creative photographer Bryan Peterson concludes his amazing 7 Photography Questions interview with host Dr. Audri Lanford by providing the inside track on the tips and techniques he recommends for learning to see creatively.

You can also learn more about Bryan's background, the resources he suggests and view the amazing photographs he discusses in his interview.

Creative photographer Bryan Peterson has been sharing some wonderful tips and advice on how to see creatively. He continues to do so and shares some of his personal work with us in the continuation of his 7 Photography Questions podcast.

What makes a macro lens so special? If you've never looked through one, you have no idea what you're missing. Bryan Peterson explains just how unique and creative macro photography can be.

You go to the camera store and buy the best wide angle zoom money can get. You put it on and get ready to shoot. Are fabulous pictures guaranteed? Definitely not. Especially if you don't now how to focus your the lens.

We've all seen those majestic mountain photographs that are taken with a wide angle zoom lens. Why is it that the same lens can make a mountain look awe-inspiring and impressive in one shot and little more than an afterthought in others? Bryan Peterson has the answer...

People often take a standard approach when searching for foregrounds for their wide angle lens shots. They look to the ground, and in doing so, miss other wonderful photo opportunities. Bryan Peterson explains how a good foreground can be found in unusual places.

Without a photography theme, you're likely to run into a creative rut. You'll be "stuck", not knowing where or what to photograph, and creative ideas will seem to run dry. How exactly can a theme prevent it from happening? Bryan Peterson explains...

You can't just do a day or two of camera exercises and expect to develop an artistic eye. You need to put the information you gain from those exercises to work for you, and do more exercises in the process. Bryan Peterson explained just how to do that during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

As Bryan Peterson was discussing how to "learn the language" of camera equipment, he provided us with a very interesting focal length exercise. See how duct tape, a ladder and a bit of creativity can take your photography to new levels.

Photography isn't just about picking up a camera and shooting random shots. If you really want to get into the world of this art, you have to learn the language. Bryan Peterson explains how photography is much more than just pointing and clicking a camera.

Not everybody is born with the ability to see creatively. Some of us have to learn it. Unfortunately, there's a mistake that's often made when people set out to do this. Bryan Peterson explains what that mistake is and how we can avoid it.

When photographers compose their shots, their creativity is limited to what can be captured within the photographic frame. While some people feel this is a disadvantage, Bryan Peterson explains the silver lining of the predetermined parameters.

Bryan Peterson teaches us how we can all learn to see creatively.

All photographers have a story to tell about how they got started in professional photography, Bryan's is just a little more intriguing than most. I knew our listeners would want hear his fascinating story, so I asked Bryan to share it with us.

Every amateur photographer gets "stuck" sometimes -- gets in a photographic rut -- and needs to begin learning to see creatively again. Fortunately, there are many approaches to take.

Bryan Peterson explores learning the languages of your lenses, visual design, and lots of specific techniques to overcome these challenges so you can blossom into an artistic photographer who creates magic during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

Many people feel that creativity is something people are born with, like an artistic eye, and that it's not something you can learn or develop. Bryan wholeheartedly disagrees. He helps photographers get "unstuck" and see the world differently. He explains lots of different ways to do this -- and create new energy and life in your photography -- in his 7 Photography Questions Interview.

If you want to improve the quality of your fall photos, you should do the same exercises the pros do. The question is, what exactly are those exercises? Jim Zuckerman describes them for us here.

Some photographs just take your breath away and make you want to run away into the shot, as is the case with this picture of Sudbury Mill. How did Jim Zuckerman create such a fairytale image with his camera? He explained what goes into such a shot during his 7 Photography Questions interview and what he would have done to improve on it if he could take this photo over again.

Jim Zuckerman's image of Mabry Mill is so stunning, it's hard to believe it's a photograph and not a painting. Jim explains that this image is just one of many that are possible at this fantastic location.

What is it about this ordinary tree that makes it appear so royal and commanding? Jim Zuckerman explains how he drew out the boldness of this striking tree in this dramatic autumn shot.

At first glance you might think this photograph of a sassafras leaf in ice was a lucky shot captured in one of those rare moments in nature. In reality, nature had very little to do with this shot. As Jim explains, it was more about creativity, hard work and talent.

How do you get such a perfect picture of a red maple leaf? How does one come across such an amazing shot? Jim Zuckerman let us in on the secret during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

How did Jim Zuckerman capture this amazing aerial shot of a autumn fog landscape? Here he explains how fall photography isn't always about technique, but is often about location and timing.

Earlier in our interview, Jim Zuckerman had explained how a white birch tree could make an absolutely breathtaking photograph under the right conditions. This fall shot of the white birch bark against the striking red leaves is a perfect example.

This picture of hoarfrost in autumn is just another example of how unexpected photo opportunities can pop up when you're not even looking for them. In fact, some of the most spectacular fall photographs are shots that aren't planned, but are stumbled upon instead. Jim Zuckerman explains further as he discusses this amazing hoarfrost shot.

In this photo of a New England pond, the water provided for exceptional composition in a potentially otherwise ho-hum shot. Jim Zuckerman explains what went into this picture, and why it works so well.

I was captivated by this photograph of a forest in autumn -- I thought it was taken from a plane. I was happy to hear that I was wrong! Jim Zuckerman explains that airplane rides aren't the only way to get amazing aerial shots of fall foliage.

This photograph of an autumn tree is more than just a pretty picture. It's a lesson and an example of how the best photo opportunities aren't always the ones you plan. Sometimes, they come up unexpectedly. Jim Zuckerman explains that fact as he discusses how he came about this amazing shot of this beautiful autumn tree.

Every master photographer has secrets for capturing the shots they're famous for, so I asked Jim what his secrets were for getting those breathtaking fall images we're so fond of. While some photographers would be wary of sharing such valuable information, Jim was more than happy to share.

Some fall leaves have a magical shimmery texture to them. While the shimmer may be breathtaking in person, capturing the effect on camera is easier said than done. I asked Jim if he could offer some advice. Fortunately he knew exactly how to overcome this challenge, and had some other creative tips to share as well.

During our interview I asked Jim Zuckerman how our listeners could get the brightest and best fall colors in the fall photographs they take. He offered some really great advice and a somewhat surprising answer.

Some of the most beautiful and breathtaking pictures of fall are taken from an aerial perspective. The problem is, most of us can't fly like an eagle to get those great shots. How does Jim Zuckerman do it? He let us in on the secret during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

I was curious whether Jim Zuckerman thought it was best to shoot close-up macros of fall leaves changing color, of if big picture landscapes were the way to go. I asked him to provide some insight during his 7 Photography Questions interview. He provided great advice on fall photo composition.

After I talked with Jim Zuckerman about the importance of lenses, tripods and polarizers in landscape photography, I asked if there was any other equipment he would recommend. I was glad I asked, as his answers were quite interesting.

Different niches of photography call for different lenses, and I was wondering which lenses Jim Zuckerman preferred for photographing fall landscapes. While many of the photographers I've interviewed in the past always recommend one or two favorites, Jim's approach to photography lenses and equipment was quite unique.

Lighting is critical when photographing fall trees and different times of day offer different lighting results. I asked Jim what he felt was the best time of day to photograph fall colors, and how to overcome obstacles we might encounter during those times. His advice was very compelling...

During his 7 Photography Questions interview, Jim Zuckerman explained the best places to go to photograph the autumn leaves changing color. That left me wondering when was the best time to go to these places? Jim offered some helpful advice for timing your visits to these amazing fall photography spots.