17-40mm f/4 lens , 1/60, f/14, ISO 100
Welcome to the first week of 'The Watford Photographer' a bi-weekly insight in to the life of a freelance photographer. In the coming weeks we aim to share some of those valuable technical skills, great locations as well as some stunning imagery. Please take a moment to explore the page. Firstly you are now reading our bi-weekly blog 'This Week @MJLPhotographics' , here you will find the latest articles. Also for past articles and specific categories please navigate to the the right of this page.
You will also see what our partner MJL Photographics is tweeting as well as recent photoshoot images. Above you will find our 'About' page...that's all about us! Also some great links to some products, portraits and offers for anyone needing a photographer :-)
Here we go....
This week we were lucky enough to have some gorgeous weather in the UK! Hoping to get outside and take advantage of some sunshine we were excited to meet up with Michael from MJLPhotographics at a nearby location with promise of some beautiful scenery. (For full location details please see the end of this article).
Lets just say we were not disappointed! We were met firstly with a gorgeous smell and then visually rewarded with a beautiful lavender field.
We met Michael and he advised that anyone can come here during the summer 7 days a week 10 am - 5pm for a few pounds, and you even get given scissors and a bag to cut your own lavender!
You will also see what our partner MJL Photographics is tweeting as well as recent photoshoot images. Above you will find our 'About' page...that's all about us! Also some great links to some products, portraits and offers for anyone needing a photographer :-)
Here we go....
This week we were lucky enough to have some gorgeous weather in the UK! Hoping to get outside and take advantage of some sunshine we were excited to meet up with Michael from MJLPhotographics at a nearby location with promise of some beautiful scenery. (For full location details please see the end of this article).
Lets just say we were not disappointed! We were met firstly with a gorgeous smell and then visually rewarded with a beautiful lavender field.
We met Michael and he advised that anyone can come here during the summer 7 days a week 10 am - 5pm for a few pounds, and you even get given scissors and a bag to cut your own lavender!
Landscape - 17-40mm f/4 lens , 17mm 1/125, f/7.1, ISO 100,
So why were we there?
Michael explained that there were four main styles he was going for.
Technique Time (each photo has the technical data from the shot)
Landscapes
For landscape photography it is important to remember the following
- Use a tripod (increase stability, reduce shake and add versatility)
- Use a lens hood (to reduce flare
- Hand release cable (to stop vibrations from you hand shaking the camera)
- High f number (small aperture) for pin sharp details throughout the scene.
- Landscapes can be vertical or horizontal!
Portraits
For Portrait photography it is important to remember the following:
- Go hand held for unique angles
- Use a lens hood (to reduce flare)
- Use a flashgun ( to light your subject and make them 'pop' from the background.
- Consider using a softbox / diffuser to soften the light on your subject.
- Low f number (large aperture) for pleasing background blur.
Portrait - 17-40mm f/4 lens , 1/800, f/4, ISO 100. Flashgun shot on 1/4 power using diffuser.
Be Creative
In this section I will concentrate on one image but really you should experiment with your own technique, style and situation. Be creative and don't be afraid to break all the rules!
Some ideas you may want to try
- Selective focus
- Off camera flash
- A range Low f numbers (large aperture) for a varied amount of background blur.
- Handheld or tripod, low angles, high angles try them all!
Creative - 17-40mm f/4 lens , 1/250, f/4, ISO 100. 35mm
HDR - 17-40mm f/4 lens , 3 x exposures :1/50,1/100,1/200, f/13, ISO 100, 22mm
HDR
The basic principle of HDR (High Dynamic Range) is to take multiple exposures of the same frame at different shutter speeds. One correctly exposed, one too bright and one too dark. These exposures are then merged to give the image a large range of light and colours from dark through to light. This is called the 'Dynamic range' of the image.
For HDR photography it is important to remember the following
The basic principle of HDR (High Dynamic Range) is to take multiple exposures of the same frame at different shutter speeds. One correctly exposed, one too bright and one too dark. These exposures are then merged to give the image a large range of light and colours from dark through to light. This is called the 'Dynamic range' of the image.
For HDR photography it is important to remember the following
- Use a Tripod (three images need to be the same and not any different other than the shutter speed.
- Hand release cable (to stop vibrations from you hand shaking the camera)
- Use the same aperture for each shot, from f8 - f16 to ensure the foreground and background are all in focus.
- Consider using high-speed drive mode to lessen the possibility of movement.
- Consider exposure bracketing if your camera supports that function.
17-40mm f/4 lens , 1/200, f/8, ISO 100,17mm
And that's a Wrap!
As I'm sure you'll agree Michael got some stunning shots in each technique he used. Not only was it a great day for imagery it can be a great day for family and friends to really experience something different. So why not bring along your camera and take away some great shots as well as some lovely smelling lavender!
A Big Thank You to Michael and MJL Photographics for the wonderful images and for letting us use one of our favourites for our website banner!
We will soon be posting up further guides to all techniques discussed in this article.
See you in a few weeks back with the Watford Photographer
Location
The Farm at Cadwell has been there for more than hundred years and five generations. The main feature 'Lavender' was introduced in 2000.
Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 3UA
