tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993906456059834492024-03-12T18:16:39.818-05:00Muddyboots Photography BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-56811120999211264382013-08-20T23:36:00.002-05:002013-08-26T01:18:28.358-05:00Do the photos of your black pet tend to look like this? Here are 3 tips to improve your photos:
Those of us lucky enough to live with black or dark-colored pets know that, for all our luck in having pets who's hair goes just fine with our formal wear, it is quite difficult to get good photos of them! But if you keep a few short tips in mind you can get pictures to be proud of no matter what type of camera you are using. (All photos in this post were taken with my Android Erica_Marshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01728016786827636757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-57593333378336291322012-02-03T11:46:00.001-06:002012-02-03T11:52:25.032-06:00Focal length examplesSomeone was looking to see what various focal lengths actually look like and I thought it was a great question because, while seasoned photographers have the numbers ingrained in their brains, we shouldn't forget that they are abstract to people new to photography. So what does 10mm, 20mm, 30mm and even 500mm really look like? Just look at the examples below!
Keep in mind that the Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-21073725310056328582012-02-02T18:04:00.005-06:002012-02-05T00:58:14.304-06:00Stacking photos for star trails.Stacking photos allows you to use several photos to create an effect that you may not be able to produce with one shot alone. In the case of star trails it allows you to create longer star trails than you may otherwise be able to achieve. You can even go long enough to get circular star trails!
Since we'll be working with a fictional photo to make the idea more clear, you may want toUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-91122936108316979532012-01-10T00:31:00.000-06:002012-01-10T00:41:36.818-06:00Carrying a camera at all timesMany photographers carry a camera with them everywhere they go so that, whenever a photo opportunity presents itself, it can be captured. For beginning photographers this is good advice. Beginners can get
plenty of practice at trying new angles and perspectives to learn to
compose a shot well, or even just learn what makes an interesting
image.. But as you become a better Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-78484823479986373052011-12-17T21:10:00.004-06:002011-12-17T21:11:39.991-06:00Another Manual Mode Cheat SheetThis is a nice graphical manual mode cheat sheet. It's much like my previous Manual Mode Cheat Sheet post, but prettier:
http://livinginthestills.tumblr.com/day/2011/06/12Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-61580735969535302322011-09-13T18:47:00.001-05:002011-09-13T18:47:08.621-05:00Getting everything in-focus in an image.Let's start by defining two terms:-Shallow depth of field: when
only a small portion of the photo is in focus and everything in front of
or behind the focus point is blurred. Example: http://www.flickr.com/photos/erica_marshall/852785112/in/set-72157625599893745
-Deep depth of field: when a lot (or all of) the photo is in-focus and
nothing is blurred due to being in Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-9213320647391585942011-06-08T20:59:00.005-05:002011-06-09T17:17:15.333-05:00Black and white conversionThe easiest way to convert a photo to black and white is to choose the menu item or button in your imaging software that just converts it for you. In Gimp 2.6.3 you find this under the "Colors" menu and it's called "Desaturate". But like many other things in photography, the easy way isn't always the best way to go about things.I'm going to use this photo as an example for two different ways toUnknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-37045258141907742982011-02-14T22:18:00.002-06:002011-02-14T22:24:39.301-06:00New quicklinks!For those who subscribe to this blog, I apologize for the last few posts tonight, but they are part of a huge improvement for navigating the articles here on the Muddyboots Photography Blog!For the last 6 months or so it's become more and more obvious that finding the information you want on this blog can be frustrating at times, but I think I made great strides tonight with my "Quicklinks"!Now Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-10641056401898340672011-02-14T21:07:00.003-06:002011-02-14T21:52:17.453-06:00Quicklinks for: FlashUsing gels for color correctionDIY gel holderUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-61562268333442461242011-02-14T21:02:00.003-06:002012-02-03T14:38:08.732-06:00Quicklinks for: Photography EquipmentCameras:
My cameras (including reviews)
Infrared converted camera rental, Part 1
Infrared converted camera rental, Part 2
Choosing a camera, what does "crop sensor" or "cropped sensor" mean?
What kind of camera should I get?
Lenses:
Help when shopping for a new lens
My lenses (including reviews)
Researching a budget all-around zoom lens
Canon 50mm f/1.8 II "Fantastic Plastic" lens
Sigma 30mm Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-45161521730200008662011-02-14T21:00:00.004-06:002012-02-03T14:39:25.619-06:00Quicklinks for: Image EditingMany of the following are written for Gimp because it's free, but the steps are the same for Photoshop, PSE, Elements, Paint.NET, and any other image editing software that has layers.
Gimp basics
Adjusting Curves based on a photo's histogram
Using Auto-Levels
Using Levels (beyond the Auto button)
Using Curves
Combining firework photos
Creating a twin
Color to black and white conversion (with Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-46200906577849679752011-02-14T20:55:00.002-06:002011-09-13T18:47:32.885-05:00Quicklinks for: Composition tips
The importance of focusing on the eyes
Getting everything in-focus in an image.
Best time of day to take photos
Light and it's direction
Unusual = eye-catching
Sometimes simple is better
1 minute Rule of Thirds tutorial
Full Rule of Thirds tutorial
DIY stock-type images
Giving directional subjects "room to move"
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-59280167366860818042011-02-14T19:56:00.005-06:002011-02-14T21:52:49.256-06:00Quicklinks for: SLR and Manual Mode TutorialsTutorials on using Manual Mode:Manual Mode Cheat SheetReasons to learn Manual ModeHow I taught myself Manual ModeAbout "Stops"of lightAbout ISOHow aperture & shutter speed relateCalculating for long exposuresTutorials on using your SLR more effectively:Avoiding blurry photosMetering modes explainedMaking backgrounds blurryHow to determine your depth of fieldWhite balanceHow to read a Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-24662512529864388152011-02-14T19:54:00.004-06:002013-08-21T07:48:28.975-05:00Quicklinks for: Point and shoot tutorialsTutorials on using your camera more effectively:
Avoiding blurry photos
Auto mode cheat sheet
Making backgrounds blurry
Metering modes explained
White balance
How to read a histogram
Another post on reading histograms
How to's for specific photo situations:
Avoid dark people in sunset photos
Creating silhouettes
How to photograph the moon
Taking photos of black or dark-colored pets
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-6991216598571441882011-02-05T20:36:00.006-06:002011-02-05T22:56:51.593-06:00Blurry PhotosWhether you have a point and shoot or a big expensive DSLR, everyone has to battle blur in their photos from time to time. So, here's a short discussion on why you get blur, how to avoid it, and then some ideas on how you can use blur to your advantage creatively in case you want to experiment or if you get stuck in a situation where you just have to work with it.Why you get blur:Photos are madeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-39694604416820954352011-01-25T21:57:00.003-06:002011-01-25T22:27:13.926-06:00Creating a twinThis is a fairly easy project to accomplish. You need a camera with manual mode, a tripod (or somewhere steady to place the camera on), and image editing software like Gimp (which is free).If you aren't familiar with Manual mode, that's ok. You may need your camera's manual, however, if you don't know how to find out and change your ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.First, find your location andUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-39939460266667194992011-01-11T19:22:00.007-06:002011-01-11T20:09:53.951-06:00Growth comes from overcoming frustrationWith the funds I received from a rare and generous donation I was able to buy a Pullip doll that I intend on using for photography. That might sound really stupid, but as you can see from the examples of Pullip photos here, they really can make great subjects.So, the doll arrived the other day and I immediately started to think about how to photograph her. My first thought was to make it Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-18079754195793614232011-01-04T12:49:00.004-06:002011-01-04T12:53:24.544-06:00Critique guide for beginnersGetting critique on your work is the only way to find out how others perceive your work. But, beginners are often hesitant to join in with critiquing because they don't think they have the skills to judge a photo yet. I strongly disagree. Many of us aim to one day be good enough to have their photo in a newspaper or hanging on someone's wall. But the people who will be buying your art Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-87739654974433756452010-10-12T19:35:00.003-05:002010-10-12T19:56:17.374-05:00Is lack of time an excuse?Since I lost my job a couple years ago I've had a lot more time on my hands. For the last year I've been volunteering and working a part time job, but that left plenty of time for photography. Funny thing is I lost my motivation or inspiration. I'm not sure which was the cause, but I just stopped taking photos. It frustrated me, but I'd pick up my camera and just have no idea what to shoot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-43327943052422191322010-07-08T00:40:00.000-05:002010-07-08T07:40:56.052-05:00My Gear -LensesCanon 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6:This was the kit lens that came with the Elan IIe. It's lightweight and plastic. I don't use it much. I suppose it could be a decent walkaround lens, but I don't really do much "walkaround" photography. I can't really say much more -I don't use it because it's not wide enough for landscapes and it's not telephoto enough for wildlife photos.Canon 75-300mm f/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-54931188252590155242010-07-05T09:46:00.007-05:002010-07-05T13:18:04.935-05:00How to combine fireworks photos in GimpI took my first attempt at fireworks photos last night. I did okay with them, but I couldn't balance the light so that the fireworks came out looking good along with the foreground. Either the foreground was exposed well and the fireworks were blown out, or the foreground was all black and the fireworks came out nice. So, I went home a little disappointed.While going through my photos I had anUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-66587485957626383012010-07-04T00:40:00.004-05:002010-07-04T15:58:35.655-05:00My Gear -CamerasA commenter recently asked me to post my equipment list, so here's the first part:Cameras:Canon Elan IIe (film SLR):My Dad and I bought it while I was in college and we "shared" it for years when I lived at home, then he passed it down to me a few years after I moved out of the house. It is still an excellent camera with most of the bells and whistles that my Canon 30D has, aside from the Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-62378220660055649792010-07-01T21:02:00.004-05:002010-07-02T10:07:40.009-05:00Auto Mode Cheat SheetMuch can be done with a simple point and shoot camera. SLR users choose between two creative settings, aperture and shutter speed, to control depth of field (AKA background blur) and the blur or freezing of motion. Point and shoot cameras give you some control over your depth of field and also allow you to freeze most motion with the standard modes available on all cameras. Blurring motion on Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-9681373252557200062010-06-26T19:35:00.008-05:002011-01-04T13:52:40.911-06:006 Things I learned from my first big photography sale.I recently made my first "big" photography sale to Bicycling Magazine who licensed two of my photos for their magazine. Below are some lessons I learned from the experience.1. Flickr's a great place to advertise and potentially sell your work.Active selling is not allowed on Flickr, but many people have found sales through the site and at least one member has even found a sponsorship by a Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-699390645605983449.post-57318289396384406382010-06-21T13:36:00.009-05:002010-06-22T08:49:17.189-05:00Metering Modes ExplainedWe're going to start with the basics of exposure. Your camera is pre-programmed to assume that every photo that you take should be of an "average tone". The word "tone" confuses some people, but it just means a shade of color. So, light blue and light purple would be the same tone as would dark blue and dark purple. Get it?The reason your camera makes that "average tone" assumption is pretty Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0