Okay...so I'm working on getting more of my photos posted. Slowly, but surely. I'll be updating as frequently as possible. In the meantime, click here to see my Flickr Photostream.
There's also a perma-link on my blog sidebar.
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Sky's the Limit!
"The Calm Before The Storm", Grand Bend, Ontario - Taken August 20, 2009
(Top to bottom: original and adjusted)
ISO speed 100; Shutter speed 1/2000; Aperture F5.0
Enhanced contrast, hue, and colour saturation.
Ever wonder how they get that beautiful, deep blue sky in photos - making the landscape look surreal? Assuming that your camera is metering correctly, you might still find that blue skies in your photos appear dull or have turned white, even with all other objects in the foreground properly exposed. You may be able to account for this by adjusting your aperture or shutter speed by a stop or two to underexpose the shot. But, if your preference is to adjust your photos optically, then get yourself some high quality colour contrast or polarizing lens filters; or, invest in a good photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, and you'll be able to put that rich blue back into your skies.
"Fall in High Park" - Taken October 18, 2008
(L to R: original and adjusted)
ISO speed 100; Shutter speed 1/2000; Aperture F11; Exposure Compensation -1
Enhanced colour saturation.
Holy filters Batman! Help me choose one!
Photographic filters for your lenses will remove specific colours of light - the result being that the colour will receive less exposure and in turn will be reproduced darker in the actual image. Colour contrast filters are not used to lighten areas - their use is to darken the colours opposite on the colour wheel (ie. Green filters will darken reds; and red-orange filters will darken blues). Yellow, orange, and red colour contrast filters are often used to darken blue skies - while leaving the white clouds untouched. Keep in mind that lens filters will affect other areas in the photo, so any subject matter in the landscape will also increase in contrast if they contain colours near the complement of the filter. Alternatively, polarizing filters are often used to darken the sky, eliminate some reflections, and reduce glare.
Getting your blue skies back without filters
"Bubbles" - Taken August 26, 2009
(Top to Bottom: original and adjusted)
ISO speed 100; Shutter Speed 1/4000; Aperture F2.5
Enhanced hue.
While photographers generally use photo editing software to do minor touch ups to final photos, I don't object to using them for digital enhancements. Photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, make it easy to take those white skies and make them blue. You can use the 'Magic Wand Tool' in Photoshop to select the sky area and select the shade of blue best suited for your sky. You can also add a layer to your image by utilizing the 'Gradient Tool'.
"Old Montreal" - Photo Taken August 4, 2008
(L to R: original and adjusted)
ISO speed 64; Shutter speed 1/266; Aperture F5.1
This photo of Old Montreal's cobblestone streets was taken with a point and shoot camera (Nikon's Coolpix S210). It was an overcast day with absolutely no sun or blue sky in sight - just gray clouds. In order to get that sky blue, I made adjustments to tone curve, contrast, hue and colour saturation.
In some of photos used for today's blog, I've compensated for exposure by stopping down one or two stops. As well, I'm a fan of Canon's Digital Photo Professional and use it to make adjustments to brightness, contrast, tone, hue, and colour saturation. Although shooting in RAW format when using a DSLR provides you with more flexibility and control on how your image looks; regardless of whether I'm shooting in RAW, JPEG, or both, I've been happy with the results I achieve when using my editing software. It takes a little time and practice in making image adjustments, but it is definitely worth it if those white skies are making you blue.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Yummy Mummies, Shopaholics, Babies & Photo Shoots
After becoming a mom, multi-tasking became THE skill to perfect. Forget about client meetings and making deadlines, it was all about getting stuff done while baby trotted around with me in the Baby Bjorn. During those first few months, even going to the loo was a feat in and of itself. With the ever growing pile of laundry, the social calendar filling up, trying to find downtime, and whatnot - what's a Yummy Mummy to do? Now more than ever, with a three-and-a-half year old toddler and a new baby on the way, how do I go about satsifying the shopaholic in me and juggling photo shoots with kids?
On the shopping front, don't fret about limited shopping expeditions if your house bound for a while - everything is at your finger tips! I'll be updating this blog with links to companies run by fellow Canadians (and local Torontonians!) who offer unique products and services for mom, dad, baby and more. Be sure to check out these links:
Gift Dezine Inc. - The ultimate spot for luxury gift baskets with a fresh and modern twist!
Shop for Baby - Neat baby gear for the Canadian shopping community!
Stella & Dot, with stylist Mirjana Letterio - Get the latest in trendy fashion jewelry for the Yummy Mummy that you are, or for the one that you know!
Tea Amo - If you're in need of cupcakes, cakes, or something sweet - think Tea Amo by Oksana Ulisko!
I'm all shopped out...now help me take great photos of my kids!
Now that you've got all that shopping out of your system, how do you take that scrumptious photo of your little one you ask? Taking snapshots is one thing, so go ahead and click away. But if you're looking for that one iconic picture to frame, it will take a little more time, patience, and don't forget that nice long nap before the shoot...for baby and toddler that is!
I did a photo shoot last fall with two adorable brothers! My definite must haves for baby and toddler sessions: some extra time (in case of meltdowns!), something to entertain baby (ie. shakey toy, noise maker, ANYTHING to occupy baby's attention or for baby to hold); and, a solid knowledge-base of the top 5 most popular shows on Treehouse to chat with the pre-schooler! Oh...and don't forget to bring snacks; and, if you plan on being outdoors, proper clothing!
"Jaron & Andre" - Photos taken November 29, 2008
As with any photo shoot, it always helps if parents can come prepared with a list of ideas on specific shots they are looking for. Even with my own toddler, unless I'm clicking away candid shots, I have an idea of what I want to capture. This helps with timing and allows for the shoot to run a little more smoothly - little ones don't have the patience to sit in front of a camera all day. You want to make sure you keep things moving along with little lag time in between, so you can get all the photos you are looking for.
"Winter" - Photos taken December 7, 2008
Most importantly, enjoy the time you're spending with your kids in front of the camera. There's nothing more fun then creating memories...although shopping does come a close second for this shopaholic mummy!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Blogging at last!
Finally! I'm blogging. Mostly because I have found the time to do so...thanks to Ontario Maternity and Parental Leave benefits; but mainly because I have this incessant need to let out my creative side. It's been a while since I last picked up the camera, and it has been even longer since I last wrote a truly memorable and crafty piece of text.
I am hoping to thrive in both these areas, because...well...I need to keep you enthralled and coming back for more; and, to save me from the insanity that becomes of a stay-at-home yummy mummy with a beloved toddler and baby-to-be (expected arrival: October 27). Rest assured, while I'm at it (and true to form) I'll throw in a little bit of my wit and sarcasm to keep you entertained. Selfish survival reasons aside, however, the intent of this blog is three-fold:
First and foremost, this will be the forum in which I will share my all-time favourite photos that I have taken. For me, these are the shots that have captured a truly extraordinary moment in time. Whether it be an instant of passion, curiosity, happiness, humour, or intimacy, every frame tells a story or provides a glimpse into our life experiences. I invite you to share your thoughts and comments on any of the photos you see in this blog.
"Mommy's Belly" - Taken August 22, 2009
Secondly, for a few minutes of reading pleasure, I promise to whisk you away from the everyday mundane. Okay...not whisk, but you get the point. Why not read about the trials and tribulations I go through, as I try my darndest to get the shot I want/need/love? I'll provide you with my perspective and first person account of taking photos, while providing photography tips along the way - tips that I've picked up from photography classes, other photographers, my favourite websites, or from my general experiences, etc.
Thirdly, I'm an honest person and I can't deny this: I'm using this blog as a "plug".
Function: verb
Etymology: Dutch, from Middle Dutch plugge; akin to Middle High German pfloc plug
Inflected Form(s): plugged; plug•ging
Date: 1630
transitive verb
1 a : to stop, make tight, or secure by inserting a plug b : to remedy (a deficiency) as if by inserting a plug
2 : to hit with a bullet : shoot
3 : to advertise or publicize insistently
Just to be obvious: I am taking the third usage of the word in its function as a verb...so if you're located in the Greater Toronto Area, make mention of Steffie C Photography and my blog and PLUG, PLUG, PLUG away.
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