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Posted February 21st, 2012by Shane ButlerNo Comments »
We recently received this great tip written by Bryan Petersen in the Adorama Newsletter. Sign-up for free at Adorama.com on the bottom right of the page.
The Golden Section a.k.a. The Rule of Thirds by Bryan Peterson – PPSOP Founder
The Golden Section refers to a mathematical calculation whose answer equals 1-2/3, or 1.66. Although there is ample evidence that the Golden Section was in use by the Egyptians, for example in the building of the Pyramids, it wasn’t identified until later by ancient Greek mathematicians who, when studying the paintings of their fellow artists, began recognizing a “pattern”: objects in a scene were often two-thirds as large as others, landscapes often placed the horizon line with two-thirds of the landscape below and one-third sky above (or vice-versa), and in still life’s, artists seemed to favor compositions in which two-thirds of the frame was filled with the round shapes of fruit and the remaining third with the round shape of the bowl. These artists and architects had a “natural eye,” an innate sense about how to create compelling and effective compositions. Thanks to the Greek mathematicians, namely Pythagoras, this compositional arrangement became known as the Golden Section, a rule stating that when any object or shape had two distinct parts, the smaller part should be 2/3 the size of the larger part.
Fibonacci’s Rabbits & Engaging Photographs
In the area of composition, it is also important to note the ‘Fibonacci numbers’. Fibonacci was an Italian Mathematician who was famous for his calculations on predicting how fast and how many additional rabbits would result from two breeding rabbits in ideal circumstances. I will spare you the details, but a series of numbers arose from these calculations, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610…Do you notice the ‘pattern’ in this series of numbers? Beginning with 3, each number that follows is a combination of the two numbers before it e.g. 1+2=3, 3+5=8, 5+8=13 and so on. As if by default, Fibonacci’s numbers have a direct correlation to the Golden Section. Look at what happens when you divide each of Fibonacci’s numbers by the number before it: 1/1= 1, 2/1=2, 3/2=1.5, 5/3=1.666, 8/5=1.6, 13/8=1.625, 21/13=1.61 and so on and of course you have undoubtedly noticed the calculations that resulted in a 1.6 result. And it’s important to note that this 1.6 will go on forever when one divides each of the Fibonacci numbers by the number before it. Is this 1.6 result merely a coincidence?
Definitely NOT! What is perhaps most interesting about the Golden Section is that nature abounds in it. Just about every living and breathing thing in Mother Nature’s closet, from flowers and ferns to the smallest microbe, is evidence of the Golden Section. Perhaps I have stumbled upon the reason WHY so many photographers are drawn to flowers; they are comprised of ‘Fibonacci’ numbers. Lilies and iris both have 3 petals, buttercups, columbine and pinks have 5 petals, delphinium’s 8, some daisies and corn marigold have 13, aster and Black Eyed-Susan’s have 21 and check this out, Michaelmas Daisies have 55 petals; again, all of which are Fibonacci numbers. And of course flowers go to seed and not surprising a poppy seed head has 13 ridges atop the seed head and upon closer inspection, the Purple Coneflower and it’s ‘spiraling seed head’ totals 55 spirals and even the common sunflower has 89 spirals – ALL Fibonacci numbers again! And back to our friend, the Greek Mathematician Pythagoras; he may have been the first to realize that even the human skeleton was based on the Golden Section; sure enough, my upper arm bone is roughly 2/3 the length of my lower arm bone as is upper leg bone when compared to my lower leg bone.
Entire books have been written about the Golden Section, and discussing it in detail is beyond the scope of this short “how-to” article, but it is vitally important that I state emphatically that the use of the Golden Section in your compositions will more often than not lead to far more engaging and compelling photographs. The sooner you embrace it, the sooner you will start hearing compliments from complete strangers about your photographs.
To ignore the Golden Section, a.k.a. the Rule of Thirds, is to ignore the natural order of the very universe we live in. The rule of thirds “grid” really can serve you well. It can and should often serve as the foundation of a compelling image, much as a firm and solid foundation should be the basis of every house or skyscraper.
Using The Rule For Better Pix
As I drove down one of the many back roads in the Valensole Plain of Provence, my eyes caught sight of a lone tree in the distance. The first image I shot may look familiar to some of you, as it depicts what I often see from students in several of our beginner classes. The horizon line runs through the middle of the frame and the subject, the lone tree, is smack dab in the middle of the frame. But as we can see in the next image, it now “feels” better with the tree in the right third of the frame. And as we see in the next two images, it feels even better still when we place the tree on the right and the horizon line in the upper or lower third of the frame. Why? Because you are now catering to your “inner eye,” the eye that instinctively knows about the Golden Section and its desire for “1/3rd-vs-2/3rd’s divisions. (All images shot with a Nikon D3X, 70-300mm, @ 200mm, f/32 @ 1/60 second, 200 ISO)
You Keep Shooting!
Bryan F. Peterson/Founder PPSOP.com
Posted August 12th, 2010by Lizzie Tankyte-JonesNo Comments »
by Lizzie Tankyte-Jones
Many people are far more familiar with compact digital cameras than SLR digital cameras since these models have flooded the marketplace.
Almost as common as cellphones, it is not unusual to see someone with a compact digital camera every time you walk down the street. Until recently, it was rare to see a digital SLR camera unless it was in the hands of a professional.
Thankfully, the cost of the digital SLR’s has now fallen to such a degree that some are now around the same price as a top quality compact camera. This has opened up a whole new market although many people are unaware of what these SLR’s can do.
A key advantage of a digital SLR is speed when compared to a compact. The simple reason for the greater SLR speed is it’s mechanical operation whereas a compact uses electronics for the same function.
There’s a device called a shutter that sits in front of the digital SLR sensor, blocking it from light.When you take a photo, the shutter (made up of two curtains) opens and closes.
By comparison, a compact camera has no physical shutter mechanism but rather it’s sensor is activated electronically whenever you take a picture.
The mechanical shutter has a massive advantage because there is no time lag between you pressing the button and the shutter opening to take the snap, it is instant, unlike with compact cameras where there is a significant delay between the two actions – and how many times has that delay meant you’ve missed the perfect shot?
There is now much more choice in digital SLR cameras as major suppliers like Canon, Nikon, Olympus etc. bring better, ever more functional cameras to the market place, that it is no easy matter picking the right SLR for you.
When you come to chose which SLR is right for you, make a list of all the things you think you want to photograph then do your homework on which cameras have the functionality to let you do this. Read up on any guide books or testimonials you can find for the cameras on your shortlist. Now, and only now, should you start to compare prices on the few that are left, also look out for any package deals that may be available and go strike yourself a deal.
What I like so much about picking a digital SLR camera using these steps is that no salesperson will be able to sell you more camera than you want or need, you’ll only have to compare prices for a few cameras’, you’ll be confident you’ve made the best choice when you go to buy your new camera, you won’t regret your purchase and you’ll have a great SLR that will last you for years to come.
My personal recommendation is to look at the series of Canon Rebel digital cameras. Check out any bestsellers list and they are usually at the top for styling, functionality and value for money.
About the Author:
Lizzie Tankyte-Jones is a renowned photographer and mother of 2 children. She specializes in flora & fauna and landscapes and has had many of her photos published in publications throughout the Australasia. Lizzie has also amassed a collection of vintage cameras although she now uses a Canon Rebel XTI for most of her commissions. Visit her blog for more Canon cameras.
He just proposed, and she’s as giddy as a schoolgirl. That happiness will radiate for weeks – or at least until the stress of planning a wedding takes hold! Capture those feelings with pre-wedding photography (also known as engagement photography).
In order to get a timeless, beautiful look for your pre-wedding photography, follow five tips that will ensure the focus is on you, the newly engaged couple, and not your clothes or the background.
1. Dress in classic styles that you’re comfortable in. If you’re normally a dressy gal, then go ahead and buy a special new dress or skirt for the occasion. If you’re a jeans and T-shirt person, though, don’t try to dress up just to dress up. The discomfort will show on your face, so stick to jeans (clean!) and a dressier top. A simple outfit in a solid color is your best bet, and make sure your significant other is wearing a color that complements yours.
2. Don’t dress in up-to-the minute trends. While you think it looks great now, in about 20 years, you’ll feel the same way as you do now when you view ’80s photos. In other words, it dates the photo and makes it more about the fashion than the couple. Along the same lines, take off your eyeglasses for the photos, if possible. They are one of the easiest ways to tell in what era a photograph was taken.
3. When posing for the camera, smile with your whole face. What that means is to let that smile radiate through your face into your eyes. Don’t be afraid to smile with your mouth open a bit or even laugh during the photo shoot. This brings a twinkle into your eyes and shows how truly happy you two are.
4. Push your face toward the camera when posing for a photo. To make this easier, pretend you’re a turtle and crane out neck out your shell toward the camera. This shouldn’t be forced, just a slight push forward to reduce double chins (not that we’re suggesting you have one!) and tighten facial skin. It might feel a little strange to you, but the camera won’t be able to capture your contortion – just the effect it has on your appearance.
5. Go for a fun and relaxed look. Posed photos are boring! You can hardly romp around in your wedding dress, so this is the time for you to get some shots of you and your fiancee having fun! Roll around on the ground, climb a few trees, play on the stairwell – the overall result of your pre-wedding photography will be much more charming.
A destination wedding calls to mind a blissful bride and groom strolling along a white, sandy beach with tropical foliage in the background and the sun’s rays streaming down upon them. If you can’t envision your wedding as anything other than this scenario, there are plenty of tropical wedding destinations to choose from across the globe.
Caribbean
There’s no doubt about it, the Caribbean is the number one for a tropical wedding destination. Blue skies and bright sun seem to occur year-round – with the exception of that pesky hurricane season. Plus the choice of hotels, resorts and cruise ships on which you can get married are bountiful, and nearly every resort now employs a wedding coordinator to make your life easier. Some islands to consider are Jamaica, St. Lucia, the British Virgin Islands (Check out Tortola) or the Dominican Republican (which can be cheaper than some of its Caribbean counterparts).
When to wed: The lowest rates can be found June to November, but that’s because hurricanes can threaten your big day. If you plan carefully and keep an eye on the sky, (and the sea), you can find great rates. January is typically the busiest month throughout the islands as travelers from the north flee the snowy weather
North America
While not part of the contiguous 48 states, Hawaii reigns as the U.S.’s tropical pride and joy. Lush jungles, perfect beaches and intriguing volcanoes are just some of what makes Hawaii a tropical paradise. Also consider a wedding in Key West, Florida.
When to wed: Hawaii’s “high season” (meaning more tourists and higher prices) runs from mid-December through March. The best time to visit, when the weather is beautiful and the tourists are at a minimum, is from mid-April to mid-June and September to December. Be wary of traveling to Florida during the late summer/early fall months, for the same reason as the Caribbean: hurricanes.
Mexico
Take a cue from Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd, and head to Mexico for your nuptials (they got married in Acapulco in the 1950s – she also reportedly fell in love with Richard burton in Puerto Vallarta, another great Mexican wedding destination). Choose Cabo San Lucas for breathtaking rock formations and Spanish archeology or Cancun for a more upbeat, fun atmosphere.
When to wed: Avoid spring break-worthy spots such as Cancun during March and April, unless you want your wedding to be crashed by drunken college students.
Asia
Now we’re talking about the true exotic locations. In countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Tahiti, the beaches are pristine and the atmosphere phenomenal. Yes, many of these locations are the ultimate splurge, but if you’re going to travel halfway around the world to take the plunge, why not do it right?
When to go: The South Pacific generally enjoys two seasons: Wet, which is from November to April, and dry, which is May through October. When they say wet season, they mean wet, as heavy rains and high humidity are prevalent.
Overall this is a good, if not a great camera, the Canon EOS Rebel Ti is a good, if not great medium range SLR which is relatively affordable and offers 15 megapixels for a higher resolution than many competing models of digital camera. 2. LCD Display
The Rebel has one of the better LCD screens around, providing an exceptionally clear view.
3. Image quality and autofocus are both good, but maybe not quite what you’d expect with a 15 megapixel from Canon. The biggest complaint users seem to have is that the Canon EOS Rebel Ti’s autofocus mechanism is loud. While only a little noisy at ISO 1600, switching to ISO 3200 can be loud enough to startle users the first couple of times. It’s not enough of an issue to be a deal breaker, but it is something photographers should know beforehand. 4. Picture Quality/Live View
Overall, the picture quality is good but not great. Pictures are sharp and reasonably clear; amateur photographers will probably find the quality more than adequate. However, semi-pro and professional photographers will probably want to look elsewhere. The live view stills are nothing to write home about. The quality is exactly as good as any other similar model of digital camera.
5. Processor
The Canon EOS Rebel Ti has a new, upgraded processor but 15 megapixel images are a lot to process, so users will probably feel (as we did) that save time could be better. The processing time can be an issue when trying to take continuous shots of a subject, something you should consider before buying this camera.
6. HD Recorder
In this regard, the Canon EOS Rebel Ti performs exceptionally well. The HD recording features of this camera are superior to almost any other digital camera in its range. At 720p, the HD recording quality is incredible at 30 fps. However, this model records 1080p at only 20fps. However, if you need 1080p resolution, you’re better off with a HD camcorder instead. The Rebel lacks a microphone input and its built in sound recording is less than spectacular – so you can get some amazing 720p HD video, but if you need sound which is good as the picture, you’ll be disappointed.
Conclusion:
Despite its minor faults, the Canon EOS Rebel Ti is a decent choice for casual photographers looking for a digital camera. Its HD recording capabilities are impressive and overall performance is better than many other digital cameras out there. However, at the price you could probably do better and there are other comparably priced models that can provide better quality, if not HD recording quality.
Key Features:
*15.1-megapixels, DIGIC 4 Image Processor
* Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
*Full HD video capture recording at 1920 x 1080 resolution and HDMI output
*3 inch Clear View LCD with Live View
Pros:
*Lightweight construction
*720p HD video recording at 30 fps, 1080p at 20fps
*Large, high quality LCD screen
*Affordable, readily available upgrades (SDHC, SD cards)
Cons:
*Video output does not have Autofocus
*No microphone input
*Continuous photo shooting is slow at 3.4fps
About the Author:
Paul Landwehr is a camera expert with amazing knowledge and experience. He started offering cameras for sale that were not only affordable but very reliable as well. Visit Paul’s site today and see the new Canon EOS Rebel T1i.
