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Posted February 21st, 2012
by Shane Butler
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
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Posted in Animal photos, Cameras, Landscape Photography, Photographing Children, Photographing People, Photography, Portraits, Travel Photography, Wedding Photography
Posted July 22nd, 2009
by Randolph Quan
by Randolph Quan
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.
Tags: london wedding photography, photographer, wedding photographer, Wedding Photography Posted in Wedding Photography
Posted July 5th, 2009
by Randolph Quan
by Randolph Quan
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.
Tags: contemporary wedding photography, london wedding photography, photographer, wedding photographer, Wedding Photography Posted in Wedding Photography
Posted June 11th, 2009
by Linda Robbins
by Albert Chua
Sometimes the cost of wedding photography can be high in price. Every bride wants that perfect picture that captures that special day, but can not afford to pay through the roof for it. Here are a few money saving tips when budgeting for wedding photography.
Advertising for the right person
An excellent place to advertise is at a local college or university They will have fresh skills and ideas when it comes to wedding photography, and they will cost a lot less.
Go digital
Go digital instead of getting prints. This keeps your hard earned money in your pocket. You can now choose this as an option because most photographers will offer you the idea. Get a CD rather then prints and proofs of all your pictures. After you receive your CD look at online photo developers to print to photos for you.
Create your own wedding album
A great way to personalize all your pages in your album is to try scrap booking. No one will know your wedding and guests like you do. This way you can go through all of your photos and reflect on the memories. You will enjoy creating your album and not only that but you will also save hundreds of dollars opposed to having your photographer design an album, and they may not include pictures that your friends sent you as well.
You can choose how long you need the photographer for
How long do you really need your photographer around you? Instead of having them come with you when you re getting your hair done, make up done, and dress sized just get them to come for the ceremony and a bit of the celebration afterwards. Your bridesmaids will be able to take the pictures of the preparation for you and you will be surprised how many other people will send you their copies as well.
21st Century – use disposables!
Having disposable cameras at the reception is also an excellent idea. After everything is said and done all you have to do is drop them off at a photo development outlet, then go through the ones you really like and make larger prints for frames around your house. You will probably end up getting a few funny photos but a lot of wonderful ones as well. This will also give you a wide variety of pictures because your guests will be taking pictures of each other and not just at the bride and groom. Get each table of guest to write on the camera who was taking the photos so you can add the detail into your album.
Tags: business ideas, dating, Photography, photos, relationships, saving money, Wedding Photography, Wedding Photography Posted in Wedding Photography
Posted May 30th, 2009
by Randolph Quan
by Randolph Quan
Your photographer is great – he or she must be, or else why would you have chosen them? But when you want things done a certain way, you should make sure to do them yourself. In that vein, if you know you shots you want for your wedding photography, then give your photographer a list of shots you don’t want to miss. You can even get more specific and show him examples of specific photos from other wedding you’ve seen that you like. Consider these shots for your list: Before the Wedding
Bride and bridesmaids arriving at ceremony site before getting dressed. Wedding dress on a hanger and fine details of the wedding dress. Bride getting zipped up in her dress.
Bride, bridesmaids and mothers getting dressed and getting hair and makeup done. Bride with her something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Bride’s mother helping her with her jewelry.
Close up of bride wearing her garter belt. Bride handing maid or matron of honor the wedding ring for her. Groom and groomsmen arriving at ceremony site. Groom, groomsmen and fathers getting ready in dressing room. Father of groom helping the groom straighten his tie or bow tie.
During the Wedding Guests entering church or site of ceremony
Groom standing by altar as he waits for his bride. Bride and father hugging before he walks her down the aisle. Groomsmen and bridesmaids walking down aisle. Parents of bride and groom walking down aisle.
Grandparents of bride and groom being seated. Flower girl and ring bearer making their way down the aisle. Father of bride and bride finally making their way down the aisle.
Reaction of guests as bride walks down aisle. Groom when he first sees his bride coming down the aisle. Father of bride giving the bride away. Bride and grooms holding hands during ceremony. Bride and groom stealing glances at each other during ceremony.
Bride saying her vows and groom’s reaction Groom saying his vows and bride’s reaction. Exchanging of the rings Bride and groom’s first kiss.
Bride and groom turning to the audience for first time as man and wife. Bride and groom walking down aisle Bride and groom making their exit. out of ceremony site in a rain of rice or birdseed or butterflies.
Congratulations to new couple from guests. Exit into the getaway car. Getaway car as it is driving off. Photos of couple, Wedding Party, Family, Bride and groom. Bride and groom with bride’s family. Bride and groom with groom’s family. Bride with bridesmaids.
Groom with groomsmen Entire wedding party. Bride with groomsmen. Groom with bridesmaids. Bride and groom with both families. Reception Photos Entrance of bride and groom into reception site Close-up of Wedding cake. Close-up of Groom’s cake. Empty table with centerpiece.
Guest signing guest book. Bride and groom greeting and talking to guests. First dance between bride and groom Bride dancing with father.
Groom dancing with mother. A full dance floor. Cutting of the cake. Feeding of the cake to each other.
All toasts (best man, maid of honor, groom, bride) Bride throwing her bouquet to single women. Groom taking bride’s garter off. Groom throwing garter to single men. Bride and groom leaving reception site.
Tags: london wedding photography, photographer, wedding photographer, Wedding Photography Posted in Wedding Photography
Posted May 22nd, 2009
by Randolph Quan
by Randolph Quan
Any good event planner will tell you that a well-organized event has each activity planned down to the minute. Your wedding shouldn’t be any different. Without a schedule, you could run out of time at your reception venue If you have a wedding or day-of coordinator, they’ll likely have a schedule ready to go that they’ll distribute to all applicable people.
If you’re organizing on your own, take some time about a week before the wedding to figure out what’s going to happen when. After you’re confirmed everything, give a copy of the schedule to anyone who might need to know what’s coming next: Most importantly, the coordinator at your reception venue and the DJ who’s emceeing the event. You should also consider giving one to your maid of honor (who can help keep things on track if things get off-schedule), the caterer, the head of the waitstaff and your parents.
While all weddings are going to have its own special needs, a traditional wedding timeline looks something like this.
Hour zero: Cocktail hour. The ceremony is complete and the guests are arriving at the reception venue. The bar is open, hors d’ouerves are being passed and people are mingling. The bride, groom and wedding party might be having pictures taken. The cocktail hour could begin immediately if being house in the same location as the ceremony, or it might begin 30 minutes later if travel is necessary.
Hour one: Grand entrance. The bridal party arrives at the reception venue with the bridal party in tow. The DJ or emcee announces the bridesmaids and groomsmen, then ends with the bride and groom. Many couples choose to have their first dance at this time so guests can immediately begin dancing after dinner if they so choose.
Hour 1.5: Dinnertime. The waitstaff begins serving the first course. The happy couple sometimes uses this time while everyone is seated to go from table to table to greet their guests. Even better is having a post-ceremony receiving line to thank each person as they leave the church. That way, the mr. and mrs. can eat as well.
Hour 2.5: Speeches. While people are finishing up their main course, this is the time to get talking. Parents of the bride and groom, as well as the maid of honor and best man, speak their peace about the bride and groom, ending with a happy toast.
Hour 3: It’s party time. Begin the dancing with the first dance, if not done before, or kick it off with the traditional father-daughter and mother-son dance. Then invite your guests to come out and groove with you.
Hour 3.5: Cutting of the cake. Whether you smear cake on each other’s faces is your call. The cutting of the cake typically means that it’s OK for guests to leave, so make sure you don’t do it too early – you risk the older guests cutting out early – or too late, because you don’t want grandma to fall asleep at her table.
Tags: london wedding photography, photographer, reportage wedding photographer, reportage wedding photography, wedding photographer, Wedding Photography Posted in Wedding Photography
Posted April 19th, 2009
by Randolph Quan
by Randolph Quan
The wedding invitation is the first thing a guest sees in relation to your wedding (other than a save-the-date, if you sent it), so you want to make it good. The way to make it good is to make it memorable by crafting your own creative DIY invitations. A creative DIY invitation doesn’t mean the invitation has to be in some cut-out shape, like a heart or a tree, or in primary colors (unless your wedding colors happen to fall in that spectrum). You can make a wedding invitation creative by just personalizing it a little bit.
Start off by personalizing the images that will appear on your invitation. Including a photo of the happy couple is a good way to start. Typically your engagement photo appears on the save-the-date notices, but if you had two excellent photos from the session or if you didn’t send save-the-dates, include a new photo on your DIY invitations.
You can also get creative with your DIY wedding invitations through the wording on the invitations. While there’s standard phrasing depending on who’s hosting your wedding – and you might want to stick close to that to make sure no one’s feelings get hurt – there are a lot of other ways you can add text to personalize a DIY invitation. For example, add a romantic quote from your favorite song on the front of your folded wedding invitation. Some quotes I particularly like are:
- “With this ring, I give my all to you.” – Clyde Otis and Vincent Corso, “With This Ring” – “How wonderful life is now you’re in the world.” – Elton John, “your song” – “You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be.” – Goo Goo Dolls, “Iris” – “Come away with me, and I’ll never stop loving you.” – Norah Jones, “Come Away with Me”
The best choice might be to pick a lyric from “your” song. It’s especially nice if it happens to be your first dance song. If you’re not particularly musical, but like the idea of special text on your invitations, try a romantic quote instead. Something like this:
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” –Aristotle “Your words are my food, your breath my wine. You are everything to me.” –Sarah Bernhardt “I love her and that’s the beginning of everything.” –F. Scott Fitzgerald “To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.” –Karen Sunde
Tags: london wedding photography, photographer, wedding photographer, Wedding Photography Posted in Wedding Photography
