#OTTAWA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO, #OTTAWA HEAD SHOT, # OTTAWA SMALL BUSINESS, #OTTAWA ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS, #OTTAWA LIFESTYLE, #OTTAWA DANCE STUDIOS, #OTTAWA PHOTOGRAPHY TEACHER INSTRUCTOR FIELDTRIPS JEFF RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY FIVE STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
AUGUST 2024
Hello Ladies & Gentlemen:
As next month is already September, you might be anticipating the excitement of creating imagery amongst the spectacular up-coming fall foliage! This is a remarkable time of year for outdoor enthusiasts being, the intense heat of summer is now dissipating; the insect population is dwindling and in many instances, the busy crowds of summertime have now abandoned much of the outdoors due to family work demands. provincial parks are still worth keeping in mind even though the camping season is over because of the solemnity of the natural environment minus excessive crowds evoking a sense of tranquility unmatched by summers activities.
I would like to share with you some suggestions which will help you create imagery of meaning with your camera at this time of year. I indicate camera here as opposed to cell phones because utilizing a camera makes a person make different conclusions regarding compositions etc. A camera forces you to slow down taking in the environment and examine the terrain before you. I have been creating imagery for many, many years and let me give you a helpful list of things to consider at this point that will help you.
CAMERA LENSES
Firstly, in regards to your camera equipment, a variety of lenses will benefit you when making varied compositions ranging from wide vistas to closer objects. I would recommend zoom lenses of roughly 24mm to at least 300m or longer. you never know when you will be confronted with the need of getting in closer when photographing a distant landscape for example. Wide angle lenses are going to help you immensely to dramatize the striking colour and vistas of foliage and cobalt blue skies.
RESEARCH YOUR LOCATIONS
Next, do a little homework on specific locations that you are interested in visiting. This will be a great advantage to you regarding determining what the best time of day to be in this location is; studying the angle of suns light etc. Knowing what the location has to offer prior to your arrival will ensure successful compositions as opposed to a “hit and miss” situation.
OVERCAST VERSES SUNNY DAYS
My students over many years have frequently complained about overcast days when we assemble for fieldtrips however, I always encourage them to see how the colours of autumn take on a special glow when the suns light on clear days is competing for attention. The colours at this point are muted and all excessive contrast created by the suns harsh light on clear days is now absent. Overcast days create a lovely visual palette oftentimes dismissed by novice photographers and this thinking should be avoided.
FILTRATION
Filtration of your camera lens via a polarizing filter will greatly expand the colour spectrum however I would very much like to suggest you use this filter sparingly. Excessive “polarization” tends to make blue skies and autumn colour look artificial and unrealistic. A slight adjustment or addition of a polarizing filter is welcome but just to a certain degree.
DIRECTION OF SUNS LIGHT
The direction of the suns light as a profound effect on your finished compositions, and this should be well though out prior to clicking the shutter on your camera. Light throughout the day is always coming from different directions as the clock ticks on and it is your job to determine which angle will best represent the scene you are engaged with. Look for light. Look for it’s angle and the contrast that it creates at different time of day. One of the favourite times of day to create imagery is what we call the “golden hour of light” being very early prior to sunrise or just after i has set. Direct rays from the sun which create contrast are not emitted from your scene and you will now experience a beautiful glow of light and colour harmonizing the scene before you.
FROM SUN UP TO SUNSET
I have found over many years that autumn photography during “all day sessions” is possible. It is so rewarding ladies and gentlemen when you choose to “invest” the necessary time required in studying the scene before you and using your imagination and intellect to interpret it visually to your benefit. Accessing various visual angles of your subject’ looking for where the lights direction is originating from will permit you to create your own visual creations unfamiliar with others because this ‘your” interpretation of life in a visual capacity.
*Always remember ladies & gentlemen…..whenever you point your camera a a person or an object what you are really doing is pointing it towards yourself. Your personality is reflected in your doing.
I will continue this discussion of autumn photography next month and once again, it will be my pleasure to have your company.
With My Good Wishes Extended,
JEFF RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO OTTAWA
613-599-5363
5 STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
40 YEARS IN BUSINESS
www.jeffryan-photography.com