Photography: First Picture Print Made

The First Picture Taken

Joseph Nicephore Niepce’s had not only passion but talent. He not only helped to create the world of photography, but made it wildly popular. He is known for his 1827 photographic image.

He used the camera obscura, which was mostly used for illustration or tracing. But trough time, and Joseph Niepce’s, it was made easily portable and printable. He called it the sun print. He was able to print images on photosensitive paper.

It would usually take eight hours to produce one image. The prints were very fragile, and eventually faded. The quality and durability of picture prints were eventually improved during the coming years.

It is because of Joseph Nicephore Niepce’s  work, and many others, that we are able to enjoy our memories today. He showed us a different view. Niepce's helped to improve our vision, and changed our minds towards the beauty that surrounds us in our everyday lives. 

  

Photography: First Camera Ever Made

First Camera Ever Made

Through time, cameras have been created, improved, and sold. But, who created the camera? Who do we give our gratitude for this wonderful creation?  A creation that preserves our memories, gives us insight about other parts of the world (what they look like), and inspires us artistically.  

Well this is a hard question to answer. The reason is, because it was though a lot of collaboration. Though time, great scientist, and great minds. We have the luxury to keep our pasts. Because of these great individuals (just to name a few) Aristotle, Theon of Alexandria, Al-Kindi, Mozi, and Alhazen; we can now see the world in many different ways.

The Camera Obscura

The camera obscura Latin for “dark room” was a device which projected images of its surroundings. Originally a large dark room completely sealed from light except for a very small pinhole from which external light came through.   Producing upside down images that were traced and used for art sketches, drawing, and viewing.

Through time, a smaller and more portable camera obscura was created. And even today the making and design of the camera is still improving!

Photography: The perfect camera?

Photography

What type of camera is best for you?

There are many cameras to choose from, but all are not made equal. And how to choose that perfect camera that is right for you can be a little difficult.

Here are some key factors that should weigh in on your gift list for this Holiday.

o   Mega pixels

o   Zoom

o   Sensor Size

o   Scene Modes

o   Shooting Modes

o   Accessories

Photography: Photo Merge

Photo Merge:

Photo Merge

In photography there is a technique called photo merge. It is used to capture big canvases.  It is a creative way to capture a large areas without loosing any of its space. It is a wonderful technique to learn and use when traveling, or around big cities.

Here is a video link that will show how to exactly go about photo merge:

How To Merge Video

It is a way to capture large areas without losing the sharpness of that image.  

There are many different programs in which photographers merge, but I use Photoshop. Why? It is simple, lot of tools, and very professional.

Here are some pictures to give an example of the type of photos that can be achieved by using photo merging.    

I will also link a tutorial of photo merging, in the Photoshop program. Please go back to the top.  

Photography: Elements and Principles

Elements and Principles of Art in Photography

There are many building blocks towards the elements of art. It is important to understand all types of art forms. Today, I will discuss only three of them Line, Space, and Texture. It is very important to understand these three basic building blocks. Why? As you can see here in these beautiful pictures, they can make a huge difference, capturing something wondrous.  It is all about detail and more details.

There are many factors in photography; especially when it is artistic photography.

Lines

• A mark with length and direction.
• A continuous mark made on a surface by a moving point.  

Space

• The distance or area between, around, above, below or within things.
• Foreground, Middle ground and background (create DEPTH).

Positive Space -(filled with something) and Negative (empty areas)

Texture

• The surface quality or “feel” of an object, its smoothness, roughness, softness, etc. Textures may be actual or implied.

Photography Restoration

Photo Restoration

Digital photo restoration is a simple technique that many people can do themselves. It can help replace historic pictures or restore family history.

Whether it is a torn edge, damaged corner, creases, cracks, water stains, rips and tears,  or color loss, everyone can learn how to restore a photo.

By using Photoshop we can alter certain aspects of a photograph, and improve the overall quality making a dramatic change to our memories. 

                                 Because it is a little difficult to explain how to use these tools, and it is better to see how they can be used, please check-out this tutorial I found from Youtube!

There are 4 tools                                         Check-Out this Tutorial

v  Spot Healing Brush Tool

v  Healing Bush Tool

v  Patch Tool

v  Red Eye Tool

(My Favorite)

Ø  Clone Stamp Tool  

Ø  Pattern Stamp tool

Helpers:

      Bur Tool

      Sharpen Tool

      Smudge Tool

      Eraser Tool

Portraiture

Portraiture

It is very difficult to capture a likeness or a predominant expression.  A feeling that overpowers everything else that might be included in a background or even the other parts of that same object.

Detail

In portraiture it is all about detail. For example, the hands of a pianist, the bicep of a weight lifter, the belly of a pregnant woman. Try to capture details that would get the message across in an indirect way.

Techniques

Try to use different elements to abstract what you want from your objects. 

 Here are some examples:

Ø  Back-lights

Ø  Posing

Ø  Shooting from unusual angles

Ø  Framing and Positioning your subjects

Ø  Culture (Environment  )

Ø  Interesting Locations

Ø  Reflections

Ø  Shadows

Ø  Get Close

Ø  Blur the background

Ø  Capture the moment

Ø  Get Serious

Ø  Use PROPS

(this helps a lot)

Ø  Use COLORS

Ø  Shoot longer exposures

Ø  Use shape an line or strong compositions

Ø  Use selective focus

Ø  Take Non-traditional approach

Do not be afraid to go outside the box! Portraiture is not a simple thing to conquer. It is just like all the other techniques in photography. It takes a lot of practice and creativity.