Surviving the Family Photo Vacation

Ah, the family vacation—time for some fun in the sun, for grilling hot dogs, playing volleyball, and building castles in the sand. Or so it is for most people. For the serious nature photographer (whether a working pro or a weekend warrior), the family vacation can be a time of anxiety and dread. Family doesn’t always understand your obsession with getting “the shot,” and marital and familial friction often results when you scamper off to chase the light. As a result, photography during a family vacation can be sort of like having an illicit affair: anxious waiting for a moment when you can sneak away, furtive glances at the weather, and slinking back to bed in the morning hoping your spouse didn’t notice that you were out for some steamy sunrise action.

How does one get great shots while avoiding family strife? While recently spending a week on a family vacation in scenic Door County, Wisconsin, I gave this some serious thought. Here are a few helpful tips I came up with:

1. Plan Ahead

The key to success in any photo shoot is advanced planning, but this is especially true for family vacations. Getting to know the area before you arrive can help you optimize your limited field time. Read hiking or tourist guides to get a sense of the area and to help identify good shooting locations. Basically, the more prepared you are, the less time you will have to spend scouting for shooting locations, and the more time you will have for photography. Oh, and the more time you will have for your family, of course!

2. When Negotiating, Start High

While on vacation, your spouse, kids, and other family members will want to spend some quality time with you sans camera. As a result, bargaining for some photography time is an inevitable part of every family vacation. You should approach this time-honored tradition with the aggressiveness of a mother grizzly defending her cubs. Demand to be allowed to photograph from sunrise to sunset. Graciously offer to give up mid-day shooting if necessary.

3. Stay Close To The Action

This one is important: choose lodging that is near a planned sunrise shot. Your chances of getting permission to shoot sunrise greatly increase when you don’t have to wake your spouse up at 3:00 am!

4. Build In Some Extra “Me” Time

I always try to schedule extra time before or after the family vacation so I can shoot without distraction. Even just an extra day or two on location—without the family—can mean the difference between getting the shot or not.

5. Everyone Can Join the Fun!

Get family involved in the photography process as a way to strengthen familial bonds. Explain that carrying heavy photo equipment enhances overall health and builds character. Children can learn what is meant by the phrase “human shield” when strategically positioned to protect your camera from flare, wind, water, or charging buffalo.

6. Keep A Weather Eye

Check the long range forecast for your area ahead of time, and check the short range forecast as much as possible when on location. This will allow you to pick the best times to shoot. If it turns out, for example, that it will be raining at sunrise, then you can graciously offer to sleep in with your spouse that morning. Just don’t let on that you already know the forecast!

7. When Necessary, Bribe

Provide incentives for your family to embrace your erratic shooting schedule. Dinner at a nice restaurant (tip: avoid restaurants where you order by number), taking the kids for a few hours, or being nice to one’s mother-in-law are all effective. Avoid the last option unless desperate.

8. Looking for a Few Great Shots

When I have limited time to shoot a location, I don’t try to hit all of the scenic highlights. Rather, I concentrate my efforts on a handful of particularly photogenic locations, returning as often as I can to photograph them under changing conditions and light. I’d rather come home with a few great shots, rather than a bunch of good ones.

9. Don’t Be Ashamed To Be Shameless

When your family absolutely refuses to let you go shooting, you may need to resort to dirty tricks. I employ several tactics that are usually effective. Distraction works well when you need to sneak away for a quick shot: “Look over there, isn’t that Johnny Depp/Jessica Alba [choose one or both as necessary] nude sunbathing?” For more time-consuming photography, try a fake injury: “Owwee, I just pulled my latissimus dorsi. Go on and enjoy yourselves, I’ll just stay here at this scenic location until sunset, hopefully I’ll feel better by then.” When family is being particularly obstinate and you’re afraid you’ll miss that shot of a lifetime, go nuclear: “Officer, I just overheard that woman talking on her cell phone and she mentioned the words ‘President’ and ‘weaponized avian flu.’ By the way, she appears crazy, she seems to think she’s my wife.”

10. Move Over, Sparky!

It is inevitable: you will anger and disappoint your family because of your photography addiction. Upon return from the family vacation, be prepared for an extended period of contrition. Use your time in the proverbial doghouse wisely: start planning your next family vacation!

Comments on NPN nature and travel photography articles? Send them to the editor.

Ian Plant lives in the Washington, D.C. area and has been photographing the natural world for fifteen years. His work has appeared in a number of books and calendars, as well as national and regional magazines, including Outdoor Photographer, National Parks, Blue Ridge Country, Adirondack Life, Wonderful West Virginia, and Chesapeake Life, among others. His sixth and most recent book is the critically acclaimed Chesapeake: Bay of Light. Ian’s work has also appeared in five other books of the Wonder and Light series. Ian is co-owner of Mountain Trail Press, a publisher of fine art nature photography books and calendars.

To see more of Ian's work, visit Mountain Trail Photo. The Mountain Trail Photo Team consists of some of the top nature photographers in the country, whose mission is to educate and inspire others in the art of nature photography. There you will find team member images; articles on photo techniques and destinations; and information on workshops in some of America's most beautiful places. Also visit the Team's blog for a more eclectic mix of images and musings.

Text and photography copyright © Ian Plant. All rights reserved.

Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography is one of the most challenging arts if you are considering becoming a professional in this. If you don't have a photo studio, then you can always start by concentrating on environmental portraits through which you can show the subject as well as his surroundings. The best work is the one that can produce an enlarged image of the size 11x14 inches. If the image is any smaller than this then the subject's face will look too small. You will require the help of a low ISO setting, prime lenses, a tripod, and a mid-range digital SLR.

There are two basic elements for portrait photography in a photo studio. The first one is a controlled background. You will have to focus all your attention on the subject and at the same time minimize or remove the distracting elements in the frame. A common mistake made by many portrait photographers is the use of seamless paper or various monochromatic backgrounds. What you need to understand is that you don't require a special room to create a controlled background. There are various types of clever portable backdrops and backdrop supports, which you can build or even buy. Inspite of all this, if you are still unable to control the background, then the next best thing is to use a long fast lens like a 300/2.8. A fast telephoto lens will have very little depth of field and hence the eyes and the nose of your subject will be sharp. The distraction in the frame will become a blurry blob of colors.

The second most important element of a portrait studio is controlled lighting. If you have lights kept on stands or if you can hang them from the ceiling then it will be easier to pick the angle at which light will strike the subject. The use of umbrellas and various diffusion equipments will help you to pick the harshness of the shadows on your subject. Backgrounds have always played an important role bringing out the details in a portrait photograph. So if you can’t find a big open space with diffuse light and a neutral background then you will have to steal one

Here are some key factors of portrait photography. The first one is:

Lighting
The best lighting condition for portraits is soft and off-camera. If you have a large north-facing window or the soft-box then it will work very well. For shooting outdoors, an overcast day or sky will provide a perfect lighting condition. If there’s sun outside then you can use an electronic flash or a reflector to fill in shadows underneath the eyes.

Lens
The best way to flatter your subject is by de-emphasizing the nose. This means that you will have to stand at least 10 feet away from your subject. The problem that arises in this case is filling your frame with the subject's face since you are standing at 10 feet. To deal with this problem, you will require a high magnification or telephoto lens. Typical portrait lenses vary between 90 and 135 millimeters long for 35mm cameras.

Taking great portraits

By: Cecil Garcia

Abstract Photography

Abstract photography and abstract art are very popular and involve a merchandise trade of billions of dollars over a century. Most art galleries and exhibitions as well as photography events are never complete without a section on this form of depiction. Every year thousands of art students and photographers follow courses all over the world and try to vent their thoughts and ideas in the form of their own interpretation. In fact, abstract photography is a direct outcome of the earlier abstract art form that was made famous by many noted artists. Nearly everyone at some point of time has had a brush with this genre of photography and as we will see later in this article, has appreciated or collected the abstract photographs.

What is it really and is it the same as Abstract Art?

As the name implies "abstract" denotes what can be interpreted but not seen. The art form is many times debated to be complex and difficult to understand. Yet it attracts a horde of art critics and art collectors from every part of the globe, and several interpretations may accompany abstract paintings. Similarly, abstract photography draws the same popularity except it is done with a camera and not with brush and paint!

The exact definition of this art is difficult but it is sufficient to understand that there are no rules or norms for creating and in layman terms "anything goes" as long as it appeals to the eye! The photography technique is used to capture almost any event in a subtle manner such as a drop of water splattering in a pool to look like a crown or a piece of hemp rope at close quarters that looks like a striated bundle etc. The composition is immaterial; it is only the way a scene (really a photograph) is captured on film. The interpretation may come later.

How is abstract photography carried out?

It is necessary to have a professional high speed camera and sometimes a special high speed film. The best results can be obtained by using a black and white film and many valuable photographs are of this monochrome variety. The following aspects need to be kept in mind:

• A perfect understanding of conventional photographic principles regarding shutter speed, aperture, focusing, film speed and lighting effects.

• Telephoto lenses and close up lenses and flash equipment form a part of certain trick effects one wishes to create.

• Films of different types like color, black and white, speed in ASA or DIN, tripod stands, remote shooting, filter lenses, shadow hoods etc.

Abstract photography is really the prerogative of a true artist and one who also has a scientific bent of mind. Composing a perfect shot requires the "artist" and taking the photograph requires the "technician"! Imagination knows no bounds and the best results are when one uses creative powers to its full capacity.

Seth Willis Jr.

Nature Photography Tips

Nature photography: How to take great nature photographs

Great nature photography explores the natural setting, records natural history and the facts and phenomena of nature. Nature photography should not contain images of man or man’s presence, such as power lines, automobiles, radio towers, etc. Nature photography records organisms, weather, animals, natural landscapes and any aspects of the natural environment.

For a photograph to be a “nature photograph” it must completely fit the rules for nature photography. Nature photographs cannot be “arranged” in any way. There should be no manipulation of the scene to convey a message. The content of a nature photo can be purely pictorial or can relate a story or information about nature or natural history. Nature photography’s subject may be an abandoned beehive or the reflection of trees in a stream.

Subject or theme. To compose a nature photograph, it is helpful to see the order present in the disarray of the natural scene. Look for rhythm and pattern, and what doesn’t fit the rhythm and pattern. What stands out in a sea of fallen leaves?

Format. Decide on a format for your photo – horizontal suggests expansiveness, vertical suggests height, and square is neutral.

Fill the Frame. Fill voids with clouds, branches or other naturally occurring objects. Try to allow enough space around the subject that the viewer can explore around the subject in the frame. Aim to capture the whole of the subject in the photo. If not possible, aim to convey a sense of completeness in the image you capture.

The Rule of Thirds. Imagine dividing your picture area into thirds horizontally and thirds vertically. Where the lines intersect are the “thirds” – the area next to the direct center of the frame. Center your subject on one of the “thirds” to give more interest and movement to your photo.

Look for Lines and Shapes. A meandering stream, a curled fern frond and a row of corn all give strong lines to the composition. Some items are triangular, round, square, etc. A butterfly is triangular, a leaf oval. Look at the scene you want to photograph in terms of balance of line and shape.

Texture and Pattern. Texture and pattern add dimension and can sometimes give an abstract quality to the photo.

Perspective. Create the illusion of distance and depth through capturing close foreground objects within the scene depicting distance, or vice-versa.

Viewpoint. Take the photos of the acorns at ground level, or climb the tree and capture the squirrel at branch level. Take photos with the viewpoint of the insect or bird. Use the zoom feature to get close to the leaf spores or the sand crab.

Color. Pay close attention to both the subtleties and drama of color in nature. The same scene saturated in green in the early morning turns brown, green and blue at noon.

Equipment. Great nature shots have been taken by observant photographers with nothing more than just a simple instant camera. Equipment that is recommended, however, for the serious-minded consists of an SLR camera, light filters, lens shade, tripod, and light meter.

Retouching And Improving Your Photographs - Photoshop Makes It Possible

Digital imaging and more specifically Adobe Photoshop as well as other image editing software have revolutionized photography. The advances in digital image manipulation now allow for unlimited possibilities in the area of improving photographs through retouching and restoration.

What types of improvements are possible by retouching photographs with Photoshop?

Blemishes

Embarrassing skin blemishes like acne or scars can easily be removed using the retouching tools available in Adobe Photoshop. You can learn these Photoshop techniques in minutes.

Damage to Prints

The benefits of digital imaging for restoring old damaged or worn out photographs are one of the best reasons to learn Photoshop. Once an old photograph is scanned it can be retouched to remove tears in the paper or water marks. You can also restore colors that have faded over time. Once you have retouched your image and it is like new again it will last forward because digital images do not deteriorate over time like prints.

Closed Eyes

This is one of the most common problems with group photographs. You finally got the entire family together for a family photograph including Aunt Martha only to find that she closed her eyes. Closed eyes are not a problem for a skilled user of Photoshop. You can easily open her eyes and no one will ever know.

Removing unwanted Subjects

Not only can you remove blemishes in Adobe Photoshop but another common use of Photoshop’s retouching capabilities involves removing unwanted people or objects. Old boyfriends can be forever removed from photographs quickly and easily if you know what you are doing.

Retouching photographs has never been easier than it is today. Photoshop and other photographic editing software applications have made it a breeze to open closes eyes, remove blemishes and scars, change colors, restore old damaged photographs and remove unwanted objects.

by David Peters

Digital Photography Secrets For Black And White Shots

One of the biggest benefits of digital photography over regular film picture taking is the fact these little devices actually give a photographer instant access to many different special effects. One of the most spectacular of these effects is the ability digital photography gives to switch instantly from color to black and white exposures. Rather than having to change out film types or drain color from a shot on a computer screen, digital photography does this on the spot.

The truth is black and white photography tends to be under-rated. When it’s used to create an impact with a shot, the resulting image can be amazing. Landscapes, portraits and even still life type shots can all benefit from an occasional switch over to black and white. Learning how to take full advantage of this digital photography technique, however, will take a little time.

This type of digital photography can be a little tricky to master, but since the cameras generally come equipped with monitors to instantly see results, the risk factor of walking away with a bad shot is minimized. Since pictures can be reviewed on the spot, anyone trying this digital photography technique will find they can see their pictures and make adjustments instantly if the shot isn’t quite what they’d hoped for.

To make the most of black and white pictures taken on a digital camera, there are several tips beginners can try. These tips do translate to regular film photography, as well.

See the shot
This is a very important technique for black and white digital photography and even color. It’s important to really pay attention to what the camera sees and shows before snapping the shot. In black and white digital photography, the monitor will likely switch over to black and white mode, which makes this even easier. Practice paying attention to the images as they are presented and make sure the image presented is the one you want before you shoot. If you learn to rely on the monitor or the view finder, you’ll know when more light is needed, when subjects need to be moved or even when it’s best if you move yourself.

Contrast is everything
Since black and white digital photography doesn’t rely on color to tell the story, the contrast of shades will need to be relied upon. This is one of the most important black and white shooting tips to learn. It is important to make sure subjects stand out even more so in black and white than in color. While a dark blue shirt might look awesome against a dark green setting in color, it will likely get lost in the shuffle in black and white.

Play with lighting
While that dark shirt and dark background can present problems in contrast, lighting can help fix the issue. The best way to master lighting for this type of digital photography is to play around and be willing to experiment to see what works and what doesn’t. Try using the black and white settings in all kinds of situations to really master what needs to be done under different circumstances to effectively light up a shot.

Learning to master the black and white setting on a digital camera can be a fun pursuit. Offering drama and impact, black and white imaging is a different way to record the world around you. For more tips on digital photography, Digital Camera Wiz.com is the site to visit

by Idan Lavi

Angle of View

Angle of View is the amount of a scene a photograph captures and can be measured vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Also known as angle of coverage or field of view, angle of view changes given the type of lens a photographer uses to take a picture.

While wide-angle lens tend to capture more of a scene than any other lenses, longer lenses generally get about two degrees of a scene within their angle of view.

The further away an image that a photographer is attempting to capture within their angle of view, the longer and more narrow the lens should be. For instance, a picture of the stars or far-off marine life would be taken with a longer, narrower lens than one that has an image with an angle of view that is twenty feet away. Similarly, if a photographer wants to include more or less light within an angle of view, they can use a petal or a hooded lens respectively.

Whether you are a novice or expert photographer, changing the angle of view of a scene can add a fresh, unique spin to a traditional picture. Rather than shooting a photo straight on, as is the traditional method, a lowered or slanted angle of view may give your pictures an unconventional flare.