June 4, 2009.................................................................................HOME.................................................................."Earth, Wind, Fire, Water"
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I know.
It sounds like a musical group from the 80’s. But hey, it really is about photography.
There are certain scenarios, for a photographer, that should be like a red flag waving in your face. As making dynamic images is always a challenge, when one of these opportunities presents itself, you first impulse needs to be, “Where’s my camera?!” The scenarios I’d like to discuss are the moments that subject matter and essential elements cross paths with light, the ultimate ingredient for every image.
EARTH...
is tricky because it usually just lays there (thank goodness). But mix earth with wind or motion, i.e. dirt in the air and you really have something. Think dirt bike motorcycle racer in a turn. No dirt in the air and it’s just another turn. Catch dirt flying (or mud) and the image comes to life, even with action frozen at 1/3000 of a second.
It sounds like a musical group from the 80’s. But hey, it really is about photography.
There are certain scenarios, for a photographer, that should be like a red flag waving in your face. As making dynamic images is always a challenge, when one of these opportunities presents itself, you first impulse needs to be, “Where’s my camera?!” The scenarios I’d like to discuss are the moments that subject matter and essential elements cross paths with light, the ultimate ingredient for every image.
EARTH...
is tricky because it usually just lays there (thank goodness). But mix earth with wind or motion, i.e. dirt in the air and you really have something. Think dirt bike motorcycle racer in a turn. No dirt in the air and it’s just another turn. Catch dirt flying (or mud) and the image comes to life, even with action frozen at 1/3000 of a second.
Technical Data
Camera: Nikon D2xs
Lens: Nikon 200-400 f4 VR
Capture: NEF
Metering: Matrix
Release Mode: Shutter Priority
ISO: 200
Shutter: 1/2000
Aperture: f4
Focal Length: 200mm (300mm relative)
The requirements for a quality capture of fast action are fairly universal. These include a high shutter speed and smooth stable movement of the lens as you track your subject. A high capture rate (motor drive speed) is also desirable. With a large heavy lens, such as the 200-400, a critical element of this setup is the Wimberly Sidekick. It allows balancing the camera and lens so they weigh almost nothing as you move them through space. The final key is tracking your subject. For repetitive action like this, choosing a good location is critical. Find a spot where you have a clean composition, including background. With really fast subjects, some locations will find them slowing for a curve or turn. Use continuous autofocus and experiment with different focus target settings. For action using just the single focusing target can be very difficult. Try The other modes which are more for action subjects (the small flip lever to the lower right of the LCD screen).
Camera: Nikon D2xs
Lens: Nikon 200-400 f4 VR
Capture: NEF
Metering: Matrix
Release Mode: Shutter Priority
ISO: 200
Shutter: 1/2000
Aperture: f4
Focal Length: 200mm (300mm relative)
The requirements for a quality capture of fast action are fairly universal. These include a high shutter speed and smooth stable movement of the lens as you track your subject. A high capture rate (motor drive speed) is also desirable. With a large heavy lens, such as the 200-400, a critical element of this setup is the Wimberly Sidekick. It allows balancing the camera and lens so they weigh almost nothing as you move them through space. The final key is tracking your subject. For repetitive action like this, choosing a good location is critical. Find a spot where you have a clean composition, including background. With really fast subjects, some locations will find them slowing for a curve or turn. Use continuous autofocus and experiment with different focus target settings. For action using just the single focusing target can be very difficult. Try The other modes which are more for action subjects (the small flip lever to the lower right of the LCD screen).
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WIND...
by itself is of course invisible, but as it interacts with almost anything, it becomes a dynamic force in your images. Whenever your environment begins to include wind, from a breeze up to strong currents, look for images that it creates. A woman’s long hair gracefully lifted, bodies leaning into strong gusts, kites dancing in the sky. Keep your eyes and mind open. In this shot of a beautiful woman, the magic added by a gentle breeze from a fan on the set added a layer of mystery.
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FIRE...
is without a doubt the most mystical elemental force of the group. Simply put, whenever you see fire, you should at least be thinking, “How can I make an image with that?” In addition to the raw magic of dancing flame, the fact that it also possesses the quality of providing its own light source makes it especially unique. This shot was taken in China. I was at a temple, interesting but rather still. Then I noticed a lantern with a candle burning inside, the flame visible through vertical slits. I went over and discovered the slits were actually large enough to introduce my Nikon 10.5 mm fisheye, to shoot from inside the lantern, using the opposite slits as a window. I love the photograph this created.
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WATER...
is especially appealing because of its subliminal tie to our survival, and the fact that it can be present in different states. Flowing water, fog, steam, and ice are perfect examples. Understand that as soon as you become aware of one form in your surroundings, start looking for a way to add light (available of artificial) to highlight, and then work it with a subject for dramatic results. Reflections are always easy, but try to be creative and don’t necessarily just stop with the obvious mirror reflection.
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Technical Data
Camera: Nikon D3
Lens: Nikon 300 f2.8
Capture: NEF
Metering: Manual
Release Mode: Shutter Priority
ISO: 800
Shutter: 1/1600
Aperture: f6.3
Focal Length: 300mm
Getting a shot like this means getting as close as possible, even with a 300mm lens. To shoot from the level of the raft, I scaled about 30 feet down the steep slope to get access to the river bank. Then its just a matter of waiting until the action comes to you. Take your time to make think through the shot you want to make and choose all the appropriate camera settings. If your subject allows (i.e. multiple rafts coming down river) shoot at least several of them, if not more. NEVER take just one shot of something that interests you. Shoot, shoot, shoot... and experiment. I chose a high shutter speed because I wanted sharp water droplets frozen in air. An equally compelling argument could be made for panning with a slower shutter speed to let the water blur for an aesthetic rendering of motion.
Camera: Nikon D3
Lens: Nikon 300 f2.8
Capture: NEF
Metering: Manual
Release Mode: Shutter Priority
ISO: 800
Shutter: 1/1600
Aperture: f6.3
Focal Length: 300mm
Getting a shot like this means getting as close as possible, even with a 300mm lens. To shoot from the level of the raft, I scaled about 30 feet down the steep slope to get access to the river bank. Then its just a matter of waiting until the action comes to you. Take your time to make think through the shot you want to make and choose all the appropriate camera settings. If your subject allows (i.e. multiple rafts coming down river) shoot at least several of them, if not more. NEVER take just one shot of something that interests you. Shoot, shoot, shoot... and experiment. I chose a high shutter speed because I wanted sharp water droplets frozen in air. An equally compelling argument could be made for panning with a slower shutter speed to let the water blur for an aesthetic rendering of motion.
And using the elements does not require trips to specific destinations. They can be as easy as looking out your front door, or being alert as you walk down the street. This example was taken across from my front door. I noticed neighbor kids playing with their dad. They were launching a giant water propelled rocket from the front yard. My first thoughts were, “Action, exploding water, backlighting... grab a camera!” In an instant I was in the middle of the action, laying in the grass with a 14-24 and my D3 on high speed. The result is a very cool capture (looks like a cruise missile launch!). Whenever you see water in the air, fountains, lawn sprinklers, fire fighters, waterfalls, think, “Is there anyway to backlight this and bring the water to life?!”
Natural forces may be just the “elements” to make your photographs more magical.
Start looking and you’ll notice them. When you do, exciting things happen.
Earth, Wind, and Fire. Turn off the stereo, and turn on your pictures!
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