Jul 24, 2013 | WRP Ed Zone
The latest issue of Air & Space has a really great piece on the Reno Air Races, in particular those who have created the races as we know them today. It’s no secret that I’m into aviation photography but most don’t know I got my start at Reno and where we still pour lots of our energy. While this piece is great just with the history and personalities, but the photography is pretty sweet as well. And the astute photographer might notice not only that all the photography are people portraits, but it’s combined with aircraft and photo craft. Mike’s portrait with Dennis flying in the background is cool but the work that went into that I bet was extensive. But the best part is, those photos weren’t taken over a day or two, try a year or two! Ya, they were planned out and the whole project worked on over time making the work just that much better. I always applaud such planning and carry through, true mark of professionalism in my book. My hats off to the article, just incredibly well done!
Jul 17, 2013 | WRP Ed Zone
Ed Fritz is a very gifted photographer sharing is world through his photography. He takes incredible joy and spends endless hours in the pursuit of the polished pixel in that pursuit. My longest running MLP, Ed took his time working on his photographic message to find his own path in visual communication. He does a good job and you can find more of his images, his message in the current BT Journal and on his blog. You’ll learn from this gifted shooter as his continues his journey with his camera.
Jun 24, 2013 | WRP Ed Zone
Flare has been around since the first lens was attached to a body. What causes flare is really not a mystery, it’s a simple thing. Light striking the front element of the lens, either directly or at a glancing blow. Most lenses come today with a shade to help prevent flare but if you never point your lens towards the sun, than you have nothing to worry about. But that kind of photographic philosophy is kinda boring. The flare you see in these images is the most common. What I make fun of by calling it UFOs, Unidentified Flaring Objects, typically are color orbs that radiate out from the point of flare. You can even create these in Photoshop and there is a great video out making fun of all the computer generated flare in the last Star Trek movie.
The flare you see here is one that I went out and actually looked for in the photograph’s creation. It was used to bring more drama to the photo. The top photo demonstrates how not to do it though. While I got the overall effect I wanted, I blew it. See all the little prisms of light about the photo? That’s dirt on the filter and is scattering light. If I had just had my wits about me, I would have simply cleaned my filter and I would have had the desired flare I wanted. The next photo, you can see I did clean the filter and the orbs appeared as desired. Why would I intentionally try to capture flare? It’s one of those what if moments, when I say to myself “What if I introduced flare, would it be cool?” Of course, those moments when I do that and it doesn’t work, you ain’t seeing those photos. But if I don’t keep “playing” with flare as a photographic element, the moment I really need it, I might not be in my bag of tricks like this photo.
Shooting heavenly bodies, I wanted to include the moon and at the same time, have that “SiFi” look to the photo without using Photoshop. I like challenging myself, especially when it turns out. The best part about this heavenly body photo, what I was most proud about was, I remembered to clean the filter! While flare is typically something we work hard to avoid, it might just be something you might want to add as a creative element. Always, always be careful when you’re pointing your lens towards the sun and your eye. But have fun. You might just have flare in your photography!
Jun 20, 2013 | WRP Ed Zone
I’m here madly getting the class notes written for the Photoshop World Workbook for the addition of my new class, Breaking In and Making It in the Editorial Market. I’ve been called, “Mr Prolific” for a reason, I live in and love the editorial market place. It’s change A LOT in my three decades but the goal is still the same, getting paid for telling stories. How do you do that, how do you break in and then continue to make it in a market place many see as fading away? Well, you’d best come if you’d like to hear how WRP is doing it. Oh, I’m still teaching my Critter & Aviation class (which will be all new from the Spring PSW), I just wanted to support the new Business track at PSW and hopefully inspire more of you to getting into what I still feel is the best profession on the plant. Cya there!
Note: One of the photos on this page was shot with a Coolpix 900 and as you can see, it made it to print. YOU can do it too!
Jun 12, 2013 | WRP Ed Zone
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May 22, 2013 | Moose Adventures
You read correctly, I’m going to Africa and you can come with me! I’ve been invited by the amazing Images in Africa Safaris to be apart of their Oct, 2014 program. Some of you have asked me in the past if I would go to Africa and I typically said no for a number of reasons. Well, Images of Africa Safaris has those issues covered, the biggest being going to a region, the riches in critters while having the ability to travel off the roads in pursuit of the great image. In their words
From the vehicle, or on foot during guide and tracker led bushwalks, guests will photograph and experience African wildlife at a world renowned Private Game Reserve in Namibia or Kruger National Park . Each group size is small enough to allow for personal instruction both in the field and back at the lodge, so join us and enjoy the spectacular wildlife and stunning beauty of the African bush.With up to 20 guide led game drives we are targeting not only photographers but their partners/families, so all skill levels are welcome. We combine both the workshop component targeted to the photographer with the Safari component appealing to all members of the party.
It is our desire to introduce you and your party to the African landscape, its beauty and tranquility and have you experience a once in a lifetime vacation with your partner, yet still combine your passion for photography, wildlife and nature in unbelievably romantic surroundings.
Workshop times have been carefully selected to allow everyone to enjoy Africa, attend all the Game Drives, yet provide family time for walks, watch the Hippo, or simply relax with a good book at the pool. These wildlife and nature photo Safaris are truly for everyone.
Interested? I sure the hell am and can’t wait. For more information or better, to register, follow the instructions here.
