Tag Archives: photography lighting

last photography workshop for 2010

Do you want to learn how to use your camera on manual? There are only a couple more spots left for my workshop on Saturday, September 18th. This is likely the last workshop for 2010 due to the busy fall that is approaching. So, if you’re interested sign up now or read more details about it.

The details on where I took this shot:
This was taken inside with natural light. No studio lighting and no flash were used. The windows were north facing and the little boy was facing east. So the window light is coming from the right side of the picture. Therefore the right side (when looking at the picture) of the subject is lit up more and the left side of him has more shadows on it. Some people try to avoid shadows, but I happen to like them. They make images realistic. Flash filled pictures have no depth. Everything is lit up. When a picture has shadows it allows the face to look natural, like we really look… for real. I like that. :)

My manual settings on this shot:
ISO – 1600 (inside near a window)
aperture – 2.8
shutter speed – 1/160 second
camera & lens – canon’s fabulous 5D mark II and my 50mm 1.2L (my current favorite lens)

last photography workshop for 2010

shooting photos outside in open shade

I blogged about this little girl’s pics previously but only when referring to the color and contrast. This time I’m going to focus on composition and my manual camera settings.

These shots were taken outside in the full shade of a building wall. Full shade is the best! Especially for those who are still learning. It’s much more forgiving and easier to shoot in than sun and other tricky lighting situations. Look at the composition of this shot below. She fits into the rule of thirds here.
My manual camera settings for all three of these shots were actually the same:
ISO – 200 (morning, but in full shade)
aperture – 3.2
shutter speed – 1/800

shooting photos outside in open shade

In this picture below the little girl is front and center. It’s all about her and her sweet little smile.

shooting photos outside in open shade

Same location, but pulled back a bit so you can see all of her. She’s sportin’ just a bit of attitude and I love it. :)

shooting photos outside in open shade