Crisp, clear, lung cleansing air, vibrant treetops, and pumpkin patches...my favorite season has almost arrived. Humidity be gone. Yay! Time for the ShutterQueen to come out of office hibernation, cameras blazing! Fall, with a point and shoot camera is the anniversary where this photography mogul got started.
ShutterQueen's Tips to help you achieve the most from this picturesque season:
1. Whether shooting film or digital the key is color saturation and contrast. You want the colors to really pop off the page. One film choice is Kodak Ultra Color 100 speed, 400 for lower light situations. 100 produces less grain and therefore sharper enlargements. You can boost the contrast and adjust the colors in Photoshop to give that extra aahhh. Yeah, I'm still a film queen but everything here applies to past and futuristic picture takers.
2. One of the most important lenses for landscape photography is a wide-angle zoom. I use a 20-35, which allows you to capture incredible views of the vast mountainside and gorgeous rainbow of ripples across the water in one shot. For photos of people and the brilliant earthy hues of a natural backdrop, a 35-135 provides great closeups. One unique tree or an object such as a fence in the foreground of your photo can tell a specific story that represents your individual experience. And if you want to catch wildlife grazing, a telephoto up to 300 or greater is a useful tool.
3. A polarizing filter helps to reduce reflections, cut through lens flare produced by the sun shining into your lens, and keeps that bright blue backdrop on your fall scape canvases. An enhancing filter brings out the yellows, reds, and oranges. Star-point filters give that star-burst effect. Hitting the light just right with one of those on the end of your lens can lend that WOW response to your photos. In case it's a little hazy, try adding a bit of a sunny ambiance with a warming filter.
4. Shenandoah Mountains or Asheville, North Carolina both supply vibrant scenes. Two places on my to-go wish list are Vermont and New Hampshire. If anybody reading has ventured there during fall, I'd love to hear any advice on the primo spots to capture the best fall foliage!
5. Plan ahead. Depending on where you are, it may be difficult to find a store to purchase your favorite film or camera batteries. So carry extra film, equipment, and filters. Better to end up with too much rather than miss that once in a lifetime shot because you ran out of film or didn't bring the optimum lens for the job.
6. Research the area you're visiting. The cool morning light emerges through harsh shadows. Afternoon produces a softer, warmer result. Make sure you're on the right side of the mountain at the best time for your desired effect. An overcast day with fog hanging in the air can depict a dark brooding mood. Don't be afraid to contrast from the glistening sunny tones. Experiment!
7. Display your photos. There are so many creative framing options in the arts and crafts stores. Visit them and get inspired! If you prefer, custom framers can help you dress your pictures in the best look. Put them in photo albums and sit them around your house and office so friends, family, and clients can experience the journey through your eyes. And of course there's blogs and social networking sites like Flickr and Facebook. Share on the home front or with the world but please, not the shoebox under the bed.
My first trip to the mountains, I borrowed a point and shoot camera. How limiting. Once I realized I was hooked on this exciting craft, I visited again and took advantage of the endless possibilities my brand new camera and lenses afforded me. Then I was off to San Diego and Los Angeles and 30 rolls of film later, I was well on my way to a career. So have a blast and explore my fellow shutterbugs! And please, share your suggestions and results for visually encapsulating the brilliance of fall!
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