Before The Coffee » Photography

As photographers we all want to take spectacular shots. Our effort is not lacking, the motivation is in full swing and we are ready for spectacular-ness. Sometimes it doesn’t happen. What to do when you’re less than inspired by the scene you got up at 4am to shoot.

Here are a few pointers in dealing with the art of the imperfect composition.

1. Find something about the scene you do like and build on that.
2. The parts you don’t like think about how your camera can render it differently than your eyes see it. How about a slow shutter speed, fish-eye lens, crazy over or under exposed, shallow depth of field or HDR.
3. Change your viewing angle drastically. Get down very low or move to a high point.

There was a huge rock along the bay and I liked it but every time I composed it in the viewfinder all I could see was a big dark blob. I couldn’t find a composition I liked, the sky was nice but the rock was ugly and there was even less interest in the immediate surroundings. My last ditch attempt at making something happen was a shot from near ground level and include just a portion of the rock. It was the best I could do at that time and place and it was my approach to the imperfect composition.

 

Posted in Chesapeake BayTags: ,,
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Here’s to hoping the turmoil of the day is only a second in time and the day carries you gently.

Posted in Chesapeake Bay
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  • Thom Zehrfeld - August 7, 2012 - 6:10 pm

    This is a gorgeous shot. I do have your HDR book and enjoying it!
    Best to you and your family!ReplyCancel

  • John M - August 15, 2012 - 8:10 am

    Great shot, well done.ReplyCancel

    • Ferrell - August 21, 2012 - 11:36 am

      John and Thom, Thanks so much for visiting! -FerrellReplyCancel

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I’m always attracted to beach dunes and their inviting design, sea oats set apart by pathways to the beach stamped with footprints. The second pic is a look-back shot, it is the scene that is directly behind me. I decided to take a journalistic approach and simply turn around and compose the best pic possible. I like the idea of added information, viewers get a realistic look at the shooting environment and it doesn’t carry the same artistic signature. Both these images were processed in Photomatix. I’ve tried many other software programs for HDR and Photomatix is still the leader. You can test it out for free and if you decide to buy because you want HDR to be part of your photographic future then use beforethecoffee in the discount box for an additional discount.

 

This is the look-back shot from the first scene.

Posted in South CarolinaTags: ,,,
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  • Dan Dorland - July 24, 2012 - 5:38 pm

    While I love the first one, the second one isn’t half bad either for being just a “look-back shot”.ReplyCancel

  • Michael PA - August 20, 2012 - 5:21 pm

    Love these shots. Is this Folly Beach? I was there on a shoot last week if it was.

    Michael, this is Garden City, SC. I’ve been to Folly Beach and it’s full of great photography views. -FerrellReplyCancel

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I jumped into the car about 5am and drove the ocean highway looking for a public parking area. I found a little creek that emptied into the ocean and set up and waited and hoped for some action in the sky. Do you ever wonder what’s behind the photographer when they take a shot of a photogenic scene. Well, I decided to take the backside shot of this scene. As you can see I moved forward enough to get the tractor tracks behind me.

South Carolina Beach

 

 

Posted in South CarolinaTags: ,,
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  • John Barclay - July 16, 2012 - 6:46 am

    Love that you added the 2nd shot. So often I chuckle when I post something knowing what the place really looked like! Looks like you had company with you for the early hour. I’m impressed.

    John, thank you for the comment and yes I enjoy the journalistic approach. I’ve been doing it for awhile and I think I’ll start posting more backside shots. FerrellReplyCancel

  • David Salahi - July 19, 2012 - 8:32 pm

    Gorgeous surf and sunset! Really nice detail in the water, especially the “bumpy” water in the foreground. And the backside shot just goes to show that what you exclude from the frame is as important as what you include.ReplyCancel

  • Margaret Martin - August 7, 2012 - 11:29 am

    That’s fantastic news, Ferrell! And these SC and Bermuda beach shots are beautiful. Your July 4th shot brings back family memories of our July 4th vacations (Seaside, FL among them) – mini flags waving, parades, hurricanes, fireworks, sand, my 4-year-old nephew in his black turtleneck and cowboy boots, my many flesh-batik sunburns… (I miss them – all but the last)ReplyCancel

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I just got news that my book is being promoted on Barnes and Nobles Sizzling Summer Reading List. Being on the list is cool but what you’ll really like is that it’s 50% off the list price. You can buy it for the incredibly low price of $12.47. Here’s the link – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/complete-guide-to-high-dynamic-range-digital-photography-ferrell-mccollough/1101348297?ean=9781600591969

Here’s the pic that’s on the cover of the book. It was taken in Bermuda at a place called “9 Beaches” The beaches are pretty private but what’s really fun are the sailboat canvas huts that are built into the water. You literally sleep in a bed with waves crashing under you. The HDR image is made from 5 bracketed images and merged and tone mapped in Photomatix. ENJOY THE BOOK – SALE ENDS JULY 17th!

Posted in Bermuda,HDR,HDR Quick TipsTags: ,
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  • John Barclay - July 12, 2012 - 1:54 pm

    And a fine book it is. GET IT!ReplyCancel

  • bob fox - July 26, 2012 - 3:53 pm

    I use Photomatix and Aperture 3. I’m interested in purchasing your book. 1. does your book provide suggested settings for Aperture? I do not use Photoshop or Lightroom.
    Hi Bob, actually the book covers more about HDR techniques. It does cover some on photomatix settings but I’m sure you will find as you dig deeper into HDR, the settings vary from image to image. I do explain what’s involved with the various sliders, such as strength, micro-contrast and luminosity etc. There is a “default” settings button in HDR software but that’s just a suggested start.ReplyCancel

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