Official Photography Thread

[swampfrog]

I'm definitely not a portrait/wedding photographer, but here are some examples of what focal length/aperture changes can make. These are from my niece's wedding about a month ago. FF means Full Frame equivalent.

1. I wanted to keep the entire frame in focus. Shot at 24mm (FF=38mm), f/4.5 Note that pretty much all of the background is in focus in addition to the couple.



2. Still keeping most of the trellis in focus, and starting to blur anything further back. Shot at 70mm (FF=112mm), f2.8



3. Now starting to blur the rear of the trellis and further blur the further background elements. Shot at 123mm (FF=197mm), f/2.8.



4. Now just the subject in focus. Shot at 145mm (FF=232mm) f/2.8.



5. Even tighter, but this time by moving closer to the subject. Shot at 80mm (FF= 128mm), f/2.8. This is getting into the "classic" focal length range for portrait work.



When deciding how much to "blur" the background (which is really done by minimizing the depth of field), you have to account for distance to subject, aperture, and focal length. Distance to subject and focal length make the biggest difference.

Note bright sun makes for some unfortunate shadows/highlights. Someone with the right gear (multiple flashes on tripods, filters, reflectors/diffusors, etc. can do much better in these conditions. That's why you pay for a real wedding photographer if you can afford one and it's important to you to get the best results possible. This is what you get when you get an enthusiast uncle to do it for free

[scottie]

Is that the groom? My guess is he picked out that flippin' sweet tie himself.

[swampfrog]

Is that the groom? My guess is he picked out that flippin' sweet tie himself.

That's why I'm not a wedding photographer and don't want to be, I much prefer candid shooting. They have to pay attention to details like hair being out-of-place, crooked/twisted ties, hands-in-pocket or not. Turn slightly this way, turn your head that way, chin up, chin down, and six million other little details. Luckily clothing and color choices aren't the photographer's problems either way.

[Pelado]

Taking with my Galaxy S4:

http://www.cougarstadium.com/showthr...=1#post1191245

[Dwight Schr-ute]

This morning's sunrise while doing bird surveys. The only redeemable part of having to wake up at 2:40 a.m.

[falafel]

Cool shot. Where is this?

[Dwight Schr-ute]

Cool shot. Where is this?

Sorry. Just seeing this. Clark County Wetlands Park behind Sam Boyd.

[swampfrog]

Late morning hike:

[Katy Lied]

I like your tree shot.

Also, with the wedding couple, the groom's tie was totally picked out under the guidance of the bride. Check out her shoes- perfect match. I like your 123mm to 145mm lengths.

[Donuthole]

I like your tree shot.

Also, with the wedding couple, the groom's tie was totally picked out under the guidance of the bride. Check out her shoes- perfect match. I like your 123mm to 145mm lengths.

It's not all about lengths, KL.

[swampfrog]

I like your tree shot.

I need a wider lens for this type of stuff, or get a full frame camera. The new Canon 5DS is drool worthy for landscape. Where'd I leave that extra $4K again?

Also, with the wedding couple, the groom's tie was totally picked out under the guidance of the bride. Check out her shoes- perfect match.

Shoes, ribbon on the bouquet, and tie. My problem is I don't even pay attention to the fact the tie was crooked, good thing they weren't paying me.

I like your 123mm to 145mm lengths.

I think that's the sweet spot in the series. If background elements are included, it seems that there's a point where they are easily recognizable but not close to sharp, nor are they too blurry such that they lose too much structure, that is pleasing. On the last shot, I think I would have been better off using a longer focal length and backing up to throw the background even more out of focus, makes for a better portrait. Too lazy. Live and learn. At least asked them to take a couple of steps forward from the trellis. I may be too lazy, but making them move is acceptable

[wuapinmon]

San Xavier del Bac, Arizona

[clackamascoug]

Did you crawl on your belly like a native?

Went there in '86. Interesting history.

[swampfrog]

Scout Camp 2015

What to do when your scout camp is located on the Oregon coast.

[Copelius]

DSC_0640 (2).jpgSquaw Peak.jpg