<![CDATA[PentaxForums.com - General Photography - Techniques & Styles]]> http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/ Discuss the fundamentals of photography, photographic technique, infrared and macro shooting, and related topics here! en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:01:03 GMT vBulletin 30 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/pentaxforums/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[PentaxForums.com - General Photography - Techniques & Styles]]> http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/ Please help of taking firework pictures http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80702-please-help-taking-firework-pictures.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:38:48 GMT Hi, I've got into DSLR for 2 years now, and until now I still don't have a clue how to take pictures of fireworks. I would love to know how to do it . Would someone spares sometime to tell me the technique(s) on how to take pictures of firework. I am currently having a K20D and please tell me what I should set it to .

(Please excuse me for my bad English) ]]> Ken T http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80702-please-help-taking-firework-pictures.html Anyone know how this is done? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80685-anyone-know-how-done.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:06:01 GMT I was just wondering if anyone knew how to achieve a look like this. Any help would be amazing! Image: http://i309.photobucket.com/albums/kk385/rlwheeler/qqqq.jpg I was just wondering if anyone knew how to achieve a look like this. Any help would be amazing!
]]> rwheeler http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80685-anyone-know-how-done.html Please recommend a good book for flash photography http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80540-please-recommend-good-book-flash-photography.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:04:48 GMT Hi I am really poor in my flash techniques and would like to learn more. I have been browsing the net for a good book and so far I think this book seems good: On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital... Hi

I am really poor in my flash techniques and would like to learn more. I have been browsing the net for a good book and so far I think this book seems good:

On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography
Amazon.com: On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography (9781584282587): Neil van Niekerk: Books

Anyone can recommend any other good books? I would like good in-depth discussion on using wireless flash, high speed sync, slow speed sync, etc.

Thanks
Raider ]]> raider http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80540-please-recommend-good-book-flash-photography.html Softbox for flash? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80516-softbox-flash.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:13:17 GMT Hi

I own a Sigma EF-530 DG flash and have been using bounce flash successfully in TTL mode.

I want to use it off the camera and would like to learn how to use it in manual mode ('strobist' style). I was thinking of buying a 60x60 cm folding softbox (not an umbrella) and stand to use as a 1 light starter setup. I am fairly new to this, I know that there will be some reduction in f/stop of about 2 stops, but would this setup still work for non-studio, on-location portraiture?

Cheryl ]]> choet http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80516-softbox-flash.html Techniques for eliminating silhoutte in a landscape shot http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80418-techniques-eliminating-silhoutte-landscape-shot.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:48:27 GMT I took some pics in a nearby compound today and wasn't happy with the results. how can i get rid of the shades or silhouettes? and how can i also get the sky to come out just like what i saw in the viewfinder and at the same time eliminate the silhouttes/shades in the trees? what are the tips & techniques for this kind of shots?
here are some pics. the last is overexpose i forgot about the meter..
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]]> rustynail925 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80418-techniques-eliminating-silhoutte-landscape-shot.html Tethered Shooting With a Pentax http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80344-tethered-shooting-pentax.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:59:20 GMT Does anyone know of a software program like Sofortbild for Apple Computers that allowed tethered shooting with a Pentax DSLR? VR Darryl:rolleyes: Does anyone know of a software program like Sofortbild for Apple Computers that allowed tethered shooting with a Pentax DSLR?

VR
Darryl:rolleyes: ]]> fwbigd http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80344-tethered-shooting-pentax.html New Flickr sektop client:Flickroom http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80259-new-flickr-sektop-client-flickroom.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:43:02 GMT I did an interview with key developer of Flickroom.org (http://flickroom.org) here on my color photo blog (http://bbluesman.com/2009/11/16/new-views-and-an-interview/). It seems to show some promise. Check it... I did an interview with key developer of Flickroom.org here on my color photo blog. It seems to show some promise. Check it out and see what you think. ]]> bbluesman http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80259-new-flickr-sektop-client-flickroom.html To Breast or Not Too Breast in Fashion? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80081-breast-not-too-breast-fashion.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:34:09 GMT To Breast or Not Too Breast in Fashion? Breasts have always been an integral part of the Fashion scene. Whether to give impact to ones image or to startle the reader in to really looking at the imagery or... To Breast or Not Too Breast in Fashion?

Breasts have always been an integral part of the Fashion scene. Whether to give impact to ones image or to startle the reader in to really looking at the imagery or designer being featured on that page. Although I have on the rare occasion done so for a beauty or skin story, I have rarely used this marketing technique gratuitously in my imagery. Perhaps due to the fact that my perception of beauty emanates from the eyes or from the light that I paint to highlight those parts of the image that are of importance to me. Many photographers insist on at least one upper torso nude shot in a series or the revealing of one of the two intimate parts of the female anatomy to add impact to their imagery.

I have often considered why I have not used this form of marketing in the expressing of my imagery. I might add that like most heterosexual males, I find breasts to be one of the more attractive elements of the female body. However I feel quite uncomfortable asking a model to disrobe in public. I know that it has more to do with me than the model, as they are accustomed to doing so for credible fashion magazines. I have often concluded that one of the reasons I do not, is that I believe that my images should be able to stand on their own without having to resort to sensational tactics to draw the reader to my images.

I will say however, that if an image is asking for the revealing of a breast, in other words would benefit and be enhanced esthetically by doing so, I would do so without reservation. I also believe that there is a fine line between what might be considered tacky vs elegant. I'm not a " GrungeTrash" photographer. There have been some incredible artists like Terry Richardson who have pulled off that style with panache and conviction that come across with a Raw authenticity that renders their images as credible. They are not glamour shots. They are a slice of life perceived from a certain vantage point that is understood by the artist and given real meaning.

As I do not wish to emulate a style, I will continue doing what I feel is appropriate at that moment in time that works for me. If the occasion does require an interpretation that gives a reason for doing so, I will.

I having been asked on several occasions by gallery owners, "Ben, why don't you shoot more nudes?" and the only answer that I can reply with is "I am a Fashion Photographer..."

So, are Breasts in Fashion? Yes they are. It just depends on how you wish to frame them.

Benjamin Kanarek Blog To Breast or Not Too Breast is the Fashion Question ?
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]]> benjikan http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80081-breast-not-too-breast-fashion.html Shooting a night parade http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80036-shooting-night-parade.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:33:05 GMT It's Christmas parade time again. Ours is tonight, at night.

I'm heading out with my K200, Tamron 28-75 2.8, AF360 flash and tripod.

I'll be standing on the sidewalk as the parade passes by - but not sure if I'll be able to get myself up higher than the crowd.

Last year I used my 50mm 1.4 but my range was limited. I ended up taking the camera off the tripod because I just couldn't move around as easily as I hoped. I'm hoping for some better shots this year.

I will be setting my camera on ISO 400 to start and aim for a 1/40 to 1/60 SS. Does that sound correct?

Will using the external flash be a hinderance or an asset? Should I use the flash wirelessly, OFF camera?

Any suggestions?

Thanks! ]]> Panache http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/80036-shooting-night-parade.html Help Photographing Plastic Bottles With Labels http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79659-help-photographing-plastic-bottles-labels.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:35:28 GMT Sorry! I think I posted this on the wrong board.....so I'm moving it here!

Good morning!

I need help....as usual!

I am trying to take pictures of our product at work.

The product comes in various sizes of plastic bottles with a metallic silver type label.

Working with nothing other than my camera, my tripod, inside light and window light, how can I take a picture that does not have such a harsh reflection?

Take a look....

]]> poochie99 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79659-help-photographing-plastic-bottles-labels.html How to setup light for these effect? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79582-how-setup-light-these-effect.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:27:29 GMT I am curious how to setup light to set this effect? Did he use bounce flash, studio light or something else? SCEA2009 Models - David Peng Photography - Bay Area Wedding Photography- powered by SmugMug... I am curious how to setup light to set this effect? Did he use bounce flash, studio light or something else?

SCEA2009 Models - David Peng Photography - Bay Area Wedding Photography- powered by SmugMug ]]> quaker http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79582-how-setup-light-these-effect.html Night Club Photography http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79567-night-club-photography.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:50 GMT Hello everyone! Recently, I've been asked to shoot a birthday for someone at a hotel, inside a limo and then at a club.
Since I don't have any experience with shooting in night clubs, I'm just looking for some tips on what to bring and what I should pay attention to most.
Also, I'm completely stuck on how much I should charge the client for something like this.

If you have any advice, tips or any other helpful insights, please share them! Anything is appreciated.

Thank you! ]]> coelhom http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79567-night-club-photography.html Focusing on reflections? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79541-focusing-reflections.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:01:56 GMT If you are taking a photograph of a reflection, and the reflective surface is say 5 feet away and the subject being reflected is 15 feet from the reflective surface, is your focusing distance 20 feet, or 5... If you are taking a photograph of a reflection, and the reflective surface is say 5 feet away and the subject being reflected is 15 feet from the reflective surface, is your focusing distance 20 feet, or 5 feet?

Anyone with experience in this with an answer? ...would be appreciated, thanks!

Mike. ]]> MikePerham http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79541-focusing-reflections.html Flatland BMX Photography Advice http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79363-flatland-bmx-photography-advice.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:26:25 GMT Hi All,

My son asked me to take some pictures of him riding flatland. I've never taken these types of shots before, and I wonder if I can get some tips on how to improve for future shots.

I have a K10D, with a AF 540 FGZ flash, I used my Pentax DA16-45 lens. My other lens is a Sigma 70-200.

I felt I should set the flash to P-TTL and the camera to P. It was a cloudy day, so I jacked the ISO to 1250. My shutter speed seemed to be 180th.

I cropped the images in PS Elements and brightened the images a bit, otherwise they are as shot.

Your thoughts are appreciated!!

Thanks,
Rob
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]]> ROBEFFY http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79363-flatland-bmx-photography-advice.html More Advanced Help Wih Stars http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79347-more-advanced-help-wih-stars.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:15:12 GMT I need a little advice on getting my stars shots better. I took a couple of shots last night here: Image: http://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/images/5744/1_Stars1.jpg *FA 50mm 1.4 - 6 minutes @ 5.6 / ISO... I need a little advice on getting my stars shots better. I took a couple of shots last night here:

FA 50mm 1.4 - 6 minutes @ 5.6 / ISO 100... That's Subaru on the right


FA 50mm 1.4 - 10 minutes @ 5.6 / ISO 100... The orange and yellow in the upper right is the top of a tree

I used my barndoor and got one of the best alignments ever. I'm still getting a little drift which I believe is part of the build of the device (I hand crank it a quarter turn every 15 seconds). To fix this, I'm going to use deep sky stacker with shorter exposures (maybe around 2 minutes each) - still with the barndoor. My biggest problem is I'm not getting the Milky Way. It should be in both of these shots. Am I adjusting too much for black? I didn't see it before the adjustment. I'm also debating if I should convert the photos to greyscale and then color the sky as I like it. I'm getting some funky results with what I think is the Bayer Interpolation (maybe this would get fixed with stacking). What should I do? I'd like to use this in a type of composite shot, but would like to get a better quality shot.

Thanks,
Brian ]]> Das Boot http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79347-more-advanced-help-wih-stars.html Time Lapse Software http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79340-time-lapse-software.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:48:22 GMT Can anyone suggest software (free or not) to create a time lapse video using the interval shooting feature on the K20D? I've had the camera since July and could not be happier with it. I'd like to experiment with time lapse.

Thanks ]]> TonyD http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/79340-time-lapse-software.html ?? re Image Spots and Cause http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/78827-re-image-spots-cause.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:10:21 GMT Not sure if this is the right place to pose my question, Plz be lenient if it isn't.

I shoot a lot of pictures towards a clear blue sky (skydivers in fact) from the ground. I use a K2000 with a DA 55-300 and in the course of a day I might take 300 pictures, never removing the lens from the camera. But over time I notice small round dots start appearing in the images. This happens fairly often and I clean the sensor to fix the problem. These dots are easy enough to fix in PP and they are pretty much un-noticeable in pictures that aren't mostly blue sky. These are two sample shots to illustrate the problem (15 images apart in the camera). The first shot is clean while the second has the spots (highlighted). From outing to outing the spots appear in different locations. I'm wondering if some small drops of oil or other lubricant is coming off the lens mechanism or perhaps the mirror as the problem shows up after pointing the camera nearly straight up. Thanks in advance for any comments (FWIW taking a shot of the clear blue sky does seem to be an excellent way of seeing if your sensor has any crap on it)




]]> geezer52 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/78827-re-image-spots-cause.html Shooting the moon light http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/78721-shooting-moon-light.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:47:22 GMT I have seen some amazing photos of the moon rising over the ocean. I have been trying to capture that with long exposures but can only get the moon without the moonlight water. I can take great night shots of... I have seen some amazing photos of the moon rising over the ocean. I have been trying to capture that with long exposures but can only get the moon without the moonlight water. I can take great night shots of cities where there is plenty of light. I use a tripod set camera in aperture priority, 2 second timer delay ets. tried different shutter speeds and aperture settings. I didnt want too long an exposure to have the moon rising in the shot.Only thing I havent tried is to wait for the moon to rise more and more moonlight. I have no trouble with pre sunrise shots on long exposure.
John ]]> campdog http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/78721-shooting-moon-light.html Leonid Meteor Shower 2009 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/78685-leonid-meteor-shower-2009-a.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:25:40 GMT The Leonid Meteor Shower 2009 is November 17th.

After all the great comments I saw on photographing fireworks, I'd love to see insight on shooting a meteor shower. ]]> cdurfor http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/78685-leonid-meteor-shower-2009-a.html before dawn and after sunset http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/78633-before-dawn-after-sunset.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:03:41 GMT Whats the technique to photograph before dawn and after sunset? Whats the technique to photograph before dawn and after sunset? ]]> anthony http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/78633-before-dawn-after-sunset.html