"The angels of winter" - from Stefano Unterthiner on Vimeo.

"The angels of winter" - from Stefano Unterthiner on Vimeo.

Monday 5 September 2011

Top 10 destinations for Landscape Photography


If you want great landscape shots, you must choose the best locations and make the most of the natural lighting; and while you may get some good scenes wherever you happen to be, the best photos happen when you go in search of the perfect location. If you’re hoping to click some breathtaking landscape photographs, here are the top ten destinations in my opinion which will help you achieve your goal:

Think Peru and you’re immediately reminded of the Incas and that great ancient city of Machu Picchu. This country is a photographer’s delight with its great sand dunes, tall, snow-capped mountains, and plateaus that showcase a bygone civilization’s legacy. While getting to some of the remote locations may take a few days of air and road travel, the result is worth the effort.
peru landscape photography
"Machu Picchu" captured by Pat Williamson (Click Image to See More From Pat Williamson)

Almost under the globe, this tiny nation is chock full of rivers, glaciers, fiords, mountains, geysers, beaches and islands that are a feast for the camera. Most of the country is uninhabited and so free of pollution and interference from mankind. Not for nothing has New Zealand been called as a landscape photographer’s dream come true. It’s at the other end of the world if you live in the USA, but once you get there, this beautiful country will win you over with its natural beauty.
new zealand landscape photography
"Mitre Peak" captured by David A Hamments (Click Image to See More From David A Hamments)

This narrow strip of a country nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean is home to some of the greatest landscapes in the world. From the dry and arid Atacama Desert in the north to the glacier regions in the extreme south, Chile is a potpourri of climates and scenery. It is rich in forests, volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, fiords, inlets, islands and canals which are perfect settings for any photographer. It also controls Easter Island which has many archeological sites that form great landscapes.
landscape photography in chile
"Villarica Volcano" captured by Sergio Veludo (Click Image to See More From Sergio Veludo)

This tiny Himalayan nation is famed not just for its brave and adventurous Sherpas but also for the huge mountains that are a photographer’s paradise. Add to this its lakes, rivers and snow-covered land, and you can spend days here with your camera and still not have enough time to capture it all on film. However, it is prone to political unrest, so ensure that it’s safe to travel there before you make plans to do so.
nepal landscape photo
"Thame at sun rise" captured by Matt Cross (Click Image to See More From Matt Cross)

It’s a large country, but one which is sparsely populated. Around 60 percent of the population is concentrated in and around its six major cities, and this makes the rest of Australia a landscape photographer’s ultimate destination. Sandy white beaches that are unspoiled by man, rainforests that house a variety of wildlife, rugged mountains, the vast outback, and dry deserts make for great photographs.
australia landscape photography
"Sunrise on Sommerset" captured by Ian Clark (Click Image to See More From Ian Clark)

Much of this small European nation is land reclaimed from the sea; it is a country rich in dykes, canals, national parks, lakes, woods, dunes and heaths. Amsterdam is a sight for sore eyes with its picturesque canals that wind around the city, often replacing roads and bordering houses. A photographer could wander about on a boat or a bicycle snapping great pictures of the surrounding landscape.
netherlands landscape photo
"Waterfront" captured by David Hobcote (Click Image to See More From David Hobcote)

This mountainous country is home to some of the best natural landscapes in the world. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides which gives rise to pristine beaches along the tenth longest coastline in the world. Add to this beautiful mountain peaks and solitary islands, lovely lakes and vast wetlands, and you can see why Greece is a sought after destination for landscape photography.
landscape photo destinations in greece
"Oia" captured by Andrew Wood (Click Image to See More From Andrew Wood)

This desolate state in the US is famed for its geographical tourism. With the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin as its prime attractions, Utah is filled with vast areas of desert and mountainous ranges. Almost 80 percent of its population is concentrated in and around Salt Lake City, so the rest of its area lends itself to some of the best landscape photography in the world.
utah landscape photo
"Sentinal Mesa and West Mitten" captured by Paulo (Click Image to See More From Paulo)

Known colorfully as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is famous for its dramatic landscape dotted with volcanoes, glaciers and sheep pastures. The 24-hour sunlight in the summer makes for some great lighting, and with more than half the population in and around the capital city of Reykjavik, the rest of the country is far from regular tourist attractions and hence a photographer’s ideal shooting location for landscape pictures.
taking photos in iceland
"Steam and sky in Iceland" captured by Ágústa G Ólafsdóttir (Click Image to See More From Ágústa G Ólafsdóttir)

Situated in the heartland of Africa, this country boasts mountains, plains, large plateaus, national parks and wildlife, waterfalls, and sprawling lakes. It is home to the highest mountain peak in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro and its deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika. It is ideal for landscape photography with its large open spaces and teeming wildlife.
top landscape photo destinations
"Tanzania" captured by Nelly W (Click Image to See More From Nelly W)
About the Author
This guest post is contributed by Becky Patterson, who writes on the topic of Becoming a Photographer . She can be reached at beckypatterson89[@]gmail[.]com.

Thursday 1 September 2011

All Roads Photography Award by NAT GEO!


The National Geographic All Roads Photography Award recognizes and supports talented international storytellers whose still photography documents their changing cultures and communities. Each year up to four photographers are awarded, and their photo essays are exhibited at the All Roads Film Festival and other cities around the world.
Photography Award Exhibit
On display September 1 through November 13 at the National Geographic Society outdoor courtyard.
And the winners are…
The 2011 Photography Award recipients are:
Samer Mohdad (Lebanon)
Pioneer Photographer Award
Photo essay “Mes Arabies”
Kuang Huimin (China)
Mid-career Photographer Award
Photo essay “Changes During 20 years in the old Miao village—Basha”

Sunday 28 August 2011

Bendable Bounce Card / Flag

FlashBender Bounce Card/Flag
The versatile Rogue FlashBender Bounce Card can be used either as a reflector to bounce light onto a subject, or as a flag (using either the built-in white surface, or included black fabric attachment) to shield light away from it. 

The patent pending design incorporates (1) positionable rod that allows the Bounce Card to be bent into position and held in place.

The Rogue FlashBender Bounce Card requires no separate attachment strap, nor any adhesives to be applied to the strobe.  The easy attachment belt built into this FlashBender is designed to work with all makes and models of shoe mount flash. 

The Bounce Card weighs approximately 2oz (68g), and measures approximately 5” x 9” (127mm x 228mm).

FlashBender Bounce Card

Small Positionable Reflector




FlashBender Small Positionable ReflectorLike the larger version, the Rogue FlashBender Small Positionable Reflector can be used either as a reflector to bounce light onto a subject, as a flag to shield light away from it or as a small snoot to produce a wide circle of light.  And because it’s half the size of the larger version, it’s easy to throw in a camera bag and it’s perfect for use on (or off) camera.

The patent pending design incorporates (2) positionable rods that allow the Small Reflector to be molded into position and held in place.

The Rogue FlashBender Small Positionable Reflector requires no separate attachment strap, nor any adhesives to be applied to the strobe.  The easy attachment belt built into this FlashBender is designed to work with all makes and models of shoe mount flash. 

The Small Reflector weighs approximately 3oz (92g), and measures approximately 10” x 7” (254mm x 178mm).

Large Positionable Reflector



Large FlashBender ReflectorThe versatile Rogue FlashBender Large Positionable Reflector can be used either as a reflector to bounce light onto a subject, as a flag to shield light away from it or as a snoot to produce a tight and narrow circle of light.  Because of its size, the Large Reflector is perfect for off-camera use. Please note: When not shaped into a snoot, the Large Reflector is designed to be used on a flash that's positioned at a 90 degree (vertical) angle in order to accurately reflect and bounce light towards your subject.

The patent pending design incorporates (3) positionable rods that allow the Large Reflector to be molded into position and held in place.

The Rogue FlashBender Large Positionable Reflector requires no separate attachment strap, nor any adhesives to be applied to the strobe.  The easy attachment belt built into this FlashBender is designed to work with all makes and models of shoe mount flash.

The Large Reflector weighs approximately 6oz (163g),
and measures approx. 10” x 11” (254mm x 280mm).

Flash Benders

What are Rogue Flash Benders?
FlashBender Small Reflector


Rogue FlashBenders is a system of unique shapeable light modifiers for shoe mount flash that enable unparalleled control for strobe lighting enthusiasts.   Manufactured to meet the demanding needs of location photographers, FlashBenders’ patent pending design provides complete control over the shape of the reflector. 

FlashBenders represent a new approach to controlling light. FlashBenders are positionable.  You can bend a FlashBender into almost any position, and it will assume that shape, staying in position until you reform it.  Unlike static flash diffusers and bounce reflectors, dynamic Rogue FlashBenders allow you to direct light where you want it.

FlashBenders are made from the highest quality materials, including tough abrasion-resistent nylon.  FlashBenders' white reflective surfaces are made from a durable, wipeable, synthetic fabric which has been tested for neutrality so that it won't alter the color temperature of the reflected light from a strobe.

Rogue FlashBenders fit a wide range of shoe mount flash brands, including:  Canon, Konica, Metz, Minolta, Nikon, Nissin, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Quantum, Sigma,Sony and Vivitar.

Special Issues


Architecture photography, a beginners’ guide
Insightful tips for photography of stationary subjects by Michael Jenkins. You may also want to learn how to shoot bridgesstatuesbuildings and piers.
Piers1 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Guide To Architectural Photography
Despite architecture’s diversity there are a number of simple rules that apply in most situations, or will at least get you thinking more deeply about how you can best portray a particular piece of architecture.
Bridge2 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Fixing photos shot from airplanes
One of the cool things about getting a window seat in an airplane is that you get a unique opportunity to photograph things from a high vantage point. On the flip side, when you get home, you often find the photos look washed out and the color poor. Luckily, there is not much that Photoshop can’t recover, provided that the photographs are in focus.
Airpland-before-after-742118 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
DIY Lighting Hacks for Digital Photographers
“Lighting can be the difference between a good shot and a great one. Walk into most professional photographers’ studios, and you’ll be confronted with truckloads of lighting equipment. To the average hobby photographer, it’s enough to make your mind boggle — and make your stomach turn as you think about the cost of it all.
In this post, I’ve found 10 DIY flash and lighting hacks that put some of these lighting techniques within the grasp of the rest of us.”
Just Fab Beauty Dish 6 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
This post reviews important rules of good photography, such as Rules of Thirds, balancing elements, leading lines, symmetry and patterns, viewpoint, background, depth, framing, cropping and experimentation.
Thirds in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials

Panoramic Photography


panorama — or panoramic photo — is usually made by stitching several pictures taken with the same camera into one.
How To: Panoramic Photography
Making a panoramic photo really is only taking the pictures, stitching them together on your computer. The more effort and attention you put into the first step, the easier the second step will be and the more realistic your final photo will look.
Panorama in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Taking Panoramic Landscapes – The Easy Solution
Panoramas have a reputation for being hard to take. Dedicated panorama cameras are available, but unless you’ve got at least $1000 to spare, you probably can’t afford one! But you can take panoramas with any kind of camera.
Panorama-photography1 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Digital Photography Tutorial – Panorama Stitching
“Many digital cameras, even some budget-priced pocket compacts, have a feature known as “Panorama Stitching” mode. If you haven’t experimented with it yet, it is designed to help with a particular type of photograph, or rather series of photographs, in which successive shots are taken as the camera is panned across a scene.”
Building Panoramic Images in The GIMP
Panoramic landscapes make for some amazing photos. There’s nothing like the relaxation and tranquility felt when gazing over the sweeping wilderness, save for the hassle of actually getting there. Using a digital camera, it’s possible to stitch photos together to simulate the expensive effects of a landscape filter.
The easy way is to use Pandora. Pandora is a plug-in for The GIMP that tries to match the edges of the photos, using a best guess at where one photo ends and the next begins.

Night Photography


60 Beautiful Examples Of Night Photography
60 amazing examples of night photography, created by some hard-working and dedicated photographers. Take a look at their websites and portfolios.
Jc2 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
The Nocturnes
The Nocturnes is an organization dedicated to night photography. Founded by Tim Baskerville in San Francisco in 1991, it has grown to become the premier source of information and education on night photography, as well as an international community for night photographers.
Snap6 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Lost America night photography
Wandering the deserted backroads of the American Southwest, Troy Paiva has explored the abandoned underbelly of America since the 1970s. Since 1989 he’s been taking pictures of it… at night, by the light of the full moon.
Aw in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Long Exposure Night Photography 
This article shows you how to take pictures of night scenes with no moving objects.
473 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Night Photography by David Baldwin
Night photography of landscapes and architecture.
“Strangers in the night”
How-to guide for night photography with point-and-shoot cameras.
Learn Night Photography
Quick and dirty guide to defining exposure time for typical night subjects.
Fir in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Night Landscape Photography
Capture stunning landscape images during the black of night.

Infrared Photography


 Incredible Near-Infrared Photos
A showcase of near-infrared photography. Near-infrared images straight out of the camera do not always look good and are usually not as dramatic and beautiful as normally captured images. Hence, a lot of post-processing is done to enhance these images.
Mark Grealish in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Infrared Photography with a Digital Camera 
Thanks to digital photography, we can take infrared pictures whenever we please, mix them with “normal” ones and see the results on the spot, tweaking the settings to our heart’s desire.
030824-354 X in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
InfraRed photography
A specialized IR portal, with gallery and forum.
Irr in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
LifePixel
Rich collection of manuals, how-to and do-it-yourself guides.
Snap5 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Beyond Visible
Website about IR, UV and luminescence photography. Here you can found plenty of theory and useful information about IR adaptors for flashlights. Among the resources is a huge collection of links related to invisible light photography.
Infrared (IR)
A gallery with a number of amazing IR photos.
Ipb in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Infrared photography
Huge article with a number of useful links. Nearly complete list of IR filters and digital cameras that can be updated for IR shooting.

Motion Blur Photography


 Beautiful Motion Blur Photos
A showcase of motion blur photos. Motion blur is frequently used to show a sense of speed. You can artificially achieve this effect in a usual scene using cameras with a slow shutter speed. Also Adobe Photoshop can be used for this purpose, though sometimes images may look unnatural and unprofessional.
2492682463 907fded745 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
How to Capture Motion Blur in Photography
Capturing movement in images is something that many photographers only need to do when photographing sports or other fast-moving events.
Movement2 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Professional-Looking Motion-Blur Effect for Your Images
“In this tutorial we’re going to show you how to create a very popular motion blur effect used in many magazine and various other professionally crafted images.”
Motion Blur6 in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Photoshop Tutorials: Create Silky Smooth Waterfalls
“In this Adobe Photoshop tutorial, we’re going to look at how to give waterfalls a silky smooth appearance, as if the photo were taken with a longer exposure, which would normally require the use of a neutral density filter.”
Image-motion-blur in 50 Incredible Photography Techniques and Tutorials
Long Exposure Photos
Long exposure can be used to create very interesting photographs. It can be used, for example, to create a bright photo in low-light conditions or to create motion blur for moving elements in a photograph