"10 Photo Tips"

By: Scott Bourne

Tip #1

If you shoot print film and use a setup that includes an in-camera meter, bias your meter to overexpose everything by 1/2 stop. Why? Print film has tremendous latitude, especially on the plus side. Usually four stops or more. On the other hand, print film only has about two stops of latitude on the minus side. If you underexpose a piece of print film, you're in trouble. The shadows will block up and the whole thing will look ugly. The best labs have trouble saving these prints. But if you overexpose print film, there is little likelihood that you will see any negative effects. Bias to the plus side to be safe. By the way, if you shoot slides, this tip will work for you too. Just go the other direction and bias to the minus side. Only with slide film I would say -1/3 stop is enough.

Tip #2

If you need to use a slow shutter speed to smooth out moving water or clouds, but your film's ISO is too fast, try using a neutral density filter. It will let you use a slower shutter speed without overexposing the highlights. When I shot film, I always had a +1, +2 and +3 ND filter with me everywhere I went. That way I could be creative whether or not I was using a slow film.

Tip #3

If you have an aluminum screw mount filter that is starting to stick, rub wax on the edges and it will mount smoothly.

Tip #4

If you forgot your cable release but don't want to induce vibration with your finger tripping the shutter, use your camera's self timer.

Tip #5

If you still use film, keep it in its original film canister. Dust, dirt, debris and even bugs can cause scratches on your film. Keeping both exposed and unexposed rolls in the canister will minimize this problem.

Tip #6

When using a reflector, aim with the gold side and then turn the reflector over and fill with the white side. The gold reflector will be easier to see but you may not want gold highlights so first aim, then rotate, and shoot.

Tip #7

When you are out shooting, avoid the temptation to cluster up with a bunch of your fellow photographers. Chances are you will all be talking about that new lens at the same time the rare animal or cloud formation or whatever goes by and before you know it, it is too late to swing your camera lens around to capture the moment.

Tip #8

When photographing animals, get down to their level. Just think, if something six or seven times your size came looming over you, wouldn't you be intimidated? Shooting at eye level has other advantages including an improved photographic perspective.

Tip #9

Homemade reflectors are just as effective as the expensive ones you buy at the camera store. Instead of paying $50 at CAMERA JOES, spend $5.00 on a piece of cardboard, styrofoam or plywood that is at least 30" x 30". Styrofoam works best because it is already white and very light. If you want a more reflective surface, use aluminum foil to cover the styrofoam. If you want a gold reflector, just add some gold spray paint on top of the aluminum foil.

Tip #10

While it is often good to kneel down to get a lower camera angle, this can be tough on your knees. To save wear and tear on your body, spend $6 on a simple knee pad sold in any gardening department at the local discount super store such as Target or Wal Mart. Keep the knee pad in your gadget bag and the next time you go into the field, slap it on and see if it doesn't help you feel more comfortable while you are searching for the perfect angle to shoot from.

Article Copyright 2005, Scott Bourne - Photofocus Magazine

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Bourne is the author of "88 Secrets to Selling & Publishing Your Photography" and "88 Secrets to Photoshop for Photographers." Both are available from Olympic Mountain School Press, http://www.mountainschoolpress.com. His work has also appeared in books, magazines, galleries, calendars, on greeting cards, web sites and on posters.

Scott is a professional photographer, author, teacher and pioneer in the digital imaging field. His career started in the early 70s as a stringer covering motor sports for Associated Press in Indiana. Since then, he has shot commercial, portrait, wedding, magazine and fine art assignments. His new passion is wildlife photography.

Scott regularly lectures on a variety of photo and media-related subjects. He's appeared on national television and radio programs and has written columns for several national magazines. He is the publisher of Photofocus.com, an online magazine for serious photographers and also serves as the executive director of the Olympic Mountain School of Photography in Gig Harbor, WA.

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