Sign up to the new forum on the Photographic Workshops site run by our own JJ van Heerden and Wicus Leeuwner. With these guys at the helm this is sure to develop into a place where you can be sure of valuable comment on your photographs.
You’ll find the forum at www.photoworkshops-sa.co.za/photopost/.
Peter West Carey writes…
Pop Quiz: What is the color temperature of the light hitting your monitor right now?
Followup Question: Do you know why it matters?
Many people do not give much thought to the light hitting their monitor while editing photos. Yet it is critically important if color accuracy is important in the least. Let me show you the importance with a few shots. See if you can guess the color temperature of the light hitting the each screen. Know that my office is a small 5′ x 8′ room, off-white walls and a skylight overhead. (Exposure of each shot was balanced in post production with only the exposure setting itself increased to match other shots.)
People often ask how to photograph star trails, so here’s a useful guide from DIY Photography.
Ever seen those pictures where the stars streak across the sky in a big arc? Or maybe the whole sky looked like it was spinning?
What you saw was star trails. The streaks were light left behind on the sensor or film from the star as it traveled across the sky in front of an open camera shutter. In fact, it only seems that way. What actually being recorded are stationary stars and the rotation of the earth that makes them spin. Kinda like you were standing on a vinyl record while it is playing. (yes, vinyl record, it is a form of ancient iPod).
For me, the images seem to have a certain magic or mystery about them. You must have heard a photographer talking about capturing that perfect moment in time. Well for capturing star trails you will need to capture the perfect hour or two in time. For such amazing looking images the technique to capture them is really quite simple.
From Earthbound Light
Cameras are tools. They can do a great job of recording what the world around us looks like, but they are far from perfect. There exist techniques for combining more than one press of the shutter to help overcome some of the limitations that exist in traditional single-shot photography. Some of these I’ve talked about at length already, and some of them I haven’t. Here’s an overview.
In a Digital Photography School guest post Neil Ta writes;
There’s something to be said about having a nice collection of travel photos. They document not only your personal journey in other cities and countries, but also showcase the artistic side of your photographic abilities. Throughout my recent travels through Southeast Asia (and many smaller trips in years past), I’ve been able to capture some images that I’m quite proud of. The following tips have helped me take better and more unique photos when I am traveling or when I’m home:
Here are the projected image winners from the May competition for which the set subject was Backlit.
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Early Morning Mist | Early Morning With Friends | Chopper |
| George Frangs | Elsa van Zyl | Paddy Howes |
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| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Rainbow | Sossus | After the Storm |
| Paddy Howes | Nigel Mudge | Eric Sumner |
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The full list of projected image scores can be found in this PDF document
Some time ago we posted a link to a post in which Haje Jan Kamps listed his favourite 50 photography web sites. But now he has upped the ante with a list of 150 amazing photography web sites or as he puts it “A ton of sites that’ll ruin your week-end”.
Do you find yourself not picking up your camera because you lack motivation or ideas of what to shoot? Consider following The Daily Shoot (@dailyshoot on Twitter) for a new challenge each day. They may just provide the inspiration you need to get shooting again.
We have received a program from PSSA that can be used to confirm your monitor is correctly calibrated. We will be using this to do a quick check of the projector calibration at the start of each meeting.
You will find a link to download the program on our Resources page under the heading Monitor Calibration.
We were sent this release by the manufacturer of a new camera strap who thought our members might be interested.
Hello,
I am sending you this e-mail to announce a new camera support system that may interest your members. I attached a Press Release and a Brochure. Feel free to use any information contained in them in your Newsletters or "What’s New" section on your site.
My new product is called the BosStrap Camera Sling System. My company is BosStrap LLC.
The BosStrap System includes two pieces: a BosStrap™ and a BosTail™. The BosTail replaces the manufacturer’s neck strap. Simply attach the BosTail to the left strap lug or eyelet on the camera body. The BosTail typically remains on the camera. The BosStrap includes a nickel plated metal TriggerLoc™ to connect to a nickel plated ring on the BosTail.
Professional photographers tested the BosStrap System for three months in field and studio environments. They unanimously agree that its unique engineering offered the professional photographer benefits that were unavailable with any other system. The BosStrap System was tested with professional camera setups weighing over six pounds when typically equipped with an 80-200 mm f/2.8 zoom lens.
The adjustable BosStrap is worn across your body, placed over your left shoulder and under your right arm as shown in the photos in the attached Press Release and Brochure. You’ll notice that the BosStrap is wider than a typical camera strap. The wide nylon webbing is sufficient to distribute the weight of a camera without relying on a cumbersome and roaming shoulder pad.
In operation, the TriggerLoc slides along the BosStrap (which does not move) allowing you to effortlessly bring your camera up to your eye to quickly compose and capture the shot. When not in use, your camera remains safely and inconspicuously at your hip.
The web site shows the complete product line and provides more information about the BosStrap Camera Sling System. I hope you take a look. www.BosStrap.com
The BosStrap Camera Sling System features include:
- Camera tripod socket always available
- Fail-safe TriggerLoc lets you disconnect camera from the BosStrap in seconds
- No shoulder pad. The 1½” wide strap prevents neck strain and eliminates a cumbersome and roaming shoulder pad
- BosStrap adjust to 64" long
- Uses extremely smooth and strong nylon seatbelt webbing
- Frees both hands
- Adjustable BosTail length from 2" to 4"
- Light weight at less than 5 ounces
- Engineered with a Safety Factor of 10
- Some photographers have used BosStrap to support a battery pack
- BosStraps and BosTails are also sold separately
- Reasonably priced at $39.95
Try the new BosStrap Camera Sling System. If you are not satisfied, return it with 30 days for a full refund.
Please let your members know about BosStrap.
Thank you,
Tom Fama
P.S. BosStrap is also on Facebook: Facebook Link
P.P.S Shown on Wired: Gadget Lab http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/03/bosstrap-a-shoulder-slung-free-spinning-camera-strap/
Helderberg Photographic Society