Sunset

The sun may be setting on this semester and the Intro to Communications class but look for more photos and helpful blog post to come.

The above image is actually 3 images composed as a High Dynamic Range photo or HDR.

There are a few programs out there that will do this such as photomatix and many more.

Taking A Day For Photography

This break you may be looking for a get away, a day to take pictures anywhere.  Lets go through a good, average day of photography.

It would be best for you to wake up early, catch the sunrise, the animals stirring or even sleeping.  The exploration is endless.  Driving or walking anywhere and everywhere just to find that one picture you have always wanted to take.   My dream photo is a photo of an eagle soaring high over the beautiful open plains during sunset.  I have many other photos I can only dream of right now.  Such as a lioness going in for the kill on a gazelle or a beautiful picture of tribal rituals.  Though you may not be in areas where those are possible there are many other dreams to fulfill.

I fulfilled one on a hike through Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a beautiful waterfall timed exposure creating the illusion of motion.

The day continues searching and hopefully finding what you are looking for.  Its a day of freedom.  On this day who wouldn't want to be a photographer.  You bring a packed lunch, eat it always ready with camera at arms length.  Continue freedom, fun, and adventure.  It approaches the end of the day and you are tired so you sit and watch the sunset snap a few beautiful photos and go home.  A wonderful day and you feel successful as ever with some beautiful photos and a relaxing day.

The Devils in the Details

As you may know, photography is about details.  Your photography has to be interesting.  A great way to do this is through details.  Here is a few short tips on getting details in your photo:

-  Don't focus on the general look for small interesting subjects within the frame.

-  If shooting an up-close subject such as a flower use a macro lens.

-  This winter get up close and personal with the snow.
-  Search for artistic designs.
-  Focus on one subject.
-  Make sure the focus is sharp.
-  Have fun!

Get out there and look for small details this winter and take some great photos.  Once again if you have any questions please email me at caleb.mckenney@mbbc.edu.

Christians and Photography Interview

I recently interviewed my father on photography.  He has been involved in photography his whole life, worked at The Wilds Camp as a photographer and it has been his passion.

Q.  What is your favorite aspect of photography?

A.  I like to look for that special subject.  After the subject is found I like looking for the right angle and lighting.

 

Q.  How do you think photography relates to Christianity?

A.    Photography can show the beauty and glory of God's creation.

 

Q.  How can Christians use photography in the gospel?

A.  Missionaries use photography to show their ministries to churches and pastors.  Missionaries also use photography for prayer cards.

 

Q.  Do you know any great Christian photographers that have used the Gospel in their photography?

A.   I have seen alot of misionary slide shows that needed alot of help.  I have also seen a few presentation in which the missionary showed a good 

       amount of talent and creativity.

A Little Of My Work

Here is some photos I have taken over the past few years.  I hope you all enjoy!

Thanksgiving Photos

Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your thanksgiving!  You may have been sitting at the dinner table during Thanksgiving wondering what kind of camera should you get to take pictures of family?  Well here is the solution.  I will show you a few different cameras that will take great photos for your needs.  These are just examples and there are many other options in the same realm as these following cameras.

Basic point and shoot for easy shooting such as these:
Canon Powershot
Nikon Coolpix
Both of these cameras are easy, just point and shoot.

These are a little more advance versions of the point and shoot.
Nikon Coolpix- This is a more technical and better but harder to use camera than the basic point and shoot, as well as the following Canon.
Canon Powershot

These four cameras are great for family shots during the holidays. There are far more advance cameras such as the Nikon D700 and the Canon 5D but the powershots and coolpix are great for everyday shooting around the house.  So if you are sad that you missed family photos at Thanksgiving you have time during Christmas in a few weeks!

How to edit a raw photo

Follow the link here.  This is an adobe video that I have done to show how to edit a raw photo.  I hope you enjoy.  Comment below or e-mail me at caleb.mckenney@mbbc.edu. Thanks!

Landscape Photography

This is a Prezi on Landscape photography.  Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to advance the presentation.  Enjoy!

Where do I take pictures?

I am going to start with a statement that some of you are going to be suprised at.  The backyard is as good as any place to take pictures.  Yes, there are places that have more photogenic subjects and more famous subjects that people will recognize but you can take great pictures just walking around your backyard.  Not only your literal backyard but your neighborhood, local park, or any area of the city.

A basic rule of photography is always carry your camera around!  You never know what could happen when you are walking around.  A pattern, an awesome sunset, a heart-touching scene in the park, or just an interesting building view.  You don't want to have a moment where you are wishing you had your camera.

If you have a small compact camera you can just carry it in you pocket or purse.  If you have a DSLR a slingpack similar to this.  It is a nice light way to carry your camera around without it getting to bulky and annoying.

Here is a short photo gallery of pictures I took in my backyard.

Basic Equipment

A gallery of different cameras and basic equipment that you can buy for your camera.
If you have any questions e-mail me at caleb.mckenney@mbbc.edu! Enjoy!

Composition Basics

Photography is the art of light.  Made by design and composition, angles and position.  In order to be a good photographer you must know how to use design, composition, angle, and your position to your advantage.  There is no greater joy in photography than capturing the moment.

The first subject of my blog is going to be composition.  Composition is the basis for any good photograph and will give you a great start before getting into the advanced level of photography.  The most basic rule of composition is the "rule of thirds."  This rule is demonstrated by the photo below.

                                              (The picture has the shed in the left third of the photograph)
There are two sides to the rule. First is that in a normal photo the subject must be in one of the outer thirds.  This creates a photo with space for the subject.  The second part applies mainly for landscape photography, either the sky or the land must take 1/3 horizontally and the other must take the other 2/3 of the photograph.  This creates a good eye-pleasing balance.  The rule of thirds isn't a rule at all but merely a suggestion.  There are many pictures in which the subject is in the center that create interesting photos but in most cases it is more eye-grabbing in the outer thirds of the photo.

The second area of composition I would like to talk about is foreground interest and lead-in lines.  This mainly applies to landscape photography and other like subjects.  This is a very simple thing, the foreground has something that can lead into the main subject and draw attention to the subject.

In this picture the stairs don't keep the attention but brings you up to the opera house.

This is an important key to get the subject the attention quickly so that they can admire the photo.

Lead in lines are simple but are very much needed in a photograph.

Other basics of composition include: having a clear subject of interest, something that doesn't interest you won't interest someone else, fill the space, don't have any useless space, no distractions, make sure the subject is the focus, lighter sections are where the viewers will look, diagonals are more attractive than horizontal and vertical, and lastly framing.  Framing is very important because that also focuses on the subject (ie. an arch over a person in a photograph).

I would like to see you go out and take photos. Composition is very important and there has been a lot thrown at you but just remember go out and shoot there are no set rules in photography just look for something that is very aesthetic.  The goal of a photographer is to make the most pleasing photograph possible.