Title: Sun-Drenched.I’m currently traveling around Michigan taking Night/Long Exposures for Western Michigan University… I’ve always been fond of night shots and this blog is a few tips and tricks I hold as gospel.Terry’s Tools & Tips for Night Photography1. Tripod. I repeat, Tripod. A tripod will give you the greatest flexibility to get the angles you need while keeping your camera steady. Did I mention a Tripod? =)2. Wide-Angle Lenses. A wide-angle lens is the way to work in night photography. I use Canon’s EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM but if you are not on a Full Frame Camera I recommend Tokina’s 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro lens.3. Lens Hood. A lens hood minimizes lens flares from entering at angles outside of your frame.4. Flashlight. More specifically an LED flashlight. Not only will a flashlight come in handy while you are out and about in the dark, they come in handy when you need to draw attention to or simply lighten up an important part of the foreground which is too dark. Experimenting with a flashlight is the perfect introduction into the genre of night photography known as Light Painting - so get creative!5. Remote or Cable Release. You want to keep your camera as still as possible, especially when you are doing long exposures. A cable release is also the tool needed to rock out “BULB” mode on your DSLR.6. An Imagination. You don’t need the best of the best gear… in fact I’ve said it thousands of times before: if you can’t take a great photo with a basic camera, you are the problem. A better camera doesn’t buy you the eye for photography. An imagination and the ability to think outside the box is your best tool. Look around, keep your eyes open and look for those everyday objects to help make your night photography better. I’ve been known to use everything from candles to lampposts to help with lighting keys and always keep in mind that in a pinch a newspaper stand makes the best tripod in the heat of the moment.

Title: Sun-Drenched.

I’m currently traveling around Michigan taking Night/Long Exposures for Western Michigan University… I’ve always been fond of night shots and this blog is a few tips and tricks I hold as gospel.

Terry’s Tools & Tips for Night Photography

1. Tripod. I repeat, Tripod. A tripod will give you the greatest flexibility to get the angles you need while keeping your camera steady. Did I mention a Tripod? =)

2. Wide-Angle Lenses. A wide-angle lens is the way to work in night photography. I use Canon’s EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM but if you are not on a Full Frame Camera I recommend Tokina’s 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro lens.

3. Lens Hood. A lens hood minimizes lens flares from entering at angles outside of your frame.

4. Flashlight. More specifically an LED flashlight. Not only will a flashlight come in handy while you are out and about in the dark, they come in handy when you need to draw attention to or simply lighten up an important part of the foreground which is too dark. Experimenting with a flashlight is the perfect introduction into the genre of night photography known as Light Painting - so get creative!

5. Remote or Cable Release. You want to keep your camera as still as possible, especially when you are doing long exposures. A cable release is also the tool needed to rock out “BULB” mode on your DSLR.

6. An Imagination. You don’t need the best of the best gear… in fact I’ve said it thousands of times before: if you can’t take a great photo with a basic camera, you are the problem. A better camera doesn’t buy you the eye for photography. An imagination and the ability to think outside the box is your best tool. Look around, keep your eyes open and look for those everyday objects to help make your night photography better. I’ve been known to use everything from candles to lampposts to help with lighting keys and always keep in mind that in a pinch a newspaper stand makes the best tripod in the heat of the moment.

Title: Beauty Queen.One of my “has to be in my camera bag” pieces of glass for event photography is Canon’s EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. Not only is this lens the perfect range for both people and performances, it is also a very sharp lens with a fast reaction speed. It handles low light like a charm and is rugged to handle any situation.Take the photo above… this image was shot at the 160mm focal range of the 70-200mm at f/2.8. I should also not that the featured RubiGirl in this photo is not only performing but dancing - tack sharp goodness!So what is exactly in my camera bag for events? It can vary, but most the times the line-up is:1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM3. Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM 4. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM6. Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye 7. Canon 580 EX II Speedlite8. Gary Fony diffuser9. Flash sync-cord cable10. 2 extra batteries11. Apple iPad with internet12. and of course my Canon EOS 5D Mark III 

Title: Beauty Queen.

One of my “has to be in my camera bag” pieces of glass for event photography is Canon’s EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. Not only is this lens the perfect range for both people and performances, it is also a very sharp lens with a fast reaction speed. It handles low light like a charm and is rugged to handle any situation.

Take the photo above… this image was shot at the 160mm focal range of the 70-200mm at f/2.8. I should also not that the featured RubiGirl in this photo is not only performing but dancing - tack sharp goodness!

So what is exactly in my camera bag for events? It can vary, but most the times the line-up is:

1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
3. Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM 
4. Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
6. Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye 
7. Canon 580 EX II Speedlite
8. Gary Fony diffuser
9. Flash sync-cord cable
10. 2 extra batteries
11. Apple iPad with internet
12. and of course my Canon EOS 5D Mark III 

Title: Glamour Girl.A few weeks back I was invited out to The Dunes Resort in Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan to cover a benefit that was being put on by HIV Stigma fighter Mr. Friendly. Not only were they there offering free testing but the guest performers for the night were The RubiGirls. They are a drag troupe out of Dayton, Ohio who have been traveling all over raising money for HIV research… hundreds of thousands of dollars! Can I get an amen? This was my first time getting see The RubiGirls and all I can say is that I can’t wait to see them again! I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed this much in one evening… there was even a point during their show where I thought I would drop my camera from laughing so hard.As far as performers go… not only are they amazing, but they are the nicest group of gals I’ve ever encountered. Off stage they were just as grand as they were on stage. They each thanked me throughout the night for my time and we even drooled over boys together! It was a good night, images were made, and I made some new friends along the way.  

Title: Glamour Girl.

A few weeks back I was invited out to The Dunes Resort in Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan to cover a benefit that was being put on by HIV Stigma fighter Mr. Friendly. Not only were they there offering free testing but the guest performers for the night were The RubiGirls. They are a drag troupe out of Dayton, Ohio who have been traveling all over raising money for HIV research… hundreds of thousands of dollars! Can I get an amen? This was my first time getting see The RubiGirls and all I can say is that I can’t wait to see them again! I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed this much in one evening… there was even a point during their show where I thought I would drop my camera from laughing so hard.

As far as performers go… not only are they amazing, but they are the nicest group of gals I’ve ever encountered. Off stage they were just as grand as they were on stage. They each thanked me throughout the night for my time and we even drooled over boys together! 

It was a good night, images were made, and I made some new friends along the way.  

Title: Trendsetting.Another Terryflection… I just can’t seem to walk past a window lately! This one is pure Diva-licious.

Title: Trendsetting.

Another Terryflection… I just can’t seem to walk past a window lately! This one is pure Diva-licious.

Title: Brew-House.We all scream for coffee… PS, I know the saying is Ice Cream but coffee makes me scream more! =)

Title: Brew-House.

We all scream for coffee… PS, I know the saying is Ice Cream but coffee makes me scream more! =)

Title: Sucker Punch.This past week I was talking to a young photographer / artist about their photos and brought up Color Theory. Much to my surprise he looked right back at me with the “deers in headlights” look. So there I was - the teacher, I sat him down and pulled up a website and we spent 3 hours going over it and how it related to his potential photography.So What is Color Theory?www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory After reading through the above link… think about it, take the words in and then look at past works or works that inspire you and see if you can find a direct link. Being aware of the effects of color, and using it conciously, can be a great tool in photography. Besides, it’s also fun using colors actively when you photograph. It’s a great exercise going out to shoot colors. Choose a specific color, and see how many scenes you find that will emphasize that color. This will greatly increase your color awareness. Color Theory is the basis of creativity and is just as important as composition. 

Title: Sucker Punch.

This past week I was talking to a young photographer / artist about their photos and brought up Color Theory. Much to my surprise he looked right back at me with the “deers in headlights” look. So there I was - the teacher, I sat him down and pulled up a website and we spent 3 hours going over it and how it related to his potential photography.

So What is Color Theory?
www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory 

After reading through the above link… think about it, take the words in and then look at past works or works that inspire you and see if you can find a direct link. Being aware of the effects of color, and using it conciously, can be a great tool in photography. Besides, it’s also fun using colors actively when you photograph. It’s a great exercise going out to shoot colors. Choose a specific color, and see how many scenes you find that will emphasize that color. This will greatly increase your color awareness. Color Theory is the basis of creativity and is just as important as composition. 

Title: Intoxicated.I’ve always been a fan of Chase Jarvis and his photography blog. He has a way with explaining the facts/his opinions in just the right way - honest, real, and productive. When I started my photo-blog it was Chase Jarvis who I look to as not only inspiration, but as one of the very few out there doing it right. Today I’m sharing a post from him that I often reference when talking about creatives, photographers, and the creative process. Enjoy.10 Things Every Creative Person (THAT’S YOU) Must Learn by Chase Jarvishttp://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2011/10/ten-things-every-creative-person-must-learn/  

Title: Intoxicated.

I’ve always been a fan of Chase Jarvis and his photography blog. He has a way with explaining the facts/his opinions in just the right way - honest, real, and productive. When I started my photo-blog it was Chase Jarvis who I look to as not only inspiration, but as one of the very few out there doing it right. Today I’m sharing a post from him that I often reference when talking about creatives, photographers, and the creative process. Enjoy.

10 Things Every Creative Person (THAT’S YOU) Must Learn by Chase Jarvis

http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2011/10/ten-things-every-creative-person-must-learn/

 

Title: Exit Strategy.As great as Photoshop or any image editing software is, the output you get is only as good as the input you give it. Photoshopping might make an ugly photo look better, but it’ll never make it look good. When it comest to contrast… the previous statement could not be truer. A photographer should view processing as bringing out the already inherent goodness in your images – much like polishing enhances the latent beauty of silver. Remember to strive to get everything right in-camera, and your processed images will be that much more impressive. … I’m hopping off my soapbox now, enjoy! 

Title: Exit Strategy.

As great as Photoshop or any image editing software is, the output you get is only as good as the input you give it. Photoshopping might make an ugly photo look better, but it’ll never make it look good. When it comest to contrast… the previous statement could not be truer. A photographer should view processing as bringing out the already inherent goodness in your images – much like polishing enhances the latent beauty of silver. Remember to strive to get everything right in-camera, and your processed images will be that much more impressive. 

… I’m hopping off my soapbox now, enjoy! 

Title: Coffeemakers.I will never get tired of taking pictures of baristas… these two barista divas at Saugatuck’s Uncommon Grounds can totally rock out a killer latte.

Title: Coffeemakers.

I will never get tired of taking pictures of baristas… these two barista divas at Saugatuck’s Uncommon Grounds can totally rock out a killer latte.

Title: Summertime Market.Who says you can’t do a portrait session at night? Not me! I wanted to share a photo of The Summertime Market’s Andrew Milauckas posing in front of his produce truck. I love the glow factor in this photo and it was a blast working with Andrew at the Farm to Table dinner in Saugatuck, Michigan. If you are ever in the Saugatuck-Douglas area be sure to check out The Summertime Market - they are not only passionate about locally grown food but they give back to the local community. Good peeps.

Title: Summertime Market.

Who says you can’t do a portrait session at night? Not me! I wanted to share a photo of The Summertime Market’s Andrew Milauckas posing in front of his produce truck. I love the glow factor in this photo and it was a blast working with Andrew at the Farm to Table dinner in Saugatuck, Michigan. If you are ever in the Saugatuck-Douglas area be sure to check out The Summertime Market - they are not only passionate about locally grown food but they give back to the local community. Good peeps.