Reverse Your Thinking to Create Stunning Landscapes

by Don Smith

The art of seeing in my opinion is a process which can be learned. I hear from many of my workshop participants that they "don't have a lot of artistic ability." I tell them "try reversing your thinking when in the field." Most amateurs tend to think subject first while most pros think light. Personally I am drawn to quality light and/or great color. In my visual process, subject ranks third on the list. Let's take a look at the two styles and see which category works best for you.

Let's start by examining the traditional way most of us approach photographing a landscape. We usually have a location, or a subject for that matter, which we want to photograph. Many times we are either on vacation or in a location not near our homes and we may simply want to make a record shot. This is thinking "subject first." In other words the old Seals and Croft song: "We May Never Pass This Way Again" plays in our brains and we simply accept the light that Mother Nature is providing - we have no other choice. If we have time in our busy schedules we may think early morning or late afternoon light, but nevertheless, we accept the light that is there, the main intent is recording the subject.

Don's interest in photography began in his high school years while spending recreation time in the Sierra Mountains. he discovered the work of Ansel Adams and began photographing and printing his own Black and White images. He started working professionally in 1982 after graduating from San Jose State's journalism program specializing in sports and landscape photography. He is currently co team photographer for the San Jose sharks NHL hockey team. In addition he conducts workshops and  teaches as a guest instructor with the Gary Hart Photography Workshops. He lives in the Monterey Bay area of California with his wife, children and pets; close to the Big Sur and Sierra Mountains landscapes he loves to photograph.

Learn More about Don Smiths articles and workshops by visiting his web site http://www.donsmithphotography.com

Shooting Underwater Photography on a Budget

By Jeff Cable


I just returned from a nice relaxing trip to Hawaii and, as always, I returned with a whole lot of digital pictures. But, this time I came home with a different view of Maui, pictures from below the surface of the water.

In past trips with my family I have tried using a disposable film camera and have always been disappointed with the pictures once they were developed. When snorkeling, I would see beautifully vibrant fish with amazing shades of blues and yellows and when I looked at my pictures, the images were washed out (no pun intended) and boring.

This trip was different. I was armed with the new waterproof Pentax WPi digital camera (www.pentax.com). For an affordable $300, this point-and-shoot camera takes very good pictures in or out of the water. This 6MP camera looks like most others but can be submerged in water of up to 1.5 meters without worry. This also means that the camera can be used in sandy areas (like the beach) and then simply washed off when you return home. In the past I would avoid bringing a camera to the beach since I am nervous about getting sand in the camera.

READ MORE

http://www.pixoasis.com/newsletter/2008/01/Jeff_
Cable-Shooting_Underwater_Photography_on_a_Budget.pdf

Copyright © 2008 Jeff Cable - All Rights Reserved

Like many photographers, Jeff Cable started shooting pictures for friends and his hobby soon gained a following. He has photographed some of the most famous athletes in the San Francisco Bay Area and worked with some of the top photographers in the United States and Canada.

Jeff is best known for his knowledge of technology and the combination of the high-tech equipment and his eye for images. He embraced digital cameras before it was widely accepted by the industry and has continued to exploit the latest in technology to provide the best images with the best equipment.

You can visit Jeff's webpage
www.jeffcable.com

Other Articles by Jeff Cable:
- Take a closer look - The fun of macro photography
- Don't stop shooting now - It's "The Golden Hour"!
- Shooting Fast - The Rule of Numbers
- What is the difference between a $300 lens and a $2000 lens?

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