Reading assignment

This week I read three sections from my textbook, Nature Photography, by Tim Fitzharris. The first section I read was called The Power of Perspective. It identified some key techniques about how to create a sense of depth in photos using compositional elements, and camera settings/lenses. One specific offered is the use of size cues. Using the relative size of features within a landscape can create a sense of depth, because objects that are close appear larger than similar objects far away. Another way to create  depth is by using a wide angle lens. They increase the perceived distance between elements in the composition and give a feeling of deep space. Other topics covered that help with creating depth are, the hight from the ground your camera is set at, overlapping of elements within the picture plane, side lighting your scene, atmospherics, and incorporating multiple planes within a shot. 

The next section I read is, Nature's Mystical Mirrors. This section uncovers how to record dramatic reflections from water elements within a land scape. The section offers advice as to what kind of equipment is needed and how to scout out where you should shoot from in advance. It also touches on specific elements such as lighting, subject angle, and compositional elements, which all can play a part in getting a shot with beautiful ascetics.  Last the section offers advise as to when the best time of day to shoot reflections is and how to use filters so that the reflection is sharp, and both shadows and highlights show fine detail and full color.

The final section read was, Working at close range. This section explains the use of accessories, and lenses for close up photography. The section first suggests the use of a macro zoom lens which can be quite expensive, but can be used on a range of subjects of a vast scale in size. Photographers can also work with different extension tubes and bellows, depending on how wary their subject might be. When ambient light is low the text suggests using supplementary lenses with teleconverters. Telephoto lenses are often your best bet when shooting wary objects because they allow you to maintain adequate distance from the subject. Wide angle lenses with short extension tubes create a feeling of expanded perspective, while tilt shift lenses make a maximum use of depth of field. Tilt shifts make use of larger apertures and faster shutter speeds which freeze motion. Last, the text covers the use of flashes when shooting close up. It's important to position your flash and defuse it in a way so that high lights are present, without over lighting the subject to the point that contrasts are washed out. 

Overall I found each section very insightful, and can't wait to test out my newly learned techniques in the field.