This week’s assignment over in the forums focused on Horizons. We saw all kinds of horizons this week, but a few stood out. In particular we were looking for shots where the horizon was the main subject. There were a number of lovely landscapes that had a horizon, but the focus was really on the foreground to make the shot more interesting. Our winners made sure to focus on the horizon.

Our winner this week was dulceylima‘s Orchard Lake. This was one of the reflection shots that really let us focus on the horizon. It had a very nice reflection and the muted colours were very soothing.

Our first runner up was’s FlyingKiwiGirl‘s stormy sky. Although this shot used water, it didn’t focus on reflections to create interest at the horizon. The way the light created a line along the horizon made it really stand out.

And last, but not least was devel‘s grassy field. Although the colour palette seems almost surreal, the low horizon really worked well here.

We also started our Interior Photography: Rooms assignment this week. Perhaps you are taking a shot of a room in your home to show off a recent change or maybe you are interested in real estate photography. If you’ve tried it, you know there is more to making a room look it’s best than a simple snapshot. Lighting, lens choice, perspective, and reflections are all things to keep in mind. Look at your room carefully, check to see if you need to rearrange furniture or add some textural interest. Accessories work, too, but don’t overdo it. Colorful accents (fruit, flowers, pillows) or an open book, for example. Should the windows be covered or will the natural light add something to your shot? Do you have a focal point you want to emphasize: a fireplace, a large window, an inviting chair? Don’t forget to remove distracting clutter. Think about the feeling you want to give the room: warm and inviting, artistic, cozy, sleek and modern, among others. Try looking at it from the view of trying to sell this place. As always though, a quick reminder of the rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 14 and 24 September 2011. Second, your post must include the words “Interior Photography: Rooms” and the date the photo was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s useful if you can include some of the main points, such as camera, lens, shutter speed, and aperture.

Our next assignment will be Stressed. Sometimes it just feels like there’s too much to do and not nearly enough time. So next week, grab your camera and show us what stress looks like to you.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (18-24 Sep ’11)

This week we asked you to put away your usual camera (unless your cell phone is your usual camera), for our Cameraphone Shots assignment. Camera phones can provide results that range from being crisp as a normal camera to having a distinctively lo-fi effect. And when it comes down to it, all of these types of images can be interesting in the right situation. Our winners this week really used their gear to the fullest, and this week we have one of my favourite sort of results: none of the winners had more than 100 posts. The reason I really like these kind of results is that it goes to show that you don’t have to be a frequent contributor to the forums to have a chance to have your photo featured. In fact, our runner-up this week has only 1 post! But before we get to that, this week’s winner was Dr_Drill.

Dr_Drill‘s lovely landscape of Rawson Lake in Canada, taken with an iPhone. This is a big picture for a little phone. And wow, what a landscape it is. The low clouds, the snow, the texture of the hills, and to top it all off, the reflection in the lake. It seems almost the quintessential image of Canada. Overall, it’s a wonderful shot that many people would struggle to capture even with a DSLR. Nicely done!

Our first runner up was mryakima. With their first post on the forum, they posted this lovely sunflower image, taken with a Samsung Galaxy S. The vibrant colours and a pleasing composition really made this one stand out. The golden tones in the flowers are lovely, and you can really tell that it’s sunrise with the colours in the sky. It all really comes together nicely.

Now, a camera phone assignment wouldn’t be complete without at least one photo that makes use of the Lo-Fi trend made popular by apps such as Hipstamatic. ebojorq‘s birthday shot does just that. Even with the Lo-Fi processing, the photo still captures the joy of the moment, and in fact, the processing adds some really interesting colour to the scene as well.

Nicely done everyone!

This week also marked the start of our Horizons assignment. We want you to take a landscape shot with a particular emphasis on the horizon, making it the focus of your image. Cityscapes, mountains, lakes, oceans and tree lines can all make for interest at the horizon. Try using the lighting to your advantage as well and consider shooting at different times of day. And of course, make sure those horizons are horizontal. As always, a quick reminder of the rules though. First, your photo must have been taken between 7 and 21 September 2011. Second, your post must include the word “Horizons” and the date the photo was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s useful if you can include some of the main points, such as camera, lens, shutter speed, and aperture.

Next week we will start our Interior Photography: Rooms assignment. Whether you are taking a shot of a room in your house to show off a change or to sell, with real estate photography you may find that there is a lot more to taking a good shot than just a simple snapshot. Lighting, lens choice, perspective, and reflections are al things to keep in mind. You may even find yourself rearranging furniture or adding additional accessories to create interest. For more information and suggestions for reading, make sure to check the description in this thread

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (11-17 Sep ’11)

We finished up our Found Objects assignment this week. Some people really did well with noticing new things that they might not have otherwise noticed, and some people interpreted the concept in an interesting way. Our winners did both. We had a tie this week for first place between Obijuan and cristen. Obijuan interpreted the assignment in a rather creative way with his found broom. In this shot it’s really the expression on the girls’ faces that makes it. Not to mention a really well done shot overall.

cristen spotted something that was unlikely to be noticed unless you were looking for it, and that was a small plant in the window panes. The contrast of the rust against the newness of the plant created a very nice shot.

And last, but not least was RC Nofrada‘s shoes on a wire. We’re all used to seeing birds on wires, but you don’t always see shoes there, and you especially don’t always see such new looking shoes! This was one of the shots that really matched the idea of found objects well and there’s a nice clear contrast between the blue and black.

Nicely done guys!

We started our Cameraphone assignment this week too. Lots of us have cameras in our phones these days, and it can be really helpful for when you don’t happen to have your main camera with you. We want you to show us how you can use your camera phone to prove that its’ the photographer, not the gear that makes a great shot and shoot with your camera phone this week. As always though, a quick reminder of our weekly assignment rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 31 August and 15 September 2011. Second, your post must include the words “Cameraphone Shots” and the date the photo was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s useful if you can include some of the main points, such as camera, lens, shutter speed, and aperture.

Our next assignment will be Horizons. Next week we will be doing a landscape shot with particular emphasis on the horizon. I want you to make the horizon line the focus of your image. Cityscapes, mountains, lakes, oceans, treelines, all can make interesting horizon lines. Try using lighting – sunrise, sunset, or manmade – , contrast, reflections, and/or colour to bring attention to your skyline. And don’t forget to keep your horizons horizontal!

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (4-10 Sep ’11)

Trees are all around us, and they were also the focus of our weekly assignment this week. Trees can be found in forests, in cities, even if they are sparse at times, and in all sorts of different places. Our winners this week found interesting ways to interpret the assignment and to photograph their trees.

Our winner this week was debsij‘s broccoli trees. This one stood out because it took us a few seconds to realise that it wasn’t actually trees. It was a creative use of something different to create the idea of trees. It was really outside the box and well carried out. Nicely done!

Our first runner up was phillj‘s tree shot that had a very watercolour feel to it. The slow shutter speed really worked well here and it presents an excellent example of how sometimes you want to have movement in your photos. And it just goes to show that you don’t always need photoshop to create effects like this.

And last, but not least was mshockley‘s detailed tree shot which focused on the bark of the tree. This one has really nice sharp focus and really directs your eye to the texture of the tree.

Nicely done everyone!

We also started our newest assignment this week, which is Found Objects. Whether it’s something you’ve found along the side of the road or something you found in the attic, we want you to photograph something unusual or out of place. Keep your eyes on your surrounds to find things you might not ordinarily see. As always, a quick reminder of the rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 24 August and 7 September 2011. Second, your post must include the words “Found Objects” and the date the photo was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s useful if you can include some of the main points, such as camera, lens, shutter speed, and aperture.

Next week our assignment will be Cameraphone Shots. Almost everyone has a camera on their phone these days. And it can be really handy to have when you don’t have your normal camera with you. Lots of people also use these as their secondary camera, and with all the photo apps out there these days, you can really create something interesting. So put away the DSLR this week and focus on taking a really excellent shot with the camera on your phone.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (28 Aug – 3 Sep ’11)

We finished up our assignment on the Joys of Childhood this week. And in one of our rare outcomes, we had a 3-way tie for first place. So this week, in no particular order, we have three really stand out shots that we think captured the joys of childhood.

First up is Specialk‘s boy with a a boot. Getting dirty is often a part of childhood, but what really made this shot special was the sense of wonderment that was captured on the little boy’s face.

Next up is cgibbs‘s boy in a swing. Once again, it’s really the expression that catches the eye here. And the out of focus person in the background also helps contribute to the story. Not to mention it being a perfectly timed action shot.

And finally, we have Meggsiek‘s little girl setting on the grass in “Life on the Farm”. One of the greatest joys of childhood is being able to sit around with your toes in the grass and the sun on your face, and once again, you can see the joy and relaxation in the little girl’s face.

Well done everyone!

We also started our latest assignment this week, which is Trees. With such a simple topic, the hard part is making it interesting. Whether it’s a single, lone tree, a forest, or something in between, try using an unusual point of view to create interest. As always though, a quick reminder of the rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 17-31 August 2011. Second, your post must include the word “Trees” and the date the photo was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s useful if you can include some of the main points, such as camera, lens, shutter speed, and aperture.

Next week’s assignment will be Found Objects. Maybe it’s something you see along the side of the road. Maybe a treasure you found in your attic. Have you find something that seems unusual or out of place? Keep your eyes open and really look at the things you might not generally notice for our next assignment.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (21-27 Aug ’11)

We finished up our Silhouettes assignment this week, and we had some really fantastic entries. So much so, that we had a tie for this week’s winner. So, tied for first place were Bruce A and BryanC.

Starting with Bruce, his shot of the mother and daughter out together for a run / ride was just fantastic. The massive sky was just the start of this. What really made the shot was the way that the subjects positions mimicked each other. It created a really interesting image that got stuck in all our minds.

Moving on then to Bryan’s photo… first, where does a Chicago photographer find a moose? We’re not sure, but what we do know is that the colours here are fantastic, and the clear silhouette really stands out. Especially the antlers against the bright orange.

And last, but not least at all was another sunset shot, this time by Annwen. Again, there were gorgeous colours, but what really was interesting here were the flames in the foreground. You expected them to light up the figure, but they didn’t, which actually added some extra interest in front of a silhouette, which is something you don’t always get.

Well done everyone!

This week we started our Joys of Childhood assignment. Think back on your childhood. What were the simple things that delighted you? Watch your own children. What little discoveries are they making while they play? Mudpies or stickball, tea parties or playgrounds, try to capture those childhood pleasures we forgot as we grew up. You can use this as a chance to practice children’s portrait photography or use objects and/or places if there are no children available to you. As always though, a quick reminder of the rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 10 – 24 August 2011. Second, your post must include the words “Joys of Childhood” and the date the photo was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact and it’s helpful if you can include some of the main points such as camera, lens, aperture, ISO, etc.

Our next assignment will be Trees. Although it’s a simple topic, the difficult part is making it interesting. Whether it’s a single lone tree, a forest, or something in between, your goal is to shoot a tree in an interesting way. Try using different points of view or the angle of the sun to highlight the tree or trees. Consider the use of colour or black and white in your choice as well.

Good luck everyone!

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (14-20 Aug ’11)

We’re back again with this week’s weekly assignment winners from the forum.

Over the last week we finished up our Zoom While Shooting assignment. Zooming while shooting is a great way to create an interesting effect without using post-processing. Our winners this week all used the effect to create interesting images.

Our winner this week was Corey Thompson‘s “Zoom Zoom”. As he said, we never said that you couldn’t get the effect by moving the camera (and in fact, that is one technique that can be used!) So he got the zoom by mounting his camera to his car’s side view mirror using a Gorillapod. Talk about brave! This shot has really strong composition and the complementary colour palette really works well. And all of that is highlight by exploiting the light and movement within the shot. Well done!

Our first runner up was Kayday88‘s dinosaur vs truck. In this case, the use of zoom almost makes you feel like the car is coming in from another time and heading back to the land that time forgot!

And last, but not least was phillj‘s “Street Zoom”. In this case, there was just enough shift to enhance the scene without loosing too many details. And it’s also an example of a scene that works even with the subject centred.

Well done everyone!

We also started our newest assignment this week, which is Silhouettes. A silhouette is a darkened, featureless person or object in a photo. With the proper use of light, this can make a very striking image. If you’re looking for tips on how to shoot silhouettes, check out the first post in the start of the thread linked to above. As always, a quick reminder of the rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 3 – 17 August 2011. Second, your post must include the word “Silhouette” and the date the photo was taken. Finally, it’s helpful if you can include some of the main EXIF data such as camera, lens, aperture, ISO, etc.

Our next assignment will be The Joys of Childhood. Think back on your childhood. What were the simple things that delighted you? Watch your own children. What little discoveries are they making while they play? Mudpies or stickball, tea parties or playgrounds, try to capture those childhood pleasures we forgot as we grew up. You can use this as a chance to practice children’s portrait photography or use objects and/or places if there are no children available to you.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (7-13 Aug ’11)

For those in the northern hemisphere, it’s mid-summer, and Leisure seems to be on everyone’s mind. So, as we bring our Leisure assignment to a close, we picked out three photos that we thought really exemplified leisure.

Our winner this week was bigrobo89‘s “Tumble Dryer” a.k.a. wet dog. No matter who you are, this photo is bound to make you smile. bigrobo89 caught this movement at just the right time and the look on the golden retriever’s face is just pure happiness. The water drops flying around really give a good feeling of movement. Well done!

Our first runner up was Irn72‘s “Cold Beer After Work”. With this shot, the way the subject fills the frame really works well to show what was focus. The post processing was also good, and as one judge said, “it looks yummy!”

And last, but not least was lensonsim‘s “Leisure by Sunset”. This shot just exudes quite, peaceful, serenity. The colours are great, and the silhouette works really well.

Nicely done everyone!

Unusual Viewpoints is out most recent assignment. Do you remember your first early shots with a camera? The ones you took standing straight up and shooting what was right in front of you? Then you learned that bending to face a child was better than just looking down at them. Pretty soon you were shooting from all sorts of strange heights. So for this assignment we want you to take a shot of a subject of your choice, but from an unusual angle. As always, a quick reminder of the rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 20 July – 3 August 2011. Second, your post must include the words “Unusual Viewpoints” and the date the photo was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s useful if you can include some of the main points such as camera, lens, aperture, ISO, etc.

Our next assignment will be Zoom While Shooting. You’ll need a zoom lens for this one in order to create the effect right in your camera. No editing should be used to create it afterwards on your computer, though other editing is allowed.

Best of luck everyone!

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (24-30 Jul ’11)

We finished up our Cinematic Widescreen assignment this week and there were some really creative entries. But there were some really stand out entries as well.

Our winner this week was debsij‘s Silence of the Lambs shot. This one really stood out because it was clear exactly what movie was being referenced. It was also carried out really well with the selective colour really helping to emphasise the eyes and the butterfly. Nicely done!

Our first runner up was burningphotography‘s Grapes of Wrath. Although it’s not quite as dusty as the original movie, the emptiness in the scene prevails. The 16:9 aspect ration also helps to further emphasise the expansiveness of the landscape.

And last, but not least was Samuel Hearn‘s “Love Embrace”. This shot really made us think it could be from any number of romantic movies. The tones, the composition and the background all work well, making it seem like it was almost captured mid-pan.

Nicely done everyone!

With summer hitting everyone in the northern hemisphere, our most recently posted assignment is Leisure. We want to see what defines leisure for you, keeping in mind the rules of composition and lighting to create an interesting shot. Make sure it’s more exciting than looking at the dreaded “vacation photos”. As always, a quick reminder of the rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 13-27 July 2011. Second, your post must include the date the photo was taken and the word “Leisure” in either the post title or in the post somewhere. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s useful if you can include some of the main points, such as camera, lens, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.

Our next assignment will be using Unusual Viewpoints. This week you can photograph a subject of your choice, but do so from an unusual angle. Get up high, get down low, turn your camera, but use the unusual angle to create an interesting shot. Make the use of the angle work for your picture to further emphasise the story you’re trying to tell.

Until next week!

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (17-23 Jul ’11)

We finished up the Independence assignment this week over in the forums. We saw a lot of different ways to interpret independence, and because of the holidays, we also saw a lot of fireworks shots this week. However, the shots that really stood out to our judges were ones that evoked a feeling of independence, and in all of our choices, it turned out to include a human element.

Our winner this week was unmnorth‘s self portrait. As he describes it “As a photographer, independence means self portrait! As an athlete, running is independence” and that description really stood out to our judges, along with the photograph. The dramatic dark sky contrasting with the cement steps (along with the subject along a diagonal line) really pulls your eye into the scene.

Our first runner up was droidgirl‘s Freedom. As she said in her description, “Independence is – freedom from pants”. One judge described this photo in a single word: “Awesome”. It seems to tell a rather unique, if not somewhat funny story, and the vintage / aged sort of tones in the photo really work well here.

And last, but not least was heartmysony‘s “Baby’s steps to independence”. They grow up quick enough, and the way that the baby is moving away from the camera really suggests that she’s trying to find hew own way. It’s a really cute photo that also emphasises that idea of independence.

Well done everyone!

We started our newest assignment this week, focusing on Cinematic Widescreen. This assignment presents you with a triple challenge. First, there is the technical requirement that your photos be cropped in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Second, there is the conceptual challenge of trying to pick a scene that looks like it could have come from a film. Finally, there is the extra challenge of suggesting a title for the movie you have in mind. And if that’s not enough, a quick rundown of our usual assignment rules. First, your photo must have been taken between 6-20 July 2011. Second, your post must include the words “Cinematic Widescreen” and the date the picture was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact, and it’s helpful if you can include some of the main points, such as camera, lens, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.

For those lucky enough to be in the northern hemisphere and enjoying summer right now, “Leisure” is almost certainly on their minds, and that’s why it’s our next assignment. We want to know what defines leisure for you. Keep in mind, you need to put some work into your leisure assignment and think about the rules of composition and lighting and not just take a snapshot. Above all, try to make it interesting. We all know how deadly dull looking at someone’s vacation and family snaps can be, so give us a reason to look at your images.

Hot Threads

• Where Do You Go to See Beautiful Photos?: In a post this weekend on the blog about getting out of a photography rut, there was talk about looking at the work of others to find things that inspire you. This topic also came up in the forums recently. So where do you go to see pictures that inspire you? Come check out the list on the forums and add your own suggestions too.
• Whom to Please?: One forum member asked about the different reactions that you get when you show different people your photos, and that brought up the question of who should you please when you’re trying to take photos? Should it be you? Your audience, someone else? Come share your thoughts and join the discussion over on the forums.
• Wedding Dress Code: This is a thread that’s been around on the forums for a little while, but it still asks a good question: what is appropriate to wear as a wedding photographer? Come share your thoughts with us on the forums.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

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This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (10-16 Jul ’11)