Baby Your A Firework!! 10 Things That Might Help You Photograph Fireworks!!

Firework Photography: B. Farnum Photography Prints For Sale

10 Things I have learned about taking photographs of fireworks:

1.  Tripod- You are going to need a tripod, hand holding is not an option.

2. (B) is for Bulb, I generally click the shutter release when I first hear the firework being shot off. Using the Bulb setting on your camera, you can play around with exposure times. .

3.  DO NOT.. keep your camera in Air Conditioning before taking it outdoors, especially when doing the 4th of July fireworks display..(Yes I did do this the second time I ever photographed fireworks, missed the entire fireworks display)

4. Scout out the location, before you set everything up. 

5. Compose the shot before, generally speaking, because fireworks do have a mind of their own sometimes. But you want to make sure that you can capture them fully and fill the frame the best you can. 

6. Bug Spray- because in Vermont, the mosquitoes are bloodthirsty.

7. Try and stay away from street lights or other forms of light that can through off your exposure. 

8. F-Stop I try to use the largest f-stop I can, I start with f/8 and increase from there, to increase the depth of field of the image. Because sometimes explosions happen in different places, having a larger depth of field helps ensure that more than one firework will be in focus. 

9. Cable release, because touching the shutter release will shake the camera even if it's on a tripod. It's really hard to use the timer on the camera, it can be done but too many variables are working against you to achieve the shots you are looking for. A cable release will prove to be a tool you will use all the time, buy one!

10. ISO- I try to use 100-200 ISO so I don't get fuzziness from the pixels. Because you want the edges the sharp. 

Photos to Oils

Photos To Oils: Brian Farnum
B. Farnum Photography


Software used: Topaz Adjust & Photoshop CS6


 Well as everyone can imagine the Winter's in Vermont, can suck the creativity out of you with the lack of an extensive color palette. I created these to provide a creative outlet for myself, because I was feeling like I need to express myself. When I make art for me, I always love the project that much more. All of the original photos were taken by me, Brian Farnum of B. Farnum Photography.

Enjoy!

Prints are available as well, Photos To Oils

Sugar House: Photo to Oil

 

Vermont Photographer:

Brian Farnum

B. Farnum Photography

West Hill Road: Photo to Oil

From Headlines to Timelines

From Headlines to Timelines       

         30 years ago something became news when you woke up in the morning,  grabbed the paper from out front, sipping your coffee to read what happened in the world yesterday.  

   YESTERDAY!!

       Yesterday is no longer relevant in today's digital age. Artists or Photographers who make headlines today, might be lost in the shuffle of what is current or trending. Make it a daily effort to put your work out on a daily basis, you never know who will pick up on it in their Timeline! One post can change your life forever. Be diligent in your digital battle, if know one knows about you. How can they hire you?

Brian Farnum~ Vermont Wedding & Portrait Photographer
B. Farnum Photography

Vermont Brides

Today's Thoughts on Photography 2/6/13

When I wake up I am always in battle mode it seems to gain new likes, re-tweets, comments and shares. I have been focused on the whole picture and have really have forgot about my own backyard. I should be focusing on growing my local base. Getting caught up in the digital rat race can suck the creativity and drive out of you, when you don't see instant results. Vermont is very supportive of the buy local movement, I need to find a catalyst to engage with my potential customer base through this avenue.


Brian Farnum
B. Farnum Photography 

Vermont Winter Photography

Vermont is a beautiful state all four seasons, if you are looking for a laid back atmosphere to bring your family on a winter get away Vermont is totally the place of easy living. With the vast amount of outdoor activities you will not be asking yourself what should we do, instead you will be asking yourself what do we do next. 

B. Farnum Photography

2 New Motivational Books for Photographers..

In my endless quest for business knowledge and love for reading, I search for books that not only are pleasurable to read, but also innovative and game changing. It's my belief that if you can use or gain at least one concept or an idea that can navigate your business to the path to success, than it's worth it. I love that I can now buy digital copies of books, I don't have to carry around 6 books, just my iPad or iPhone. Convenience is the king in my world of books.

Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth:
Sarah Petty & Erin Verbeck have information that will take your photography business to the next level, you will learn why a boutique business is so much different from the big box chains, and the shoot and burn photographers.
Plus you gain insight on why you can charge more for your photography! It's not just for photographers, if you are running a boutique style business of any kind. You will be missing a key component to your business knowledge, without the knowledge on these pages.




Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
This a quick and easy read about how you can change your perspective on how creativity is really something of a mixed bag of tricks that one acquires through the art of subtraction and a simple concept that no one actually thinks about "Do good work and share it with people." (p.79 Austin Kleon)

B. Farnum Photography

Alexis: 7 Months

B. Farnum Photography

Salvador Dali- The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg

Going to The Dali museum in St. Petersburg Florida is my absolute favorite place to go while in Florida besides South Beach, Miami. This was the first time that I had visited the museum at its new location. The stairwell inside and the glass triangles that cover most of the side and some of the top was an amazing site to see.

Using bracketed exposures and converting those into HDR (High Dynamic Range) photographs like those you see below. I thought making these photos look surreal was a way to show my love for Salvador Dali's +artwork.

Each of the panes of triangular glass offers a different perspective. Taken with Canon 5D

Film vs. Digital Photography

Shot with Ilford XP-2 Film

Will Kodak's demise mean that the Analog world is coming to an end? Film was the way of life for many photographers, and in my opinion can still out preform digital cameras and software.  Analog photography has taught many photographers how to frame a shot before they click the shutter. I always take more time when shooting film. If you don't like a photo on a digital camera, you can view it on the back of the camera via LCD screen if you don't like it simply press delete. Many photographers who have only shoot Digital do not understand what an F/Stop, Shutter Speed and ISO have to do with the exposure of an image. 

Many photos that are taken these days are just merely snapshots in time, only having meaning to the photographer who is snap, snap, snapping.

The expense of shooting film is no longer cost effective way to run your business, with cheaper options like Compact Flash Cards and SD Cards higher profits can be reached by the photographer. You either had to get what you needed to get within 24-36 exposures or load another roll of film. I would than pay for developing and the files to be placed in high resolution on a DVD. The cost of doing 3 rolls of film and putting them on a disk was around $65.00.

The major benefit of being able to reformat, reuse, and re-shoot with a compact flash card is nothing more than amazing.

I still will shoot all of my images that I want in black and white with either Kodak,Fuji, or Ilford films. Many of the local photo developers here in Vermont have stopped processing TRI-X films so I am forced to shoot with C41 films.

I still love the look and feel of black and white films, It's not because of nostalgia. I just believe black and white film always has more definition, contrast and tonal range. But from a business stand point, you cannot beat the price of digital.

My Favorite Films to Shoot:
Ilford XP-2 Super 135-36 B&W (Chromogenic C-41) Print Film (ISO-400)
Kodak 35mm Professional Portra Color Film (ISO 160)
Fujifilm Pro 400H 120 Professional Color Negative (Print) Film (ISO 400)
Ilford HP5 Plus 120 Black & White Print Film (ISO-400)

B. Farnum Photography Portrait & Wedding Photographer

New HDR Photos

Loving HDR EFEX from Nik Software, In my opinion it's so much better than Photomatix Pro. There are many more custom filters, the U Point controls are Awesome. You can control a specific portion of a photo, if it's too dark or needs more contrast there are sliders built into change the levels. You have total control of the look and feel of the images that you can create in HDR EFEX.

Winter in Vermont: Photographs

You can check out other photos from Vermont

B&H Photo

iPhoneography in Las Vegas

When in doubt, I always have my handy dandy iPhone in a pinch.. I will have to say it takes a pretty good photo on the fly.

Canon Instant Rebates!

I hate having to snail mail a rebate in, or for that matter even going online to fill out the form can be daunting to me some days. I am sure I am not alone, when I say I love instant rebates. They require you to do nothing, except save money instantly. What's not to love about that. I love Canon cameras, lenses and flashes so... here are some instant savings.

Canon Instant Rebates

Adobe Lightroom 3 for Mac & Windows

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Software for Mac & Windows  is on sale at B&H Photo until November 19th for $149.00 that is an instant savings $150.00.

This is the best $149.00 you will spend on your photography business, Lightroom is an amazing photo editing program.

Adobe Lightroom Product Highlights:

• Photo Organization & Management
• RAW Conversion
• Nondestructive Editing Workflow
• Tethered Shooting
• DSLR Video Support
• Enhanced Noise Reduction
• Film Grain Simulation
• Lens & Perspective Correction
• Printing & Sharing Tools

Winter is Coming... Vermont

If you like a photo, prints are available.
Thank You,
B. Farnum Photography

B&H Photo: Fall Color Photo Contest- Win 1of 3 Cameras!

Grand Prize -   

 Blending the classic feel of an all metal body with the highly popular Micro Four Thirds trend in photography, Olympus presents their E-P3 PEN Digital Camera. This version of the E-P3 includes an ED 14-42mm II R f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens as well, to get you out shooting from day one. Highly desired for many reasons, Micro Four Thirds cameras provide an easily transportable body (this one with the look and feel that only a metal body can bring to hand) along with numerous lens options and the features and functions of a full-sized DSLR camera.

Please note: Winner can choose between the camera or equivalent value in B&H gift cards.

                         

Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens- $899

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2^nd Prize

This camera puts the power to do more with your photos in the palm of your hand. Not only that, but the E-PL3 promises to do so, without weighing you down. Perhaps you’re a die-hard Micro Four Thirds fan or you’re simply looking for more versatility than a point-and-shoot can provide but without the weight of a DSLR rig. Olympus has heard the call and thus, has expanded their PEN line of cameras.

Please note: Winner can choose between the camera or equivalent value in B&H gift cards.

Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens  -$699

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3rd Prize

This camera starts you out with everything you need to take great photographs, from day one. As the name states, you’ll receive both the E-PM1 camera body and the Micro Four Thirds M.Zuiko MSC Digital ED m14-42mm II zoom lens (black lens). In addition, a number of essential accessories come included as well, such as a lithium-ion battery and battery charger.

Please note: Winner can choose between the camera or equivalent value in B&H gift cards.

Olympus E-PM1 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens -$499

Contest Instructions:

Submit your best photo showcasing fall colors for your chance to win one of the three cameras.
Entry Period: November 4th – November 17th
Voting Period: November 18th – November 27th
Winners Selected: November 28th

+One Entry Per Person+

The contest is open to US. Residents 18 and over. 

Golden Retriever Photographs

Best Uses Photography Editing Software

Photographers are busy editing, uploading, downloading, tweeting, and try to keep up with what the current trends in photography. Here is one tip that always makes the subjects skin look flawless.

Portraits/Wedding

If you are looking for a program that is easy to use, has great skin smoothing and blemishing removing tools look no further than Apple Aperture 3 Software . You can make all the adjustments that you need to give your Bride or Groom the look of a Rock Star.

Using Apple Aperture