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. 

Alexis: 7 Months

B. Farnum Photography

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

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

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. 

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

You Must Have A Really Nice Camera!

So I have heard this statement over and over again this Summer & Fall. WOW! You must have a really nice, expensive, a lot of Megapixels, or a my favorite a great autofocus. What I want to say, and what I say are entirely different. I just nod smile and continue shooting the events as they unfold before me.

I do have a nice camera a Canon 5D (not a II) and a bunch of Canon L-Series lenses which help me work and photograph the way I want to. What the average photo enthusiast or point & shooter doesn't happen to understand is that I don't merely take a "Snap Shot", I am looking to create a certain look and feel to the images I make. I am not simply pressing the shutter in hopes that I might have a good image, I know when I will have a good image.

So the next time you are at a function where there is a professional photographer at a event that you are attending, please just know that they are there to work.  Everyone's view and perspectives are different. But just knowing a photographer or any artist for that matter is working out their creative vision. Their real focus is going to be on how this will look like to them, the client, and the general population.

Remember This:

Before you take a photo, ask yourself is this something I would want to look at, or better yet hang on my wall for others to see.

Keep Living Your Dreams.

Brian Farnum

B. Farnum Photography

Photography Editing we use at B. Farnum Photography

Adobe Photoshop CS5 Software for Mac Apple 
Aperture 3 Software
Nik¤Software Silver Efex Pro 2 Software

Softboxes vs. Umbrellas Photography Lighting

Great Video From the folks at B&H Photo

Cable Release For iPhone

iPhone Photography

You can know use your headset, that comes with your iPhone as a shutter release cable. Simply plug the headset into the headphone jack and use the (+) Volume Up button to take your photo. This will help prevent camera shake that is most always a problem when hand holding your iPhone, because you will be able to lean the camera against something.

Need a Tripod for Your Iphone?
XShot iPhone 4 Case With Detachable Tripod Adapter
Joby Gorillamobile For iPhone 4

Another cool aspect is that you no longer have to touch the screen to take a photo, but you can use the (+) Volume Up button on your actual iPhone to take your photos. You can also add a grid to help you compose your photos, all you rule of thirds peeps will be super excited for this addition.

Wedding Photography Tips

B & H Photo Videos provide some fantastic tips to Wedding Photographers who are just starting out.

Google Plus a Photographers Wonderland

Ever take a photo, then wonder what other people will say about the photograph? Want a place to learn about new gear, the latest editing software or a hot new plug-in? Google Plus has created a photographers wonderland. You can post a photo, within seconds or sometimes minutes will start getting feedback from your peers. Constructive criticism most of the time, but all valuable insights into what others might be thinking about an image you created.

Many times other photographers will +1 the image or even share the image.By sharing the image it will go in front of many more sets of eyes, everyone that's in their circles. But the greatest thing about when someone shares your post! You can see the comments that are being added to the original post. Something that Facebook does not do or doesn't want to do.

From a marketing standpoint this is flipping amazing, you can show off your work to that many more sets of eyes. This will help your work be seen around the world, it might not bring extra business your way initially but you never know who can potentially see your images. Director of photography for a magazine, a curator for a museum, or a buyer for an ad agency.

Website:
B. Farnum Photography

Circle Me: Photographers
Google+

Bring Guns to a Knife Fight..

Today's photography market seems to be evolving on a daily basis with new inventions such as the new camera from Lytro (light field camera) is going to change the way a photographer sees a composition. You can frame the shot, then refocus anywhere within the frame.

Photographers remember to evolve, or you will be left in the past... KodaChrome, Polaroids.. When gear becoming cheaper..newer technology drives down the prices of the older models. Cameras that used to cost 10,000+ dollars, you can know capture the same quality with a camera that costs a fraction of that price.

Notice I said Quality, because you can have the best equipment and still not be able to capture a good image. The camera doesn't make photographer, the photographer is the eye in the vision he wishes to create. What's your vision, wanting you to express.

Something to think about:

Price Comparison $2,300 (Canon) to $41,995 (Hasselblad)
21 MP vs. 60 MP
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only)
Hasselblad H4D-60 Digital SLR Camera

Do 39 more MegaPixels make that much difference? Well I would save the $39,695 and spend it on marketing. If no one knows about you or your business how many people are going to buy your photographs or book you? Food for thought photogs.

B. Farnum Photography

Ray Flash Abstract

When its a cold night in Vermont during the winter, you can go a little crazy. So this is one of the many images that I have created to inspire creativity during the winter months.

Gear Used:
ExpoImaging Ray Flash Ring Flash Adapter for Canon 580EX II to EOS1D/1DS/1V
Canon Speedlite 580EX II

Vermont State Fair Photographs

 The New Lighting for the Ferris Wheel from Colman Bros. Shows is flipping amazing the LED lights light up the entire midway.. I cannot stop watching the various patterns and colors.

This Pattern of the Ferris Wheel looks kind of like a spinning top..

Photos taken using a Manfrotto Tripod w/ Ball Head

Rent Your Photographic Equipment

As with many emerging photographers or even seasoned pros sometimes budgets are tight when you need to purchase a new piece of equipment for an upcoming job. Sometimes equipment can fail, break or can even be stolen. What do you do when you have a shoot in three days and no equipment? I turn to the awesome people over at Borrow Lenses

B&H does not even offer rentals, Adorama and Calumet both place holds on your credit card.

Adorama "a major Non-Debit Credit Card with enough line of credit available to hold the full replacement value of the equipment you are renting. Once we receive your equipment back and if there are no damages or losses, the Security Deposit on your card is released."

Calumet "A deposit for the full-replacement cost of the equipment is required unless other arrangements are made in advance.We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Optima and Discover cards. Sorry, we cannot accept Visa or Mastercard check/debit cards or overseas credit cards drawn on non-USA banks. A valid driver’s license or, current passport is also required."

I see from a business stand point why they put a hold on a credit card for the full amount, they need to make sure that in the event of you not returning the item, it being broke or misplaced they can cover the whole cost of the item. It would make more sense to me if they put a hold on the credit card at their cost not at the retail value of the item. But then the public could see what the percentage of markup on the camera equipment is.

My answer to this dilemma is to check out BorrowLenses.com Website, they have all of the major camera brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus and all of the accessories to go with all of the cameras. If you are looking to rent lighting, backdrops, tripods, strobes, pocket wizards or external flashes you can also get them at BorrowLenses.com