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How To Take A Picture

Press the button.

In 2005 I bought my first personal camera. It was a tiny HP Photosmart digital camera that I carried with me everywhere. It had no manual settings whatsoever but it could fit in my pocket. All I knew is that I wanted to take photos like the ones I saw in books at the library. Nevermind that those books contained pictures from the likes of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Arthur Rothstein, Gordon Parks and more, that didn't matter. I just wanted to capture the world from my little eyes.

A Walk In The Park

Taken with a HP Photosmart digital camera.

Taken with a HP Photosmart digital camera.

Within a week of getting that camera I grabbed a few friends and headed to a local park. For some reason I was obsessed with black and white photos so pretty much every single shot I took that day was monochromatic. Most of them are pretty poorly composed, lack good depth of field and generally fall short of what I would now consider publishing, but I love all of them. One picture stands out to me in particular, mostly because of the story behind it. My friend Jen was standing in some type of almost torn down structure and the way the light came across her body was intriguing to me.

See, the whole thing was a ruse. The reason we were there wasn't to take pictures, it was to give my friend John some time "alone" with her. I was a matchmaking photographer and I'd only just got my first camera. The whole thing smacked of inauthenticity, but we didn't have a whole lot else to do in southwest Missouri at the time. Still, every time I go back through my photos, this one stands out to me. The sharp contrast between shadow and light really captures what was going on that day. two people, pulling in opposite directions but still trying to walk together.

Castles and Catching Light

My next stop with my camera was in England, where it captured quite possibly the best photo that it could take. I'd had the camera for a while now and knew how to manipulate it enough to take some decent images but on a summer day in Warwickshire, it came alive.

Taken with a HP Photosmart digital camera.

Taken with a HP Photosmart digital camera.

We were visiting Warwick Castle in the West Midlands of England and most of my shots were pretty typical ones of friends trying on armor or all the girls posing with the rugged looking archery performer (I'm looking at you Kate), but this one shot stood out. It was a prefect summer day and I found myself standing alone looking at the massive walls of the castle. I didn't do anything special, it just kind of happened. Some of the best photos you'll ever take will be spontaneous and probably not technically correct, but they'll be perfect.

Carillons and Campuses

Taken with a Pentax K110D DSLR camera.

Taken with a Pentax K110D DSLR camera.

The very next year I purchased my first DSLR camera, a Pentax K110D. It was the cheapest DSLR I could find, and the most I could afford at the time. Transferring what little about photography I'd learned from my HP point and shoot to this new camera with buttons and knobs was daunting. And fun. I found myself always carrying it with me, trying to find the perfect angle and shutter speed to expose the sensor.

At this point I was taking photojournalism courses and had the opportunity to have my work critiqued. The initial thought of having others tell me what was good or bad about my photography was frightening to say the least, but it pushed me to consider what I was looking at through the lens more.

This picture of the carillon tower on the campus of Missouri State University was one of the first that I took with my K110D and it's probably one of my favorites. I spent a good few years walking that exact path to class and had never seen the light come across it at that angle before. The truth is, I probably had never looked. That's what photography does for me. It's a mechanism to slow down and see the world around me and revel in its beauty and grandeur.

How To Take A Picture

I did a workshop a few weeks ago on taking pictures at events for a local church and the one thing I stressed was that the best camera is the camera you have with you. For most people that's their smartphone. It may not have all the capabilities of a DSLR or something else, but it's almost always close at hand. Learn to use it to your advantage.

The only thing you need to know to start taking pictures is "Press the Button." In the digital photography world, you're only constrained by how much storage space you have so take as many as you can. Experiment, have fun and show the world how you see it. Photography has taught me that every perspective is unique. We all bring some preconceived notions into the world that inform how we see it. That's what makes your photographic eye unique.

I'm going to leave you with an assignment today. Go out and take a picture of someone you don't know. Notice how freeing it is to capture the essence of someone else. Slow down and think about what you're trying to say and then press the button. That's the biggest step.

Featured image taken with a Fujifilm X-T20.

A Walk on the Galveston Seawall

There's something cathartic about walking around water. The sound it makes washing against the rocks helps soothe the mind and soul in a way that few things can. My wife and I spent a few days in Galveston, Texas this week for work but we did manage to sneak away to walk out onto a rock jetty and feel the wind and salt air.  

seawall
seawall

After reading Daniel J. Wood's excellent intro to street photography post, I was dying to take my camera out and take some walking shots. The weather the day before had been incredible, the sun rising form the water like a fiery orb. The trouble was, work came first so I pushed off my photo trip until the next day. We woke up to this pea soup style fog at 6:30 a.m., barely able to see the water from our hotel on the beach. We decided to head out anyways and use the moodiness of the weather to get some haunting, vintage style photos.

galveston
galveston

I packed my Nikon D750 with only my 50mm 1.8D and headed down to the rock jetty outside of our hotel. The day before the beachside was full of people but with the descent of the fog, we had the jetty mostly to ourselves. The more I look over the photos the more I realize my love for moody, high contrast photography. There's a grittiness to the images that comes from heightened detail and vignettes.

galveston
galveston

I've struggled with finding a distinct style for my photography but if I had to make a choice, it would tend toward the look and feel of these images. The gray and cool tones just really feel like me at the moment. I'm sure that will change at some point, but right now I'm all about pulling the melancholy out of an environment.

galveston
galveston

So even if the weather doesn't cooperate, take some pictures. You never know what lies just behind the fog.

galveston
galveston
Intro to Street Photography with Daniel J. Wood

This is the first in a series about street photography from my good friend and photographer Daniel J. Wood

So, you are looking to increase your street photography chops? Great, because there is no right or wrong camera for the job. Whatever you’ve got, it will be perfect. Okay, maybe not perfect, but it will be more than adequate. Eventually, you’ll find a style and subject that suits you and can choose camera/lens combos for your needs. In another segment we will go through different camera modes and lens types, but for now let’s take a brief walk through the history of street photography and the philosophy behind it.

streets2.jpg

A Brief History

Street photography really started to take off in the 1930s and 40s with the popularization of 35mm film which helped the photographer move around much quicker and inconspicuously compared to the larger format cameras of the time. Also, film was starting to become more light-sensitive which allowed the photographer shorter shutter durations and the ability to shoot handheld in lower light levels.

Essentially journalists, guys like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank and Walker Evans pushed photography as an art by capturing the humanist side of life. Finding emotion by using split-second decision-making in available light to create what Cartier-Bresson termed, with a book of the same name, “the decisive moment.” It was about creating something momentous of the mundane. Since then, the basic premise of street photography has been the same, taking candid photographs of humanity. Or as I like to call it, journalism of the everyday.

streets1.jpg

Tools of the Trade

Technology has come along way since then. From a smartphone to a full-frame SLR, you have the tools to get the image you want. The great thing about the camera in your phone is that the lens is similar in focal length to what most people use for street work with interchangeable lens cameras. For those who can change lenses, I am a big fan of 28mm (full-frame equivalent) lenses, which is what I have attached to my camera. Such a big fan that for my main camera, this is the only lens I have, but anything from 24mm-50mm is adequate. And as always, you are not limited to that by any means.

No matter what type of camera you are using you can easily practice several techniques to push your skills a bit further. Just because it is street photography and not some carefully crafted fine art still life doesn’t mean that composition is not important. There should still be a carefully defined foreground, middle-ground and background, but feel free to play with what is in those areas. When you use your camera enough, you start to know what the images will look like without even putting your eye to the viewfinder. Knowing this is important to composition as you will see like your camera does and therefore, what will and will not fit into the frame.

streets3.jpg

Filling The Frame

Pick a subject, a person is always nice to show emotion, but even a unique object such as a certain sign or building can be especially great if you use composition to create interesting angles and color (or tonality for those B&W shooters) changes. If it is a person, focus on them, wait for them to hit the right area of the frame or a particular glance, hit the shutter and let the magic happen.

Obviously light plays an important part, really the whole part, in photography so choosing a good time of day to shoot helps, particularly when photographing buildings. Different lighting situations will help create different moods for your images. Those times of the day in which strong shadows happen are great, but I will take shooting in or just after it rains any day — I have to take what I can get here in Seattle. Sometimes, though, the best photos happen in less than optimal conditions, so go ahead and take it. If the subject or emotion or whatever it is that grabbed your attention is great enough, who cares if it is “golden hour.” Just take the picture.

 

daniel j. wood
daniel j. wood

Daniel J. Wood is a writer, photographer and musician who currently resides in Seattle. He is a lover of music and art and is consistently working on blending different mediums together to create unique pieces that tend to focus on introspection through the outward examination of others. His works include “Self-Portraits” a hand-bound letter-pressed photo/story book featuring 4×5 fabric contact prints and “Untitled Dreams I, II and III” which are massive 35’ long prints. His ongoing project “The Streets” is a collection of photographs which document the surroundings in which he immerses himself in. The main image in this article is part of a collection called "Sea Breeze" that will be available as a book soon. Wood can be found on Instagram here.

Travel Camera Gear Guide

I recently read "Rock Your Travel Photography: Camera Gear Guide" from Ashlea of A Globe Well Travelled and it got me thinking about what my ideal travel photo camera gear setup is. Ashlea has some great tips for getting started with cameras for travel and this list is meant to build off that. And if you haven't checked out A Globe Well Travelled do so. Lots of great tips, tricks and reviews for the avid traveller. Easily one of my favorite travel blogs and some great video blogs too.

A 3.5" Digital Beginning

440px-Sony_Mavica_FD5_4040.jpg

The first digital camera that I ever used was a Sony Mavica that stored all of its imaging data on a 3.5" floppy disk. It was about as big as a sandwich box and looked nothing like what a camera was supposed to look like. I mainly lugged it around on field trips, to basketball games and making would be selfies at my house. At the time, the 0.3 megapixel images were stunning and oddly large in size when compared with the RAW image files I shoot today. It was the beginning of a love affair and pretty much replaced my collection of disposable cameras.

Since then I've tried all types of digital cameras big and small. Here's what I recommend for the budding travel photographer.

Travel Camera Gear Guide

In this guide I'll cover options for DSLR, mirrorless and smartphone cameras. I don't have a lot of experience with action cams like the GoPro Hero 5, which I'm told is the best, so if you're looking for one, that's probably the best choice.

DSLR

When it comes to DSLR's I've been a pretty loyal Nikon guy for years now. I started with a Nikon D3200 that was excellent for travel photo and video. That's now been replaced with the Nikon D3400, a compact entry DSLR that boasts a 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor. The trade off between the D3400 and my favored Nikon D750 is all in the size of sensor. The D3400 uses a cropped sensor that basically zooms in from what you actually see. So if you're using a 24mm lens, you get the equivalent of a 36mm lens view due to the 1.5 crop factor. For most people, this won't make a difference at all. The pictures are still crisp, clear and beautiful, just exposed on a slightly smaller image sensor.

Taken with my Nikon D3200.

Taken with my Nikon D3200.

The 18-55mm kit lens that comes with the D3400 will work well for most travel photography and covers the major basics for video as well. Speaking of video, the D3400 captures 1080p HD video at up to 60 frames per second for excellent slow-mo video. Some of the best video shots I've taken have come from entry-level DSLR's, meaning you don't have to have all the bells and whistles to get good footage.

Early last year I upgraded to the aforementioned Nikon D750 and I absolutely love it. The full frame FX image sensor allows for much better low light photography, especially when paired with a super fast prime lens like the 50mm 1.4G. Basically, the larger image sensor allows  more light in to expose the frame so even when shooting at night I can get sharp, beautifully lit images. One thing that I've really enjoyed is the expanded options for videography that the D750 allows for. With a HDMI out, mic in and headphone port I can record better audio in camera or from an external video recorder like the Atomos Ninja 2.

Taken with my Nikon D750 in downtown Houston.

Taken with my Nikon D750 in downtown Houston.

For an in between choice, the Nikon D500 offers all the options of the D750 with added support for 4k video and the best autofocus system I've yet to use in a camera. The price is steep for a DX style camera, but it should future proof you from having to upgrade as quickly. Another great thing about the D500 and it's DX sensor is that lenses for DX cameras tend to be cheaper and easier to find used.

Mirrorless Cameras

If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably have started with buying a mirrorless camera for travel. The ultra compact size and ability to handle low light make it almost unbeatable when looking to build a small, portable kit. Since they don't have an angled mirror in body, mirrorless cameras fit into a smaller form factor, sending light directly from lens to sensor. My favorite mirrorless camera is the Sony A7SII as I've talked about before. It's ability to record beautiful images and video make it a travelers dream.

If you're looking to spend a little less money and don't mind the smaller image sensor, the Sony a6300 with a 16-50mm lens is a great choice. With internal 4K recording and a 24.2 megapixel sensor, it should be able to cover everything needed on even the most demanding of trips.

I purchased the newly released Fujifilm X-T20 mirrorless camera recently and it's everything I hoped it would be. The retro stylings and the ability to apply film simulation in frame to achieve a super stylized look really make it a great option. The internal 4K and versatile autofocus settings more than make up for its smaller sensor size. At $1,200 with an 18-55mm 2.8-4.0 lens it makes for an ideal travel camera.

fuji x-t20
fuji x-t20

One thing I really had to get used to on the X-T20 was the electronic viewfinder. Coming from a traditional Nikon setup, the EVF on the Fuji threw me off a little bit. The digital blur definitely takes a bit of getting used to but I love how the touchscreen shuts off every time I bring the camera up to my eye. I've been really impressed with the quality of color and depth that I've gotten out of this little sensor. Using the Provia, Acros and Neg. Hi. film simulation settings, I'm able to get some really cool images with very little post processing.

Shot with my Fuji X-T20 in downtown Houston.

Shot with my Fuji X-T20 in downtown Houston.

My favorite part about the X-T20 is the physical aperture ring around the 18-55mm lens. It feels like I'm actually manipulating something with my hands, even though it's all electronic. The buttons and dials make it feel like you're recreating that film shooting experience and it makes me think about my shots more before I take them.

Shot with my Fuji X-T20 in downtown Houston.

Shot with my Fuji X-T20 in downtown Houston.

Smartphones

I've always said the best camera is the one that you have with you. You never know when a moment is going to happen so having a smartphone with a good camera can be key to capturing those moments. I currently use an iPhone 6 with the Filmic Pro app for video and the VSCO app for images. Filmic Pro allows for more customization when filming and can really enhance your travel videography.

A smartphone camera is better than a point and shoot because it has basically the same functions and you're more likely to carry it with you. So instead of getting a point and shoot, just invest in a better phone like the new iPhone 7 (I'm dying to try out the new Portrait Mode) and you'll be happier and your bag lighter.

Find What Works For You

Having a good camera setup really depends on what you prefer and the type of use. I like to shoot a lot of video so I emphasize that in my gear. If you're more of a still shooter, then I'd say invest in some really good zoom lenses for whatever camera you use. I tend to work more with prime lenses (50mm, 85mm) because of the swirly bokeh and ease of use in video but a good 16-80mm can really make life a lot easier when traveling, covering all your bases. I used my Nikon D750 and a single 50mm lens in Paris & Amsterdam and loved the experience of not having so much gear with me.

Remember, travel photography is about having fun and capturing moments. Build a camera kit around what feels good and how you plan to shoot, because when you're happy you see the world differently. The camera is simply there to catch that happiness in frame.

8 Movies To See Before You Visit London

London. One of the worlds truly great cities. From Piccadilly Circus to Paddington, the Tower of London to Hampstead Heath, there's something for everyone in the United  Kingdom's capital city. So as you prepare to get lost in Camden Market or wander around Soho, here's a few movies to get you acquainted with London.

Love Actually

One of the quintessential British romantic comedies of the 2000's, Richard Curtis' Love, Actually packs pretty much every well-known British film star of the time into a somehow workable plot that is equal parts funny and romantic. Sporting stars like Colin Firth,  Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy and Hugh Grant, the real star is the city itself. With scenes in Heathrow Airport, Selfridges, Trafalgar Square and Grosvenor Chapel, Love, Actually is a fun starting point for any London cinematic journey.

 

Match Point

Known more for films in New York City, Woody Allen's thrilling tale of love, intrigue and betrayal in London might just be some of his best work of the era. Match Point stars Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Emily Mortimer romping around Chelsea, Covent Garden, Belgravia and the Tate Modern. Much more of a thrilling affair, Match Point will keep you guessing until the very end.

 

Breaking And Entering

Keeping with the same thematics as Match Point, Anthony Minghella's Breaking And Entering features Jude Law, Juliette Binoche and Rafi Gavron living and working in the Kings Cross area of London. A story of immigrants from Sarajevo who've settled into a part of London caught in the throes of gentrification, the Rowley Way building Gavron's character lives in may be a bit familiar to fans of 2014's Kingsman: The Secret Service.

 

An Education

The first of the two period films on the list, Lone Scherfig's An Education features Carey Mulligan as young woman in the 1960's that is seduced by an older man. With scenes set in Soho, Ealing and Twickenham, the Guardian named it one of their "10 Best Films Set In London." A moving coming-of-age film, An Education looks at the suburban side of London and typical 60's family life. A must see.

 

Shaun Of The Dead

Also set in the suburbs of London, Shaun of the Dead kicks off director Edgar Wright's so-called Cornetto trilogy with all the blood, gore and laughter you can handle. Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in a soon to be post apocalyptic zombie wasteland, Shaun of the Dead manages to look at the hum drum life of average London suburbanites content with spending all their time at home or in the pub. But, you know, with zombies and stuff. It's really good.

 

About Time

Another one from Richard Curtis, About Time mixes romance with time travel and family drama. Shot at locations along South Bank and in the Royal Courts of Justice, the film casually floats its sci-fi realm amidst the hustle and bustle of London. Featuring a great soundtrack, and the song that my wife and I first danced to at our wedding, About Time is a must see, especially if your planning to travel outside of London as well.

 

A Royal Night Out

For the history buff, 2015's A Royal Night Out looks at Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret as they join the country's celebration of V.E. Day in 1945. Rounding out the period films on the list, A Royal Night Out manages to show off World War II era London in all its splendor. Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire and Chatsworth House in Derbyshire serve as the interior of Buckingham Palace, but since they don't normally do tours, you'd probably never know the difference.

 

About A Boy

Adapted from Nick Hornby's coming-of-age tale, boy and man, About A Boy takes place in Islington in the book but for the film Clerkenwell does a fine stand in. Hugh Grant, Toni Collette and a young Nicholas Hoult are pitch perfect in this semi-dark comedy from the directors of American Pie (yes, that American Pie.)

 

With so many great options to choose from, I'm bound to have missed some great ones. Let me know which London movie is your favorite in the comments below.