Framing Photographs – It’s Not what you think
Apr 24, 2010 Photography Discussion
When I say framing photographs I am not referring to a photo in a rectangular shaped piece of wood or metal. (If you want more info on that kind of framing head to my friend Rocky Vertone’s shop in Jackson Hole, WY by clicking here.) I am talking about mentally composing an image or “framing” the image before you ever pick up your camera.
Framing (or mental composition) is so important in making great photographs but I never hear it talked about. In this post I’ll discuss two different situations where I use this effective technique.
Situation #1: When I arrive on location of a photo shoot I try to survey the “lay of the land”. Meaning I make myself slow down and take notice of my surroundings and what’s around me. This technique is especially helpful with Landscape Photography and Portraiture work but equally as important in my Concert Photography.
I try to look at everything through my photographer’s eye before ever looking through the lens. I think about what I see and ask – How will this look hanging in my living room? How will this look hanging in a gallery? Will this make a great photograph?
When things start to take shape and I can see the photo I make sure I have a clear picture in my mind. I then take to the camera and set out to recreate the photograph. A tripod is helpful in transferring the mental image to the camera. (Believe me.)
With Concert Photography I take a slightly different approach. When I set out to photograph a band I am unfamiliar with I turn to video. YouTube is a great resource for watching live music performances.
Here’s a perfect example: I photographed Mickey Avalon in November 2009. I knew of Mickey Avalon and knew one or two songs but nothing more than that. I turned to YouTube and watched this performance video of Mickey Avalon. (“Jane Fonda” live music video) I mentally composed some images and ultimately shot these live photos at the concert. (Mickey Avalon 1 & Mickey Avalon 2)
If it’s someone I have photographed before I think about the stage lights, how the artists move on stage and what shots have been successful in the past.
Are you following me so far?
Situation #2: The technique of framing photographs can also be a huge help to jump start the creative process. This process is very powerful when you can mentally compose the photo and then seek the photograph. Some of my favorite photographs have been composed in my head before I got to the location or even knew where the location was. This process helped me numerous time but most notably with my self-portrait in Papago Park. (link to photo – link to FOCUS episode #2) I am 100% an admitted daydreamer – this is one of the few times in life it has paid off.
I presume master painters and sculptors have a little something in mind before they begin their process - Why not do the same with photography? After all the very basic definition of photography is “drawing with light.” (wikipedia source) Give yourself a chance of making a great photo by pre-visualizing the photograph.
Does anyone else use these practices? What other techniques do you use to frame or mentally compose your photographs? Add your two cents, leave a comment.
Tags: Concert Photography, framing photographs, landscape photo, Landscape Photography, mental composition, music photo, music photography, photo composition, photo framing, photo how to, Photography Discussion, Photography technique, portrait
Concert Photography 101 : Getting Started
Jan 9, 2010 Concert Photography, Music, Photography Discussion
So, you want to combine your love for music and photography but don’t know where to start. I’ve developed a series of weekly articles will help you get started.
The first place to start is with a Digital SLR (DSLR) camera. Sounds simple enough but many people don’t realize that the typical point and shoot camera will not produce the shots you want. Sure point and shoots are great for snapshots of you and your friends but not of the show. I use the Canon EOS xsi with two different lenses. The lenses I almost always use are a prime 50mm f1.8 and a 24-70 f2.8. I find that very rarely do I go into my bag to grab a different lens.
Why these two lenses? The 50mm prime (sometime referred to as the nifty-50) is a lens every photographer should have. The 50 is an inexpensive way to have something that is fast enough for the poor lighting conditions of concert venues. F1.8 is more than enough when shooting at ISO800 – 1600. The 24-70 allows me to frame the shot differently. Whereas the 50mm is prime (no zoom in or out) the 24-70 gives me some more freedom. F2.8 is fast enough with a shutter speed of 1/60 – 1/125 while using ISO800 – 1600.
If you notice I haven’t mentioned using a flash. I never use a flash when taking concert photos. Why? Unless you are on assignment from the band or band’s management the artists really don’t appreciate a flash popping in their face during the set – or even the three songs you’re allowed to shoot (we’ll get to that part later in concert photo etiquette.) Many times the conditions of using a photo pass is “NO FLASH”.
Basic equipment needed: DSLR Camera (which has at least ISO1600) and a f2.8 lens. (Above is a photo of my primary concert gear.)
So you have the gear – now what? You have to know your camera and know the settings. I’m not saying before getting started you need to be the most technical photographer. The knowledge needed is how your gear responds in different lighting situations. What shutter speed? at which ISO? what f-stop? This is what makes or breaks the picture. Get the lighting right and your chances increase dramatically of getting a good photograph. Below are samples of my photos with various camera settings I rely on:
Know your camera, know your settings, trust your instincts and have fun – chances are you have the best seat in the house!
The next post in this series will discuss ambient light and basic camera settings. The article will also include metering, aperture, determining ISO, and shutter speeds. (Other upcoming posts will include how to get the shot, framing – concert photography composition, post processing digital images, getting your photo equipment in the house and photo credentials.)
I want to know about your concert photography experience. What was the first concert you shot? How did the images turn out? Please leave a comment and show off some of your music photos.
To view my complete photography portfolio please visit www.grtaylor2photo.com
Tags: Arizona, Arizona photographer, Concert Photography, digital photography, Greg Taylor, Gregory Taylor, GRT2, grtaylor2photo.com, how to photograph, photography blog, Photography technique, professional photographer, professional photography, RCPM, Roger Clyne, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, tempe
