photography + natural lighting

photography + natural lighting

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there are still encompassing aspects that differentiate fine art from simply taking pictures in nature photography.

First and foremost, the photographer interested in producing art needs to accept the fact that he or she will usually need to take a hundred pictures for every one that may be a contender. Often times, there is precious little a photographer can do when the subject matter is organic and unpredictable beyond having a stockpile of patience and the reactive reflexes of a stalking spider. The first aspect of fine art in nature photography then is capturing the natural moment when it happens. Anyone can photograph lions sleeping in the grass or a storm pelting a reservoir, but it’s the patient and focused photographer who can immortalize the airborne moment before a pounce, or the first of a thousand spreading raindrop ripples.

Another important aspect of creating fine art nature photography is to be sure one has the proper equipment for the job. A tripod, for example, is essential when shooting in nature not only to ensure the consistency of the shots, but also to minimize photographer movement as much as possible as to not disturb the immediate environment. The proper lens for the type of photography one is doing is also important, for a 300/4 lens will produce a much different effect than will a wide angle 20mm.

Lighting is another aspect that carves canyons between fine art nature photography and the Sunday shots at the zoo. Natural light is usually most abundant, and in fact best, but only if it isn’t too harsh as it is midday. One should also be familiar with not only the source of light, but also the ability to control it. The use of white boards and reflective foils, umbrellas and the like may not be necessary for all nature photography depending on the time of day and the composite of the landscape. Again, here it is important to know what equipment is necessary and what is not in order to produce the effect one desires. A photographer who is able to master lighting techniques, including not only how to find the right source, but how to manipulate it if need be, is far ahead of the pack in the quest for creating fine art.

As mentioned, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but certain techniques and practices will be evident in all photographs worthy of bearing the title “fine art.” If the goal is to produce fine art nature photography, one must be patient, ready, must know the difference between necessary equipment and the excessive, and finally, must master the range of lighting techniques useful in creating the desired effect. The rest is up to nature and chance.

Feit Electric ESL40TN/D 42-Watt Compact Fluorescent High-Wattage Bulb, Daylight $10.93 Feit ESL40TN/D 40 Watt Daylight 200 CFL Sprial BulbFeit ESL40TN/D 40 Watt Daylight 200 CFL Sprial Bulb Features:;Energy Star rating;8,000 life hours;Medium base;2600 lumens;40 watts is the same as a 200 watt incandescent bulb;Natural White;Carded...

Kodak Sport Disposible Camera, 27 Exposure, Waterproof up to 50 feet $4.75 EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KOD 8004707 WATER SPORT ONE TIME USE CAMERA 27EXP UNDER-SPORTKOD 8004707 WATER SPORT ONE TIME USE CAMERA 27EXP UNDER-SPORT Manufacturer : EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY UPC : 041778004708...

ALZO Digital Full Spectrum Light Bulb - ALZO 45W Photo CFL 5500K 91 CRI, Daylight balanced, pure white light, 2800 Lumens, Case of 4 Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might ...

Corel PaintShop Pro X4 Ultimate $37.99 COREL PAINTSHOP PRO X4 UL EN MINI-BOXPAINTSHOP PRO X4 UL EN MINI-BOX Manufacturer : COREL UPC : 735163137217...

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 [OLD VERSION] $96.99 Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 software helps you bring out the best in your photography, whether you're perfecting one image, searching for ten, processing hundreds, or organizing thousands. Create incredible images that move your audience. Experiment fearlessly with state-of-the-art nondestructive editing tools, including world-class noise reduction. Easily manage all your images. And showcase your...

Adobe Photoshop CS5 [Old Version] $595.99 Enjoy cross-platform 64-bit support and a wide range of workflow enhancements. Select specific areas within an image in fewer clicks. Easily select intricate image elements, such as hair; eliminate background color around selection edges; and automatically vary selection edges and perfect masks using new refinement tools. Adobe Photoshop CS5 Software redefines digital imaging with breakthrough too...

Sunlight Desk Lamp Natural Full Spectrum Sun Light. Simulates Daylight. 150Watt Output uses 27 Watts. Touch On/Off Switch. $27.99 Best Gift For Youself or Loved Ones. Benefits of full spectrum Lighting: 1) Increases contrast in Reading. 2) Increase release of seratonin a hormone linked to an improved feeling of well being. 3) Increases vitamin D production in skin, which helps the body efficiently use calcium. 4) Render color much more accurately. 5) Reduce levels of melatonin, a harmone that promotes fatigue. About the Bulb...

Full Spectrum Light Bulb - ALZO 85 watt CFL 5500K - daylight balanced pure white light - 4250 Lumens $20.63 This full spectrum light bulb creates daylight balanced lighting, is energy star compliant, and has a long life of cir. 10,000 hours with 4250 Lumens output; low energy consumption, used in light therapy for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), for photo studio lights, or for starting plant growth. This is a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets. Dime...

Introduction to the Canon 5D Mark II/50D, Vol. 2: Advanced Topics $29.99 Take great pictures with your Canon 5D Mark II or 50D Push your creativity to the limits; create photographic images that up until now have existed only in your imagination This guide takes you through Canon's advanced features, and explains what they are, how they work, and how they can perform in real-world situations. Custom Functions: The 5D and the 50D are endlessly configurable. We go into d...

Ott-Lite Vision Saver Plus Desk Organizer Lamp OTL13DOL Adjustable Neck and Cable Pass-through . Base holds pens and paper clips / Includes T13330 Light Bulb...

The Luminous Portrait: Capture the Beauty of Natural Light for Glowing, Flattering Photographs $18.39 Infuse your images with glowing, luminous lightFrom high-profile wedding and portrait photographer Elizabeth Messina comes this beautiful guide to shooting lush, romantic portraits exclusively in natural light. Whether you’re photographing children, weddings, maternity and boudoir, or portraits of any kind, The Luminous Portrait will inspire you with Elizabeth’s personal approach and a...

Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots $13.80 Amazon.com Exclusive: Bonus Content from Nicole Young, Author of Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots Click the photo to see the page spread with callout tips from the book Click the photo to see the page spread with callout tips from the book Click photo for excerpt Click photo to see de...

Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers $20.82 Time-tested lighting strategies that will improve the quality of a portrait are detailed in this book for beginning photographers. Terminology used by industry pros is explained, the equipment needed to create professional results is outlined, and the unique role that each element of the lighting setup plays in the studio is explored. Photographers learn how color, direction, form, and contrast af...

ATN Night Storm-WPT High Visibility Yellow Gen WPT, 3.5X Night Vision Monocular $2,899.00 The ATN Night Storm WPT Yellow is the latest in technology and the newest addition to the ATN line of Night Vision products . Strict standards and precision manufacturing have brought to you a rugged, yet lightweight, waterproof Night Vision Device, which provides superior optical calibration at an economical cost. Revolutionizing the Night Vision market was one of our top priorities. We accomplis...

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ExpoImaging ExpoDisc 77mm Digital White Balance Filter - Neutral $96.95 The ExpoDisc Professional Digital White Balance Filter (patent pending) is a custom white balance filter that allows digital photographers to quickly and easily set an accurate custom white balance. Consistently producing excellent results in natural, artificial, and studio lighting, the versatile ExpoDisc even excels in difficult mixed lighting environments....

Westcott 301 Photo Basics 40-Inch 5-in-1 Reflector $39.90 The Photo Basics 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector Kit is versatile in the field and in the studio, providing shadow-lightening detail in your subject, using available, or studio lighting. It contains a translucent white disc, which is perfect for softening direct sunlight, or lights without diffusion. Use the removable, reversible zippered slipcover to reflect light into shadow areas of your subject. ...

Square Perfect Professional Quality 85 Watt Compact Fluorescent Full Spectrum Photo Bulb Photography $16.95 We are pleased to be the premier photographic supplier of Square Perfect products. We have combed the world over for the most robust, highest quality, full featured photo products available. These bulbs are no exception. WHAT IS INCLUDED? 85 Watt 5500K day light energy balance spiral energy saver light bulb Optimal color temperature makes this bulb perfect for photography. These bulbs are ...

Can anyone recommend a good photography book?

I have a natural eye for photography. I have been asked to do some professional work. I am getting ready to make a camera and lens purchase. However, I lack in basic photography terminology and knowledge. An “eye” is great, but I need some education. Terms, lighting, and everything else to boot. lol.

“How Digital Photography Works” by Ron White

“The Joy of Digital Photography” by Jeff Wignall

“The Art of People Photography” by Bambi Cantrell and Skip Cohen

“Beyond Portraiture” by Brian Peterson

“Advanced Digital Photography” by Tom Ang

“Hands-On Digital Photography” by George Schaub

“Digital Capture and Workflow for Professional Photographers” by Tom Lee

All of the above can be reviewed at shutterbug.com – they were listed/reviewed in the Dec. 2007 issue of Shutterbug Magazine.

A book I think is especially helpful, despite its age, is “Object & Image: An Introduction to Photography, Third Edition” by George M. Craven.

Introduction to the Canon 5D Mark II/50D, Vol. 2: Advanced Topics $29.99 Take great pictures with your Canon 5D Mark II or 50D Push your creativity to the limits; create photographic images that up until now have existed only in your imagination This guide takes you through Canon's advanced features, and explains what they are, how they work, and how they can perform in real-world situations. Custom Functions: The 5D and the 50D are endlessly configurable. We go into d...

Feit Electric ESL40TN/D 42-Watt Compact Fluorescent High-Wattage Bulb, Daylight $10.93 Feit ESL40TN/D 40 Watt Daylight 200 CFL Sprial BulbFeit ESL40TN/D 40 Watt Daylight 200 CFL Sprial Bulb Features:;Energy Star rating;8,000 life hours;Medium base;2600 lumens;40 watts is the same as a 200 watt incandescent bulb;Natural White;Carded...

Kodak Sport Disposible Camera, 27 Exposure, Waterproof up to 50 feet $4.75 EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KOD 8004707 WATER SPORT ONE TIME USE CAMERA 27EXP UNDER-SPORTKOD 8004707 WATER SPORT ONE TIME USE CAMERA 27EXP UNDER-SPORT Manufacturer : EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY UPC : 041778004708...

ALZO Digital Full Spectrum Light Bulb - ALZO 45W Photo CFL 5500K 91 CRI, Daylight balanced, pure white light, 2800 Lumens, Case of 4 Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might ...

Ott-Lite Vision Saver Plus Desk Organizer Lamp OTL13DOL Adjustable Neck and Cable Pass-through . Base holds pens and paper clips / Includes T13330 Light Bulb...

The Luminous Portrait: Capture the Beauty of Natural Light for Glowing, Flattering Photographs $18.39 Infuse your images with glowing, luminous lightFrom high-profile wedding and portrait photographer Elizabeth Messina comes this beautiful guide to shooting lush, romantic portraits exclusively in natural light. Whether you’re photographing children, weddings, maternity and boudoir, or portraits of any kind, The Luminous Portrait will inspire you with Elizabeth’s personal approach and a...

Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots $13.80 Amazon.com Exclusive: Bonus Content from Nicole Young, Author of Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots Click the photo to see the page spread with callout tips from the book Click the photo to see the page spread with callout tips from the book Click photo for excerpt Click photo to see de...

Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers $20.82 Time-tested lighting strategies that will improve the quality of a portrait are detailed in this book for beginning photographers. Terminology used by industry pros is explained, the equipment needed to create professional results is outlined, and the unique role that each element of the lighting setup plays in the studio is explored. Photographers learn how color, direction, form, and contrast af...

Corel PaintShop Pro X4 Ultimate $37.99 COREL PAINTSHOP PRO X4 UL EN MINI-BOXPAINTSHOP PRO X4 UL EN MINI-BOX Manufacturer : COREL UPC : 735163137217...

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 [OLD VERSION] $96.99 Simplify photography fromshoot to finishProductInformationAdobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 lets you focus on what you love aboutphotography an intuitive digital darkroom and efficient assistantdesigned for serious amateur and professional photographers. Easily organize and manage your growing photo collection. Experiment fearlessly with nondestructive editing tools thathelp you create incredi...

Photography Lighting & Equipment Tips : Natural Light Photography

Sloan Chandelier by Hinkley Lighting $449 The Hinkley Lighting Sloan Chandelier marries clean lines and modern style with rich, natural-looking materials. Five cylindrical natural linen shades are clustered around a curved frame in the deeply colored Regency Bronze finish. For a grand, sophisticated statement in an entryway or dining room. Use with other pieces from the Sloan collection to create an air of understated sophistication throughout the home. Cleveland-based Hinkley Lighting is driven by a passion to combine design and function to create exceptional lighting solutions. Family-owned Hinkley began as a traditional lantern company in 1922, and, still today, they produce top quality outdoor lighting. Hinkley Lighting has also expanded to include a full range of interior lighting solutions, including chandeliers, sconces, pendants and vanity lights. The Hinkley Lighting Sloan Chandelier is available with the following: Details:Cylindrical Natural Linen shadesMetal frameRegency Bronze finishCeiling canopy60" chain72" lead wireLighting: Five 60 Watt 120 Volt Candelabra Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 7 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 25.5 In., Width 26 In. Hanging Length: Overall Length Adjustable to 85.5 In. Chain: Length 60 In. Ceiling Canopy: Diameter 6 In.

Capri Pendant by Elk Lighting $153 This cone of light stands out from the rest with its pearlescent mosaic shade. The Elk Lighting Capri Pendant offers downward lighting with a warm glow, giving spaces a natural, earthy feel with a sense of elegance. Complement with the Capri Semi-Flushmount in the kitchen or dining area. Founded in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1983, ELK Lighting designs and delivers "Lighting for Distinctive Homes." As such, the exclusive line of ELK Lighting products has extraordinary designer appeal matched by an emphasis on value and craftsmanship. The Elk Lighting Capri Pendant is available with the following: Details:Flared Mosaic glass shadeMetal supportsSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopy72" Clear cordUL ListedLighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 48 hours. Dimensions: Fixture: Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 83 In., Height 11 In., Width 6 In. Cord: Length 72 In.

Bamboo Pendant by Troy Lighting $210 The Troy Lighting Bamboo Pendant is an elegant piece that fills your space with a naturalistic look and invites the eye to scan along its height for its appreciation. The Bamboo Pendant features Bamboo glass shade, hand-worked wrought iron body and Bamboo Bronze with Natural Slate finish. Troy Lighting, headquartered in California, designs and manufactures indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, utilizing hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes to create quality products with high-style appeal. The Troy Lighting Bamboo Pendant is available with the following: Included Features:One cylinder-shaped, Bamboo glass shade.Hand-worked wrought iron body.Bamboo Bronze with Natural Slate finish.One ceiling canopy. One chain.Lighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 1 -2 weeks. Dimensions: Shade: Width 4.75 In., Height 9.5 In.

Bamboo Suspension by Troy Lighting $1156 The Troy Lighting Bamboo Suspension adds a distinctive style to your space with its unmatched beauty and style that will add grandeur to your room. The Bamboo Suspension features Bamboo glass shades, hand-worked wrought iron body and Bamboo Bronze with Natural Slate finish. Troy Lighting, headquartered in California, designs and manufactures indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, utilizing hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes to create quality products with high-style appeal. The Troy Lighting Bamboo Suspension is available with the following: Included Features:Eight Bamboo glass shadesHand-worked wrought iron bodyBamboo Bronze with Natural Slate finishCeiling canopyTwo 4' chainsLighting: Eight 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 1 -2 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Length 36 In., Width 16 In., Height 29.75 In. Suspension: Overall Length Adjustable from 29.75 In. to 77.75 In.

Lureau Sconce by ELK Lighting $79.2 Clean, modern style with excellent functionality. The ELK Lighting Lureau Sconce diffuses and warms the light with a soft fabric shade, creating a ray of natural-looking illumination along a wall. Its metal accents are finished in a chic Polished Nickel--a touch of elegance for the soft contemporary home. Founded in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1983, ELK Lighting designs and delivers "Lighting for Distinctive Homes." As such, the exclusive line of ELK Lighting products has extraordinary designer appeal matched by an emphasis on value and craftsmanship. The ELK Lighting Lureau Sconce is available with the following: Details:White fabric shadeTranslucent bottom diffuser with metal accentMetal supports Polished Nickel finishRectangular wall plateUL ListedLighting: Two 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 5-7 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 5 In., Depth 7 In., Width 13 In.

Lureau Pendant by ELK Lighting $84.6 Cozy and welcoming, the ELK Lighting Lureau Pendant features a fabric shade that allows the light to visually warm a room, giving it a sun-kissed feel. What better way to bring natural-looking light to the kitchen or dining room? Includes a 3' chain for height adjustability. Founded in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1983, ELK Lighting designs and delivers "Lighting for Distinctive Homes." As such, the exclusive line of ELK Lighting products has extraordinary designer appeal matched by an emphasis on value and craftsmanship. The ELK Lighting Lureau Pendant is available with the following: Details:Cylindrical White fabric shadeTranslucent diffuserMetal supportsPolished Nickel finishRound ceiling canopy3' adjustable chain6' wire includedUL ListedLighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 5-7 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 8 In., Diameter 6 In.

Claudio Pendant by ELK Lighting $129.6 Enjoy the warmth and beauty of fall all year round with the ELK Lighting Claudio Pendant. The handmade glass shade resembles a maple tree as it changes colors from green to rich golds, yellows, reds and browns, lending a natural elegance to the kitchen or dining room. Founded in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1983, ELK Lighting designs and delivers "Lighting for Distinctive Homes." As such, the exclusive line of ELK Lighting products has extraordinary designer appeal matched by an emphasis on value and craftsmanship. The ELK Lighting Claudio Pendant is available with the following: Details:Autumn hand-blown glass shadeMetal supportsSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopy72" clear cordUL ListedLighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 48 hours. Dimensions: Fixture: Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 80 In., Height 8 In., Diameter 6 In. Cord: Length 72 In.

Piedra Pendant by ELK Lighting $129.6 Genuine stone warms the light pouring from the ELK Lighting Piedra Pendant. The shade is expertly pieced together to form a natural mosaic, and each shade is thus unique from the other. This piece looks exceptionally beautiful in soft contemporary dining areas and living rooms. Founded in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1983, ELK Lighting designs and delivers "Lighting for Distinctive Homes." As such, the exclusive line of ELK Lighting products has extraordinary designer appeal matched by an emphasis on value and craftsmanship. The ELK Lighting Piedra Pendant is available with the following: Details:Cylindrical genuine stone shadeMetal supportsSatin Nickel finishRound ceiling canopy72" clear cordUL ListedLighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 48 hours. Dimensions: Fixture: Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 80 In., Height 8 In., Diameter 4 In. Cord: Length 72 In.

Subtle Flushmount by Thomas Lighting $300 Subtle lines belie the rich, layered texture and light created by the Thomas Lighting Subtle Flushmount. It features a nearly invisible glistening Clear acrylic drum shade surrounding another available in a variety of wood tones and natural fabrics. The coordinating metal accents are available in a Brushed Nickel or Sienna Bronze finish. Thomas Lighting has been rooted in the industry since 1919, enjoying a long history of providing contemporary and soft contemporary lighting design fixtures for homes. Currently one of the largest lighting manufacturers in North America and part of the Philips Group Brand, Thomas excels in providing a wide spectrum of residential lighting design concepts, many that feature advanced energy efficiency. The Thomas Lighting Subtle Flushmount is available with the following: Details:Drum-shaped inner shadeDrum-shaped Clear acrylic outer shadeMetal frameRound ceiling canopyUL ListedOptions:Finish: Brushed Nickel, or Sienna Bronze.Shade: Cherry Veneer, Cherry Wood Grain Film, Maple Veneer, Maple Wood Grain Film, Natural Grass Cloth, White Cotton Weave, or Zebra Wood Grain Film.Lighting: Three 60 Watt 120 Volt Type A15 Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 1-2 weeks. Dimensions: Shade: Diameter 14.38 In., Height 4.88 In. Fixture: Height 14.75 In., Diameter 15.75 In.

Alentejo Flushmount by Forecast Lighting $420 The Forecast Lighting Alentejo Flushmount is a unique fixture that adds a sparkle to transitional spaces. A natural, sustainable cork covers a clear acrylic shade to allow light to twinkle through, providing a diffused, warm light in the living room or hallway. Dedicated to seeking customer feedback, Forecast Lighting has generated distinctive lighting designs that clearly stand out in a crowded marketplace. Founded in Southern California in the early 1970s as Forecast Lightolier, this unique lighting company has an in-house design team that travels the world to identify materials and trends that will ultimately result in extraordinary lighting for the home and office. The Forecast Lighting Alentejo Flushmount is available with the following: Details:Round Cork Over Clear Acrylic shadeEtched glass bottom diffuserMetal hardwarePart of the Organic Modern collection, featuring natural, sustainable materialsUL ListedOptions:Finish: Merlot Bronze (shown), or Satin NickelLighting: Three 40 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 1-2 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Diameter 15 In., Height 6.62 In.