How to Take a Contest-Winning Photo

All you have to do is buy an expensive camera and press the shutter button. Don't you wish. Yes we all do, unfortunately its not that easy. But its not impossible either. First let's look at how the winning photos are selected.

Here's a winning photo from http://images.nationalgeographic.com (link below)



Now why would this one make the photo of the day, while another might not? The obvious reason might include that it is certainly not the shot you and I get when we shoot a bird flying since it means you would have to had set yourself up, anticipating its flight into your lens, and more that, its wings are not affixed in their normal position of wide open. Next it is an extremely sharp image, meaning the focus was spot on. Also the background does not compete with the subject, the owl. And too it fits the one thirds rule, the subject is 1/3rd of the image, rather than in the center.

Can you replicate this? Not if you are taking a walk and chance upon an owl suddenly flying into your vision. But what if you had set out to capture a bird inflight? What else might you have taken with you and your camera in order to capture this winning photo?

How about a tripod, a remote shutter release, great ambient light, a fast lens, and a setting that allows for moving subjects (Canon calls this AI Servo Mode), and of course PATIENCE.

Patience is necessary even if all the other conditions and tools aren't available. Here's that link but prepare to wait for an ad, then exit the ad: http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/456/cache/eagle-owl-flight_45673_990x742.jpg

Fungi in Dry Creek

A few photos captured from a hike through Dry Creek in Washington State.

If you're new here, click to subscribe to the latest post.

These are available to purchase as individual prints or as a set. Digital rights are also an option. Contact me at rcphotos AT q DOT com           If you're new here, click to subscribe to the latest post.

Free e-book

For as long as this free e-book is available click on the link and some specific instruction on 11 levels of photography.

11 Ways You Can Improve Your Photography

This eBook is jam-packed with 11 articles that will help photographers of all levels improve what they do. And yes, it’s free. Craft & Vision is a collection of hands-on, practical articles written by the following photographers (David duChemin, Piet Van den Eynde, Andrew S. Gibson, Nicole S. Young, Alexandre Buisse, Stuart Sipahigil, Eli Reinholdtsen and Michael Frye).


Readers will gain fresh ideas and insights into improving their photographic vision and the skills required to compose the images they want to make. It is 67 spreads (as in 134 magazine pages) which makes it the second largest ebook we’ve ever produced.
Download it. Enjoy it. Tell your friends about it.

Here's your link 11 Ways You Can Improve Your Photography 

1. Austin Lobo - December 5, 2011
   Thanks so much for this – I love exploring the fine art aspect of photography and this book is certainly a great source of inspiration and will add a whole new perspective to imagery making. I thank you for offering such great material for free – Happy Holidays :)
   
2. LORAINE - December 5, 2011
   THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS GREAT READ.