JAPAN & NIKON D90

Dear reader, if this entry or my other blog entries don't answer your specific photography questions, you can call me on the phone anytime for advice by clicking here.

With regards to talking about D-SLR filmmaking, I am a bit outdated dealing with the D90, especially with the recent introduction of the Nikon D300s. However, it takes awhile to put short films together, and this one that I did in Japan was shot entirely on the D90. The future looks bright for creating films on these new and relatively inexpensive cameras, considering each new model will benefit from the shortcomings of the last model. Hope you enjoy the film, and to see it larger on Vimeo, click on the "JAPAN" link below the film.

JAPAN from Hemmings House Pictures on Vimeo.

Mark's photographic prints for your wall can be purchased at www.markhemmings.com
Mark can be hired as a photographer or filmmaker via www.hemmingshouse.com

SYMMETRICAL COMPOSITIONS

Dear reader, if this entry or my other blog entries don't answer your specific photography questions, you can call me on the phone anytime for advice by clicking here.

When photographers first learn about compositional guidelines, such as the rule of thirds, they are often subconsciously bound by these parameters. One thing to keep in mind is that if an image is symmetrical, or has a triangular appearance to it, a centered composition often works best. For the above image, if the door was placed on the left or right of the picture space (rule of thirds), the photo would lose much of its strength. Indeed, images that have triangular shapes are often associated with power or authority, and to compose off-center will often weaken the photograph.

The best way to find out for yourself what compositions look best is to take three versions of the same scene; one where the center of interest is to the left, one to the right, and one in the center. It won't take long to be able to know in advance of your picture taking what composition will be the most effective.

Mark's photographic prints for your wall can be purchased at www.markhemmings.com

Mark can be hired as a photographer or filmmaker via www.hemmingshouse.com

BLACK AND WHITE FILM

Dear reader, if this entry or my other blog entries don't answer your specific photography questions, you can call me on the phone anytime for advice by clicking here.

In this new age of digital photography, it is sometimes nice to revert to a good solid film to record certain events. Even though I predominantly use professional digital cameras, there are certain subjects that just seem to require traditional film. I find that nature photography is better suited to slide film, wildlife photography (in certain cases) works best with professional color film, and in the case of the above photo, Asian martial arts work well with B&W film.

There are two brands of Black and White film that I have always loved; Kodak T-Max P3200 (ISO 3200) and Fujifilm Neopan 1600. Both films are very high contrast, grainy (but in a good way), and wonderfully fast for low-light and quick moving situations. If you are used to hand-holding your camera using a 400 speed film, you will really enjoy the added shutter speeds afforded by these higher speed films.

Subject matter consideration is very important when using these films. Similar to Monday's lesson, these films are better suited to mysterious subject matter, and portraits of models who have soul. Photojournalists often used these films in the past, and they are well suited to many forms of social documentary work.

Mark's photographic prints for your wall can be purchased at www.markhemmings.com

Mark can be hired as a photographer or filmmaker via www.hemmingshouse.com