Tiltshift...ing.

One of the first projects I set out to explore is TiltShift photography. In the actual definition of the technique, Tilt, and Shift are actually 2 different techniques. These are both described in detail in the linked Wikipedia article; so I wont go into too much detail on them seprately.

In a nutshell, TiltShift is used often in modern photography to create a shallow depth-of-field on either the horizontal or vertical axes. The point is to create a "Selective Focus" on a scene. This can create a really cool "toy-like" effect on subjects or draw the viewer's gaze to a specific part of the photograph.

As with many photo techniques, there is an "organic" and "real" way to do this which is also expensive. There is also a cheaper, easier, but less "organic" way to accomplish this. TiltShift lenses are available for some SLR cameras that physically tilt and shift to achieve a variety of angles. This can also be achieved by taking the right photograph (worthy of TiltShift) and using software to apply the effects. Some prefer the former because it looks more natural and one may have more control... but I chose the latter, like most amateurs.

The components I used for this project were:
-My Panasonic (See 1st post)
-Adobe Lightroom
-Tilt Shift Generator for Windows

I decided to take some shots at angles to allow some depth to play with. I tried to pick some subjects with character as well; ones that stood out in color or contrast from the rest of the objects in the frame. this way it was apparent what was being focused on. I focused on both the "miniatures"  aspect and the "Selective Focus" aspect:

The first two were pretty close to 18x optical zoom. I did some aesthetic modifications to color and lighting in lightroom and then applied the tiltshift by setting up an export preset which launches Tilt Shift Generator. Head to the link above on Tilt Shift Generator to learn about some of the fine tuning settings you have at your disposal.

The texture on the wood with the flag made me thought it would be a good candidate for Selective Focus with the tool. Some modifications were made to exposure and saturation to highlight the flag. Then the Shifting to emphasize the flag.

I really liked this technique when I was doing it. More so because I like the "Toy like" look from high up. I may incorporate this in some projects in the future. Hope this was informative!

Decisions..

It has been quite a while since this endeavor floated to the top of my head, and apologies to myself (no.. not you) for that.

However this post is not without some form of product. I don't know that I mentioned it but I work in somewhat of an international role as an engineer at a software company in Austin, TX. As many business work, when we approach the end of the quarter, especially the end of the year, things get busy... really busy. Shortly after my first post I found myself preparing for an out of the country trip to London... which by coincidence was perfect for this project!

I did take a handful of photos while I was there after perusing the aforementioned "50 Photo Projects". Since then, and thanks to the holidays, I had some time to pick just a handful of projects to post and start with.

I decided to, however, take a handful of the preliminary projects from "Photo Op" by Kevin Meredith:

1. Tilt Shift
2. Architecture
3. Macro
4. Backgrounds
5. Portraits

The first two I happen to already have some preexisting shots to use. So more emphasis will be given to the ones following.

I plan on approaching each of the projects by posting a little about the project itself as described in the book, some tips explained to me and how I think to use those in my photos. This may contain some final photos from my experiments or will be followed with some shots. I'll try to describe the technical details of the shots to share along with any concepts.

El Manifesto

Several years ago, in college, I started taking pictures. I liked it. I took some photos with my Panasonic Lumix ZX-18 that I bought on a meager student salary at around 350 bucks, and I enjoyed doing it. Then, after graduation, life (and work) happened. I got quite busy and fell off with the hobby. With a new job and missing the hobby, I really wanted to jump in with a great new Canon EOS T1i with a couple new lenses! Problem... I obsess about spending money on something that I didn't need. I need to prove to myself that I would have much more fun with a new 850 dollar toy.

Thanks to my girlfriend, birthday, and curiosity, I happen to have 3 new photo project books to learn some new stuff and get cracking:

1. Photo Op: 52 Inspirational Projects for the Adventurous Image Maker
2. The Wild Side of Photography: Unconventional and Creative Techniques for the Courageous Photographer
3. 50 Photo Projects: Ideas to Kick-Start Your Photography

Which brings me to the precipice of this ever-so exciting introductory post...

My plan is to pick 10 projects from these books that I both like and dislike and do all 10 (at least) before I can justify buying my new toys. 

At that point, I'll have plenty more projects to play with with the new lens and camera.

In executing this project...project I wanted to record the whole and half notes that came out of my head during the projects I chose and share the project descriptions so that some others could exercise their shutter fingers with a week-to-bi-weekly project, or get back on the photo bandwagon with me if they so desired.

I'll shortly pick out a handful of projects from these books and share them plus the rules or methods I plan to apply. I encourage any who read to also post any comments or link-backs to their related to the projects.

But now... sadly... Monday approaches :-/. I'll be back soon with Projects.