Capital Photography Center Blog

May 21, 2014

Clarifying Copyright for Photographers

Marie Joabar

The basis for Copyright Law comes from the United States Constitution with the first Copyright Act signed into law in 1790.   "The Congress shall have power… to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive right to their respective Writings and Discoveries."

Since then, there have been many revisions but for photographers who are new to the Copyright world, clarifying what it entails may be helpful.

May 6, 2014

Shooting Realistic HDR Images

Timothy Cooper

HDR imagery can be considered a recent fad or a well-worn technique, depending on how you look at it. In the early days, film failed to produce visible detail in the highlight and shadow values of high-contrast scenes. Because of this, photographers resorted to difficult and tedious darkroom techniques to help return the detail to the print.

Today’s digital sensors, while holding great promise, still fall short of the capability of our vision. Luckily for us, however, modern computer programs provide a more accurate and elegant solution to this age-old high-contrast problem.

April 23, 2014

Capturing the Quality of Light

Marie Joabar

You often hear photographers talk about the “golden hour” or the “magic light” just after sunrise and shortly before sunset and there is a good reason for it. These are the most opportune times to photograph outdoors because of the quality of light.

No matter what your subject, from landscape scenes to natural light portraits, take advantage of this time to capture dramatic images.

March 26, 2014

Things To Consider Before Clicking The Shutter

Timothy Cooper

The modern DSLR is an amazing tool that supplies immense control over our image making through a vast array of camera settings and options.  Once you leave the Auto or Program Mode, the options you need to keep track of really begin to stack up and can overwhelm the beginning photographer and even trip up the seasoned pro.

Consider the many options that are likely to change depending on your subject matter or shooting conditions.

February 20, 2014

The Right Light for any Venue

Admin

Perfect your lighting techniques and produce consistent images that reflect the event or wedding the way your clients envisioned it. Moshe Zusman shares his tips for creating perfect lighting for any venue.

February 13, 2014

Creatively Capturing Motion

Marie Joabar

Using fast shutter speeds can stop motion and prevent blurring but it can be great fun doing just the opposite. Using slow shutter speeds to intentionally blur moving subjects is one way to capture a creative image and convey motion whether real or illusionary.

January 29, 2014

Tips for Winter Camera Care

Marie Joabar

Cold weather shouldn't prevent you from getting outdoors to photograph, especially if there is snow. Don't miss taking pictures your kids sledding or building a snowman, or capturing beautiful winter scenes around the area.

Just make sure to take some precautions to protect your camera from damage that cold weather can cause.

January 1, 2014

Tips for Winter White Snow

Marie Joabar

Snow often fools our camera meters which results in dark photos with washed out graylooking snow. Follow these few tips for 'white' snow and beautiful winter compositions.

October 16, 2013

Shooting Color in Black and White

Admin

With the colorful Fall season upon us don't let your excitement be dampened or pout if nature provides us with a gloomy gray sky and horrible light to work with. The flat light and a gray sky gives us the opportunity to tune our eye and photograph in black and white.

The lack of color options will help transition your eye from seeing bright vibrant colors to noticing the deep shadows, shades of gray, streaks of light, and patterned textures. All will help develop your eye and improve your vision when you go back to shooting in color.

July 29, 2013

Insight on High Dynamic Range Capture

Marie Joabar

​When faced with scenes where the sky is super bright and the sun is casting deep, dark shadows, the dynamic range is beyond the normal 5-6 stops of light that cameras can capture. One solution is to bracket images and merge them in HDR software to create images with incredible range and detail.

April 23, 2013

How to Shoot Panoramas

Admin

​Why shoot panoramas? Why not? It increases file size and gives the viewer a much wider sense of the scene without the distortions of super-wide angle lenses. Find out how to create your own panoramics in a snap.

March 26, 2013

Keep An Open Mind!

Admin

​ "Don't let a location lock you into an expectation. Keep an open mind!" Ideas, images, and an example from a recent photo shoot with the hope of helping you expand your photographic opportunities when out in the field.

February 27, 2013

Painting with Light

Timothy Cooper

​By definition, Light Painting is the process of photographing at night while illuminating your subject with a handheld device such as a flashlight or camera flash. 

A fascinating mix of painting and photography, illuminating your subject with a flashlight is an extraordinary amount of fun, and due to modern digital cameras, this type of photography is easier than ever.  

December 5, 2012

8 Great Tips for Photographing Holiday Lights

Marie Joabar

​Colorful holiday lights add to the magic of the season and can be great fun to photograph. At this time of the year we’ll find beautifully lit outdoor displays at many of the DC area regional parks, at houses in our neighborhoods, along city  streets and of course let’s not forget the Christmas tree in our own living room.

November 20, 2012

Improve Your Photography With A Photo Critique

Timothy Cooper

​Having your images critiqued by a professional is paramount to your growth as a photographer.  It’s tough working in a vacuum.  Not knowing whether you are executing your techniques properly or more importantly if your vision is getting across to your viewers.