The Key to Long Exposure.

Posted on February 20, 2012 by jamiegall1930

My tips when it comes to taking pictures with Long Exposure:

1) Take Many Shots

I will usually take a variety of shots with different shutter speeds until I find the speed that works the best with the picture in front of me.

The above shot was taken at 1/4 sec.  And for the entire night this was the shutter speed that worked with my camera and the lighting for that evening.

2) Have a TRIPOD

For any night shot, and any shot specifically designed with long exposure, a TRIPOD is a must.  In Los Angeles, there are certain areas of the city that do not allow tripods, so before you go out, always research the vicinity to make sure it’s okay.  Otherwise just blame dumb, and wrap up the tripod and carry it with you if security does tell you to put it away.

3) When it comes to traffic, there are no tips, but to keep shooting!

Getting that perfect traffic shot usually comes from taking many, many pictures.  You can have the perfect set up and a few of those pictures will definitely come out, but the key is to take many from a variety of angles.

The shot above was taken with a Canon Powershot SX10is.  It is a Point and Shoot camera, so yes, you can still do long exposures with a camera that isn’t SLR, however, the quality of the shot isn’t nearly as clear, as you can see.  For me, this shot would have better if the buildings in the background would have been brighter, and even the bridge in front.

4) Observe your Surroundings

As the photographer you are control of the picture you put out.  Always be aware of your surroundings, and what could make the best possible shot.  Do not be afraid to do try new things, or to push yourself to new possibilities.  That is how you continue to grow as a photographer.  Keep learning, keep looking at scenes differently.

5) Have Fun with It

Some of the best photographers are those that see a group of people, think of a way to pose them then take the shot.  When it comes to Long Exposure, take advantage of the neon lights around you.  Take advantage of people walking by, or even the cars passing by.  Those make for some fun shots.  So, have fun with it, play with your camera, and laugh along the way.

Just a few tips when it comes to Long Exposure.  I’m no expert, but I’m continuing to learn my way behind a camera =)

 

 


Categories: Photography | Tags: , , | 9 Comments

Oh no! Where did the WOMAN in me go?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by jamiegall1930

Shopping.

It was ingrained in me the minute I was born.  The minute I got my first job, and got my first paycheck to the minute I walked into my first mall.  Literally, every day off I had, I’d be at a mall spending my hard earned money.

But then…

I grew up, and I had bills to pay.  I had a home to take care of.  I had mouths to feed.  And the mall trips became less and less.  The clothes became less and less new.  And the accessories became non existent.

Especially the past few years.  Bills were climbing higher, money was coming in less.  And then there was an adjustment period too.  Recovering from a divorce, recovering from a life change.  And just recovering in general.

Somewhere along the way, I lost the woman in me.  The one that would browse through clothes.  The one who would peek at the latest shoes coming out.  The one that loved to look at necklaces.  That girl disappeared.  But where did she go? How does one just pay no mind to clothes or accessories or anything woman related?

The truth was this:  Looking at all that stuff just made me depressed.  It was a reminder of all the things I couldn’t have at that time in my life.  A reminder of what I use to have too.  The luxuries that I honestly use to take for granted.  So, instead, I paid no mind to it.  I had to focus my mind elsewhere.

But tonight, I finally had my shopping spree.  I went out to the mall, and shopped my heart out.  I found some GREAT deals too.  Browsing through the stores came back to me so naturally.  I loved looking at the latest styles, however, this year’s BRIGHT colors just don’t fit me.  I’ve never been able to pull those colors off!!!!  Kudos to those of you that can.

It doesn’t matter what I may or may not have come home with.  All that matters is that I finally took myself out for an evening, and enjoyed the luxuries of being a woman again.

 


Categories: Life | Tags: , , , , , | 13 Comments

Would you RECOGNIZE a heart attack?

Posted on February 15, 2012 by jamiegall1930

During the month of February, in recognition of Heart Disease Awareness month, I’m focusing in on the heart, and heart disease, and things related in and around the heart.

Last week, I talked about Healthy Eating Habits, this week I want to focus on the Symptoms of a Heart Attack so if you experience any to truly take it seriously.

A Heart Attack is a sudden interruption in the heart’s blood supply, and nearly 1 million Americans have a heart attack each year.  When a heart’s blood supply becomes blocked, the heart’s muscles can damage quickly and even die.

Heart Attack Warning Signs Include:

*Pain or Pressure in the Chest

*Discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat or arm

*Nausea, Indigestion, or Heart Burn

*Weakness, anxiety, or short of breath

*Rapid or irregular heartbeats

When it comes to women and their symptons.  Often times, they do not feel pain in the chest at all.  It’s usually heart burn, loss of appetite, tiredness or weakness, coughing or heart flutters.  

If you experience any of these symptoms, please get it checked out.  The longer you wait, the more damage you could be doing to your heart.

Information from this post was pulled from: 

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm

 


Categories: Life | Tags: , , | 7 Comments