This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums

Weekly Assignment

We finished the Costumes assignment this week. People and objects alike were dressed up for us. But there were a few photos that really stood out. amy-rose’s photo really stood out not only because of the creativity of the shot, but also because of how the post-processing really made the colours and lighting look good. Our first runner up was ktlindsay for the clown shot, which again, was a good idea with good lighting and tone to create a really well put together image. And last, but not least, EHIRyan’s almost menacing shot of his wife dressed in a robe. Between the lighting and the perspective we really liked this shot.

Our current assignment is Texture. Texture could be something that’s created by the actual subject, maybe using light, or it could be using texture layers over your picture in post-processing. While you can share pictures taken at any time, in order to be eligible for the mini-contest there are a few rules to follow. First, your image must have been taken between 24 September – 8 October 2008. Second, your post must include the words “Assignment:Texture” and the date that the photo was taken. And last of all, your EXIF must be intact, and it helps if you include the basic details in your post (camera, lens, date taken, ISO, shutter speed & aperture). Good luck everyone! Next week’s assignment will be “Bubble” so get shooting!

Hot Threads

• Having trouble with white clothing: When you’re taking pictures of white clothing you may run into 2 problems. The first is making sure that the clothes aren’t blown out, and the second is making sure that everything else is well exposed along with the clothing. So how do you avoid the difficulties in shooting people in white clothing? Come share your advice, or if you’ve ever had this problem yourself, come read the advice already in the thread.
• Share 3 photo tips for others here: If you could just share 3 things that you’ve learned about photography what would they be? Would they be technical tips and tricks? Tricks about how to look at things? Just some general advice? Well, here’s your chance to share your top 3 tips, so come join us in this thread.
• Taking a picture of a Christmas Tree: Christmas is still a few months away, but one forum member asks how to take a specific type of photo of a Christmas tree. She wants the lights to have that sparkle, but not look like stars, and doesn’t want the lights to disappear. If you have any hints, come share them in this thread.
• Eyepatch… which eye do you use?: If you use your camera’s viewfinder (rather than an LCD screen), odds are you use one eye more often. So, which eye do you use when you look through the viewfinder, and which do you close? Does it match your dominant hand? Come share in this thread.
• Misbehaved kids… any thoughts?: What do you do when you’re doing portrait shoots for customers and their children do nothing but misbehave during the entire shoot, effectively ruining the chance for good photos? How do you get them to co-operate when they aren’t your own kids? Share some of your tips with others in the forum.