Eyes Over Toronto Magazine by carmtay

VOL. 1 VOL. 1 JANUARY 2016

TORONTO

FEATURES

CONTENTS

THE SECRET TO PERFECT PORTRAITS

Capture the best portraits

WHAT DOES BOKEH REALLY MEAN?

The secret behind bokeh photos

STRAIGHT OUT OF TORONTO

Featured artists from the city

IN EVERY ISSU E

04 26

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR A note from the editor and chief

TECHNIQUES

Useful tips for everyday photography

SHOOTING SPORTS UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY

IN THE NEWS

Latest updates in the world of photography

THE WILD ONES GROUP TORONTO ART SHOW

TOP LOCATIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Best places to shoot in Toronto

TECHNOLOGY A variety a old and new technologies

SHOP POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA

CULTURE

Photography and modern culture

ILFORD PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

A teacher of mine once told me that change is the only constant in life. That’s certainly true for the entire editorial team here, which has spent the better part of a year working tirelessly to change our magazine for the better. You saw evidence of that for yourself late last year, when we redesigned this site. Now it’s the magazine’s turn: With our September issue, we’re unveiling a new look for Eyes Over Toronto. We hope you like what you see. Dan Bishop, our design director and Alison Mackey, senior graphic designer worked hard to develop and implement a design that’s elegant, eye-catching and easy to Now it’s the magazine’s turn. Our design director and navigate, once of the most obvious

changes, as you’ve probably already noted, is our new logo, our first in seven years. We’ve also adopted a new tagline, “Science for the Curious,” which we think is a more appropriate motto for us. Whether you read us in print or online, you represent a readership that loves science and shares a deep, abiding curiosity about the world around you. With every story we post here, with every issue, with every day, we’re committed to satisfying that curiosity. Quite a few readers noted the absence of our popular whether you read us in print or online, you represent a readership that loves science and shares a deep, abiding curiosity about the world around you. With every story we post here, with every issue, with every day, we’re committed to satisfying that curiosity. Vital Signs column this issue and wondered if it had been eliminated as part of Eyes Over Toronto’s redesign. Not to worry it’ll be back in October, and in future issues of our magazine. The print edition hits newsstands August 6. Check it out.

SandraGarfield

1234 Lakeshore Blvd. Humber College Graphic Design Editorial Design GDES 302-OLA Toronto, ON, Canada For educational purposes only Non profit, creative project Copyright to all photos owned by Photographers Joshua Telfer @joshuatelfer Hazesus Diminatti @diminatti Claudio Silva @claudto Jimmy Chin Meagan Blazier Articles from online sources photonews.ca nationalgeographic.com photographymonthly.com photoweeklyonline.com digital-photography-school.com Project coordination Taylor Carmichael Phone: +49 (89) 2180-4202 E-Mail: taylor.dc19@gmail.com Legal notice: All rights reserved Images are property of Photographers and should in no way be copied or used by outside sources Copyright 2016 ÂŠ Taylor Carmichael

SPECIAL FEATURE

FEATURED ARTISTS A look at the city through the lens of Toronto’s best photographers

yes over Toronto is proud to promote and feature the work

successful careers on Instagram, which now has 400 million users.

of the following photographers. As wacky as most of them

“It wasn’t something I had ever wanted to do professionally. It was

are, they all shoot with heart and provide outstanding

always just for fun,” he told Quartz. Ozer said he was very active in

quality imagery and superior customer service. Not long

the early days of Instagram, which helped him grow his photography

ago, professional photography was an elite club with a high barrier to

skills and get the exposure that led to his success. “I had no idea

entry. Between schooling, apprenticeships, and expensive equip-

what I was doing when I started,” he said. “I built a following organ-

ment, it was not a career you just jumped into.

ically, and then I was put on Instagram’s suggested users list maybe

Now, thanks to a new wave of photo-sharing platforms, amateur

a year into using it.” While Instagram has slowly evolved into a place

photographers have the chance to get their photos into the hands

to share selfies and pictures of perfectly plated food, platforms like

or feeds of people who could help them make photography into a

EyeEm and Snapwire have attracted users who want to focus on

career. All they need is an iPhone and an app. That said, beginners

becoming better photographers. Both apps have marketplaces where

won’t get much for their shots. Photos go for between $20 and $250

users can upload their photos, in addition to competitions sponsored

a pop on photo-sharing and photo-selling app EyeEm, and prices are

by clients and partners looking for specific images. And since the

equally low on a similar app called Snapwire. Chad Newell, founder

apps make more money when their users sell more photos, they have

and CEO of Snapwire, admits that sales on his platform are not

a stake in building a talented user base.

enough to support a photographer. “It just allows them to earn additional income,” he said. Once it was relatively easy for talented amateur photographers to launch

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SPECIAL FEATUREFEATURE JOSHUA TELFER

Toronto possesses an energy that’s unlike any other, it’s played a huge role in my growth as an artist”

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JOSHUA TELFER

BELIEVEDREAMSDESIGNLIFE.COM TORONTO, ON A Canadian born, Caribbean raised, Toronto matured visual artist. I say visual artist because my background lies in graphic design. Shortly after graduating, photography became my passion, laying a beautiful journey ahead of me. Finding my way to the tops of skyscrapers in the heart of downtown is what led me to photography. The views as I’m fortunate enough to share with you were absolutely breathtaking. Beginning with my iPhone and growing into a DSLR, a photography career was born. Since then I’ve gone on to photograph live music performances by a wide array of artists, shoot iTunes charting album artwork and work with Town Shoes as their product photographer. Toronto possesses an energy that’s unlike any other, it’s played a huge role in my growth as an artist. I have no doubt in my mind that it will continue to do so, no matter where this journey takes me.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

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SPECIAL FEATURE FEATURE HAZESUS DIMANATTI

HAZESUS DIMANATTI @DIMANATTI TORONTO, ON

Back in 2002 I started doing photography

photography has taken me to more places

before I would do more colour now is a mix

out of boredom with a two megabite point-

that I would honestly not think twice about

of colour and black and white. I do more

and-shoot camera. I got most of my influence

going because there was no reason in the

street photography with a mix of people.

from music videos and movies how they shot

first place to go.

Before people would say “it has a raw feel-

a scene. I also went to school for Graphic

What really mattered in the end was

ing” but now I want my photos to be more

Design so that helped with the touching up

just the process of taking the photo, next

clean because since I grew up so did my

of my photos. I did street Graffiti for about

is the subject. To me photography is like a

style. Although I am always experimenting.

five years then retired, that right there is

time machine, you can look back in time. I

I would love to document an artist or person

combination of my roots.

have also met people and stayed friends just

and have a writer just type up the story.

My philosophy when it comes down

because of doing photography. Sometimes I

to photography I say just enjoy the pro-

don’t take a photo I just enjoy the moment.

cess of taking a photograph. In all honestly

My style right now has changed over time,

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Toronto is a safe, multicultural city Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been all over this city and to be honest there still more to be seenâ&#x20AC;?

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FEATURE HAZESUS DIMANATTI

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FEATURE HAZESUS DIMANATTI

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FEATURE CLAUDIO SILVA

CLAUDIO SILVA @ClAUDTO TORONTO, ON

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a lover of all arts for as long as I can remember! But I only got serious about photography about one year ago when I purchased my first DSLR camera. My style is a mixture of urban and rooftops! Trying to capture moments that would normally been taken for granted in the busy life of a Toronotonian! I Love Toronto for its cultural diversity, also the fact that it is rich in local artists who strive to demonstrate their art!

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Trying to capture moments that would normally been taken for granted in the busy life of a Toronotonian!â&#x20AC;?

FEATURE CLAUDIO SILVA

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Billy Currie Reveals steps to achieve dynamic black and white lack and white for me, as

the choice. Something I feel can be limited

live view as well as a monochrome preview.

strange as it seems, is much

when working within the colour spectrum.

Whilst good light enhances any type of

more of a blank canvas than

With composition of a mono photograph

image it is not as critical for black and white.

its colour counterpart. It often

there are fewer constraints than that of

allows a more creative com-

colour. No real requirement for foreground

used to easily create interesting and dramatic

position along with far less restrictions within

interest in fact, less is often more in the world

light whilst in post production. Just by play-

the post processing arena. I think it also fair

of mono. With this in mind I think it easier to

ing around with some basic Photoshop tools,

to say that colour photography often follows

find scenes which can work well in the world

a very ordinary flat mono image and can

certain fashions which inevitably become old

of black and white. You are basically seeking

be quickly transformed into an interesting

fashioned over time. In my opinion mono is

areas of dark and light, contrasting tones if

dynamic masterpiece. This is a major advan-

a timeless, purer form of photography. For

you like. These can be within an individual

tage for a photographer with a love of mono,

a creative photographer it also allows to a

element or between multiple elements; it

even in dull grey average conditions you still

much higher degree, the creation of mood or

really depends on what you are shooting.

have the possibility to capture and create a

If shooting Raw, a good way to help

beautiful work of art. Obviously this advan-

drama, an artistic vision if you like. This level

Simple dodging and burning can be

of manipulation can often leave a colour

visualise the scene in mono is to change you

tage also applies to time of day. There is no

image more akin to a cartoon than a land-

picture style to monochrome. As a Raw file

real draw towards dawn or sunset. When

scape. Whilst I fully accept there are many

contains no colour, this setting has no effect

shooting monochrome these hold no advan-

images which would not benefit from this

on your actual Raw file. It does however

tage, allowing you to take beautiful images

enhanced drama, it is certainly nice to have

give you the advantage of a monochrome

throughout the entire day. For equipment,

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FEATURE THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY

a basic camera and usual landscape lens

which can work well in the world of black

will do just fine. I ensure these are used on

and white. You are basically seeking areas of

optimal settings at all times as this provides

dark and light, contrasting tones if you like.

me, when I return to the digital darkroom,

These can be within an individual element or

with the best starting point possible. If taking

between multiple elements; it really depends

badly exposed images or using sub optimal

on what you are shooting.

camera settings, the options during post

This level of manipulation can often

processing can be limited. Optimal settings

leave a colour image more akin to a cartoon

for me are full manual, Raw, ISO 200, middle

than a landscape. Whilst I fully accept there

aperture, single focus point, hyperfocals,

are many images which would not benefit

histogram, tripod and remote release. Long

from this enhanced drama, it is certainly nice

exposures work well for this type of photog-

to have the choice.

raphy. For these you require a single ND filter or even a small set which would give more scope in changing light. This simply allows for a longer shutter speed, which in turn enables you to soften skies or remove the busyness from choppy water. By doing this it allows you to simplify the scene - which in turn ensures your subject stands out from the background, a technique which works so well in mono. If you are a graduated filter user, then buying square ND filters is usually the best option as you already have the required bracket, etc. With this in mind I think it easier to find scenes

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TIPS

SHOOT IN RAW FORMAT By shooting in RAW, you’ll be able to change your mind later if the photo wasn’t as great in black and white as you’d hoped.

pay attention to lines, shadows, and shapes.

This trick is very helpful to aid photographers in pre-visualizing a black and white image.

Pay attention to noise With the outstanding low light performance of modern DSLR camerasl, photographers have become used to getting away with noise in photos.

Look for contrast Black and white photos usually have some portion that is near to pure white, and some portion of the photo that is near black. This increased contrast adds interest to the scene.

2 www.eyesovertoronto.ca

for photography oronto is a great city with amazing micro-environments

built in. Lots of interesting backdrops – cobblestone streets, narrow

that are perfect backdrops for your wedding photography

alleyways, and old brick buildings. Comprised of distinctive industrial

locations. Beautiful sunken gardens that are hidden from

buildings, a quarry garden, surrounded by parkland. What could be

Yonge Street. Part of a large park network that goes to

better than a real castle! Casa Loma provides a spectacular setting.

Leslie Street. Features include treed walkways, benches,

Access to the conservatory, terrace and gardens are available.

stone walls & stairs. Features include treed walkways, benches.

An historic distillery built in. Lots of interesting cobblestone

Charming old architecture on a beautifully landscaped campus.

streets, narrow alleyways, and old brick buildings. Comprised of dis-

Very BUSY on Saturdays because of the farmer’s market. Check for

tinctive industrial buildings, a quarry garden, surrounded by parkland.

festivals that close the street. Street parking is available. A beautiful

What could be better than a real castle! Casa Loma provides a spec-

botanical park with a fountain, staircase and bridge.

tacular setting. Access to the conservatory, terrace and gardens are

What could be better than a real castle! Casa Loma provides a spectacular setting. Access to the conservatory, terrace and gardens

available. An historic distillery built in 1832. Lots of interesting backdrops cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and old brick buildings.

are available. An historic distillery built in 1832. Lots of interesting

Toronto is a great city with amazing micro-environments that are

backdrops – cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and old brick

perfect backdrops for your wedding photography locations. Beautiful

buildings. Comprised of distinctive industrial buildings, a quarry

sunken gardens that are hidden from Yonge Street. Part of a large

garden, surrounded by parkland. What could be better than a real

park network that goes to Leslie Street. Features include treed walk-

castle! Casa Loma provides a spectacular setting. Access to the

ways, benches, stone walls & stairs. Features include treed walkways,

conservatory, terrace and gardens are available. A historic distillery

benches. Charming old architecture on a beautifully landscaped

www.eyesovertoronto.ca

SPECIAL FEATURE

campus. A historic distillery built in 1832.

parkland. What could be better than a real

Loma provides a spectacular setting. Access

Lots of interesting backdrops – cobblestone

castle! Casa Loma provides a spectacular

to the conservatory, terrace and gardens are

streets, narrow alleyways, and old brick

setting. Access to the conservatory, terrace

available. Lots of interesting backdrops –

buildings. Comprised of distinctive industrial

and gardens are available. Lots of interesting

cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and

buildings, a quarry garden, surrounded by

backdrops – cobblestone streets, narrow

old brick buildings. Comprised of distinctive

parkland. Lots of interesting backdrops –

alleyways, and old brick buildings.

industrial buildings, a quarry garden, sur-

cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and

Comprised of distinctive industrial

rounded by parkland. What could be better

old brick buildings. Comprised of distinc-

buildings, a quarry garden, surrounded by

than a real castle! Casa Loma provides a

tive industrial buildings, a quarry garden,

parkland. What could be better than a real

spectacular setting. Access to the conserva-

surrounded by parkland. What could be

castle! Casa Loma provides a spectacular

tory, terrace and gardens are available.

better than a real castle! Casa Loma provides

setting. Access to the conservatory, terrace

a spectacular setting. Access to the conser-

and gardens are available. Lots of inter-

vatory, terrace and gardens are available.

esting backdrops – cobblestone streets,

Lots of interesting backdrops – cobblestone

narrow alleyways, and old brick buildings.

streets, narrow alleyways, and old brick

Comprised of distinctive industrial buildings,

buildings. Comprised of distinctive industrial

a quarry garden, surrounded by parkland.

buildings, a quarry garden, surrounded by

What could be better than a real castle! Casa

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NORTH YORK

400

401

YORK

DVP

TORONTO

GARDINER EXPWY.

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CULTURE ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Adventure Photography at 22,000 Feet jimmy chin PHOTOGRAPHER hauls camera equipment up Mount Everest and other peaks The key to taking a good action photo

York City. A job could last from a week to 10

is to stop breathing, according to Jimmy

weeks and range from exploring limestone

Chin. “Hold your breath and brace against

towers in Chad to shooting an ad for surf

something,” he says. The 42-year-old ad-

clothing in Hawaii. He has lists of what to

venture photographer often fires away while

pack for all occasions: camera-equipment

dangling off a cliff or perched on an icy rock

list, rock-climbing list, alpine list, skiing list,

face, with one hand holding a camera and

camping list, miscellaneous-items list.

the other managing safety ropes. Mr. Chin

“That way, I don’t have to think; just

has trained himself to hold still just long

pack the list,” he says. Each Meru attempt

enough to snap award-winning images. He

lasted nearly six weeks, so he packed 12

has shot covers for National Geographic.

camera batteries. At high altitudes, batteries

He is also a professional climber and

have to stay in his sleeping bag at night or

line by Revo. Another key piece of gear is a

skier sponsored by The North Face. He

they’ll freeze. Regardless of destination, he

portable solar charger.

climbs alongside his photo subjects, only

usually brings a massive North Face Rolling

he will be carrying an extra 15 pounds of

Thunder duffel, a Cobra backpack and a

Tape or medical tape, anything will do.

camera equipment. Sometimes he has to

camera bag. For a September shoot in the

packed of a 21,850-foot mountain. The film

scramble ahead to set up a shot or explore

Canadian Rockies, he packed a helmet, rack

won the audience documentary award at

off-route for a better vantage point. In 2006,

of climbing gear, safety ropes and several

the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. It will be

he photographed pro skier Kit DesLauriers

ascenders, which are metal clamps used to

released on DVD, cable and digital platforms

as she became the first woman to ski down

hoist himself up a rope in midair. Footwear

on Nov. 17. “We went ultra-minimalist

Mount Everest. The job meant summiting

included hiking boots, climbing shoes.

for ‘Meru,’ ” Mr. Chin says. No Sherpas,

Everest with Ms. DesLauriers’s expedition

He packs clothing in layers, from a

Tape is a must-have: gaffer tape, Gorilla

no yaks, no support crew on the peak. He

and skiing the descent with her. Mr. Chin is

Gore-Tex outer shell to a down jacket and

climbed with three cameras and a micro-

on the road about 200 days a year. His home

thermal hoodie. He usually brings three

phone. Each Meru attempt lasted nearly six

bases are in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and New

pairs of sunglasses he has his own signature

weeks, so he packed 12 camera batteries.

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At high altitudes, batteries have to stay in

night or they’ll freeze. Regardless of destina-

his sleeping bag at night or they’ll freeze.

tion, he usually brings a massive North Face

“There’s a lot of stuff in your sleeping bag,”

Rolling Thunder duffel, a Cobra backpack

he says, including gloves, socks, boot liners,

and a camera bag. For a September shoot.

hard drives and anything else that needs to

Canadian Rockies, he packed a helmet,

be warm or dry by morning. “You look like a

rack of climbing gear, safety ropes and

giant burrito.”

several ascenders, which are metal clamps

Mr. Chin grew up in Minnesota, where

used to hoist himself up a rope in midair.

his parents, immigrants from Taiwan, were

He has lists of what to pack for all occasions:

university librarians. He resisted familial

camera-equipment list, rock-climbing list,

pressure to become a doctor or a lawyer,

alpine list, skiing list, camping list, miscel-

instead moving after college to Yosemite

laneous-items list. To Jimmy Chin. “Hold

National Park to focus on rock climbing. He

your breath and brace against something,”

sold his first photograph at age 25, to out-

he says. Which are metal clamps used to

door equipment company. At high altitudes,

hoist himself up a rope in midair. Footwear

batteries have to stay in his sleeping bag at

included hiking boots, climbing shoes.

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IN THE NEWS

The Wild Ones Creative Workshop Tour UPDATE The Wild Ones Creative Workshop Tour

portion at the end of the day old bridges,

had an absolutely fantastic time visiting

gorgeous forests and refreshing beaches

including historical buildings, old bridges,

Toronto! We enjoyed sharing our knowledge

with lake and skyline views. We had a large

gorgeous forests and refreshing beaches

and following passions and the creative pro-

variety of options for creating photographs

with lake and skyline views. We had a large

cess with our students. We had our second

including collected and designed wardrobe

variety of options for creating photographs

workshop the 18th and 19th of July.

pieces to outfit our gorgeous models, and

including collected and designed wardrobe

many props to choose from. Our next Cana-

pieces to outfit our gorgeous models, and

the workshop took place on Toronto Island,

dian workshop stop will be August 23rd and

many props to choose from. Our students

a beautiful labyrinthine park reachable only

24th held in Vancouver! You can sign up by

by ferry (or swimming!). This park contained

visiting our website www.thewildonestour.

many magical sites including historical

com/vancouver. Our students had opportu-

buildings, old bridges, gorgeous forests and

nity to follow each of the instructors through

refreshing beaches with lake and skyline

live shoots and then create images of their

views. We had a large variety of options for

own. We enjoyed sharing our knowledge and

creating photographs including collected

following passions and the creative process

and designed wardrobe pieces to outfit our

with our students. We had our second work-

gorgeous models, and many props to choose

shop the 18th and 19th of July.

Our location for the shooting day of

from. Our students had opportunity to

This park contained many magical sites

follow each of the instructors through live

including historical buildings, old bridges,

shoots and then create images of their own.

gorgeous forests and refreshing beaches

The second day of the workshop was mainly

with lake and skyline views. We had a large

focused on business development and editing

variety of options for creating photographs

that took place at the wonderful Developing

including collected and designed wardrobe

Tank Studio right in the heart of Toronto.

pieces to outfit our gorgeous models, and

The students had the opportunity to follow

many props to choose from. Our students

along in live editing demos and inspiration

had opportunity to follow each of the in-

exercises by the instructors while also delving

structors through live shoots and then create.

into their creative process during a free-time

images of their own.

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This park contained many magical sites

IN THE NEWS

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TECHNOLOGY

Get the most out of your

point-and-shoot camera

with these top tips

Governor for the ability of point-and-shoot cameras, Meagan Blazier gives her tips to getting the best results 1. Read the manual

3. Get Familiar with Settings

Though obvious, this is the quickest

If you are new to photography, here’s an

shot with regarding the depth of field.

way to get a general idea of all of your

exercise you should do right away to get

Then learn how to use exposure compen-

camera’s features and get familiar with

familiar with your camera: take a series

sation to underexpose or overexpose a

settings and menu options. Nowadays,

of shots of the same subject using the

shot, and take a series of shots adjusting

with all the information on the Internet,

different modes and adjust the settings

this. Don’t limit yourself. The best way to

it’s also likely there are some video tuto-

between shots. For example, in aperture

get familiar with the camera is to try each

rials on using your specific camera that I

priority mode, change the aperture be-

setting and get a feel for how it works.

am certain would be useful.

tween shots so that you can see what

2. take RAW images If your camera does shoot in RAW, then you undoubtedly should. Shooting in RAW will capture all the visual data, instead of compressing it like a JPEG, and allow you far more control when it comes to post-processing. If your camera does not shoot in RAW, then shoot in the highest quality JPEG possible. When it comes time to do your post-processing work, JPGs cannot be pushed nearly as much as RAW images. If your camera does not shoot in RAW.

difference the aperture can make on a

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TECHNOLOGY

4. White Balance

5. Learn the Basic Rules

Your camera’s white balance settings

of Photography

use your pop-up flash and opt for natural

will affect the overall colour tint of your

Sure, rules are meant to be broken,

lighting-and for the most part I cannot

images. If your camera has white balance

but one that you can’t get away from is

argue that theory. The problem with

settings, it will probably let you shift be-

composition- learn it! Get familiar with

pop-up flashes is that they can be harsh

tween daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten,

where to place subjects and how to fill

and unflattering. This is because they

fluorescent, auto, and custom. Either set

the frame. Study the rule of thirds, lead-

are pointed directly at your subject and

your white balance to auto or to the cor-

ing lines, symmetry, repetition, leading

on the same plane as the lens, providing

rect lighting that you are shooting in so

lines, etc.

harsh light. On the other hand, there are some good uses for flash, such as using

that your images don’t end up too yellow or blue. If, however, you inadvertently

Generally, most would tell you never to

6. When to Use Your FlaSH

it as a fill light. If a scene has a high

change the white balance to the wrong

Most point & shoots have an on-cam-

dynamic range with really bright areas

setting, don’t panic.

era flash that is pretty convenient,

and darker spots, then one of two things.

but knowing when to use it is crucial.

correctly and your shadows will be black.

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Using your flash can help balance the

8. Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

light in the scene and give a more even

The best thing about many point & shoot

exposure throughout. By exposing for the

cameras is the zoom capability without

highlights, you can ensure that they will

needing additional lenses. Don’t be afraid

not be blown out. You can then use your

to experiment with the zoom. Go wide

flash as a “fill” to provide additional light

angle and low down for a more dramatic

and exposure the darker areas of the

feel, put your camera on a tripod, use a

scene correctly. I often make use of this

slow shutter speed, and zoom the lens as

technique when shooting property interi-

you take the shot. My goal is to create

ors to ensure windows are not blown out

images that draw the viewer in, that

and the interior has a nice even exposure

speak differently to each person who

with no shadows-this gives me a good.

views them. Or to create a story that is left open for interpretation, for each piece

7. Avoiding Flash When

to mean something personal to each per-

Natural Light Is Limited

son that views it. Most point-and-shoot

Indirect, softer lighting is always better

cameras, including my Canon SX40HS,

than harsh, direct lighting. When shoot-

will not save in RAW file format so you

ing an indoor portrait, try placing your

will be editing JPG files. Go wide angle

subject near a window and use all the

and low down for a more dramatic feel

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TECHNOLOGY SHOP

Kodak Digital Point & Shoot Camera Kodak FZ41 16MP, 4X Zoom, 2.7 LCD, AA, 720HD Kodak AZ362 Digital Point & Shoot Bridge Camera 16MP, 36X Optical Zoom PRICE $80 - $300

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Lexar 300X microSDHC Class 10 Memory Card Available in various sizes 16GB, 32GB, 64GB PRICE $15 - $40

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FEATURE DEFINE PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE MEANING OF BOKEH

SIMON WATKINSON The origin, technology and meaning behind common photography terms

t’s a term that pops up constantly in photography circles, but what does ‘bokeh’ actually mean? Landscape photographer Simon Watkinson explains how to achieve the perfect blur Soft, creamy and very smooth. No, I’m not talking about the dessert I just ate; I’m referring to the background blur of an image that displays great bokeh. All lenses are capable of producing out of focus parts of an image, generated by sections of the image that fall outside the area of focus (Depth Of Field), but some lenses produce an overall better quality of bokeh than others. Dedicated portrait prime lenses are excellent for this technique, the faster the better. So much so that the Nikon 85mm f/1.4 and the Canon f/1.2 are more often talked about for the quality of what isn’t in focus than what is! Origins The term originates from the Japanese word ‘boke’ meaning blur. Not simply about the circles of light produced in out of focus areas when photographing highlights, bokeh arises from the aesthetic quality of the overall blur. Good bokeh is appealing to the eye, it can not only make the subject stand out from the background but add a very pleasing visual effect. Done well, bokeh produces soft round shapes and smooth lines but beware, bad bokeh can add a harsh quality to an image. The soft curves and hard lines may produce double lines creating a distraction to the eye and making the image less visually appealing. Lenses produce better bokeh than consumer lenses. With portrait or quality telephoto zoom lenses producing

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FEATURE DEFINE PHOTOGRAPHY

the most pleasing results. The shape of the aperture blades is a contributing factor. While older lenses tend to be of the seven blade variety, the modern equivalents are now equipped with nine blades. The nine blade apertures will produce a more rounded out of focus highlight. The aperture blades can be seen in these areas of out of focus very clearly. Shooting with the lens set to its maximum aperture will produce circular out of focus highlights because the aperture blades are fully retracted out of the optical path, leaving a perfect circle for the light to pass through. Try it for yourself Test your own lens at home by setting your camera to manual focus and moving in as close as you can to a subject (make sure you have plenty of out of focus background). Shoot in aperture priority with a wide open aperture. Avoid shooting against a plain background; a colourful background will work well, but even better if there are some bright lights. If you live in a city or town there will be plenty of opportunity to try out some night time shooting with lots of lovely out of focus light, producing beautiful bokeh.

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CULTURE ILFORD GALERIE PHOTO CONTEST

ILFORD GALERIE Photo Contest Winners Congratulations to the winners of the Ilford Galeria Photo Contest whom participated in the contest by sending

Canadian shipping address must be sup-

Amplis Foto maintains the right to use the

us their pictures in print. Our winning pho-

plied. Phone number is required.

image in photonews or photonews Flash,

tographers will receive special prizes:

Print size no larger than 13”x19”.

with appropriate credit to the Photographer.

Espon printer (1st – SP3880, 2nd – R3000,

Prints will not be returned. After the closing

For more information please visit:

3rd – R2000) and Ilford Galerie Prestige

date, three images will be named as the

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Paper from Amplis Foto Inc. The contest is

winners, based on the judge’s final choices.

open to residents of Canada only. A valid

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Over the Ridge- Roger Correia â&#x20AC;&#x153;The image was shot in Arches National Park in Utah. The ridge was no challenge for this lone hiker as we crossed paths on the trails of Arches National Park.â&#x20AC;? Markham, Ontario

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CULTURE ILFORD GALERIE PHOTO CONTEST

Greeting the Morning Sunrise- Harbin King “It was taken in the western Xinjiang desert of China last Sept. 2014. I was with a group of photographers touring that region. We got up early to catch the daily routine of camel train on the way to work. The colourful sky at dawn was captivating.” Vernon, BC

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Family-La famille- Jacques Caron â&#x20AC;&#x153;Central Highland in Madagascar (November 2013), near the town of Ivato, I saw this family looking outside. I framed, clicked twice and that was it.â&#x20AC;? Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC

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CULTURE ILFORD GALERIE PHOTO CONTEST

Mare with Colt- Antje Danielson “Last summer we visited Alberta for the first time and drove the Cowboy Trail south from Calgary. I took a many images on that trip, and the “Mare and Colt” is my favorite.”

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Flowerpot Island National Park- Gerry Kaiser â&#x20AC;&#x153;The image was photographed on Flowerpot Island National Park with a Canon 5d Mark 3 and an 8-15 mm fisheye lens at 15mm on a moonless night. Aperture was f4. The exposure took 2hours and 2 more hours in camera noise reduction for a total of 4 hours.â&#x20AC;?

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CULTURE ILFORD GALERIE PHOTO CONTEST

Leaves- Susan Kerr “Image of leaves taken in Ottawa in the gardens behind the Chateau Laurier during the summer of 2012.”

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Brick House- Darren Miller â&#x20AC;&#x153;This photo was shot in the basement of an abandoned public school. It was late March and the school had flooded resulting in a four inch layer of ice in the whole basement. My model (mother of three boys) had a hard time walking in those shoes and staying warm! We shot a whole series in this building and they turned out delicious. It was the most fun I have ever had in a classroom!â&#x20AC;?

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TECHNIQUE SHOOTING SPORTS

SHOOTING SPORTS If you think shooting indoors was challenging, wait until you go outside where you have absolutely no control

pared for the worst possible conditions

over your shooting conditions at all. If

in order for our gear to survive,.

you are lucky, the temperature will be

Before I discuss how to best shoot

warm, the sun will be shining and there

during various weather conditions and

might even be a slight breeze, but we are

what would possibly be some of the

not always presented with ideal weather

better vantage points, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discuss cam-

conditions. In that case, we must be pre-

era settings. I always shoot in Manual Mode. I set my shutter speed based on the activity and the age of the participants. This would be between 1/250 and 1/1000 of a second. Younger kids at 1/250 and the older ones at 1/1000. Depending on your camera make and model, you may be able to use an ISO of 800 or even 1250 without much noise in your images. Generally, you will want to use the lowest ISO you can at your chosen shutter speed and aperture. You can even choose to set your camera to Auto ISO and limit the highest value to what value you are comfortable with based on past experience you have had. As far as f-stop / aperture is concerned,

isolating your subject from the crowd,

f/8 should be sufficient but lower would

think of that shot of the football quar-

be preferred. You do not necessarily

terback as he is getting ready to make

need to go to f /2.8 unless you are after

the pass; he is in sharp focus, but the

a special effect or you are trying to

crowd in the stands are out of focus.

isolate your subject from the rest of the

That kind of image would have been

participants or from the crowd.

shot with a very long telephoto lens with

To understand what I mean by

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the aperture set to itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maximum widest

50mm lens and even wider, from the

today have a 70-200 f/2.8 lens and it

sidelines. When I mention sidelines,

is a great lens to shoot sporting events.

I don’t just mean the sidelines of a

Add a 2x tele-converter to this and you

football, soccer or rugby field but the

will be able to bring the action closer

“sidelines’ could also mean being right

even closer. You will give up 2 f-stops in

up along the edge of a dirt bike trail up

the process, but if you are shooting out-

a mountain side or close the edge of a

side during daylight hours, this should

skate boarding bowl.

not be a problem. So your f/2.8 lens

Remember the somewhat “Golden Rule” when it comes to minimum shutter speeds and lenses when shooting

will effectively be an f/5.6 lens. You now have a 400mm f5.6 lens. Combine that with a DX format

hand held. Your shutter speed should be no slower than 1 over the focal length. So if you are shooting handheld using a 70-200mm lens at 200mm, your shutter speed should be 1/200 of a second in order for your subject to be in sharp focus. If you have VR (Nikon) lenses or IS (Canon) lenses (and whatever the other lens manufacturers have decided to call it), you should turn this feature off as it will not do any good at these fast shutter speeds. opening. Another factor that determines how isolated your subject is from it’s. The closer you are, the greater the isolation. Shooting with a 300mm f/2.8 lens on the sidelines of a football game, will give you more subject to background separation than using that same lens shooting from the stands. Not all sports images are shot with long telephoto lenses and fast apertures. Some amazing images can be captured with a standard

It may even slow down your system’s responsiveness to focus On my Nikons, I use the AF-ON Button to focus as opposed to using the shutter release button to focus. Having the focus and the shutter trigger using the same button just slows down the camera’s ability to focus as fast as it possibly can. This takes a little getting used to, but in no time you’ll wonder why this isn’t how all cameras are set up. A lot of people

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TECHNIQUE SHOOTING SPORTS

bag does not have a rain cover, bring

Sometimes I’ll sit in my camping

along some garbage bags to protect your

chair and use my monopod right on

gear that is inside the camera bag. Don’t

the sidelines – it’s a little dangerous but

forget, most camera bags are water re-

without risk, there is little reward, right?

sistant – not water proof. Neither is your

Whether you are standing on the

cell phone! Put that in a ziplock bag and

sidelines or shooting from ground level,

always pack extra clothing and shoes in

remember to pay attention to what is

the trunk of your car just in case you get

actually going on in the game you are

soaked while shooting. This way you’ll

photographing because these athletes

have some dry clothes to change into

are not stopping for you.

for the drive home. If it’s going to be sunny all day, then maybe a hat (big and floppy to cover your ears) and sunscreen may be in order. What about using one of those beach chairs with the umbrella attached. I have an umbrella attached to my monopod so that rain or shine I am protected. Are you going to be standing all day in one spot or moving around from one location to another? Canadian Tire sells these great little portable, collapsible camping seats that I take with me everywhere I shoot. You never know when you are going to want to just (cropped sensor) and you will really be

sit down for a while. Maybe there is a

on top of things. So you are all set to go

break in the action and you don’t want

shoot some sporting events. You have

to leave your great shooting spot.

checked all of your camera gear and

Shoot low. This gives your viewers

you have all the lenses you think you will

a better appreciation of what is actually

want to use (for some that may only be

happening on the field. If you can’t

one lens), but what is the weather going

kneel for extended periods of time then

About the Author:

to be? If there is the possibility of rain,

a camping chair is perfect. If you plan

John Warren is an award winning Photoshop

you may want to not only bring your

to stand while shooting, use a monopod

Instructor and Professional Photographer living

raincoat but also rain protection for

with the video foot so you can pivot

and working in the Greater Toronto Area and is

your camera and lens. If your camera

your camera to suit the action.

on the faculty at Humber College.

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Before the real city could be seen it had to be imagined, the way rumors and tall tales were a kind of chartingâ&#x20AC;? Michael Ondaatje, In the Skin of a Lion

Find Michael Ondaatjeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novel In the Skin of a Lion at your local library or bookstore visit www.amazon.ca/In-Skin-Lion-Michael-Ondaatje www.eyesovertoronto.ca

The secret to

perfect portraits

DARREN ROWSE Take Portraits that have the ‘wow’ factor

o look at some ways to break out of

that you can also draw the eye of the viewer

but again, sometimes rules are made to be

the mold and take striking portraits

of the shot to the edge of the image also

broken. Another element of randomness that

by breaking (or at least bending)

taking them away from the point of interest

you can introduce to your portraits is the way

the rules and adding a little randomness into

in your shot – the subject. Looking within the

that you light them.

your portrait photography. I’ll share ten of

frame – alternatively you could have your

these tips today and a further ten tomorrow.

subject looking at something (or someone)

when it comes to using light in portraits.

within the frame. A child looking at a ball,

Side-lighting can create mood, backlighting

are taken with the camera at (or around) the

a woman looking at her new baby, a man

and silhouetting your subject to hide their

eye level of the subject. While this is good

looking hungrily at a big plate of pasta….

features can be powerful. I was chatting with

common sense completely changing the

When you give your subject something to

a photographer recently who told me about

angle that you shoot from can give your por-

look at that is inside the frame you create a

a corporate portrait shoot that he had done

trait a real wow factor. Play with eye contact

second point of interest and a relationship

with a business man at his home. They’d

It is amazing how much the direction of your

between it and your primary subject. It also

taken a lot of head and shoulder shots, shots

subject’s eyes can impact an image. Most

helps create ‘story’ within the image. There

at his desk, shots in front of framed degrees

portraits have the subject looking down the

are a lot of ‘rules’ out there when it comes

and other ‘corporate’ type images. They had

lens – something that can create a real sense

to composition and I’ve always had a love

all turned out fairly standard – but there was

of connection between a subject and those

hate relationship with them. My theory is that

nothing that really stood out from the crowd.

viewing the image. But there are a couple of

while they are useful to know and employ

The photographer and the subject agreed

other things to try: Looking off camera – have

that they are also useful to know so you can

that there were plenty of useable shots but

your subject focus their attention on some-

purposely break them – as this can lead to

they wanted to create something ‘special’

thing unseen and outside the field of view

eye catching results.

and out of the box.

Alter your perspective, most portraits

of your camera. This can create a feeling of

The Rule of Thirds is one that can be

There are almost unlimited possibilities

The photographer suggested they try

candidness and also create a little intrigue

effective to break – placing your subject

some ‘jumping’ shots. The subject was a

and interest as the viewer of the shot won-

either dead centre can sometimes create a

little hesitant at first but stepped out into

ders what they are looking at. This intrigue

powerful image – or even creative placement

the uncomfortable zone and dressed in his

is particularly drawn about when the subject

with your subject right on the edge of a shot

suit and tie started jumping! The shots were

is showing some kind of emotion (ie ‘what’s

can sometimes create interesting images.

amazing, surprising and quite funny. The

making them laugh?’ or ‘what is making them

Another ‘rule’ that we often talk about in

shoot culminated with the subject jumping in

look surprised?’). Just be aware that when

portrait photography is to give your subject

his pool for one last image. While this might

you have a subject looking out of frame

room to look into. This can work really well

all sound a little ‘silly’ the shots ended up

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FEATURE THE SECRET TO PERFECT PORTRAITS

being featured in a magazine spread about

subject but you could also really add a sense

static image. This technique can work very

the subject. It was the series of out of the

of story and place to the image that takes

well when you’re photographing children –

box images that convinced the magazine he

it in a new direction and gives the person

or really any active subject that is changing

was someone that they’d want to feature.

you’re photographing an extra layer of depth

their position or pose in quick succession.

Sometimes posed shots can look somewhat

that they wouldn’t have had without the

Photography in article taken by following art-

posed. Some people don’t look good in a

prop or get right in close so that you can just

ists: monicutza80, paulbence, reportergimmi,

posed environment and so switching to a

photograph a part of your subject.

Bukutgirl, diskomethod, TeeRish, phitar, Mrs.

candid type approach can work. Photograph

Photographing a person’s hands,

your subject at work, with family or doing

eyes, mouth or even just their lower body

something that they love.

can leave a lot to the imagination of the

This will put them more at ease and you

viewer of an image. A variation on the idea

can end up getting some special shots with

of zooming in on one part of the body is

them reacting naturally to the situation that

to obscure parts of your portrait subject’s

they are in. You might even want to grab a

face or body. You can do this with clothing,

longer zoom lens to take you out of their

objects, their hands or just by framing part

immediate zone and get really paparazzi with

of them out of the image. Doing this means

them. I find that this can particularly work

that you leave a little to the imagination

when photographing children. Add a prop

of the image’s viewer but also focus their

of some kind into your shots and you create

attention on parts of your subject that you

another point of interest that can enhance

want them to be focused upon. In doing

your shot. Yes you might run the risk of

this you create a series of images that could

taking too much focus away from your main

be presented together instead of just one

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Maze, BigBlonde, diyosa.

FEATURE THE SECRET TO PERFECT PORTRAITS

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FEATURE THE SECRET TO PERFECT PORTRAITS

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FEATURE THE SECRET TO PERFECT PORTRAITS

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VOL. 1 VOL. 2 JUNE 2016

TORONTO