Top 10 Photo Skills #3: Get closer!

To really bring out the best in your subject matter one tool to use is to get in close, and then get in closer. By taking an image that is closer than you would normally view something can really draw in people's attention.

One of the cheapest additions you can buy is a macro filter. I purchased a 4x macro filter a couple of years ago and though it may not grab the uber-professional level of detail I have had some great success with thisrge lens addition.


The images:

• Santiago del Estero Zoo, Argentina.
  Using a 70-300mm lense I was able to get this lazing tiger as he gazed out of the bars. The look in his eye is immense.
  
  
• Mendocino, California
  Using the maco filter here and really tightening up on the centre of the flower. The petals are in high detail and the
  colour contrasts are fantastic. I have split this image up into 9 and it displays really well.
  
  
• Stanislaus National Forest, California
  Using the maco filter here and at F2.8 you get this great depth of field close up on the small white flower elements.
  
  
  

Top 10 Photo Skills #2: Framing your pictures

A great way to add interest to your images is to frame your chosen object on the photo. Be it a door, window, tree branches, cave entrance or a whole in the wall. The list really is endless.

This technique is something that I really like to use and have been using it to different results over the past couple of years. On this post you can see examples that I have taken:

• Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil. This was taken from inside an old fort looking back across the beach to some leaning palms.
  
  
• Inspiration Point, Yosemite, USA. Taken from the car park the branch really adds an additional element to a classic photo.

It is very simple and yet very effective way of making something simple look or the more engaging.

Top 10 Photo Skills #1: Balance/Composition

The balance of an image is one of the most important aspects between an ordinary and exceptional image.

So what is balance:

• Generally an image can be broken up into thirds. The visual rule of thirds says that major points on an image should sit on the vertical and horizontal thirds.
• It is also important to balance the colours of the image to provoke emotion to the scene.
  

Of course since these are the rules an equally striking image can break all of these rules.

Sunrise over the desert

One of the most special events I think one can witness is the new day over a wide expanse of land. There is something very special about seeing a new day break over a desert or a wide open plain.

So though it may be hard to awaken your self from the deep sleep some of the most dramatic and compelling photos are often captured as the sun rises.

Mar del Plata - Argentina

The summer haven of Mar del Plata (5 hrs south of Buenos Aires) swells in summertime as hundreds of thousands of Argentinians take their summer vacations on the beach.

A little scruffy around the edges, Mar del or MDP as it is known by the locals has a fantastic night with its super clubs and continually busy bar scene.

During the day the locals relax by the beach in European fashion, whilst the locals ply their trade in the hospitality scene or on one of the famous orange fishing boats.

Images :: Mar del Plata

Half Moon Bay

Tasmania, an island state at the base of Australia is a bush walkers dream. One third of the island is national park and the variety of these are amazing. From the world famous areas of Cradle Mountain, Franklin River, South Cape and Freycinet National Park. The later houses one of Australia's most sort after photo opportunities.

Half Moon Bay is a spectacular crescent bay of white sand on a deep blue sea and lush green foliage across the thin sand bar. This photo is from atop one of the three hills that look over the bay, my brother Cameron in the foreground adding a personal touch to a sort after image.

This is a great part of the world to visit.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to one and all, I hope that you and your families have a very merry Christmas.

Not all parts of the globe have access to the 'traditional' trees, the people of San Blas off the coast of Panama have to make do with the a decorated version of the town flag pole.

Seal'ed with a kiss

It is not everyday that you get to see a mother's first connection with its child. It is a special moment as gather smells, sounds and sights of their child.

Here on the Galapagos Island's Isla Rabida and throughout the rest of the islands the animals have no fear, most land based predators have never or ceased to exist.

The wildlife is fantastic, get there before the world's greatest predator destroys the trust that these animals place in us.

The backflip

Early one morning I set off to see sunrise at Itacare, Brazil. One the most idyllic beach locations anywhere in the world. As the sun lifted over the water a local boy out collecting coconuts, after scaling some 30m odd trees he strolled over and offered a fresh coconut.

He turned and climbed the tree in front and without warning he flew off the tree and just happened to be right in front of the sun.

One of my favourite photos in my collection.

Jumping Dolphins off Manly Beach

In a magical morning last week I woke to see 80+ dolphins gather off Manly beach, peacefully feeding until a helicopter pilot rounded them up like a cowboy does his cattle. The helicopter dropped to the wave height and chased the dolphins out too sea.

I was fortunate enough to be sitting on my balcony to see all of this happening.

It just goes to show that to get those magical pictures you have to be always ready, you never know what opportunities will arise.

Mate silhouette

If there is one thing that the Uruguayans are famous for it is their love affair with the mate. Bitter in taste, strong as an ox and slightly addictive it is a traveller's acquired taste. But once you are in you are hooked.

They carry their mate with them everywhere and it is the thing to do down by the River La Plata as you watch the sun set over Buenos Aires on the other bank.

Like Australian's drink beer and Cubans their rum, it is the quintessential way to mix in the culture.

Ansel Adams...maybe not

Ansel Adams' photographs of Yosemite capture the real spirit of the valley. His black and white photos are timeless in their excellence - www.anseladams.com

It is a truly unique part of the globe, personally I have been there over 5 times. The valley is so photogenic that you will take rolls or memory cards full of photos.
I recommend that you take in colour and convert your photos later for the dramatic Ansel Adams effect. As shown here.

Take the trails and find the smaller treasures, look around and find something new that people may not ordinarily look at. Look for that unique perspective of everyday life, a different angle or a reflection in a pool of water.

Also look at the postcards and see what others including Ansel Adams took photos of and get your own versions of the classics.

Generally enjoy Yosemite and make sure that you leave it for others to enjoy for generations to come.

World's best beach

From my extensive travels around world I have to say that Itacare in Brazil is the best beach I have been too. Perfect waves, locals, food and atmosphere.

Other top beaches:

• Araya - Venezuela


• Wineglass Bay, Australia


• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Let me know your top beaches?

National Geographic Asia - Comp

A great competition I noticed recently for all of those in the Asia region is this one run by Nikon and National Geographic. There are some great prizes on offer:
www.ngcasia.com/nikon/index.htm

It is free to enter and runs out on the 24th December.

If you have any recommendations from my colletion - let me know?
www.innereye.com.au/search.asp

Argentinian Farm Boy

After spending the day talking to the family the son popped his head up in his bedroom window and the look in his eyes tells his feelings.

Depression

This image was taken in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The zoo was 30 cents entry fee, poorly maintained but allowed great access to the animals.

The light really has a depressing effect on the ape, the hunched posture and the faint shadows of bars really add to this image.

Thoughts??