Photography: Reflections of the Soul
It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Therefore, I believe that the camera is a reflection of one's soul. Photography is a great medium for artistic expression. An individual's view of the world is captured through the images he or she photographs, subconsciously capturing expressions of inner child and alter egos. Even though a photographer consciously photographs a person, landscape or object, it is his or her psyche that creates the interpretation with the use of light, camera settings and backgrounds. Like a painter, the film and/or digital sensor becomes their canvas.
In always searching for that once in a lifetime shot, ones ego plays a large role. It is imperative that a photographer (amateur or professional) has an ego large enough to believe that he or she is the best and at that particular time taking the best picture. Artistic expression comes in almost infinite mediums but unlike painting, drawing, sculpting, etc., the photographs themselves can be copied and printed over and over again, but the given opportunity may and can only be captured once by the camera.
It becomes apparent that luck has a little to do with whether or not we capture that once in a lifetime shot or being in the right place at the right time with a camera. The true question is, does luck really have a lot to do with it or does a photographer's psyche, gut feeling or hunch come into play? How many times have you left the house forgetting your camera and going back to get it on a hunch and later that day it paid off? This has happened to me several times. However, if you're a truly dedicated photographer or in my case obsessive compulsive you would never leave the house without your camera.
What impels us to turn off the beaten path only to find that great shot? Most photographers know that in many cases you have to explore remote areas to capture that great nature shot. What inspires us to try different lighting schemes, filters and backdrops in the studio? Your first answer would be knowledge, know-how and experience, all true and are all important in becoming a good photographer. However, it is our egos, inner child, hunches, artistic natures or our very soul that takes that knowledge, know-how and experience and turns it into a piece of art for all to enjoy.
Not unlike other art forms there are rules for good photography--the rule of thirds, correct exposure, format and composition to name a few. True innovations and advancements are in many ways achieved by breaking the rules, thinking outside the box or painting outside the lines to mention a couple clichés. Some of the greatest artists, scientists and thinkers had some type of neurosis or as some would say, including Freud, were a bit egotistical, obsessive compulsive, or even crazy.
As photographers, it is most important that we enjoy and have fun taking pictures; if it wasn't important to us, we probably would do something else. Maintaining self confidence while not becoming overly confident and providing the world with inspirational images that will endure for a lifetime and beyond, is the goal to which we all should aspire.
Our cameras are our paint brushes, pencils, piece of stone or clay and it is up to the individual photographer (artist) to create that masterpiece for the other windows of the soul to enjoy, interpret and with which to be inspired.
In always searching for that once in a lifetime shot, ones ego plays a large role. It is imperative that a photographer (amateur or professional) has an ego large enough to believe that he or she is the best and at that particular time taking the best picture. Artistic expression comes in almost infinite mediums but unlike painting, drawing, sculpting, etc., the photographs themselves can be copied and printed over and over again, but the given opportunity may and can only be captured once by the camera.
It becomes apparent that luck has a little to do with whether or not we capture that once in a lifetime shot or being in the right place at the right time with a camera. The true question is, does luck really have a lot to do with it or does a photographer's psyche, gut feeling or hunch come into play? How many times have you left the house forgetting your camera and going back to get it on a hunch and later that day it paid off? This has happened to me several times. However, if you're a truly dedicated photographer or in my case obsessive compulsive you would never leave the house without your camera.
What impels us to turn off the beaten path only to find that great shot? Most photographers know that in many cases you have to explore remote areas to capture that great nature shot. What inspires us to try different lighting schemes, filters and backdrops in the studio? Your first answer would be knowledge, know-how and experience, all true and are all important in becoming a good photographer. However, it is our egos, inner child, hunches, artistic natures or our very soul that takes that knowledge, know-how and experience and turns it into a piece of art for all to enjoy.
Not unlike other art forms there are rules for good photography--the rule of thirds, correct exposure, format and composition to name a few. True innovations and advancements are in many ways achieved by breaking the rules, thinking outside the box or painting outside the lines to mention a couple clichés. Some of the greatest artists, scientists and thinkers had some type of neurosis or as some would say, including Freud, were a bit egotistical, obsessive compulsive, or even crazy.
As photographers, it is most important that we enjoy and have fun taking pictures; if it wasn't important to us, we probably would do something else. Maintaining self confidence while not becoming overly confident and providing the world with inspirational images that will endure for a lifetime and beyond, is the goal to which we all should aspire.
Our cameras are our paint brushes, pencils, piece of stone or clay and it is up to the individual photographer (artist) to create that masterpiece for the other windows of the soul to enjoy, interpret and with which to be inspired.
Table of Contents
- Windows to the Soul
- Photography Tips, Equipment and More
- You Can't Take Too Many Pictures!
- Keep It Clean
- Shutter Speed for Different Results
- REFLECTION of the Soul
- Soulshine Expressions Gallery
- Flickr Photos by Soulshine Expressions
- Featuring Photographic Items from Soulshine Expressions
- More Helpful Links For Digital Photography
- Need a New Camera or an Upgrade?
- Digital Camera Accesories
- My Other Photography Lenses
- More Camera Stuff on eBay
- More Great Items from Ebay
- Choose the Best Camera
- The Clear Water of Lake Tahoe . . . Wishing You Were There???
- Now Book that Travel Photograph Vacation
- New Guestbook
- For More Information On Photography Visit These Links
Windows to the Soul
Photography Tips, Equipment and More
Before You Go Out
One of the world's fastest growing hobbies and businesses is Digital Photography. The Digital Camera has revolutionized the way we photograph, where we photograph and how often we photograph. Whether you're a professional or an amateur photographer you will always want to capture the best quality photographs you can.The great thing about digital photography is you don't need the most expensive camera in the world to take great pictures. All you need is a good eye, a little knowledge and a bit of soul.
Before heading out for a photo shoot, you should never leave the house without at a minimum the following:
Your camera, of course, extra batteries and memory card, UV and polarizer filters, and external flash. [Most cameras have built-in flashes; however, they sometimes do not provide efficient lighting under certain conditions.]
You might also want to bring along a sturdy tripod or some form of camera stabilizer. A zoom or telephoto, and an additional wide angle lens can also be useful. Depending on what type of photographs you plan to shoot, you may want to take along a close up lens or two.
You will want to have a good camera bag to protect and carry all your gear. I use a basic backpack that I added foam padding to in order to protect my camera and lenses. If you go this route, just make sure it has enough pockets and compartments for all your equipment. I even have straps on mine to hold my tripod.
You Can't Take Too Many Pictures!
The great thing about a digital camera is you can delete any photo that doesn't measure up. I like to take several shots of the same subject, sometimes experimenting with the settings. I very rarely shoot in auto mode, more on modes later.If you have a small memory card or are shooting in RAW format you might want to review your photos often and delete ones that aren't the BEST. Large memory cards are good if you don't want to worry about deleting photos on your camera to save time.
So take a lot of pictures, you can't take too many. This way you have a better chance of capturing that "great shot". Keep this in mind when shooting people and things that move like eye lids.
Tahoe from Heaven
by
Soulshine51
View other poster designs At zazzle
More Nevada Posters
Keep It Clean
It is important to keep your camera lenses clean to prevent encountering spots and blurs on your images. If you have a more expensive camera that has threads on the lens so you can attach a skylight(UV) filter, it is a good idea to use one to protect the lens from scratches and dirt. If you have one of the less expensive cameras without threads, make sure to not touch the lens and use the lens cover when not in use.
Depending on how often you use your camera really determines how frequently you should clean it. Every few weeks if you use your camera regularly is recommended, or every few months if you use your camera only occasionally.
Purchasing a lens cleaning kit is highly recommended. Use the lens brush and air blower to remove loose dust particles from the lens. Place a drop of lens cleaning solution onto a lens tissue or cloth and wipe the lens clean with a circular motion. Use the blower to dry the lens or let it air dry. Never use anything like soap which is abrasive or wipe too hard. Be sure to clean filters using the same method.
Depending on how often you use your camera really determines how frequently you should clean it. Every few weeks if you use your camera regularly is recommended, or every few months if you use your camera only occasionally.
Purchasing a lens cleaning kit is highly recommended. Use the lens brush and air blower to remove loose dust particles from the lens. Place a drop of lens cleaning solution onto a lens tissue or cloth and wipe the lens clean with a circular motion. Use the blower to dry the lens or let it air dry. Never use anything like soap which is abrasive or wipe too hard. Be sure to clean filters using the same method.
Shutter Speed for Different Results
To freeze the action or capture the motion either way you must choose the correct shutter speed.
When freezing the action remember the closer the action the faster the required shutter speed. Also set the shutter speed faster than the focal length of the lens. Let's say you are using a lens set at 200mm the shutter speed should be at lease 1/200 of a second. This will prevent a blurred image.
When capturing motion a tripod and timer or remote trigger is recommended to prevent camera movement. Note that most cameras with built in shake reduction require that it be disabled when using a tripod. So check your camera's manual.
Here are some basic shutter speed suggestions when shooting different subjects.
TO FREEZE THE ACTION
Sporting events - 1/500 to 1/2000 seconds
Birds in flight - 1/500 seconds and above
Waterfalls - 1/1000 seconds or more
TO CAPTURE MOTION
Waterfalls - 4 or more seconds
Cars at night - 3 to 10 seconds
Amusement park rides - +/- one second
When freezing the action remember the closer the action the faster the required shutter speed. Also set the shutter speed faster than the focal length of the lens. Let's say you are using a lens set at 200mm the shutter speed should be at lease 1/200 of a second. This will prevent a blurred image.
When capturing motion a tripod and timer or remote trigger is recommended to prevent camera movement. Note that most cameras with built in shake reduction require that it be disabled when using a tripod. So check your camera's manual.
Here are some basic shutter speed suggestions when shooting different subjects.
TO FREEZE THE ACTION
Sporting events - 1/500 to 1/2000 seconds
Birds in flight - 1/500 seconds and above
Waterfalls - 1/1000 seconds or more
TO CAPTURE MOTION
Waterfalls - 4 or more seconds
Cars at night - 3 to 10 seconds
Amusement park rides - +/- one second
REFLECTION of the Soul
If you really want your images to stand out include water in your photo. The reflections generated by water can add an interesting element to your photograph. This is also true for sunset or sunrise photography.Shooting water reflections alone and not the subject can generate a great abstract image.
Reflections from light and bright colors in water can really affect the mood of a picture. So when shooting, always look for opportunities to add water and its reflections to your images.
Sierra Nevada Mountainscape
by
Soulshine51
Other posters At Zazzle
View more California Posters
Here's my favorite link:
Flickr Photos by Soulshine Expressions
Please pause and enjoy this short slide show of just a few more of the images taken with my Pentax K100D Digital Camera.
curated content from Flickr
Featuring Photographic Items from Soulshine Expressions
Products featuring panoramic sunsets, flowers and more, including beautiful framed fine art prints, posters, wall clocks, mouse pads, messenger bags and more courtesy of Soulshine Expressions.
Welcome and thank you for visiting!
Welcome and thank you for visiting!
Reddish Orange Daisy Keepsake Box
Even if you weren't a fan of orange, you would have to admire the sheer brilliance of this beautiful reddish orange daisy surrounded with a hint of brilliant purple in this beautiful keepsake box.
Price: 22.98 
Blue Morning Glory Throw Pillow
Your morning will be anything but blue with the addition of items like this beautiful throw pillow featuring this beautiful morning glory flower.
Price: 18.99
Red Rose in Bloom Tote Bag
What better way to show someone you love them than a traditional red rose. This beauty is in full bloom on our tote bag. Find this photo on many other items at Soulshine Expressions.
Price: 14.99
Photography Reflection of Soul Organic Cotton Tee
At Soulshine Expressions we truly believe Photography is a Reflection of the Soul. Here you can find this and other great photography and graphic t shirts and apparel items with the photographer in mind.
Price: 22.98
Delta Purple Sunset Large Framed Print
The poignant beauty that is the Mississippi Delta at sunset can be found in this beautiful purple sunset large framed print. Find this photo and others on a variety of products from clocks to greeting cards at Soulshine Expressions.
Price: 37.98
More Helpful Links For Digital Photography
If you are serious about learning digital photography and would like to eventually turn your part-time hobby into a part-time or full-time business, you might want to check out some of these links:
Tricks and techniques for better images with your digital camera. Use your digital camera to take stunning photographs!
These fantastic ebooks will help you transform your digital photos into beautiful, professional quality pictures even if you've never used a digital camera before.
How to easily start up and market a profitable photography business even if you have never been in business before. Earn up to $720 per week part time with your camera, selling photos.
Tricks and techniques for better images with your digital camera. Use your digital camera to take stunning photographs!
Get Paid To Submit Photos To The Internet!:
Genuine home-based photography system lets you earn up to $250 a day and also gives you the opportunity to earn monthly residual income off every photo that you submit online!These fantastic ebooks will help you transform your digital photos into beautiful, professional quality pictures even if you've never used a digital camera before.
How to easily start up and market a profitable photography business even if you have never been in business before. Earn up to $720 per week part time with your camera, selling photos.
Need a New Camera or an Upgrade?
If its a new digital camera you need or just an upgrade to a higher end unit, there are a world of options available. I have listed a few suggestions--some old, some new and some to be released this spring.
Pentax K10D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
The Pentax K10D Digital SLR features an array of P more...0 points
Pentax K10D Digital SLR Camera with Pentax SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Super Wide Angle Zoom Lens
Pentax K10D Digital SLR Camera with Pentax SMCP-DA more...0 points
Pentax Electronic Flash for *ist DS Digital SLR Camera AF-360 FGZ
Electronic Flash for *ist DS Digital SLR Camera0 points
Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX DG IF Aspherical Super Wide Angle Zoom Lens + Hoya 77mm UV Haze Protector Glass Filter + 6-Piece Cleaning Kit + Spudz Microfiber Cleaning Cloth - for Pentax Digital & Film AF SLR Cameras including ZX-5, ZX-7, ZX-30, *ist, *ist
Kit includes: 1) Sigma 17-35mm EX DG IF Aspherical more...0 points
Pentax K100D 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Shake Reduction and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
Compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced and more...0 points
Pentax K20D 14.6MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only)
The PENTAX K20D digital SLR offers advanced photo more...0 points
Nikon D40X 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
The D40x's high-resolution image quality 10.2 effe more...0 points
Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black)
8.0-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CMO more...0 points
Digital Camera Accesories
Below are some of the items recommended in the photography tips:
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Accesory Kit
Amazon Price: $334.90 (as of 12/08/2009)
Kodak Ni-MH Battery Charger Kit for CX/DX 6000/7000 Cameras that Use NiMH Battery
Amazon Price: (as of 12/08/2009)
Jelly Lens Kaleidoscope Image for Camera Cell Phone
Amazon Price: $2.95 (as of 12/08/2009)
Canon Digital Elph Accessory Kit 6 for SD1100 and SD1000 (Includes NB-4L Li-Ion Battery, PSC-1000 Bag and Metal Neck Strap)
Amazon Price: $44.84 (as of 12/08/2009)
Bower 58mm Pro Series II Snap-on Front Lens Cap with Accesory Kit for Digital SLR Cameras
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/08/2009)
My Other Photography Lenses
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Keep Your Digital Memory Sharp
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I would like to share a few hints and tips concerning digital camera memory cards, types, sizes and the care of them. The memory card is the removable part of the camera's brain that stores the pictures. Without one the camera would not operate as in...
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Sunset Photography Tips
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Nothing is more spectacular to photograph to me than a gorgeous sunset or sunrise. What is great about photographing sunsets and sunrises is each one is very unique; there are never two identical ones. What makes the sky change color? During most of...
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Digital Camera Tripod Tips
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When it comes to digital photography a good sturdy tripod is a must for any photographer who wants to obtain the sharpest pictures possible. By using a tripod you eliminate camera shake and lens lag especially in the lower end digital cameras that do...
More Camera Stuff on eBay
If it's a deal on new and or used equipment, why not give eBay a shot (no pun intended).
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More Great Items from Ebay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byChoose the Best Camera
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The Clear Water of Lake Tahoe . . . Wishing You Were There???
Now Book that Travel Photograph Vacation
Now that you are all geared up and ready to go, why not plan and book an exciting photographic adventure--maybe a trek to your favorite vacation spot or an adventure to an unexplored venue.
New Guestbook
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- Vincentn Vincentn May 20, 2009 @ 9:30 am
- This lens covers a lot of good information. Favourite it with 5*. Nice lens.
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- kimmanleyort kimmanleyort Apr 20, 2009 @ 10:49 am
- This lens is chock full of good information and I love the title!
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- ZoeSPEAK ZoeSPEAK Jan 18, 2009 @ 11:12 pm
- Excellent lens!
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- 3dMooNMaN 3dMooNMaN Dec 22, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
- A lens into the lens ! Amazing ! Great Work !!!
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- RolandTumble RolandTumble Nov 12, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
- Nice shots, and good insight on the process. 5*
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- snaz snaz Nov 7, 2008 @ 1:47 am
- Bravo!
Beautiful language, imagery and images...
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- zoewithay zoewithay Jun 6, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
- Thanks for all the great advice!
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- flowski flowski May 20, 2008 @ 9:29 pm
- Very inspirational thoughts for photographers. Your digital photography is wonderful and your such a good writer too, awesome!
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- Janet21 Janet21 May 18, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
- Nice lens! Welcome to the Everything Photography Group! :)
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- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz May 11, 2008 @ 11:23 am
- Little Joe Otter was checking out your lens and liked it so well that he is sending you a virtual cup of coffee to hang on your wall.
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For More Information On Photography Visit These Links
- Shutterbug Magazine
- Leading Photography Publication Outlining Tips, Techniques & Creativity
- Photographic Society of America
- This society is a world-wide interactive organization for serious amateur and professional photographers or for anyone interested in photography.
- Digital Photographer
- Leading Magazine for Digital Photographers.
- Soulshine Expressions
- Express your soul with original graphic designs and photography from Soulshine Expressions. We have t shirts, tank tops, jerseys, sweatshirts, hoodies, kids and infant wear, dog t shirts, coasters, calendars, note cards, greeting cards, keepsake boxes, tote bags, messenger bags, and more.
by Soulshine_Expressions
One of my greatest passions is learning. I'm no expert on anything. I don't believe anyone is. Some people just know more about a particular subject t... (more)
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