Technique & Approach #14

Rarely I will 'edit' my photographs. I think it's only been of recent that I've been a bit more critical in analysing my work. From a technical point of view, in this case wide angle lens distortion. It would be wonderful to invest in a more complex photographic apparatus, but with a few tweaks (occasionally) you can correct any technical errors (mostly). The alternative is a tilt-shift lens. There are so many options for both film and digital, but for now, I'm sticking with what I have.

In the example below, is the original image photographed with a 28mm Prime lens. You'll notice around the edges there is a slight twist. Starting from the centre and heading outwards, the image bends. This is due to the natural distortion from the lens. The lower the number, the wider the angle of view is, and vertical lines will generally distort as you get closer to the edges. Hence why it is often recommended not to photograph close-ups of people with a wide (less than 50mm) lens as you'll get a 'fishbowl' effect. Sometimes this can work if that's is what you're aiming towards artistically, however in this case, I opted for something a little more 'optically' correct. This can be adjusted using 'lens correction' in Photoshop CC.

Most the time I enjoy using a wide lens for architecture and finding a 'line' to use as a reference point / guide for the final photograph. In this case, a wide lens is perfect. Much practice.

As a reference point, the red lines define key areas of lens distortion. Both vertically and horizontally. As you follow the vertical lines, the vertical lines in the photograph bend inwards. Horizontally there is a slight bend downwards.

As a reference point, the red lines define key areas of lens distortion. Both vertically and horizontally. As you follow the vertical lines, the vertical lines in the photograph bend inwards. Horizontally there is a slight bend downwards.

The final image with lens distortion corrected and a crop to throw out some unnecessary environmental elements which don't assist in the telling of the story behind the photograph / distractions.

If you would like to learn more, please check out my other entries on "Technique & Approach". I also offer Personal Learning Sessions, find out here. 

Technique & Approach #13

6 rolls of film. The streets of Brisbane, looking for new inspiration.

Valley Metro. Lost in Transportation. Blended together to give a double exposure.

Valley Metro. Lost in Transportation. Blended together to give a double exposure.

Support structure. Photographed in South Brisbane on the way back to my car, the sun was beaming through the encroaching clouds, providing some spectacular lighting on these neighbouring buildings.

Support structure. Photographed in South Brisbane on the way back to my car, the sun was beaming through the encroaching clouds, providing some spectacular lighting on these neighbouring buildings.

Street-side Fairytales. Teneriffe, Bus Station. I've seen this street art maybe a dozen times, thought it was long overdue for a photograph.

Street-side Fairytales. Teneriffe, Bus Station. I've seen this street art maybe a dozen times, thought it was long overdue for a photograph.

Afternoon Traffic. Gateway Bridge, Sigma 28mm, Polarising Filter. I had always wanted to photograph this bridge and thought this angle would be perfect.

Afternoon Traffic. Gateway Bridge, Sigma 28mm, Polarising Filter. I had always wanted to photograph this bridge and thought this angle would be perfect.

Side Walk. 2 complete strangers, 2 different parts of the afternoon. A mish mash of 2 photos, into 1. South Brisbane.

Side Walk. 2 complete strangers, 2 different parts of the afternoon. A mish mash of 2 photos, into 1. South Brisbane.

A Story about a Bridge and 2 People. Early morning sunshine and strolling (probably exercising), Story Bridge - connecting one side of Brisbane to another.

A Story about a Bridge and 2 People. Early morning sunshine and strolling (probably exercising), Story Bridge - connecting one side of Brisbane to another.

Line Drawing, Fortitude Valley. A little linear and a little vintage. Probably 70s/ 80s styled.

Line Drawing, Fortitude Valley. A little linear and a little vintage. Probably 70s/ 80s styled.

Roma Street Parklands, early morning. Along the boardwalk this stainless railing glistens in the morning sunshine.

Roma Street Parklands, early morning. Along the boardwalk this stainless railing glistens in the morning sunshine.

Bird of Prey x2. An accidental double exposure. Somehow. Most likely the film didn't advance / double exposure engaged accidentally. I like it when this happens, makes for an interesting photograph.

Bird of Prey x2. An accidental double exposure. Somehow. Most likely the film didn't advance / double exposure engaged accidentally. I like it when this happens, makes for an interesting photograph.

QUT (Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point Brisbane.

QUT (Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point Brisbane.

Grid Lines, use for reference.

Grid Lines, use for reference.

Down Town Meet. I enjoy incorporating the surrounding environment to give a bit more of a story and provide placement / relevance in addition to the focal point of the photograph. In this case, a regular street portrait, with a tight framing provide…

Down Town Meet. I enjoy incorporating the surrounding environment to give a bit more of a story and provide placement / relevance in addition to the focal point of the photograph. In this case, a regular street portrait, with a tight framing provided by the bars in the middle and on the right.

The key was geometry, lens type and composition. Vertical lines will (almost) always (should be) vertical. Find a line in the framing and use that as a point of reference.

Technique & Approach #12

I would love to share my experiences and knowledge with you. I now offer One on One photographic sessions, where anything you want to learn from the basics (a good starting point) to something a little more fancy (schmancy). 

Once you have the basics down-pat, we can progress with additional sessions if you wish. For a 2-3 hr session, with guidance and critique along the way, will be $150/ person. Discounts apply for multiple sessions and for groups.

Partially based on my Blog Series 'Technique & Approach', covering my creative workflow and other interesting things. 

To find out more, please take a look-see here. If there's anything you're curious about or want to know more (workflow, websites, social media, hashtags, etcetera), please holla here.