rcrampton photography

Black & White

2012-02-12T05:54:00.000-08:00

Doing a lot of Black and White conversions lately.

Love the "vintage" appearance they take on.

Synchronized Skating.

2012-01-15T19:26:00.000-08:00

Working with a coach and a parent. Idea is to show/improve the synchronization of the skaters

No Flash

2011-12-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

Gotta love the new sensors which allow for high ISO settings with low noise!

ISO 2500, 1/500 th, f5.6

Synchronized Skating

2011-12-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

I chose to NOT include faces here so I would just be catching the swirl of skirts and the profusion of colour.

Very different from my usual captures, trying to catch reactions or connection to the viewer.

Sometimes you just have to break the mold you have poured yourself into.

Timing

2011-10-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Timing is everything in Sports photography!

You haveto know the sport and anticipate the shot.

Volleyball is so difficult to photograph because the ball doesn't stop - unless it is DEAD!

Seeing Something New

2011-10-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

Learn to look around. You will see small things, different things, things you normally miss.

It's in these moments you capture the world in all its splendor.

That Time of Year

2011-10-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

So it's Fall, but the colour is not wide-spread yet.

Move in close and shoot just one of a few coloured leaves.

Make sure the background is out of focus and you can have a winner!

The Look!

2011-09-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

The smile is nice.

The figure is great.

But, any way you look at this image, it's the eyes that make the connection!

Connections #2

2011-09-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes connections are just implied.

Eye contact during a sporting event never happens. The moment is there if you choose to seize it.

Anticipate and "click".

Connections

2011-09-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

Before you take the picture, make a connection with your subject. Only then can you begin to make a photograph.

You must be in touch with your subject in order to bring the emotion that is felt into your work.

Tell a Story

2011-08-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Every picture tells a story. What is your subject's story?

Talk and LISTEN to them. What makes them tick? What is pleasing? Evoke emotions and capture them to create a wonderful image and tell a story.

What is this woman's story? What is she thinking? What did I say to get this smile?

Timing

2011-07-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

With the help of a long lens, you just wait until a subject looks your way.

Okay so it took 3 hours, but worth it.

More selective focus

2011-07-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

A large aperture allows for very shallow depth of field and a chance to focus on a very small item to be in focus.

"Princess" was a focal point of a boudoir shoot for a client whom I have tried to connect with for about three years.

Focus

2011-06-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to focus on something other than the eyes.

The bokeh of this has blurred the face, but focused on the bracelet.

Strong sunlight has created a flare off the stones.

Diagonals

2011-06-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

Lines in a photograph force your eyes to follow them, revealing the photograph.

3 Types of lines are:

Horizontal
Vertical
Diagonal

Diagonals are the strongest. Try to use them whenever possible.

Expression

2011-06-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

You must connect with your subject so she can connect with your viewer.

Otherwise, it's just a snapshot. The expression is "coy" and the sensuality comes through.

Dull Day

2011-05-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Don't let a dull day stop you from shooting!

It was supposed to thunder shower today. Had a cancellation from the studio but decided to seek out an image.My walk in the bog yielded this image. Glad I had 400 mm to work with. ISO 100 at125th gave me what I wanted.

It wasn't a lost day after all!

Don't Wait Too Long!

2011-04-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Shot this old house about 5 years ago.

Went back to shoot it again. Silly me! I waited far too long and all that is there now is a field.

It's lost to my camera forever.

Many times, this can happen with buildings, and friends and family.

Don't wait too long and lose the opportunity.

Spring

2011-04-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

I trust spring is finally arriving. There are people out working on lawns and cars; flowers are bursting forth; the birds are sun-bathing.

Time to get out and walk with your camera. You never know what you might notice that you've missed all winter.

Flatter her Image

2011-04-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

To make your photograph extra flattering, you could choose to have the face pointing in the opposite direction from the shoulders.

This creates some "action" in the image and is very pleasing for the subject to view of themselves.

Tell a Story

2011-03-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

I called this image, "Good Morning!"

It tells a story of waking up, being happy to find a loved one close at hand. There is a sensual tone to the photograph although it is very discreet.

The connection with the subject must be there for this to happen. Both subject and photographer must be comfortable in each other's presence.

Gotta say it again!

2011-03-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

It's all in the eye connection!

Eyes must look down the lens as if it's a mirror in their room. This "private" connection with the soul is what makes the connection that draws in the viewer and never lets go.

As the photographer, you must focus on the eyes. Watch out for shadows that may hide their brilliance.

Be Prepared

2011-03-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a snow surprise to everyone - plow operators, weathermen, et al!
This is during the storm on my back porch. I used a light meter to get the proper reading for light vs. snow.
I am ready fro spring to arrive, but always ready to grab my camera!

Timing

2011-03-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Still trying to learn again how to shoot with a point and shoot.
Watch out for Noise and focus fuzziness with one.
Anticipation is improving to get the height of action with the Lift and Drop of Les Supemes, Canadian Sr. Silver Medalists at Synchro Nationals. Gosh I miss my good camera!

EdVerosky Portraiture

2011-02-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

Ed has just turned out "Taking Your Portraiture to the Next Level II" http://www.veroskyphoto.com/portraiture-two-book.html. Another excellent book! Both his first and second books on portraits are must reads.

Connection

2011-02-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Connection with the subject is all about the eyes.

They must follow you to any angle of viewing, so they must be right down the lens. Do that and you have a winner!

These are the things a professional knows and an amateur must learn if they wish to create photographic images instead of snapshots. Lighting is important. Depth of field is important. Focus is important. But, remember to focus on the eyes and make a connection.

Black and White

2011-02-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just have to go Black and White. Nostalgia, the Subject, the Mood. All of these just scream at you, "Make me black and white!"

Eyes wide open, this picture, well the monument, just begged to be the subject of a photograph. I was in the cemetery for another purpose, and I am trying to take my camera everywhere, so I was fortunate enough to capture this image.

Camera requirements

2011-02-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

Skate Canada has a new policy which does not allow cameras with removable lenses.
To use a point & shoot, I tried last night. Lots of noise, and I missed the weight and the manual zoom. New skills are always good and I was able to hone my anticipation mode, but I do miss the quality.

I will be a good boy and follow the new guidelines. Just really glad I won't be responsible for enforcing the new rules. I think they will go nuts trying.

Sun on Snow

2011-02-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

Sun and snow are a challenge for most photographers - especially if they use "Automatic" settings on their digital cameras.

Set white balance
set to Manual aperture and speed from an incident meter reading
don't forget composition rules
don't create your own shadow in the photograph

Always keep learning!

2011-01-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

Read every day.
Try to apply what you've read.
Look for better techniques.
Try to improve your work-flow
Always make your client happy.

Timing - Take a Chance

2011-01-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you just have to shoot. The shot is there. If you wait, it'll be gone; and it's a winner.

Shot at a skating competition - skater ready to go on for her performance.

Comfort levels

2010-12-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

Each woman and each photographer has a different comfort level. It is the photographer's job to help the subject relax and let your personality and sensuality emerge. All women have parts they like and parts they dislike. Again, the photographer's job is to highlight your best features and minimize your least favourite, be it either through pose, lighting, or both. Every woman is beautiful and I want to capture that beauty for you and a loved one - but, especially for you.

Importance of Music

2010-12-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

It is said that music calms the savage beast. I don't photograph any savages or beasts, but requesting my subjects to bring their favourite music on their iPod is a great way to relax them. My music is not always their choice. I find it easier to work with people when they enjoy the process and music is a wonderful tool. Besides, I enjoy it too!

Tessa & Scott

2010-12-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

Tessa & Scott

Tessa & Scott chose this image I took at the Canadian Championships in January 2010 for the back cover of their book. I chronicles their journey from meeting to the Olympic Gold and World Gold in 2010.

Tonight my daughter skates in Dreams on Ice at the JLC with Tessa& Scott.

Sexy, Fun, Classy, Discreet.

2010-12-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

Sexy, Fun, Classy, Discreet.

Sexy does not mean NUDE. Sexy is a state of mind, not a mode of attire. If the connection between subject and photographer works, the sensuality of the subject comes across.

Always Be Prepared

2010-12-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

Always Be Prepared! The Boy Scout Motto - Also, the photographer's motto.
This shot was from a recent trip to Kentucky. The weaver was working indoors at her loom and shot without flash.

Simplicity

2010-12-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

Light to show the object that is your focus. Keep it simple and avoid using too many lights. There should be enough that there is not a shadow marring the image but the subject is separated from the background.

Lighting

2010-12-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

Lighting can make all the difference in the world to a photograph. It makes a photograph instead of a picture. The addition of the hair light in this image brings out the detail in the hair and adds depth, separating the subject from the background.

All the additions made to modern digital cameras do not add and place extra lights on your subject. This is why you hire a professional to create your images. The have the knowledge, experience and equipment to provide what you want and need.

Passion for Photography

2010-12-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

Every day, I wonder what I can photograph. It’s in my blood; it’s in my mind; it’s in my heart. I just can’t wait to put the camera to my eyes and expose frame after frame.

Some days I get lucky enough to have a client who wants a product shot for a website; some days I get to shoot my favourite subject – a person. Sometimes I just go out in nature and look until I see a pattern or an animal, a bridge or steam.

Whatever, the feeling is the same – I want to be shooting! Now that the snow has come is no reason to stop. Just a little more preparation is needed. Batteries don’t last as long in the cold (neither do I). Exposure is a bigger challenge. But, why stop?

Black on Black

2010-12-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Proper white balance and exposure are essential if you hope to capture good photographs. Depth of field was kept shallow to put all the emphasis on the face and eyes.

Connecting

2010-12-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

My motto is "Clicking with people before clicking the shutter."
That means taking the time to build a rapport with my subject so I can capture the emotions, feelings and passions - the real person as a subject, not just a snapshot.

Synchronicity Pre Novice

2010-11-30T06:54:00.000-08:00

Synchronicity Pre- Novice Team is to skate between periods at the John Labatt Centre when the Knights play Mississauga on Friday, Dec. 3, 2010.

Shoot Often

2010-11-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

If you want to improve, shoot more. White Balance, shutter speed, aperture are all important. Composition, leading lines, contrast are important too. Shadow and light add depth. But if you want to improve, shoot more.

I chose to shoot in black and white for this photo. It's all about the shadow and contrast. Disappointed with a canceled shoot, so I went and found a steel bridge.

Eye Contact for Connection

2010-11-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

It's always important to try to get eye contact with the subject, no matter whether it's sports, portraits, kids. With eye contact, there is a connection with the subject that draws you into the photograph. With posing the subject, you are in control, but in a sport/action photograph, it's all timing. Sure, you will be told you were just lucky, but your "luck" improves with experience and timing.

Free 16 x 20 Canvas Print

2010-11-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

https://www.canvasondemand.com/professional/login.aspx

Open an account with Canvas on Demand and they will give you a free 16 x 20 canvas mount. These are fabulous for hanging in your home or studio and give you a chance to display your own work. I chose to use this one. It was a cold morning, but certainly worth the effort to capture this image.

People

2010-11-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

People are my favourite subjects. They always pick me up. Product shoots go fast an to find the nuances of id bring home the expenses, but have no personality and cannot talk with you. I love to find the nuances of individuals that bring a photograph to life. Classic posing and lighting are always a favourite. Playing with modifications of the basics will always satisfy both self and client.

Glasses Frames

2010-11-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

Had another commercial shoot this morning. Love these jobs. 15 pair of eyeglass frames. Shot, processed, burned to disk and delivered by noon.

Synchronicity Intermediate

2010-11-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

Last year, this team was the Gold Medal winner at the Canadian Championships. They will be skating on Dec. 19th at the John Labatt Centre in London with the Winter Dreams on Ice Show. Managed to shoot their Kick-Off Show and Team pictures on Sunday afternoon.

Photography E-Books

2010-11-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

Currently reading a couple of really good e-books on portraits/headshots and I wanted to share them with you.

Taking Your Portraiture To The Next Level by Ed Verosky

and

Guerrila Headshots by Jimmy D

Synchronicity Kick-Off

2010-11-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

The show went well! Good crowd. The girls (women) looked really awesome.. Just wading through 700 images for the teams. Here's the entire group.

People as Subjects

2010-11-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

I love working with people. Lindsay was fabulous the first time we shot together, I went very soft on the lighting here, and, surprise, I didn't go black and white as I often do.

Tessa & Scott

2010-11-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

The book is out. This is one of my photos of Tessa & Scott. It's on the back cover of the book. Hope you will pick up a copy. It's really an interesting read.

This couple are wonderful to work with, obviously talented skaters, and very photogenic, as well.

Synchonicity Kick-Off

2010-11-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Preparing for Synchonicity Kick-Off on Sunday. Get cameras ready for on-ice numbers and team pictures. It's the beginning of a busy season for the teams. They want photos for the website and for Posters for the competitions this season.

GoodLife FITNESS

2010-11-17T12:41:00.001-08:00

I am just finishing a deal with GoodLife FITNESS to provide photos for a mail-out ad campaign.

Fine art for sale

2010-11-17T12:37:00.001-08:00

I have added some photos to red bubble for sale. I hope to add more in the future. Time is in short supply.

Kentucky

2010-11-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

A friend and I had a great trip to Kentucky. Several photos, but here's two.

Trojan Virus

2007-01-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

Just received word of a new virus. Read the article and protect yourself.
Rick

http://www.updatexp.com/trojan-small-dam.html

Winter

2007-01-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

It's even colder this morning. I am surprised the ice has lasted this long. Surprised but pleased. It's really pretty.

After dropping my daughter at school, I noticed the sun through the ice in the park across the road, so I grabbed my camera and returned.

Going to be a busy weekend with skating pictures so I am charging batteries.

Day 2

2007-01-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of winter here in London.

The ice didn't melt like usual. Temperature dropped. At least the sun came out, so out I went again this morning. This is the wrought iron fence around my home.

Amazing being a Canadian and not being used to winter. Western Canada has really taken a beating this year, but we were spared.

Ice storm

2007-01-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ice storm overnight. Made driving and walking difficult, but left it great for taking pictures.