Shallow Depth Of Field—Photography’s Most Powerful Technique

It has always seemed ironic to me that, as a professional photographer, the technique I use most often is something I can not see with my own eyes. Shallow depth of field is a product of camera optics and I …

When You Want It All–3 Steps To Maximize Depth Of Field

Back in the day when my students actually shot on location together, pre-virus, discussions on depth of field were a continual topic. This was partly because some my students had just moved away from full camera automation, the dreaded “P” …

Stunning Architecture Photography In Black And White

Architecture is one of those photographic subjects that cries out to be captured in black and white.

A Color Photographer’s Conversion To B&W

Text & Photography by Chuck Place© I have been a photographer for over 40 years and recently have developed a real interest in black & white photography. Like all photography, it’s a journey and I am inviting all of you …

Fill The Frame For Greater Visual Impact

The first step in creating any image is knowing what you want to say about a subject or location. Be clear in your own mind what is important and what is secondary. Then make it clear to your viewer by …

The 4 Piece Photo Challenge

It’s raining outside, you can’t go out and play and you’re developing cabin fever. What to do? Assign yourself the 4 Piece Photo Challenge! Sounds silly, I admit, but it’s a great tool for building up your photographic creativity.

Delicious Food Photography: The Basics Of Cooking Up Mouth Watering Images

I was shooting an article on Monterey, California, known for Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and great seafood. Dungeness crab is at the top of the areas epicurean list and I had already photographed a display of crabs on …

Forced Perspective: Add Drama And Depth To Your Photographs

Standing in the middle of Taos Pueblo, I was trying to decide how I would photograph the impressive five-story North Building. I knew I would use a technique called Forced Perspective to emphasize the scale of the building and create …

An Exciting Photo Shoot At The Lively Farmers Market

Shooting strong images at a busy farmers market is a test of concentration. A photographer is forced to create order out of chaos, still lifes out of produce and portraits of people who are too busy for a portrait shoot. …

Window Light, An Amazingly Elegant Photography Light Source

We all have that lighting system available, of course. I use window lighting for a wide range of photographic subjects, but I have noticed in my classes that many students seem to ignore it. It’s a seemingly easy light source …