I have been having a lot of fun experimenting with High dynamic range imaging or commonly refered to as HDR.  In a nut shell it is the combining of multiple exposure to create  images that just seem to pop.  For more click on this link.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_dynamic_range_imaging. Here are just a few samples.

Professional photography can be a very fulfilling and rewarding career or hobby. Both amateurs and students, pursuing their dream of being a professional photographer often ask me how they can get their photographs published in a regional or national publication. I have compiled a list of tips, tactics and strategies that I hope can help anyone interested in this exciting profession fulfill their dreams.

Remember, in photography there are no rules only suggestions:

1. Seek an honest and unbiased opinion of your work. Mom will always like your work!
2. Work under a professional photographer. (Get out of your comfort zone and accept constructive criticism. It’s OK to emulate other professionals until you find your own style.)
3. If your goal is to make money, it is imperative that you understand the business aspects of the world of professional photography.
4. Join professional associates and network with others who share your interests. Some professional organizations are: TPPA, PPA, and TOWO.
5. Get on every shot list you can, TX Monthly, TX Highways, TPWD and etc. Simply email the photo-editor and asked to be put on it. (They may want you to submit samples of your work first so be prepared).
6. Being good at a particular style or look can be good and bad. For example, if you specialize in birds and editors only need shots of flora; you might have a problem. Have a style, but be flexible.
7. If you’re photographic specialty is birds, get connected with KAC productions and other stock agencies.
8. Shoot RAW – Only give them (photo-editors) what they ask for and don’t give them too much. If you tweak a photo, fine, but give them the original because they may have something else in mind.
9. If you have a degree or higher education, consider teaching at a local college.
10. Think inside and outside of the box. Some editors are looking for a fresh new look, whereas others can be very resistant to change.
11. Publish a book, calendar or get your images into textbooks. Textbook publishers include: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, McGraw Hill and Harcourt Publishers, just to name a few.
12. If you are a good writer and photographer, publications are more apt to consider your material; it’s a two for one deal for them! Larry Hodge, Earl Nottingham, Dan Klepper are some individuals worth researching.
13. Keep samples of all your published work.
14. Create a web site and Blog so you can host and sell your images. Some free sites are: wordpress.com, flicker, Picasa and Photobucket. What are you waiting for?
15. Keep your day job as long as you can. Steady income is always a nice thing.

Forth of July is almost here and so are the fireworks. Watching the fireworks are loads of fun but photographing them can be a headache if you do not know how do it. Here are some basic digital photography tips for shooting fireworks.

Use a Tripod - This is a must. Exposure times can be up to 1 to 4 seconds, so unless you want your pictures to look like a bowl of spaghetti bring it. Also, if you own a cable release or some sort of electric release use it.

Location, Location, Location – Get there early if you can and pick a spot that will have an unconstructive view. Watch for trees, buildings and people that may get in your way. Hilltops, lakes or riverbanks offer a good vantage point. Also a nice touch is if you can incorporate a city skyline, monument building or reflections on the water.

Settings – First set your camera to its highest image quality setting. Adjust your camera to the bulb mode setting. If your camera does not have a bulb setting then set it to aperture priority or the automatic setting. Set your aperture to f8 and your ISO to 100 or 200; any faster you may experience digital noise. Turn your cameras flash off.

Focus – Set your normal lens (50mm) or wide-angle lens to infinity. If your camera does not allow you to do this then focus on the furthest light source you can.

Picture Time - Release your shutter as you see the firework steaming up to the sky and release at the pinnacle of the explosion or as the fireworks descend to the earth. This process should take 1 to 4 seconds on average. This is fun to experiment with.

Don’t forget – Make sure your bring extra batteries, memory cards and a flashlight. I use the head mounted flashlight because it keeps my hands free so I can make adjustments to my camera.

I hope these tips help. Good luck and stay focused…

Chase

Last November I was asked to photograph the sinking of the Texas Clipper. It was an amazing experience to wittiness and be part of. As the ship was leaving port the late afternoon sun cascaded on her beautifully, giving her a nice warm glow. I shot her using my Nikon D2X, 10 – 24 2.8 lens, F 7.1 at 1/80th.

The Texas Clipper makes its final journey Friday, November 16, 2007 to its underwater resting place tomorrow in the Gulf of Mexico,17 miles off South Padre Island, where it will begin a new life as an artificial reef for marine wildlife. Launched during WWII as the USS Queens, the 473-foot vessel saw duty as a troop transport and attack ship. After the war it was converted to a luxury passenger liner and most recently (1965-1996)served as a maritime training vessel for Texas A&M University.

Thats me on top of the smaller vessel in the orange shirt.

The actual reefing of the ship was a rough day. We left the docks at 6AM and battled up to 8′ swells until she sank at 12:30 that afternoon. Too much beer and sea food the day before did not help matters. But I still got the shot.

click here to watch the sinking video.

Fire in the Hole

I got a call early Saturday morning from my division director requesting if I could photograph a wildfire in South Texas. “The plane and pilot are on standby, can you shoot it, she asked?” within an hour I was in our agencies twin engine plane heading into the fire. Click on the link to view the images. A few of the images went on the AP wire and it was picked up by several news agencies and websites, including ABC news, Austin American Statesman, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun just to name a few.

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

I have been providing professional photography services since 1989. I sold my studio a few years ago and I am currently the photographer for Texas Parks and Wildlife living out my photography dream. As I learn how to use this site I will be posting samples of my work and related photography tips.

Stay tuned..