Often you see a photograph that someone has taken and you ask yourself that question…how did the person take this photograph or is this just editing?
Well, the answer could be either, but I am going to share a few great ways that you can set up your camera to achieve arty type images which may be referred to a form of fine art photography. Without needing to be a professional photographer or someone that is experienced in shooting in manual, you will be able to move forward and have fun being creative.
I must add that should you start enjoying these processes and methods of digital art photography, it would be a great idea to attend a short photography course to properly learn how the settings on your camera actually work. There are many hands-on short beginner photography workshops out there. This will allow you to grow in whatever direction you choose in photography as you will have a clear understanding of the settings and their purposes.
What Camera gear do I need to start off with?
For those budding artists that are using a camera for the first time, know that all the settings are the same and apply to all models and makes of DSLR cameras as well as the mirrorless options on the market. Make sure that you have a tripod on hand, borrow or buy one, as it is a very useful tool to own, and is often required for taking photographs, depending on the lighting, the situation, and brief of the intended shot you are wanting to capture. Try to get your hands on a shutter release cable, normally you can buy a generic brand that will work with your camera, they are cheap and should be in the budget (just make sure you check the port on your camera first to ensure the cable will fit). Now we are ready to have some fun.
Fine art examples for you to photograph
Lighting streaks from fast moving cars at night or at sunset
This is a form of “ghosting”, where the back ground is clear and sharp, however, the cars are not visible other than the streaks of red and white lines form the head and tail lights. This is very effective when the road is bendy or windy, as the lines from the lights will create striking patterns in the frame and composition.
Well, this is how it’s done…
Firstly, ensure that you mount your camera on the tripod and compose your frame for the shot. Make sure you turn the camera settings to M for manual.
- Set the ISO to 100
- Set the aperture to f11 for depth of field (DOP)
- Adjust the shutter speed according to the light meter compensation
- Finally take the shot using your shutter release cable to avoid any movement on the camera when the car drives passed with the lights on
Should you wish to exaggerate the outcome even more…
- Set the ISO to 100
- Set the shutter speed to a very slow number like 1/60 or 1/160 to create a slow “blur”
- Set the aperture according to the light meter compensation
- Finally take the shot using your shutter release cable to avoid any movement on the camera when the car drives passed with the lights on
Slowing down a waterfall to create a motion blur while maintaining sharp focus on the rocks and background
Again, ensure that you mount your camera on the tripod and compose your frame for the shot. Make sure you turn the camera settings to M for manual.
- Set the ISO to 100
- Set the aperture to f11 for depth of field (DOP)
- Adjust the shutter speed according to the light meter compensation
- Finally take the shot using your shutter release cable to avoid any movement on the camera when the car drives passed with the lights on
Should you wish to exaggerate the outcome even more…
- Set the ISO to 100
- Set the shutter speed to a very slow number like 1/60 or 1/160 to create a slow “blur”
- Set the aperture according to the light meter compensation
- Finally take the shot using your shutter release cable to avoid any movement on the camera when the car drives passed with the lights on
As you can see the settings and the process to follow are very similar, in fact the more you play around, the more you will have fun discovering different abstract results. No editing, at this stage, you have created the shot intended, now you can edit your image in post according to your taste and desires.
I trust that this small tip will assist you and provide much fun to the point of new adventures in being creative with your camera.