Shutter Speed for Creative Photography, Part Three (Guest Post)


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In my first post about shutter speed, I mentioned several reasons why it was important. I discussed that faster shutter speeds are more likely to create an image that isn’t blurry. The shutter speed is also one of the camera settings that dictate how much light gets through the lens to the sensor. The other setting is the aperture or f-stop selection of the lens that I will discuss in a future post.

It’s essential to regulate how much light reaches the sensor, because too much light will create an overexposure and not enough light will create an underexposure. Continue reading “Shutter Speed for Creative Photography, Part Three (Guest Post)”

Panning in Photography (Guest Post)


In my previous post, I discussed the concept of shutter speed and the basic settings to use. Normally, one would use a fast shutter speed such as 880, or 1000 or more, for fast-moving subjects. An example of this is in sports photography. When shooting subjects with slower movements, or none at all, a photographer can use slower shutter speeds. An example of these photos would be a portrait or landscape.

There are times, however, when a photographer may want to use a slower shutter speed with fast-moving subjects to convey the feeling of motion. Photographers can do this by using a technique known as panning. Continue reading “Panning in Photography (Guest Post)”

Shutter Speed for Creative Photography, Part One (Guest Post)


So what is shutter speed and why should you be concerned with it? Simply put, shutter speed is the length of time the shutter inside the camera is opened, exposing the camera’s sensor to light. Knowing this is important for a number of reasons. I’ll focus on one of those reasons in this entry. Continue reading “Shutter Speed for Creative Photography, Part One (Guest Post)”

The Rule of Thirds in Photography (Guest Post)


Knowing and mastering the rule of thirds is a  simple way to push your photography to a higher level. The rule of thirds is one of the basic rules of art design. It is taking our photo frame and mentally placing a tic-tac-toe screen over it. Where the lines intersect are the “sweet spots” in which to place the important elements of a photograph. We should always keep our horizon lines on or above the top third  of an image (mountain lake photo, below) or on or below the bottom third of an image (elk photo). The classic vacation sunset shot with the sun smack in the middle of the photograph is not good. Continue reading “The Rule of Thirds in Photography (Guest Post)”

Professional Photography Help for You


As a staff member I had a good idea of the importance of communicating with supporters. Now, as a former staff member turned supporter, I can tell you how truly important it is. The more we know what’s going on the more likely we are to be consistent with our support. And in addition to words, we want to see pictures.

During my 10-plus years as a photographer with Worldwide Challenge I always included photos in my prayer letters. It was important then, but it’s even more so now. Images are everywhere, so they need to be in with your communications with your supporters. That’s true whether you’re sending a prayer letter or just making updates on Facebook. Continue reading “Professional Photography Help for You”