I'm not sure this is the best example of when action really adds to a photograph—but it's a pretty good one. I shot this on a tripod with studio lights (Tungsten bulbs) with a little daylight coming in through a window—see the blue reflections in the glass? (I talked about this in my last post "Bad Choice of Light").
Because I wanted everything on the table to be in focus, I needed a depth of field that was long—but not the max of f•32 my 55mm macro lens offers because I didn't want the door in back to be super sharp. So with an f-stop of 16, my exposure was about 1 sec. with an ISO of 100. When Michael pours, his movement is blurred and more interesting then if I had frozen the action by using strobe lights (flash).
applehome
Great stuff - your choice of lighting is perfect - the strobe might have brought out details - like the labels, but the attention needs to be on the glass and the pour, and you did that so well.
BTW, are you aware that your link (Photo Info) only appears on the title bar on the home page - if I bring up the specific page (with comments), it disappears.
Donna
Natalie
I started to respond to you and then thought I should do a post on "Film vs. Digital". For now--my advice to you is to liberate yourself from film for the education alone not to mention your wallet. When I was learning photography I had to wait until I had processed the film, then make contact sheets (proofs) to see what my 36 attempts yeilded. If I could have seen what I was getting with every click it would have greatly increased my success rate and the understanding of light.
Donna
Applehome
Thanks--we'll look into this. I still have much to do in getting more images up on ruhlmanphotography-404.com as well.
Donna
Jaden
Hey Donna! Nice to meet you and congrats on starting own blog. Can't wait to see you in person in Mexico! Brace yourself - we are gonna have FUN!!!
Janice
Donna, thanks so much for starting a photo blog! I've been requesting one on Facebook for some time now, your work is so beautiful. Are your photos retouched in Photoshop at all?
Donna
Thanks Janice---and yes--I edit all my photos with photoshop--mostly adjusting for color balance, exposure, contrast and cropping. In the case of Aviation I also copied the shaker pouring image from a photo I didn't like how the drink & bottles looked onto a photo I liked how they looked best. I am working on how I do that and will post it soon.
Cali
Your photos are gorgeous! I've enjoyed every one of them. Welcome to the blogosphere.
Natalie Sztern
thank you: they are now put in a box for the antiques roadshow in 3010...i hope u will be giving easy hints on how to use photoshop cause i am a photoshop dummie for sure...AND again Congrats
Donna
Natalie
Being relatively new to photoshop myself, I can tell you that if you can find/hire someone (BTW-- kids make great teachers on most all things computers)--to sit down with you and just show you a few introductory aspects--within a couple of hours you'll be on your way. Then after you can use the help guides to explore and learn as you need.
Amy (Minimally Invasive)
Hi Donna. I'm so glad you've decided to get a place of your own! I've been really curious about the behind-the-scenes aspect of your photos, so I'll be stopping by often to learn as much as possible. Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging.
Donna
Amy thanks--very flattered for your comments because your photography is stunning--and very real. Love what you do with food and really enjoy your photojournalism shots of your family and around your house. You're an inspiration!
SippitySup
I made these recently for my blog. I learned some interesting facts too. It seems that when the Savoy Cocktail Book came out they made a typo and left out a key ingredient called Creme de Violette! Now most version omit it. But it is what gave this drink its sky blue color and it's name. Or so the lore goes... GREG
Christey
Hi, and welcome to the food world! I love that you have started focusing on food because of your husband. I did the same thing. I still shoot photojournalism, but food is so entirely different and exciting that I love to do it as well. My favorite thing is to get the action of the cook in my shots, which is why I really love this post. It makes everything more real and less shiny.
Christey
Oh and I wanted to say, but forgot, I LOVE the little handle in the background. 😀
donna turner
Christey—you're absolutely right. I think we shoot food differently because we see it not always as the food itself, but rather how and what it's made of. My favorite photos in Michael Symon's Cook Book, "Live to Cook" are the action shots I took of him while he was cooking and then the stills I would shoot because they were just there and looked interesting to me—like a messy cutting board after he was done. You can't set things up like that and expect them to look real. I do have to set up lights and style from time to time because sometimes you can't convey the information any other way, but for me—the photos are rarely as satisfying.
On Sep 11, 2009, at 2:04 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote: