Several blogs are doing annual retrospectives today. Since today is a day of reflection, I'll point you toward a story I wrote years ago. Before I was a PJ, I spent New Year’s Eve on the Berlin Wall the night it fell forever. The story is titled "Freedom."
My wish for this New Year is freedom for all. Freedom comes with weighty personal responsibility and sacrifice, but it's worth it. Yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.
Enough for now,
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
"Job cuts" illustration
I've had a few days without assignments, so I decided to self-assign an illustration for "Job cuts." I think it would be useful to illustrate anything from outsourcing to layoffs.
I made about 300 different variations for this series to make sure it would meet magazine cover formats as well as inside images or even full page background with lots of space for text.
Photo illustrations © Mark M. Hancock
I mainly concentrated on the psychological affect it has on co-workers and/or competition (particularly in white-collar professions).
The airline industry is facing cutbacks and no one seems happy about it – not even the competition. Meanwhile WTO textile quotas are about to end. It will benefit developing countries while it probably means job cuts for workers in America and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, workers spared from the job cuts are simply happy it wasn't them.
Yes, the hands belong to the famous blogger Fayrouz.
Enough for now,
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Balance the light
A photograph is a cumulative record of light. The light can either be reflected or transmitted. Furthermore, each thermal light source has a different color measured in Kelvin (K) degrees.
End easy part.
PJs must deal with whatever light they encounter and try to make it look as it would to the human eye. Since the camera records in absolute terms, this is frequently impossible and requires color correction or filtration.
Color correction ethics
Before anyone has a cow, understand all photographic processes are corrected to what the human eye sees. The use of color correction (cc) gels with light sources or correction filters on the lens is typically employed to make the scene appear as it would to the human eye.
Most modern films are panchromatic. This means they capture the color spectrums most humans see. Color negative film is on a brown substrate, which requires correction. Then, it must be corrected back to standard colors from their complementary color (i.e. cyan = red, magenta = green and yellow = blue).
Furthermore, each brand and type of film has a color bias. Films are selected specifically to exploit these biases. Since film is becoming less common, we won't discuss it much here. Positive film (chrome, slide) is the closest to neutral although each has its own bias as well.
In short, we're not talking about changing the color of someone's tie to please a design color pallet. We're discussing light and film balance to make sure Granny's hair doesn't turn green under a fluorescent kitchen light because it doesn't appear green when the PJ sees her sitting there.
What is normal light?
Daylight and artificial light (flash) are around 5000K degrees. Common films and digital cameras record everything at this color temperature unless corrected.
The PJ's goal is to record all light as if it were normal (5000K degrees). Sometimes this requires putting cc gels on light sources, putting cc filters on the camera lens or adjusting the color afterward via software. For film it's often all of the above.
Common light colors
In loose terms, the light sources encountered most by PJs are daylight, shadow, tungsten and fluorescent. Each has its own color and correction method. Although there is no "one" way to correct for these light colors, we'll discuss the most likely methods to be successful.
Here's a list of the commonly encountered light colors. Although all of them could be balanced and/or corrected, we'll only deal with the most common. However, it's important to understand where each light source falls within the Kelvin black body measurement spectrum.
1000K Candles; oil lamps; most open flames
2500K Household light bulbs (tungsten)
3200K Studio lights, photofloods (tungsten)
5000K Typical daylight; electronic flash; strobes
5500K Noontime sun
6000K Bright sunshine with clear sky
7000K Slightly overcast sky
8000K Hazy sky
9000K Open shade on clear days
10,000K Heavily overcast sky
20,000+K Open shade in mountains on clear days
Using cc gels
Once PJs start shooting color and move beyond standard daylight environments, it becomes necessary to use cc gels with a flash and/or use correction filters on the lens.
To gel a flash, simply cut a large sheet of gel material into a segment slightly larger than the flash head. Then use tape or Velcro to fasten it to the head. Softboxes, bounce cards and other light-diffusing devices can be added after the cc gel is attached.
An inexpensive way to manage this is to buy a Roscolux Swatch Book (about $2.50). The book has one sample of every gel they make. These gels are about the same size as most hand-held flashes.
Instead of buying the larger (and more expensive) individual sheets of cc gels or an entire cc kit
, PJs can get the swatch book and have everything. However, I'd suggest getting two books because they get torn up with use and once PJs are past the learning curve, they can't live without these.
When purchasing the gels, make certain they are photographic quality and heat resistant. I've had several (expensive) gels evaporate into oblivion after one flash pop.
Daylight
Daylight is fairly simple. It's already around 5000K. Use standard film or set digital cameras on daylight. Use flash/strobes without filtration.
Shadow
Shadow color temperatures can vary widely. Basically, it's all shades of blue. Blue is considered a "cool" light temperature. It's a fine background color and actually helps lift the subject off the background if the subject is lit with standard flash or strobe (5000K-5500K). It allows the subject to reflect "warmer" tones and appear more alive than the background.
Shadow corrections
Correct for open shade with digital cameras by setting to shade. The overall scene will be warmed. It's important not to have natural daylight spilling into the scene or it'll appear grotesquely yellow.
For many years, I didn't correct for shadows while using a flash unless I saw a distracting difference. However, it makes a significant difference in the red and yellow portions of an image. Consequently, if the subject(s) has blonde or red hair or the scene is red or yellow, use the gel. It only takes a few seconds to attach the filter and it makes all the difference.
To correct for shadows, add a Cinegel Half Blue #3206 cc gel onto the flash and set digital cameras to shade. Film needs to be corrected in Photoshop or PJs can add a "warming filter" (81A) to the lens to correct in camera for chrome film.
Tungsten
Tungsten light is the light emitted from most household light bulbs and photofloods. The light is created when an electronically charged filament (wire) is heated and glows. It is a constant light source (as opposed to pulse). It measures around 3200K degrees on a black body light chart. To film and filtration, it's reddish orange.
Tungsten corrections
In all cases where tungsten light is the prominent light source, it's best to gel flash and strobes to match available light. With flash, Rosco suggests Cinegel #3411: Roscosun 3/4 CTO. It converts 5500K daylight sources to 3200K to somewhat match ambient light.
Although household light bulbs are about 2500K, the gel correction leaves a touch of warmth in the room once color corrected. It's enough red to give the background a "home" feel without making it look like a furnace or disco.
There are both positive (chrome, slide) and negative tungsten-balanced films. Using available tungsten light, shoot as normal with T-type film.
With digital cameras, set the color balance for tungsten and shoot as normal with available light.
With standard negative film, shoot as normal for available light. Color needs to be corrected in Photoshop.
With standard positive film (chrome, slide) consider sacrificing two stops of light and use an 80A filter. It filters 3200K to 5500K.
Fluorescent
If you noticed, fluorescent light doesn't appear on the chart above. It isn't part of the black body light spectrum. Instead, fluorescent lamps create light by electronically charging phosphors within a vacuum-sealed tube. Each fluorescent tube transmits a different range of colors depending on the age and composition of the tube. Generally, it transmits light in the yellowish green range.
Furthermore, it's a pulsating light source. It's regulated by alternating current (60 cycles per second in the U.S.). This means any shutter exposure faster than 1/50th is still unpredictable after all other variables are removed.
Fluorescent corrections
Most PJs start banging their head on the counter when asked how to correct for this light. There really isn't a sure-fire correction for fluorescent light. As stated above, each tube is different and unpredictable.
However, we must still do what we can to make it look somewhat "normal."
The best way is to custom white balance the light with a digital camera. Next would be to shoot with available light on negative film (try adding an FL-Day filter to the lens as well) and color correct in Photoshop. Then, it gets harder.
With flash, Rosco suggests Cinegel #3304: Tough PlusGreen gel. This gel "adds green to natural and artificial daylight sources to balance with U.S. Cool White or daylight type fluorescents. To be used with overall correction at the lens or in the lab."
Frequently, the gelled flash appears more cyan than the background. By the time it's corrected, the background shifts slightly toward red, which is good in moderation.
With positive (chrome, slide) or negative film, PJs can gel the flash and try to counter filter the color with a FL-Day correction filter on the lens. It frequently doesn't work, but it's still better than bug green.
Although I can't see a PJ doing it, I'll also mention cc gels can be purchased by the roll and sleeved around the light tube to restrict green range transmission. Supposedly this has adequate results, but it takes time, labor and permission to start ripping down lights.
Mark's solution
My solution isn't for everyone, but it works. Blast the heck out of all available light with a really powerful strobe at a high synch speed, on a low ISO with a small aperture (F/22 is my favorite). Then, the color of available light isn't an issue. ;-}
How's this possible? A strobe can fire at about 1/8000th of a second. The camera's synch speed is determined by the speed at which the shutter is completely open. This means the strobe has the same effect at 1/500th of a second or several minutes. The only difference is the accumulation of available light.
If the available light is metered on 200 ISO at 1/30th on F/2.8, and the PJ sets the strobes on 200 ISO at 1/500th on F/16, the stop difference (using EV calculations) is nine stops. As we've determined before, the dynamic range is only five stops. We've effectively moved middle gray deep within the black range. We've also moved the highlights with detail to four stops below black with detail. Therefore, it's negligible. So, only the light from the strobe accumulates on the film or CCD. End color correction debate.
An extra bonus to this method is no blur. Since strobes actually fire somewhere around 1/8000th of a second. It becomes the de facto shutter speed. Angry bulls fly through the air and move in several directions simultaneously. But they are frozen in time at 1/8000th of a second. Any subject blur is a result of available light accumulation.
Now does everyone understand why I got so upset when the camera manufacturers decided to use a "new technology" and slowed the synch speed to 1/250th? Color correction and blur became problematic again.
Enough for now,
What's a Kelvin black body?
William Thomson was an Irish mathematical physicist, who specialized in thermodynamics. He created the absolute temperture scale. He was titled 1st Baron Kelvin for his work. The Kelvin River flows past Glasgow University in Scotland where he was a professor.
Gustav Kirchhoff actually introduced black body radiation theory into the mix. According to Wikipedia, "In physics, a black body is an object that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation that falls onto it. No radiation passes through it and none is reflected. It is this lack of both transmission and reflection to which the name refers. These properties make black bodies ideal sources of thermal radiation."
From there it becomes quantum physics and drool. Just consider the colors magma would radiate as it's heated. It starts black, warms from red to blue and then becomes invisible (again, due to your friend: quantum physics).
End easy part.
PJs must deal with whatever light they encounter and try to make it look as it would to the human eye. Since the camera records in absolute terms, this is frequently impossible and requires color correction or filtration.
Color correction ethics
Before anyone has a cow, understand all photographic processes are corrected to what the human eye sees. The use of color correction (cc) gels with light sources or correction filters on the lens is typically employed to make the scene appear as it would to the human eye.
Most modern films are panchromatic. This means they capture the color spectrums most humans see. Color negative film is on a brown substrate, which requires correction. Then, it must be corrected back to standard colors from their complementary color (i.e. cyan = red, magenta = green and yellow = blue).
Furthermore, each brand and type of film has a color bias. Films are selected specifically to exploit these biases. Since film is becoming less common, we won't discuss it much here. Positive film (chrome, slide) is the closest to neutral although each has its own bias as well.
In short, we're not talking about changing the color of someone's tie to please a design color pallet. We're discussing light and film balance to make sure Granny's hair doesn't turn green under a fluorescent kitchen light because it doesn't appear green when the PJ sees her sitting there.
What is normal light?
Daylight and artificial light (flash) are around 5000K degrees. Common films and digital cameras record everything at this color temperature unless corrected.
The PJ's goal is to record all light as if it were normal (5000K degrees). Sometimes this requires putting cc gels on light sources, putting cc filters on the camera lens or adjusting the color afterward via software. For film it's often all of the above.
Common light colors
In loose terms, the light sources encountered most by PJs are daylight, shadow, tungsten and fluorescent. Each has its own color and correction method. Although there is no "one" way to correct for these light colors, we'll discuss the most likely methods to be successful.
Here's a list of the commonly encountered light colors. Although all of them could be balanced and/or corrected, we'll only deal with the most common. However, it's important to understand where each light source falls within the Kelvin black body measurement spectrum.
1000K Candles; oil lamps; most open flames
2500K Household light bulbs (tungsten)
3200K Studio lights, photofloods (tungsten)
5000K Typical daylight; electronic flash; strobes
5500K Noontime sun
6000K Bright sunshine with clear sky
7000K Slightly overcast sky
8000K Hazy sky
9000K Open shade on clear days
10,000K Heavily overcast sky
20,000+K Open shade in mountains on clear days
Using cc gels
Once PJs start shooting color and move beyond standard daylight environments, it becomes necessary to use cc gels with a flash and/or use correction filters on the lens.
To gel a flash, simply cut a large sheet of gel material into a segment slightly larger than the flash head. Then use tape or Velcro to fasten it to the head. Softboxes, bounce cards and other light-diffusing devices can be added after the cc gel is attached.
An inexpensive way to manage this is to buy a Roscolux Swatch Book (about $2.50). The book has one sample of every gel they make. These gels are about the same size as most hand-held flashes.
Instead of buying the larger (and more expensive) individual sheets of cc gels or an entire cc kit
, PJs can get the swatch book and have everything. However, I'd suggest getting two books because they get torn up with use and once PJs are past the learning curve, they can't live without these.When purchasing the gels, make certain they are photographic quality and heat resistant. I've had several (expensive) gels evaporate into oblivion after one flash pop.
Daylight
Daylight is fairly simple. It's already around 5000K. Use standard film or set digital cameras on daylight. Use flash/strobes without filtration.
Shadow
Shadow color temperatures can vary widely. Basically, it's all shades of blue. Blue is considered a "cool" light temperature. It's a fine background color and actually helps lift the subject off the background if the subject is lit with standard flash or strobe (5000K-5500K). It allows the subject to reflect "warmer" tones and appear more alive than the background.
Shadow corrections
Correct for open shade with digital cameras by setting to shade. The overall scene will be warmed. It's important not to have natural daylight spilling into the scene or it'll appear grotesquely yellow.
For many years, I didn't correct for shadows while using a flash unless I saw a distracting difference. However, it makes a significant difference in the red and yellow portions of an image. Consequently, if the subject(s) has blonde or red hair or the scene is red or yellow, use the gel. It only takes a few seconds to attach the filter and it makes all the difference.
To correct for shadows, add a Cinegel Half Blue #3206
cc gel onto the flash and set digital cameras to shade. Film needs to be corrected in Photoshop or PJs can add a "warming filter" (81A) to the lens to correct in camera for chrome film.Tungsten
Tungsten light is the light emitted from most household light bulbs and photofloods. The light is created when an electronically charged filament (wire) is heated and glows. It is a constant light source (as opposed to pulse). It measures around 3200K degrees on a black body light chart. To film and filtration, it's reddish orange.
Tungsten corrections
In all cases where tungsten light is the prominent light source, it's best to gel flash and strobes to match available light. With flash, Rosco suggests Cinegel #3411: Roscosun 3/4 CTO
. It converts 5500K daylight sources to 3200K to somewhat match ambient light.Although household light bulbs are about 2500K, the gel correction leaves a touch of warmth in the room once color corrected. It's enough red to give the background a "home" feel without making it look like a furnace or disco.
There are both positive (chrome, slide) and negative tungsten-balanced films. Using available tungsten light, shoot as normal with T-type film.
With digital cameras, set the color balance for tungsten and shoot as normal with available light.
With standard negative film, shoot as normal for available light. Color needs to be corrected in Photoshop.
With standard positive film (chrome, slide) consider sacrificing two stops of light and use an 80A filter. It filters 3200K to 5500K.
Fluorescent
If you noticed, fluorescent light doesn't appear on the chart above. It isn't part of the black body light spectrum. Instead, fluorescent lamps create light by electronically charging phosphors within a vacuum-sealed tube. Each fluorescent tube transmits a different range of colors depending on the age and composition of the tube. Generally, it transmits light in the yellowish green range.
Furthermore, it's a pulsating light source. It's regulated by alternating current (60 cycles per second in the U.S.). This means any shutter exposure faster than 1/50th is still unpredictable after all other variables are removed.
Fluorescent corrections
Most PJs start banging their head on the counter when asked how to correct for this light. There really isn't a sure-fire correction for fluorescent light. As stated above, each tube is different and unpredictable.
However, we must still do what we can to make it look somewhat "normal."
The best way is to custom white balance the light with a digital camera. Next would be to shoot with available light on negative film (try adding an FL-Day filter to the lens as well) and color correct in Photoshop. Then, it gets harder.
With flash, Rosco suggests Cinegel #3304: Tough PlusGreen
gel. This gel "adds green to natural and artificial daylight sources to balance with U.S. Cool White or daylight type fluorescents. To be used with overall correction at the lens or in the lab."Frequently, the gelled flash appears more cyan than the background. By the time it's corrected, the background shifts slightly toward red, which is good in moderation.
With positive (chrome, slide) or negative film, PJs can gel the flash and try to counter filter the color with a FL-Day correction filter on the lens. It frequently doesn't work, but it's still better than bug green.
Although I can't see a PJ doing it, I'll also mention cc gels can be purchased by the roll and sleeved around the light tube to restrict green range transmission. Supposedly this has adequate results, but it takes time, labor and permission to start ripping down lights.
Mark's solution
My solution isn't for everyone, but it works. Blast the heck out of all available light with a really powerful strobe at a high synch speed, on a low ISO with a small aperture (F/22 is my favorite). Then, the color of available light isn't an issue. ;-}
How's this possible? A strobe can fire at about 1/8000th of a second. The camera's synch speed is determined by the speed at which the shutter is completely open. This means the strobe has the same effect at 1/500th of a second or several minutes. The only difference is the accumulation of available light.
If the available light is metered on 200 ISO at 1/30th on F/2.8, and the PJ sets the strobes on 200 ISO at 1/500th on F/16, the stop difference (using EV calculations) is nine stops. As we've determined before, the dynamic range is only five stops. We've effectively moved middle gray deep within the black range. We've also moved the highlights with detail to four stops below black with detail. Therefore, it's negligible. So, only the light from the strobe accumulates on the film or CCD. End color correction debate.
An extra bonus to this method is no blur. Since strobes actually fire somewhere around 1/8000th of a second. It becomes the de facto shutter speed. Angry bulls fly through the air and move in several directions simultaneously. But they are frozen in time at 1/8000th of a second. Any subject blur is a result of available light accumulation.
Now does everyone understand why I got so upset when the camera manufacturers decided to use a "new technology" and slowed the synch speed to 1/250th? Color correction and blur became problematic again.
Enough for now,
What's a Kelvin black body?
William Thomson was an Irish mathematical physicist, who specialized in thermodynamics. He created the absolute temperture scale. He was titled 1st Baron Kelvin for his work. The Kelvin River flows past Glasgow University in Scotland where he was a professor.
Gustav Kirchhoff actually introduced black body radiation theory into the mix. According to Wikipedia, "In physics, a black body is an object that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation that falls onto it. No radiation passes through it and none is reflected. It is this lack of both transmission and reflection to which the name refers. These properties make black bodies ideal sources of thermal radiation."
From there it becomes quantum physics and drool. Just consider the colors magma would radiate as it's heated. It starts black, warms from red to blue and then becomes invisible (again, due to your friend: quantum physics).
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Ask a question
Ever wanted advice from Pulitzer-Prize winning photojournalists? Well, here’s your chance. David Leeson (2004) has already agreed. I’ll see if I can talk Cheryl Diaz Meyer (2004) and William Snyder (1991, 1993) into a little of their time.
Leave your questions in the comment section or drop me an e-mail. I plan on asking the standard "what advice would you give to young PJs" question, but this is a chance to ask a specific question and get a specific answer.
Please leave your questions by Friday, December 31, 2004.
Enough for now,
Leave your questions in the comment section or drop me an e-mail. I plan on asking the standard "what advice would you give to young PJs" question, but this is a chance to ask a specific question and get a specific answer.
Please leave your questions by Friday, December 31, 2004.
Enough for now,
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Hoops drive
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Flower Mound High School's Chelsey Walker (No. 10, left) tries to drive past Lewisville High School's Britni Crooms (No.20, right) during a basketball game at Lewisville High School on Tuesday, December 21, 2004.
Top hoopsters
Flower Mound High School's Renee Renz (No. 45, left) calls for a ball while Lewisville High School's Keshia Warren (No. 33, right) tries to break up the pass during a basketball game at Lewisville High School on Tuesday, December 21, 2004.© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
This assignment specifically asked for both of these players in the same frame. Other than the tip-off, it was tough to show the faces of both players at the same time. Although there's no ball in this frame (it was passed elsewhere), I think it shows the competitiveness of these two top players.
Just to ruin the holidays
Cool Yule y'all. :-)
Well folks, it's contest season again. I have the list of major contests on my sidebar. Does everyone have their best images selected, sized, captioned and ready to mail? Good. Good.
For a little inspiration and to know what the competition looks like, go see the MSNBC Pictures of the Year presentation. It's always "fun" to see what you're up against before you drop your little CD in the mail.
I know, it's merely a sample. We really don't know what wonderful images are hiding elsewhere in someone's archive, but itlet's us know how much our images suck inspires us to do better each year.
Each major news outlet should have a similar year-end image display at the end of the month as a point of reference. Remember, there's 10 shooting days left until the end of the contest period. It only takes 1/60th of a second to win a prize. ;-)
Enough for now,
Well folks, it's contest season again. I have the list of major contests on my sidebar. Does everyone have their best images selected, sized, captioned and ready to mail? Good. Good.
For a little inspiration and to know what the competition looks like, go see the MSNBC Pictures of the Year presentation. It's always "fun" to see what you're up against before you drop your little CD in the mail.
I know, it's merely a sample. We really don't know what wonderful images are hiding elsewhere in someone's archive, but it
Each major news outlet should have a similar year-end image display at the end of the month as a point of reference. Remember, there's 10 shooting days left until the end of the contest period. It only takes 1/60th of a second to win a prize. ;-)
Enough for now,
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Eliminate red eye
Red eye is a common theme elsewhere (I've seen too many examples lately). I haven't fully addressed it here. Let's solve the problem.
Red-eye can be touched up after-the-fact with pens and software, but it doesn't look completely correct. It's best to avoid it altogether particularly when shooting film.
How it happens
Red-eye occurs when light (primarily from a flash) reflects off the retina of the subjects' eyes at or near the axis of the lens.
When subjects are in low light, their eye pupils are required to open wider (dilate) to allow more light into the eye. This is also when most people tend to use a flash. So, the light from the flash moves from the camera to the subject and reflects directly off the retina.
The retina is a wide area located at the back of the subject's eyes and continuous with the optic nerve. It consists of several layers and a web of blood-carrying veins. Therefore, the color reflected from humans is red or occasionally brown (depends on light angle). Color varies with different animals depending on the shape and the natural filtration qualities of their eyes.
How to eliminate red eye
Increase ambient light
Instead of making a portrait in a dark room, take the person to a better lit area. The subject's pupils constrict and red eye vanishes most of the time.
Red eye camera programs
Cameras equipped with red-eye reduction systems emit a series of pre-flashes or a beam of light to try to cause the subjects' eyes to constrict. This works sometimes, but not well enough or often enough. The process is annoying to both the photographer and the subjects. Use one of the methods below instead. Everyone will be happier with the process and the results.
Change light angle
To eliminate red eye, change the light angle. Since light is restricted as it passes through the pupil, it only reflects in the direction of the light. The remainder of the retina remains unlit and thusly appears normal.
Bounce light
The fastest way for most PJs to change the light angle is to bounce the light off a neutral-colored ceiling or wall. With tilt head flashes, the head is pointed in one of these directions and red-eye vanishes.
The additional benefit is the light becomes softer and more even. However, watch out for colored walls because they change the color of the light to the color of the wall surface.
Diffusion
If the flash is integrated with the camera body, try diffusing the light with a handkerchief, gauze or other neutral material. Simply tape a small piece over the flash. Although red eye can still occur, the light direction may be scrambled enough to avoid red eye.
If nothing else, a diffused image looks much better - even with slight red eye.
Move closer
This is a worst-case attempt at a solution. Parallax is the difference between the view of object through a camera lens and a separate viewing eyepiece.
The same occurs with light (light parallax). Since the flash is separated from the lens, the closer the photographer is to the subject, the more parallax occurs between the flash angle and the lens axis. If the photographer is close enough and the camera can handle close focus, red eye can be reduced.
The opposite is almost certain. As the PJ moves further from the subject, red eye is more likely to happen because the parallax allows the axis lines to intersect and overlap.
Change PJ angle
Since PJs cover events and try to be unobtrusive, they normally move around and can decide when and from what angle to shoot. If PJs move to the side of subjects rather than directly facing them, the likelihood of red eye is reduced from an oblique angle.
Shooting from an oblique angle to the eye opening restricts the amount of light actually bouncing off the retina. Since red eye happens mostly when the flash is shot directly into a person's eye through a wide, circular pupil opening, it's less likely to occur when the circle becomes a tight oval (i.e. from the side).
Although it's not a guaranteed method to eliminate red eye, it helps.
This is the preferred method. A through-the-lens (TTL) sync cord is about $80 and worth every penny. It allows PJs to control light volume and angle. I need to do a whole entry about how important it is to have the flash off camera. For now, we'll say this is best.
Special circumstances
Night sports are notorious for red eye. PJs must use long lenses and powerful flashes in low light to capture fast action across the field. As the lens angle and the flash angle reach further to a subject, the angles are more likely to intersect and cause red eye.
If PJs are shooting players' faces at a considerable distance in low light, red eye is almost certain. Using a combination of suggestions above is helpful. For example, PJs might diffuse with softboxes at close range from an oblique angle.
Flash brackets
As insurance, many PJs use flash brackets. A flash bracket is a metal or durable plastic frame equipped to mount both a camera and a flash. It increases the distance from the flash axis to the lens axis and increases light parallax angle.
Because PJs want the flash to hit the exact area in which the lens is viewing, the bracket locks the light and lens angles together to allow maximum light coverage. This increases the likelihood of red eye at greater distances, but reduces it at a normal distance even in low light (because light parallax is less).
Telescopic flash brackets are most useful for longer lenses. The further apart the PJ can mount the light from the lens, the higher the parallax angle is. Telescopic flash brackets extend mount sections to as much as a meter above the camera lens. As with tripods, the bracket becomes less stable the further it's extended. This does become more problematic when action goes out of bounds and lands on the PJ, but it's an issue each PJ must address.
When using most common flash brackets, see if the manufacturer makes camera-specific anti-twist plates to keep the flash and camera aligned.
Light the whole venue
PJs with Pocket Wizards and hand-held flashes or studio strobes (400WS minimum) commonly cross light gyms.
It can also be done with an outdoor field. This isn't a good option for most PJs. It takes a lot of work, time, weather cooperation and deadline flexibility. But, I've done it before. I'll probably do it again.
Undermount the flash
I haven't tried this because I prefer shadows to go down, many sports shooters mount their flash on a monopod below the camera with a Super Clamp or similar bracket. It achieves the same red-eye elimination as an extended flash bracket, but is more stable and mobile.
If choosing this option, make sure flash is set below ambient light (use as fill) so the shadows aren't as obvious. Low flash angle typically produces a horror-movie look and doesn't work well with face mask patterns.
Reverse engineering
Let's say you want someone to have red eye (for an illustrationor you really dislike someone). Place the flash as close as possible to the lens axis. The light bounces off the subject's retina and directly back into the lens. Obviously, this works best in an unlit environment where the subjects' eyes are forced to dilate.
Enough for now,
Red-eye can be touched up after-the-fact with pens and software, but it doesn't look completely correct. It's best to avoid it altogether particularly when shooting film.
How it happens
Red-eye occurs when light (primarily from a flash) reflects off the retina of the subjects' eyes at or near the axis of the lens.
When subjects are in low light, their eye pupils are required to open wider (dilate) to allow more light into the eye. This is also when most people tend to use a flash. So, the light from the flash moves from the camera to the subject and reflects directly off the retina.
The retina is a wide area located at the back of the subject's eyes and continuous with the optic nerve. It consists of several layers and a web of blood-carrying veins. Therefore, the color reflected from humans is red or occasionally brown (depends on light angle). Color varies with different animals depending on the shape and the natural filtration qualities of their eyes.
How to eliminate red eye
Increase ambient light
Instead of making a portrait in a dark room, take the person to a better lit area. The subject's pupils constrict and red eye vanishes most of the time.
Red eye camera programs
Cameras equipped with red-eye reduction systems emit a series of pre-flashes or a beam of light to try to cause the subjects' eyes to constrict. This works sometimes, but not well enough or often enough. The process is annoying to both the photographer and the subjects. Use one of the methods below instead. Everyone will be happier with the process and the results.
Change light angle
To eliminate red eye, change the light angle. Since light is restricted as it passes through the pupil, it only reflects in the direction of the light. The remainder of the retina remains unlit and thusly appears normal.
Bounce light
The fastest way for most PJs to change the light angle is to bounce the light off a neutral-colored ceiling or wall. With tilt head flashes, the head is pointed in one of these directions and red-eye vanishes.
The additional benefit is the light becomes softer and more even. However, watch out for colored walls because they change the color of the light to the color of the wall surface.
Diffusion
If the flash is integrated with the camera body, try diffusing the light with a handkerchief, gauze or other neutral material. Simply tape a small piece over the flash. Although red eye can still occur, the light direction may be scrambled enough to avoid red eye.
If nothing else, a diffused image looks much better - even with slight red eye.
Move closer
This is a worst-case attempt at a solution. Parallax is the difference between the view of object through a camera lens and a separate viewing eyepiece.
The same occurs with light (light parallax). Since the flash is separated from the lens, the closer the photographer is to the subject, the more parallax occurs between the flash angle and the lens axis. If the photographer is close enough and the camera can handle close focus, red eye can be reduced.
The opposite is almost certain. As the PJ moves further from the subject, red eye is more likely to happen because the parallax allows the axis lines to intersect and overlap.
Change PJ angle
Since PJs cover events and try to be unobtrusive, they normally move around and can decide when and from what angle to shoot. If PJs move to the side of subjects rather than directly facing them, the likelihood of red eye is reduced from an oblique angle.
Shooting from an oblique angle to the eye opening restricts the amount of light actually bouncing off the retina. Since red eye happens mostly when the flash is shot directly into a person's eye through a wide, circular pupil opening, it's less likely to occur when the circle becomes a tight oval (i.e. from the side).
Although it's not a guaranteed method to eliminate red eye, it helps.
Everything from here onward involves additional hardware. Most of these items are listed in the PJ Candy Store.Get the flash off camera
This is the preferred method. A through-the-lens (TTL) sync cord is about $80 and worth every penny. It allows PJs to control light volume and angle. I need to do a whole entry about how important it is to have the flash off camera. For now, we'll say this is best.
Special circumstances
Night sports are notorious for red eye. PJs must use long lenses and powerful flashes in low light to capture fast action across the field. As the lens angle and the flash angle reach further to a subject, the angles are more likely to intersect and cause red eye.
If PJs are shooting players' faces at a considerable distance in low light, red eye is almost certain. Using a combination of suggestions above is helpful. For example, PJs might diffuse with softboxes at close range from an oblique angle.
Flash brackets
As insurance, many PJs use flash brackets. A flash bracket is a metal or durable plastic frame equipped to mount both a camera and a flash. It increases the distance from the flash axis to the lens axis and increases light parallax angle.
Because PJs want the flash to hit the exact area in which the lens is viewing, the bracket locks the light and lens angles together to allow maximum light coverage. This increases the likelihood of red eye at greater distances, but reduces it at a normal distance even in low light (because light parallax is less).
Telescopic flash brackets are most useful for longer lenses. The further apart the PJ can mount the light from the lens, the higher the parallax angle is. Telescopic flash brackets extend mount sections to as much as a meter above the camera lens. As with tripods, the bracket becomes less stable the further it's extended. This does become more problematic when action goes out of bounds and lands on the PJ, but it's an issue each PJ must address.
When using most common flash brackets, see if the manufacturer makes camera-specific anti-twist plates to keep the flash and camera aligned.
Light the whole venue
PJs with Pocket Wizards and hand-held flashes or studio strobes (400WS minimum) commonly cross light gyms.
It can also be done with an outdoor field. This isn't a good option for most PJs. It takes a lot of work, time, weather cooperation and deadline flexibility. But, I've done it before. I'll probably do it again.
Undermount the flash
I haven't tried this because I prefer shadows to go down, many sports shooters mount their flash on a monopod below the camera with a Super Clamp or similar bracket. It achieves the same red-eye elimination as an extended flash bracket, but is more stable and mobile.
If choosing this option, make sure flash is set below ambient light (use as fill) so the shadows aren't as obvious. Low flash angle typically produces a horror-movie look and doesn't work well with face mask patterns.
Reverse engineering
Let's say you want someone to have red eye (for an illustration
Enough for now,
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Domestic abuse warrant roundup
Photos © Mark M. Hancock and Al Dia
Dallas city deputy marshals Patrick Sullivan (right) and Cesar Soto (left) try to find a person wanted on a domestic abuse warrant at a home in North Dallas on Saturday, December 18, 2004.
(Left) A man arrested on a domestic abuse warrant waits to be placed in a van at a collection point in Dallas.
City marshal Joseph R. Polino said the city has 27,000 active warrants in the Dallas municipal court.
(Left) Sgt. Desi Tanner (left) and Rebecca Smith (right) with the Dallas marshal's office search a domestic abuse warrant detainee at a collection point in Dallas.
(Below) Rebecca Smith with the Dallas marshal's office escorts people arrested on outstanding domestic abuse warrant to the office in Dallas.
See related post.
Turn down the light
While making a portrait in a home or office with a common flash, turn off or dim most of the lights. This eliminates stray, off-color light from reflecting from the subject and keeps the color balance to only the light emitted from the flash.
I'll get into color temperatures and color balance soon, but this is the most expedient way to make satisfactory portraits.
The point of this strategy is to have enough available light to properly focus. Any more available light starts to create color balance problems unless the available lights are properly color balanced (most aren't).
Alternatively, PJs can arrange the portrait subject, set focus, turn lights off, shoot and then turn lights back on. This is best done with a volunteer near the light switch, but it can be done singly by a PJ in a small room.
Enough for now,
I'll get into color temperatures and color balance soon, but this is the most expedient way to make satisfactory portraits.
The point of this strategy is to have enough available light to properly focus. Any more available light starts to create color balance problems unless the available lights are properly color balanced (most aren't).
Alternatively, PJs can arrange the portrait subject, set focus, turn lights off, shoot and then turn lights back on. This is best done with a volunteer near the light switch, but it can be done singly by a PJ in a small room.
Enough for now,
Friday, December 17, 2004
Where to crop
While I struggle with plain ways to explain horribly complicated photographic problems, I'll offer some simple suggestions for the next few days.
Where to crop
Don't crop (in camera or afterward) people or animals at a joint (elbow, knee, ankle, etc.). If a crop is at a joint, it makes subjects look like they're missing body parts.
Instead, crop into straight portions of limbs or the body.
While we're on the topic, crop mid-pelvis on frontal views instead of near the top of the thigh. Trust me on this one. It will only make the PJ's life easier.
Lastly, since we also tend to make ultra-tight face shots, crop slightly above the hair line on folks with hair. For those folks like me, crop mid-forehead to spare them the shiny results of stress and too much testosterone.
Enough for now,
Where to crop
Don't crop (in camera or afterward) people or animals at a joint (elbow, knee, ankle, etc.). If a crop is at a joint, it makes subjects look like they're missing body parts.
Instead, crop into straight portions of limbs or the body.
While we're on the topic, crop mid-pelvis on frontal views instead of near the top of the thigh. Trust me on this one. It will only make the PJ's life easier.
Lastly, since we also tend to make ultra-tight face shots, crop slightly above the hair line on folks with hair. For those folks like me, crop mid-forehead to spare them the shiny results of stress and too much testosterone.
Enough for now,
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
I'm alive
I’m still alive. I’ve been working like a maniac both behind the camera and sending resumes in the right directions.
I’ve posted older images this month because I needed to build a 30-day delay on some freelance images. It’s not required on published images, but it’s easier to post after the 30-day exclusive period. Then, when someone requests prints or reproduction rights, I can negotiate immediately rather than saying I need to wait another "x" days.
So, the new digital images will start appearing next Monday (November images below were shot on film). The coolest part is I’m now able to publish images which didn’t run in the newspaper. Before, the images were the property of the newspaper. The images had to run in the paper or on the Web before I could post them. Now, once the 30-day period is over, the copyright returns to me. Then, I can publish the images which were cut for space, etc...
It’s hard to explain, but photography makes me happy again. :-)
Enough for now,
I’ve posted older images this month because I needed to build a 30-day delay on some freelance images. It’s not required on published images, but it’s easier to post after the 30-day exclusive period. Then, when someone requests prints or reproduction rights, I can negotiate immediately rather than saying I need to wait another "x" days.
So, the new digital images will start appearing next Monday (November images below were shot on film). The coolest part is I’m now able to publish images which didn’t run in the newspaper. Before, the images were the property of the newspaper. The images had to run in the paper or on the Web before I could post them. Now, once the 30-day period is over, the copyright returns to me. Then, I can publish the images which were cut for space, etc...
It’s hard to explain, but photography makes me happy again. :-)
Enough for now,
Sunday, December 12, 2004
White Rock Marathon
E.C. Brock leads the charge from the starting line during the 35th White Rock Marathon at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, December 12, 2004.
Photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Kevin Lemaster of Frisco prepares for marathon at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Marathoners run through the Uptown area of Dallas (above) and downtown(below) during the marathon.
(Above) Marathoners run past the Dallas skyline.(Left) Liza Hunter-Galvan of San Antonio crosses the finish line to win the women's title of the 35th White Rock Marathon at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
(Below)Elly Rono of Raleigh, N.C. crosses the finish line to win the men's title of the 35th White Rock Marathon at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Since the White Rock Marathon is a big event, two PJs were assigned. Chris Hamilton and I coordinated before the event and established our shooting list and locations.
Chris would start with overhead views from a nearby construction site. He would then drive to White Rock Lake and get runners there with the Dallas Skyline behind them. Meanwhile, I would start in the lead truck. I planned to bail from the truck in the Uptown area, get some shots and walk back to the finish before the winners arrived.
Although sometimes PJs must "wing it," it's often useful to know what, when and where to shoot. It reduces redundant images while ensuring complete coverage of a relatively predictable event. We'll discuss this more in the future.
Enough for now,
Please see the YouTube version of this slideshow with an original beat composition by Mark M. Hancock. Please set your YouTube viewer to 1080p to see the show in high definition.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
SMU rebound
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
SMU's Katy Cobb (No. 12, left) gets knocked away from a rebound by UTA's Rola Ogunoye of Cedar Hill (No. 33, right) during a women's basketball game at SMU in University Park on Saturday, December 11, 2004.
Bird doggin'
Gary Campbell of Tulsa, Oklahoma takes advantage of the weather to train Silky, a 9-month-old English setter, to be a bird dog at Pioneer Plaza in downtown Dallas. Campbell, who is a project manager for ConstructComm, Inc. said Silky loves to find birds and fish as well as travel around the country. His company is installing fiber optics in the downtown area.
Mark M. Hancock / © The Dallas Morning News
Friday, December 10, 2004
Memorial Shootout
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
North Mesquite High School's Kenny Hewitt (No. 15, right) moves to the basket past Rowlett High School's Terrance Jackson (No. 22, left) during a basketball game of the Brooke D. Nichols Memorial Shootout at South Garland High School in Garland on Friday, December 10, 2004.
Nativity camels
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Lorne McMillan's camels munch on hay at his farm in Waxahachie on Friday, December 10, 2004. McMillan rents the camels for live Nativity scenes to area churches. He has many exotic animals including zebras and lemurs at HiView Farm.
Llama Papa
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Lorne McMillan gets a surprise kiss from one of the llamas at his farm in Waxahachie on Friday, December 10, 2004. McMillan rents camels and other petting-zoo animals for live Nativity scenes to area churches. He has many exotic animals including zebras and lemurs at HiView Farm.
I fell in love with this llama. It was so curious, cool and expressive. Fayrouz promised to get me one when we finally settle down. I can't have a puppy now, but I can have a llama in a few years. It's a good trade. :-)
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
An environmental pop quiz
Many newspapers publish variations of "snapshot" profiles. These are mini-environmental portraits of outstanding community members. However, the portraits often have strict formats due to layout. They must be vertical and relatively tight because they run about the size of the old, broadsheet one column image (about 2 x 3 inches).
Within these rules, we still need to make each image unique enough to quickly identify something about the person in the image for the readers. This is the core difference between a portrait and an environmental portrait. The image isn't a generic person on a generic background like a studio portrait. An environmental portrait is a specific person and some insight into this person from their specific environment and artifacts.
Here's the quiz: match the cutlines with the portraits below. The answers are at the bottom of this post.
A) Jeremy Jenkins poses for a snapshot portrait at Hebron High School in Carrollton on Wednesday, December 8, 2004. He is in the National Honor Society as well as the captain of the varsity soccer team.
B) Barbara Naylor poses for a snapshot portrait with Labrador retrievers Ascot, 8 months, (left) and Rindy, 1 year, (right) at the Sunnyvale School in Sunnyvale on Wednesday, December 8, 2004. She is a K-to-8 art teacher and Canine Companion trainer.
C) Leonard Untung poses for a snapshot portrait at Hebron High School in Carrollton on Wednesday, December 8, 2004. The senior is in the National Honor Society as well as the math and chess clubs.
D) Balch Springs fire chief Ricky Woodham poses for a snapshot portrait at the Balch Springs Fire Station in Balch Springs on Wednesday, December 8, 2004.
Photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
All four images were shot on the same day in three different cities. None took more than 30 minutes. I'll admit the students were trickier because we didn't have a soccer ball available. However, it shouldn't have been difficult to tell each person from the next. I've probably taken more than 100 of these images over the last five years. No two look alike. Each subject has her/his own unique environment.
Again, these are simple, straight-forward portraits with tight shooting constraints. Pro PJs already know to track trends and environmental changes over time. It's this skill which makes their images either timeless or timely. For the folks who don't do this for a living, make your family photo albums become a living history of the people and their environments.
Enough for now,
(Answers) A, C, D, B
Since this post has an education-based link to it, please read "Primary educator's introduction to photojournalism" and see additional environmental portraits in my portfolio.
Within these rules, we still need to make each image unique enough to quickly identify something about the person in the image for the readers. This is the core difference between a portrait and an environmental portrait. The image isn't a generic person on a generic background like a studio portrait. An environmental portrait is a specific person and some insight into this person from their specific environment and artifacts.
Here's the quiz: match the cutlines with the portraits below. The answers are at the bottom of this post.
A) Jeremy Jenkins poses for a snapshot portrait at Hebron High School in Carrollton on Wednesday, December 8, 2004. He is in the National Honor Society as well as the captain of the varsity soccer team.
B) Barbara Naylor poses for a snapshot portrait with Labrador retrievers Ascot, 8 months, (left) and Rindy, 1 year, (right) at the Sunnyvale School in Sunnyvale on Wednesday, December 8, 2004. She is a K-to-8 art teacher and Canine Companion trainer.
C) Leonard Untung poses for a snapshot portrait at Hebron High School in Carrollton on Wednesday, December 8, 2004. The senior is in the National Honor Society as well as the math and chess clubs.
D) Balch Springs fire chief Ricky Woodham poses for a snapshot portrait at the Balch Springs Fire Station in Balch Springs on Wednesday, December 8, 2004.
Photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
All four images were shot on the same day in three different cities. None took more than 30 minutes. I'll admit the students were trickier because we didn't have a soccer ball available. However, it shouldn't have been difficult to tell each person from the next. I've probably taken more than 100 of these images over the last five years. No two look alike. Each subject has her/his own unique environment.
Again, these are simple, straight-forward portraits with tight shooting constraints. Pro PJs already know to track trends and environmental changes over time. It's this skill which makes their images either timeless or timely. For the folks who don't do this for a living, make your family photo albums become a living history of the people and their environments.
Enough for now,
(Answers) A, C, D, B
Since this post has an education-based link to it, please read "Primary educator's introduction to photojournalism" and see additional environmental portraits in my portfolio.
Building the belfry
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Andres Construction Services workers move a 27,000-pound section of steel infrastructure onto the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Dallas on Wednesday, December 8, 2004. The infrastructure is part of a 20-story bell tower the church will have as part of a $4.5 million restoration.
ArchiTexas Architecture Planning and Historic Preservation, Inc. were the architects of the tower construction although it was part of the original design of the 106-year-old cathedral.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Hoopin' Hawks
Hebron High School's Brittany Butler (No. 20, right) tries to move past Grapevine High School's Emily Harvell (No. 24, left) during a basketball game at Hebron High School in Carrollton on Tuesday, December 7, 2004.
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Bell ringer
Salvation Army bell ringer Cirenio Velasquez waits for donations outside Foley's at Valley View Mall in Dallas on Monday, December 5, 2004. This year, Target prohibited the bell ringers from setting up a its stores.
Photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Salvation Army bell ringer Cirenio Velasquez rings his bell and waits for donations outside Foley's at Valley View Mall.
These images will be important again for magazines next June (for their December issues). Many magazines typically run a story about charitable contributions in their December issues.
I like the top image as a stand-alone. The secondary image is a supporting image, it probably gets to the point of the story faster, but the first image is more graphic and shows the overall problem: less donations this year due to location.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Luck and strategy
Yvette Sanchez has a discussion with her good luck piece during a chess match of the Lewisville ISD annual chess tournament at Marcus High School in Flower Mound on Saturday, December 4, 2004.
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Fowler power
Kevin Fowler performs during Lewisville's Holiday at the Hall in Lewisville on Saturday, December 4, 2004.
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Chess judge
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
Michael Dione Smith (left) and judge Karl Bentz (center) watch as Samuel Cole (right) makes his move during a chess match of the Lewisville ISD annual chess tournament at Marcus High School in Flower Mound on Saturday, December 4, 2004. Smith won the game.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Crystal oranda
© Mark M. Hancock
An oranda fish looks through a crystal vase in Dallas on Thursday, December 2, 2004.
A side effect of recent changes is what I can post on this site. I’ll actually be able to post more images of my choosing. This image is an example. It’s actually a side-project failure, but it’s still a cool shot (IMHO). So, I can post it here for y’all to enjoy. Expect to see more simple, graphic images in the coming months.
Enough for now,
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