Dennis Scott Carruthers – Page 8 – D. Scott Carruthers Photography

Top Places In The World To Photograph

Travel photography takes you to various interesting destinations across the world, but as you do it more, you realize you need to explore many more places that can take your career to a higher height. Picking the best places to photograph across the world is a decision that will help you make perfect photos that are not only satisfying to your audience, but you as well. You not only need to consider popular destinations, but as expert photographer Summit Shah explains, there are many more places that are unexplored that you could find ideal for travel photography. Here are suggestions for best places across the world where you can photograph travel photos.

Maruata Bay, Mexico

Just rent an apartment in Maruata and with your stay there, you will appreciate how much the place offers you amazing photography opportunities. This is a destination that is popularly known for tourism and when you head down to Michoacan state, you enjoy a better chance to capture dramatic shots. It offers you amazing image ops, which range from cliffs to wetlands and birds as well as sea turtles.

Don’t miss shots of waves crushing against the cliffs and you could enhance your photography by trying some photos of uncluttered beach sunsets or fishermen at work. This is basically a destination that will give you the joy you have always sought to achieve as a photographer. You will also enjoy some good moments as a tourist apart from documenting moments, and the most adorable part is that the locals there are highly supportive.

Chugach State Park, Alaska

If you have ever dreamt of taking your photography to Alaska, Chugach State Park is the place you should be. The destination has amazing landscapes and is packed with wildlife photo ops that you will appreciate. It is also easily accessible, more than the Denali National Park, and you will not suffer the inconvenience of congestion that you would find at the national park. Some of the key features you could capture while at Chugach include the lakes that are beautifully nested through the terrain of the mountainous landscape.

There are several marshlands filled with swans and the migrating birds will make the view more interesting. You could hike up the Glen Alps to get some aerial views that include the waters that flow in the lake, and one particular section that is interesting is off the coast where you could do some shots of the Beluga whales. If you are lucky to show up during sunset, this is one of the most interesting places to photograph.

Cedar Mesa, Utah

While in the U.S., you have plenty of options for destinations ideal for travel photography. One such place that Summit Shah suggests you should consider is Cedar Mesa in Utah. Photographers love the Colorado Mesa Verde, so you will not find as many people around Cedar Mesa, which gives you the peace of mind you need when doing some sweet shots. Easily capture the Pueblo ruins and awesome cliff dwellings to the southwest. You can achieve perfect photos here without the inconvenience of working around crowds. Don’t miss to photograph textured images of the Anasazi cliff dwellings as well as rock paintings. The sunset offers long-exposure nighttime shots.

Saskatchewan, Canada

Instead of visiting Alberta, you could find a rare opportunity to photograph at Saskatchewan in Canada. If you head to Banff National Park, you will meet hordes of landscape shooters, but at Saskatchewan, which gives you a similar opportunity, you are able to enjoy the space and convenience of shooting without distractions from others. The destination offers miles of rural back roads and these are open roads that tourists rarely use that will lead you to hidden gems including old farms and homesteads that are surrounded by grasslands.

D Scott Carruthers Shares 11 Ways to Get a Real Smile from Wedding Photography Subjects

Photography is a specialty that attracts a lot of interest due to its power to create memories. Many people have wanted to become good photographers but their lack of mentors has dragged the process of getting towards the helm of their success. This is the reason D. Scott Carruthers has championed an initiative aimed at helping upcoming photographers execute their ideas. He has practiced photography for more than 10 years and here are few tips he shares to help you draw genuine smiles from your subjects while taking wedding photographs.

Make it a game

Getting the subject involved is the ultimate way through which you can ensure you get a genuine smile. One of the suggestions you could pursue is telling them to put on strange faces to see who does it best, and amid this unexpected activity you will get many smiles as they find it laughable and awkward.

Stare lovingly

Since in a wedding you are most likely to be photographing the couple, you could ask them to stare at each other lovingly. Obviously this is a vague suggestion as they will be confused how to best do it, which will definitely get them blown up in smiles and laughs.

Tell something funny

Although not everyone might be good at this, you might squeeze in some jokes related to the day. The rule is to tell something they can relate with and digest easily if you want to get them taken away in beautiful smiles that will help make the photos amazing. It is just about playing with their psychology in a manner that will have them relax to enjoy the moment.

Approach with a smile

The psychological effect of approaching with a smile on is strong as you are able to trigger the couple to as well feel easy around you. Putting on a strong face might trigger them to feel that you are handling a very complex process and thus everyone must remain silent all through, which is not going to help you get genuine smiles.

Compliment them

A compliment boost one’s mood and ego and as research has shown, when you compliment someone they are highly likely to feel good about themselves. Therefore, telling your subjects they look good together might sound simple but the effect is far reaching, and with that easy mention you will get them smiling.

Ask a trick question

Asking a trick question that at the same time gets them to suspect you want information from them is also a perfect way you could get people smiling for photos. While they will try to figure out the best answer for the question, it will get them smiling as everyone tries to outdo the other in getting it right.

How did you meet?

While photographing a couple, this question is important to them as it reflects their beautiful past and the point where their love kicked in. Most definitely, they will put on smiles before anyone comes up with a response to the question.

Kiss her on the cheek/nose/forehead

Many happy couples will wear a beautiful smile when asked to intimately kiss each other before a camera. It’s a wild suggestion that will get them energized to embrace the moment, and with this you can be assured to get genuine smiles.

Ask a dance

If the subjects are having hard time relaxing, you could get them moving and make sure to focus their attention far from the camera. It’s easy to get a couple to embrace a dance session with joy and the fact this will be before a camera they will be triggered to wear beautiful smiles.

Ask for a laugh

You could as well ask them to laugh and research has shown that fake laughs gradually turn into giggles. Continue clicking until the laugh turns real and just like that you will help to create beautiful photos.

Tell each other a secret

It will also sound strange when you tell them to whisper a secret to each other, and amid this process will come beautiful smiles. Most definitely, the secret in this case will include love messages to each other.

D Scott Carruthers is a world class photographer as well as a traveler and lover of all things vegan. You can see more of his content at carruthersphoto.com

Noelle Neff Shares Vital Advice Every New Photographer Must Consider

For those who have been shooting for many years, there is a clear understanding of the basics of photography that inspire them to keep their work organized and neat. However, beginners will have a problem mastering the right path to pursue to make their skills worthwhile. This is a dilemma many have to deal with as there is a wide array of information that speaks different things that they are supposed to embrace. As Noelle Neff cites, you have to consider the basic guidelines and principles to become a perfect photographer. Here are few you might find useful.

Learning first, gear second
You might have heard many people suggest that you should spend more of your money on gaining experience over other things. A lot of scientific research has revealed that spending more on a photography workshop will help you gain vital skills that eventually define the way your career as a photographer progresses. Don’t rush into buying equipment before you familiarize with the most important principles of photography that you must apply to become a professional in the area. Getting that new 1Dx will not help you become better if you don’t understand how to use it, so spend more on education and forget about getting the gear for now.

Shoot for yourself
Many people start losing it when they begin shooting to satisfy others or show the world. That is when the problem begins as getting people to appreciate the little effort you put is not as easy, and one might get dejected due to the lack of positive feedback. To counter this problem, you are advised to shoot for yourself before you ever consider about doing it for another person or agency. Make sure you satisfy your expectations first before you move forward to working for other people.

Limit yourself on purpose
What is your purpose while photographing? As a beginner, you could achieve more by limiting yourself to one specialty or idea. There are many genres in photography that you could pick, so be sure to pursue these areas with a lot of consideration to the fact that you can easily improve your skills in one area when you put more focus on it rather than doing many genres at the same time. Learning is progressive and one of the ways to ensure you benefit is picking one genre you are familiar with and exhausting its options before picking another.

Join a community
Doing photography in isolation might slow your progress since there are no people with similar ideas to share with or consult. There are many communities you could join especially in the social media space that are made specifically to host photographers. And within these circles you can easily find valuable support from people who have years of experience working as photographers. You cannot easily see your mistakes, but with someone else who is experienced it’s easy to see where you are getting it wrong.

Finally, practicing should be a normal routine that you must adhere to religiously. To become perfect, you need to do it many times and borrow ideas from those who have already established themselves as experts in photography. This will accelerate your growth as a photographer and before long, you might be the one teaching others about the beautiful art of photography.

Ian Leaf Biography And Interview

Ian Leaf is a globetrotting photographer and travel expert who has been around the world. He loves to travel, and he collects tips about travel every chance he gets. This is a biography and interview with Ian that helps the traveler find new ways to travel that are exciting and fun.

Ian begins all his trips with a plan, and he wants to see as much of the world as possible when he takes off. He knows it is possible to see the world in a new way, and he has visited places such as Switzerland and New Zealand to see the beauty in everything. He knows it is possible to have a new experience in every country, and he understands how easy it is to have a lovely trip when planning properly. His interview offers insight into his methods, and he shares his expertise in travel.

#1: Where Do You Make Your Travel Decisions?

I have chosen to travel to all points around the globe based on information I read online or study. I have found new places to visit in online articles, and I have looked over maps for places that seemed like quite a lot of fun. I chose locations that I knew I would like, and I often choose locations that will be completely unknown to me. I would encourage anyone to have an adventure when the travel, and I believe they must travel as often as possible simply to see the world.

#2: Do You Prefer Trains, Planes Or Boats?

I prefer trains, planes and boats. I have taken lovely train trips in my life, and I have flown to destinations in a few hours. I enjoy a boat ride when it is across placid waters, and I would tell anyone to have a go at all forms of transportation. You will feel as though you are in a detective novel when you are on a train, and you will relax when you are on a boat. I have found each of them to be rewarding, and I hope all my readers will try each at least once.

#3: Where Do You Stay?

I stay in places where the locals are plentiful and friendly. I know quite a lot of people who are staying with families in the areas they visit, and you will meet amazing people if you are willing to get to know the locals. You will meet locals who work in your hotel, and you may make friends for life when you are traveling in this manner. You are free to stay where you like, and I believe there is value in staying with someone local who will host you in a kind and hospitable fashion.

#4: How Do You Manage Money?

The money you are using for your trips must be kept in a form you may replace easily. I check exchange rates, and I take out a tiny bit of cash when I am in the country. I do everything else with a credit card or with traveler’s checks. You will find both forms of payments quite simple to use, and you will enjoy using them while traveling as they are simple and accepted everywhere.

#5: How Do You Manage The Language?

I learn phrases from the local language, and I get a guide book that helps me with signs and maps. I am not in the habit of expecting any speaks English, and I believe I am lucky to meet someone who speaks my language. Ensure you have planned to handle the language when you land, and have a few phrases memorized that you may use to hail a taxi, order food or simply get on the bus.

#6: Any Final Thoughts?

There are quite a few things I enjoy doing on my trips, and I wish everyone will try them. I take as many pictures as I may while on my trips, and I visit the places the locals tell me about. They want me to see a new part of the country, and I will see a place that most tourists will never find. all my travels are adventures, and I set out to have a proper adventure when leaving the house.

Dennis Scott Carruthers Shares His Bucket List of Places to Photograph

Photographers are highly creative people. They have a keen eye for detail. They are naturally attracted to iconic and scenic places. Photography is an excellent strategy to immortalize the joys and struggles of the loved ones in your life. It captures memories and freezes the time in a moment. It is also a perfect option for documenting your travels and adventures.

Photographers keep a list of places they would like to visit and snap away. It enables them to lead a life full of adventure. Dennis Scott Carruthers, an experienced photographer, and lawyer shares his bucket list of places to photograph with a brief commentary.

List of Places to Photograph

Cinque Terre in Italy consists of ancient seaside villages sitting on a rugged coastline. Discover romantic fishing communities living in colorful houses. Catch breathtaking views of the rugged villages. Capture the sunset from the Riviera or enjoy the humbling experience of being at the bottom of high cliffs. You can also enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the sea.
Machu Picchu, Peru: This is home to an ancient lost city. The city is an archeological gem and a photographer’s haven. It is believed to have been used as a key ceremonial center. The Inca trail offers a stunning view of the ruins on the valley down below and rugged mountainsides.
Taj Mahal, India: The iconic architectural marvel is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The mausoleum is a sprawling forty-two-acre complex built in ivory-white marble. The Taj Mahal rises 240 feet into the air. Get inside for riveting views of the vaulted tombs of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz as well as ancient calligraphy in Persian.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy: This primeval amphitheater used to be a sports center. Tour the underground passageways and capture the glory of the gladiator era and the persecution of Christians.
Stonehenge, UK hosts gigantic free-standing stones arranged in a ring formation. The monument dates back to 2000 BC and is a cultural icon in the UK.
Galapagos Islands in Ecuador: Snap the blue-footed booby right in its natural habitat. The archipelago experiences frequent volcanic activity. This contributes to the great diversity of the vibrant ecosystem in the area.
Burning Man Festival, Nevada: This is an annual art show held for a week in Black Rock Desert. There is a leave no trace rule and everything is taken down after the event, leaving no evidence that the event happened. This presents a compelling reason to document the activities.
Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia: Explore 12th-century architecture. There are numerous silk-cotton trees, which have grown in the ruins creating a hair-raising feeling. Can you capture the eerie aura on a photo?
Cappadocia, Turkey: Go back in time to the era of Alexander the Great. Photograph the traditional cave hotels, rock-cut temples and an underground city as you listen to historical Christian myth and folklore.
Santorini, Greece: View the effects of volcanic activity on ancient settlements. Capture mythical Greece including vertical hanging cliffs and unparalleled views of the sea.

Conclusion

Photography enables us to relive the extraordinary moments and experiences in our lives. It is almost impossible to commit to memory all the details along life’s journey. Make a bucket list to inspire you as you start checking off on the memorable experiences you document.

3 Steps For Capturing Emotional Depth In A Photograph

In today’s world, we see so many pictures of happy people. From social media to billboards, we are bombarded daily with images of smiling people. However, we all know that so much more is going on within each and every smiling person. An image of that person smiling is capturing just one moment in a very complex life. True photographers want to capture what is real. They want to tell a story with an image, and they want to convey emotion. How do great photographers capture and convey emotional depth? How is it that by looking at one portrait, we can seem to see the struggle in someone’s face, or feel that we understand the losses that they have overcome? How do images convey a mother’s nurturing love for her child, or a refugee’s ache for survival?

Emotional depth is captured by a photographer who takes these three necessary steps: Observe, Feel, and Connect.

Step 1: Observe

In order to capture a moment in which true emotion is displayed, the first step is to be in your location purely as an observer. This does not mean that you have to take candid photos only, although they will be a great source for emotionally raw photographs. Instead, it only means that you can not impress your personal energy and state of being on other people. Instead, you have to imagine that you are invisible and neutral. You have to watch them experiencing an emotion that is not controlled or directed by you, the photographer. Look through Richard Avedon’s portfolio in order to get an idea of how even a portrait photographer can capture raw vulnerability.

Step 2: Feel

Famous Photographer Don McCullin is famous for saying, “Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” This means that you must dive into your own emotions in order to get deep images. An image that conveys emotion can be a shot of a person experiencing the emotion that you want to trigger in the viewer. Or, on the other hand, your image could be of an object that you find emotional. When you are in touch with your own emotions, you can see them reflected back to you in the outer world. A drifting sail boat, wilting flower, or grass poking up through concrete could convey to your viewer a specific feeling. If you can not go into the depths of your soul and find those feelings, you will not recognize when the world is reflecting them back to you.

Step 3: Connect

The last step is to connect. Once you know how to be a pure observer, and can access your own feelings so that you can recognize them in the outer world, next you must connect to your subject. There is magic that happens in the moment of connection. The famous photograph “Afghan Girl” taken in 1984 by Steve McCurry displays a moment of connection. The wide, frightened blue eyes of the girl have almost palpable energy in them, as if lasers are coming out of them. McCurry clearly connected with his subject, and so viewers can connect with the photograph.

With these three steps, you will notice that your photographs start to have much more emotional depth. The world doesn’t need more pictures of smiling people. Instead, we need help understanding the raw and vulnerable sides of human nature.

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7 Easy and Cheap DIY Lighting Setups

Photography is interesting if you have all the tools you need and some skills. But most beginners have the skills but lack tools to execute different processes, which makes it necessary to pursue alternatives that can help them produce good photos. One of the ways you could do with cheap tools and items around you is understanding some DIY processes you could embrace. Here are several that you should consider as issued by experts.

Multi-Super-SB-Ring Light

This is a simple idea as you only need 6 Nikon SBs which you will mount on a coffee can using duct tape. The target is to produce fire power that will help to address the ringing problem you will encounter most of the time.

DIY Ring flash

For this you need a used milk jug/bottle and scissors. Cut the bottle well so it fits around the lens of the camera and this will help to create a ring flash that will work closely as well as the one you would have bought at the stores.

Inexpensive light tent

Another problem you want to solve is the use of a light tent, which is meant to help to replicate product images used in catalogs. The products appear as if they are floating on a white background, and this is the effect created by a light tent. What you need in your case is fabric, glue board, tape and light source. With the items, you need to arrange the setup such that the light focuses on the subject to be placed at the center of the setup and ensure the fabric used is not too light or heavy.

Party bouncer card

You could also make a party bouncer card if your camera does not allow off flash. For this setup you need a white business card and scissors. You will make two cuts on one end of the card then install it onto the hinges of the flash at an angle of 45 degrees and you are done. It will help by diffusing light and reflecting most of it to the roof to give you a clear photo.

Turkey pan beauty dish

If you don’t have a beauty dish, you can utilize a turkey pan for this purpose. You need to position it at the middle of the flash so it reflects light across a circular area, allowing you to easily achieve soft focus.

Homemade Softbox

Hot flash could be a spoiler that you want to avoid, and one of the ways to do so is having a softbox, which could be expensive hence the need for a DIY solution. There are many softbox schemes you can download to use. You will need sheets of paper to use while preparing the box as per instructions issued, and once done attach the setup to your camera.

DIY Flash Bouncer

You will need a pair of scissors, one sheet craft foam, and a wide rubber band. Cut the bouncer shape and sew the attachment band and wrap the band around your light source. This should take just five minutes and you are ready.