All posts by Peter Phun

Photography

Simplifying is the key to better pictures

June 12, 2017 Peter Phun 2 Comments

While we like to always have a clean uncluttered background in our pictures, sometimes all we can do is use the longest focal length lens we have. At times, that isn’t enough to minimize the distractions. Then it’s time to see if we can isolate by moving around. Ideally we want a vantage point where our subject is lit but not our background.

As photographers we have to simplify because as powerful as photoshop is, we can’t always eliminate in post production

So in our world, our canvas has to be protected from erroneous objects that distract from our subjects.

But before we can decide what is distracting, we have to be absolutely clear about what’s our primary subject is.

Faces are important–Waiting for the right moment when his face is visible made all the difference in the world.Don’t you agree? Compare this to the picture below when I first happened on the scene.

When I first arrived. Of course, i was excited and started shooting but I was also aware of the composition and decided it could be stronger. Both pictures were shot full frame no cropping.

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Photography

More tips to improving your photo skills

June 8, 2017 Peter Phun

Regardless of your skill level, all these are relevant.

So here are my suggestions for improving your photography

2. Seek out positive mentors. There are so many out there but not all are compatible with your way of thinking
3. Having your camera with you increases the odds you will use it or you will come across something interesting or unexpected. Phones are ok but often they respond too slowly
  
  Bring your camera with you everywhere. You’re dropped a fortune on it already, it doesn’t cost you anything to tote it everywhere, use it
4. Break down pictures you like, specifically ask yourself what was used to take the picture. You may be surprised with the workarounds that exist that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Read more about how I made this picture of water polo player Nicholas.
  Keeping his cool– Despite the frigid water temperature, Nicholas was a good sport. My main light, a Canon 600-EX-RT Speedlite at camera right, was triggered by Yongnuo YN-600-EX transmitter. Canon 40D with 17-35mm lens. ISO 400 1/250 f8

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Advice

Great to be back

Aside May 15, 2017 Peter Phun 9 Comments

It’s been more than 6 months since my last post.

If there is a valid excuse, well, I was working full time teaching at a high school.

I’m back everyone

Not too much has changed.

I’m happy that ugly election is over. Now it’s time to get over the mindset, “if you’re not with us, you’re against us.”

I haven’t been posting a lot of work on Facebook because there’s good reason.

I’ve been posting more of my work on Instagram, so if you’re using Instagram follow me there and I’ll follow back.

The 6-month teaching stint was a great experience.

Though I didn’t enjoy the inherent problems of teaching at a high school like discipline, it gave me an even bigger appreciation of what teachers do day in and day out.

Parents are the primary teacher in life. They are the ones who set the standard of what is acceptable behavior. When they defer that responsibility to the teacher in school, I’m afraid that child is lost.

Because at the high school level, there can be no teaching happening in class when there is no discipline.