Moving subjects – switch to CONTINUOUS focus mode – constantly adjusts & tracks subject as you 1/2 press shutter button.

Fix Focus On Your Digital SLR Nikon Camera

Factory settings for can be confusing and very frustrating when it comes to focus on a Nikon Digital SLR Camera, and explaining what all 3 buttons do together can get a little complicated but here goes. Hopefully afterward you’ll be able to change them to suit your subject and get more successful shots. It just takes some practice…
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Fix Focus On Your Digital SLR Canon Camera

Factory settings can be confusing and very frustrating when it comes to focusing your Canon DSLR, and explaining what all 3 buttons do together can get a little complicated but here goes. Hopefully afterward you’ll be able to change them to suit your subject and get more successful shots. It just takes practice…
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Area-wide Cincinnati Firefighter & Disaster Training

Over 200 volunteer victims were “extricated” & transported during a mass casualty drill at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds involving overturned buses, squashed cars, explosions and more. Fire departments and hospitals throughout the area worked with Red Cross. Even fake “media” was on scene. ©Malinda Hartong, Freelance Photojournalist, Hartong Digital Media llc.

Fun Summer Photo Fest

Summer is coming! We’ve come up with a new Photo Workshop idea to get your photos in shape for a ton of Summer fun! Get 5-15 of your friends & family together and learn tons of photo tips to make your summer unforgettable.

Sunset Photo Workshop

Photo Fests include:

• 1 hour instruction on any amateur photography topic
• 1.5-2 hours hands-on practice & your questions answered
• Printed Handouts filled with photo tips!
• Location – your choice – home or your favorite spot within 30 miles round trip from Winton Woods.
• At your home, I can bring projector & tabletop screen or just plug iPad into any HD connection like TV – even better if you have Apple TV – connecting wirelessly is so easy.
• Just $50 per guest, minimum of 5, max 15.

Hosts can book the date/time online or contact Malinda for a reservation. Malinda will set up a special registration link just for you to share with your guests. A minimum of 5 registrations is required. For groups larger than 15, please contact Malinda directly. To regsiter, just click the button & choose Summer Fun Photo Workshop from the menu, then date/time, then $50 registration via paypal. Malinda will contact host within 1 business day.

Malinda is currently working on a FAQ for summer fun photo workshops, but there are only so many weekend appointments available. For more information, contact Malinda asap to reserve your date and make a plan.

Locations are virtually limitless

with iPad I can really teach almost anywhere. Here are some cool ideas for fun summer photography:

• Moms Group
• Pool Party
• Bar-b-que & cookout, picnic
• Birthday Party
• Teen Photo Safari
• Girls Night Out
• Photo Fiesta

Topic ideas for your Summer Photo Workshop:

• Why are my photos too light (or dark)
• Why are my photos orange & how to fix it!
• When & how to use Flash
• Camera modes
• How to get the most out of Auto & Scene modes
• How to shoot kids sports
• How to shoot inside & low light
• How to get the best shots of active kids
• Photo shooting & editing with any mobile phone or iPad
• Photoshop Elements
• iPhoto
• Help for any camera owner: smart phone, point & shoot, or SLR, absolute beginner to advanced amateur.
• Your questions answered!

In case of inclement weather, we have an indoor location for up to 8. Not included: Commercial location fees & permissions if required – organizer is responsible for securing any necessary permissions & any Location fees – which are not covered by workshop.

Grand Opening for The Dragonfly Foundation: The Landing

The Dragonfly Foundation was started by Christine & Ria after Christine’s son was diagnosed with cancer. They bring support and joy to other families going through childhood cancer and blood diseases. If you have time and talent to give, please join us in supporting them.

The Landing is a lovely place where families can kick back and let go, let the kids play…

Glenn & I joined them for their “hose-cutting ceremony” Grand Opening and Open House. These are some of those images. The Stonelick Township fire department blessed them with a parade truck all dragonfly-d out! It’s awesome!

Glenn is a full-time staff photojournalist at The Cincinnati Enquirer, and I’m a former staff photojournalist there and freelance for corporate and other events, plus head shots, portraits, and more – in addition to teaching group classes and private lessons covering cameras, photography – beginner to pro, iPhone/iPad, Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom, and more. Enjoy the images! Hope to see you at the next Dragonfly event!

Malinda

It’s vacation time again. So many folks going to the beach, I thought I would share my favorite filter. Using a Circular Polarizer is like adding sunglasses to your camera.

How to Use A Circular Polarizer 

1. Only use during a bright sunny day. This filter is DARK. It’s supposed to be. So only use it when you need it. Don’t leave it on all the time.
2. Compose your shot first. A polarizer refracts light at only certain angles. When you’re looking at your shot, the sun should be to your left or right at a 90 degree angle for the best effect.
3. Focus. Hold your DSLR camera up to your eye and focus on your subject. Lock focus by holding the shutter down 1/2 way with your right index finger and don’t move it…
4. Now turn the filter in the direction you screwed it on (so it doesn’t fall off). You should see a distinct difference as you turn the filter. When you’re happy with the results, press the shutter the rest of the way to take your shot.

With & Without Circular Polarizer at Winton Lake

Photographing Landscapes: Brighter More Saturated Colors

Sapphire Skies in Arizona

If you’re out in the middle of a bright sunny day, add a circular polarizer to get more saturated colors. Water looks amazing when you remove reflections. Beaches look better too as sand is like glass and is reflective. Even Winton Lake pops with deeper greens and blues. Just image what the tropics will look like!

Whiter Clouds & Bluer Sky

For bluer blue sky and whiter puffy clouds use a circular polarizer. Really want to make blue sky pop? Try a polarizer out west in Arizona or New Mexico – be ready – it might knock your socks off!

Better Foliage

Have you noticed how some leaves are really glossy? A polarizer will reduce the glare from that glossiness and give you deeper more saturated colors. I use a polarizer for better fall foliage shots all the time.

Polarizers add contrast so having your DSLR set to standard or neutral scenes is much better than vivid  - which already increases contrast and saturation. Neutral settings will help you keep detail in the highlights and shadows.

Tip #1: Personally I prefer the best glass I can afford. Tiffen makes a nice filter. B+W – even better coated German glass with metal ring.

Tip #2: Take off your lens cap & look at the number on the back. Canon – typically says 58mm (B+W from Adorama about $86 for pro quality). Nikon – depends on the lens. My suggestion is to get the filter for the largest mm lens you have, then a step-down ring to use the same filter on any smaller lenses… For instance, if you have 72mm large lens, get a 72mm filter, and a ring to go from 72 to say 52mm for the smaller lens… Adorama 52mm Tiffen Filter is under $20 at the time of posting – absolutely fine for “non-pros”.

With polarizer: saturated colors, less glare on leaves

glare on leaves without polarizer

Want to learn more? Join me for a private photography lesson or a family photo safari at a local park. You’ll be amazed with at the difference my polarizer filter can make in person! See for yourself. Private lessons start at 2 hours for just $125.

How to Photograph Children

5 Tips for Photographing Children

1. Be Ready!

Have all the settings – iso, exposure compensation, mode, flash – fixed and tested BEFORE you start shooting. Stopping the flow of natural moments not only inhibits your creative juices but chances are you’re missing great moments while fiddling to adjust settings. Double check all the “technical stuff” well before you need to shoot, especially the histogram. The less gear, the better! (more…)

Shoot Gorgeous Portraits On a Tight Budget

Step 1. Find 1 decent sized window.

Window light is and always has been my all-time favorite light to shoot with. On an overcast day, there’s nothing like what nature provides. Placing the subject relative to the window affects their shape (perfect topic for another post later).

Keep it Simple! The best part about natural window light is there is much less of a “fear factor” involved than with flash, regardless if you’re talking studio lights or speed light (small flash). It’s really intimidating being scrutinized under glass – also known as being photographed. Not unlike being placed under a microscope in a lab. Be honest, do you REALLY like to be photographed? (more…)

How to Set up a Photo Studio

As you know photography is all about the light. The trick is to be able to see it, and then pose your subject to flatter them in the light and background you have to work with at that particular moment. There are some quick tricks and quite a few tips to share on the subject. Being news photographers, Glenn & I live by the KISS method. Keep is Simple is our motto, especially when you’re only given 5 minutes to make a great shot (welcome to our world).

So what do you REALLY need to create great portrait images on a shoestring with no time? (more…)

Looking forward to a great year in 2013

Please take this short survey to help me get workshops going that will help you take your photography to the next level. Thanks so much for your time. Your responses are anonymous. Also feel free to contact me if you’d like to add anything or have other suggestions.

YOURS!

Malinda Hartong, Photojournalist/Instructor