The Weekend Photographer Magazine Issue 01

THE WEEKEND PHOTOGRAPHER

THE WEEKEND PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE

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Here comes The Weekend Photographer Magazine, an independent free e-magazine that offers tips, features readers’ photos, and offers reviews on photography equipment in the Philippines. The ONLY magazine that features other magazines! As the first issue, it offers various information of different fields of photography. So join me in welcoming the very first issue! Enjoy! Feel free to print this up in A6 format and take this with you in every photo shoot.

Bert Aricheta Editor / Layout Artist / Photographer

Cover photo by Bert Aricheta, shot at Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA during the early winter of November, 2011. Panasonic GF1, 1/640s, f/9, ISO100, 14mm

A new era has come, photography has become much more available to every Juan (and Juana).

COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected] SUBJECT: TWPM COMMENTS,SUGGESTIONS


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WHAT’S INSIDE?

4 ON LOCATION Sanda Fashion Show

7 FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER Edwin S. Loyola

11 MY LIGHTING SETUP The Car Models

12 READERS’ HOT SHOTS featuring Bert Aricheta

15 MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY Capturing Music Through Pictures

19 PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY Portraits Taken In Ambient Light

22 STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY A Toy Story

28 LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY The Golden Hour

28 GEAR REVIEW Lowepro Voyager C Eye-Fi Connect X2 The Wedding Photography Field Guide

31 FEATURED SITE www.kevinkertz.com

26 DIY CORNER Speedlight Folder Diffuser

32 FEATURED MAG I-Mag Photography Digital Photographer Philippines

DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? EMAIL: [email protected] SUBJECT: TWPM CONTRIBUTION


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ON LOCATION: Sanda Fashion Show Text and photos by Bert Aricheta

I was invited to shoot a belly dance that night. Call time was about 3PM at Dolce Bar at Timog, Quezon City. I ended up in covering the whole show, from the behind the scene practice of the model’s ramps, the dances then to the main event and of course the belly dance.

Armed with the Nikon D90 as my primary camera with the Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8D push-pull lens, and as an extra the, Tokina 28-70mm f2.8 lens and the Nikon D80 paired with the Nikkor 50mm f1.8D lens. What carried my gear was the Lowepro S&F Series Transport Duffle Backpack which encases the Lowepro Toploader 75 AW fitted with the Lowepro S&F Series Deluxe Waistbelt. Top photo: 46mm, 1/200, f/4, ISO1250 Left photo: 50mm, 1/125, f/4, ISO1000


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The biggest challenge was mixing the spotlight with either the other lights in the ramp or the flash firing from the Nikon SB600 speedlight. I have set my white balance to either of the situations: -when the model is lighted by the spotlight, I use the Incandescent icon white balance. -when the subject is close to me, I switch to the Cloudy icon white balance then fire up the flash. But then you could also choose the auto white balance icon, AWB to let the camera decide for itself. The wonderful thing on this fashion show is that some of the models come up through the lens and stare at you, sport a smile, or say a gesture that it’s not just them that make the show, but also you as the photographer. Top photo: 28mm, 1/200, f/4, ISO1250 Bottom photo: 50mm, 1/200, f/4, ISO1250


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For the belly dance, I opened my aperture wide, at around f/2.8, ISO was still ISO1250. My shutter speed was fairly on 1/100. Some portions of the dancers were lit with smaller spot lights. The bad thing is that the dancers at the back were poorly lit. I moved at the side near the middle of the ramp where they were dancing, in order to capture those from behind.

Unintentionally shooting those who are at the front who are facing back against me, the side lighted figures still portrays their dance moves. Remember, it’s likewise just alright to have some blurry photos to make the dancers be felt in motion. Top photo: The Cercado sisters, shot at 28mm, 1/100, f//2.8, ISO1250 Bottom photo: Kim Kong, shot at 52mm, 1/100, f//2.8, ISO1250


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Kicking off the first issue of The Weekend Photographer Magazine is an exclusive interview with Mr. Edwin “ESL” S. Loyola, currently based in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. who hails from San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines. The Weekend Photographer Magazine asked some questions to Edwin, and here they are. The Weekend Photographer Magazine: What field of photography are you into? Edwin S. Loyola: Fine Arts. TWPM: When did your interest in photography started? ESL: Elementary days. TWPM: Who influenced you in photography? ESL: Ansel Adams, and Chie Zamora

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Edwin S. Loyola Text by Bert Aricheta Photos by Edwin S. Loyola

Portrait photo by Ray Rosario


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TWPM: How did these persons influence you? ESL: Exceptional images and passion. TWPM: What would you say to inspire people who are (or would be) interested in photography? ESL: Just practice everyday and enjoy photography – as simple as that.

Top Photo: The Joy of Childhood - 2003 National Geographic Winner Photo & copyright by Edwin S. Loyola


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TWPM: Were your works published in public? If yes, state the names of the publications (Print media/film/TV) of your work). If possible, include also the corresponding dates. ESL: Many to mention… Can’t remember the dates. TWPM: Do you do photography workshops? ESL: Yup. Done my Loyola Beyond Passion 2012 workshops at Pampanga and Abu Dhabi. TWPM: Where can we get in touch with you for your workshops? ESL: [You could email me at] [email protected] [or call me at] 650-302-3225.

TWPM: What tip can you give to aspiring photographers? ESL: Just PRACTICE EVERYDAY.

Bottom Photo: 2004 Grand Prize and People's Choice Award - Fuji and Gift Gate Photo Contest Photo & copyright by Edwin S. Loyola


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The following were Edwin’s exhibits: Solo Exhibits: 2000 Edwin Loyola Photographs / De La Salle University Gallery Edwin Loyola Images / Philamlife Lobby 2003 Loyola@10 / Philamlife Lobby 2005 The Last Leaf / Mla Docs Oct 1-15 / Philamlife Lobby Oct 17-30 Light for Life Photo Exhibit / Philamlife Lobby Dec 8 2005 2006 Light for Life Photo Exhibit / Philamlife II Lobby May 24, 2006 2008 The Gifts Photography Exhibition / Philamlife Dec 2008 –Feb 2009 Group Exhibits: 2003 Framed Shots 'Handog' Rockwell, Makati 2004 eArt Philippines - Philippine Art Festival, Greenhills eArt Philippines - Graphic Expo 2004, Philtrade eArt Philippines- Slimmer's World Great Bodies, Shangrila Hotel 2005 eArt Philippines - Digital Brushes / Philamlife Lobby eArt Philippines - Graphic Expo 2005, Philtrade

2005 eArt Philippines - 2nd Quarter Exhibit / Philamlife Lobby Framed Shots - 11th Anniversary Exhibit Landscape/Still Life /Philam Lobby 2008 The Gifts Photography Exhibition - March 28, 2oo8 Tony Roma's Dine In Gallery - May 9 to June 9, 2008 2011 Mother and Child, Rockwell, Glorietta, May 2011

To find out more of his works, you could visit Edwin at the following websites: www.edwinloyola.com http://www.pixoto.com/edwinloyola

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinloyola/

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/edwin-loyola.html


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MY LIGHTING SETUP: The Car Models Featuring Kate Abellana, Anna Beltran, Peachie Pring and Nikka Villanueva Text and photo by Bert Aricheta

I saw this ad at Facebook, an event

invite for a model photoshoot with a car. Together with my colleague, Orven; and Dan, we had a chance to photograph the ladies with the cars. One particular shot with them all was this photo of the models with the black Mazda 3. The diagram just illustrates the location of the Nikon SB600, wherein the sun that’s just reaching the horizon acted as a backlight as well as a fill light.

About the lighting diagram, you can download a PSD template of it from Kevin Kertz’s website (www.kevinkertz.com). See the section below as I feature Kevin Kertz’ website.

In This Photo: Anna Beltran, Peachie Pring, Kate Abellana, and Nikka Villanueva Take note I made them have to chin up a bit to eliminate shadows to fill in their eyes since I was taking this shot in low angle. To add, I perked up one of the fog lights just below Nikka’s leg, and yes, the autumn-like trees served as a perfect background.


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READERS’ HOT SHOTS: Bert Aricheta

Left Photo: Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Panasonic GF1, 14mm, 1/250, f/5, ISO100

“The striking color of the set of trees captured my attention added to it is the bench on our walk to the Sculpture Garden.”

“Upon arrival to hear mass at St. Mary Basilica, the dark branches of this tree made a contrasting figure of the snow-pelted scene.”

Right Photo: Behind St. Mary Basilica, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Panasonic GF1, 16mm, 1/320, f/7.1, ISO100

DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? NEXT ISSUE’S TOPIC: SUMMER EMAIL: [email protected] SUBJECT: TWPM READERS’ HOT SHOTS:[subject/theme] Example: TWPM READERS’ HOT SHOTS:[Winter]


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READERS’ HOT SHOTS: Bert Aricheta Right Photo: Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Panasonic GF1, 38mm, 1/500, f/9, ISO100

“What I wanted is to capture St. Mary’s Basilica at the background so I adjusted the aperture to f/9, enough to get the basilica as well in focus.”

“As we were leaving from hearing mass

at St. Mary’s Basillica, I took a quick shot at the

corner.”

Left Photo: Beside St. Mary

Basilica, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Panasonic GF1,

14mm, 1/320, f/6.3, ISO100



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READERS’ HOT SHOTS: Bert Aricheta Bottom Photo: The Outlet Store, Albertville, Minnesota, USA Nikon D90, 80mm, 1/640, f/2.8, ISO1250

“It was a heavy down pour of snow that day when we went out to Albertville. My D90 was hanging around my shoulder and covered with my vest for protection. ”

“It was morning at Harmarville, as expected frost was present in the cold day at Pittsburgh.”

Top Photo: Days Inn, Harmarville, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA Panasonic GF1, 35mm, 1/125, f/5.1, ISO200



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Include your full name. Photos must be of 72 DPI or higher resolution. Place a watermark of your name or your name and logo at the lower right potion of your photo. Take note of the location, the camera used, its focal length used, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. Place a short description of how you come about in taking the photo.

DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? Send two (2) of your photos that’s of the required theme for next month and the following information in your email to: EMAIL: [email protected] SUBJECT: TWPM READERS’ HOT SHOTS:[subject/theme] Example: TWPM READERS’ HOT SHOTS:[Winter]


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MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY: Capturing Music Through Pictures Text and photos by Bert Aricheta

Pepe Smith of Juan Dela Cruz Nikon D90, 170mm, 1/250, f/2.8, ISO1000

It feels great for me to capture music photography. Aside from the artists doing their stuff, their music likewise entices you to sync up and take your inspirational photos. Music photography may start from a simple musical presentation of a song, to a gig on a club, then to a concert, and then unto photoshoots involving artists. As a result you capture the attitude, the art and the artist being portrayed of. It is capturing music through your pictures.


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Jamir Garcia & Lean Ansing of Slapshock Nikon D90, 80mm, 1/200, f/2.8, ISO1000

Here are some tips for capturing music photography: ⊗ Know the music of the artist.

o The beat of their music should sync to your images.

o Know the stanzas wherein they would give the audience the attitude (i.e. wherein a rock band, the audience would go wild).

o Know the habits (i.e. they would pull out their tounge out, head bang…).

⊗ Composition is the key (and as always in photography).

o Compose the subjects well as based from any of the composition rules.

o Go against the composition rules, though this contradicts the first button, you as a photographer could do your own composition.


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⊗ Play with the available light.

o Remember, clubs offer a little bit of ambient light, multiple colors would be available.

o Compose the image with the help of light, in the first place, photography is capturing images through light.

⊗ Good photography etiquette. o Respect house

rules. o Respect the

artist(s). o Respect fellow

photographers. With all that’s set, and again I say, music photography is capturing their music through your pictures.

Franco Reyes of Franco Nikon D90, 95mm, 1/250, f/2.8, ISO1000


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PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY: Portraits Taken In Ambient Light Text and photos by Bert Aricheta Modeled by Anna Marie Conde Makeup & Wardrobe by Anna Marie Conde

Ambient light is any light that comes from a constant light source. A constant light source example is the sun, an incandescent light bulb, a candle, or a fluorescent lamp. Portraits mainly involve individual person photos. Creating a perfect image is knowing where that ambient light hits the subject. It’s placing the subject and not placing the light on the subject (this may not be the case when working continuous light sources in light stands though).

In this photo:

Anna Marie Conde Makeup by Anna Marie Conde

Nikon D90, 50mm, 1/2000, f/1.8, ISO320 Shot at 2:38PM


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In this photo:

Anna Marie Conde Nikon D90, 50mm, 1/320, f/2.8, ISO200 Shot at 11:16AM

Here are some factors to consider when using continuous light:

o The farther the light source is to the subject, the harder the shadow that the subject casts, which also is known as hard light. The nearer the light source is to the subject, the softer the light is. [This also applies to non-continuous light sources – i.e. flashes, strobes, or speedlights].

o Technically speaking, the above bullet stated the Inverse Square Law, which states, “The power of the light will be inversely proportional to the square of the distance.”.


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o The color temperature determines how cold or warm is the subject. Below is a guide, matching with the Kelvin temperature as seen in the camera white balance setting.

o Shutter speed controls the

ambient light exposure, as aperture controls the flash exposure. Making the shutter speed faster, lessens the available light to come into to be captured. Taking into account the camera settings for example, 1/200 is faster than 1/30.

By now, the said factors are those that a photographer should consider in making an image. Composition and a creative eye is the main thing. Thinking over, what worth is a photograph if there is no photo (light [foto in Latin]) and graph (control [grafis in Latin]) on the subject?

In this photo:

Anna Marie Conde Nikon D90, 50mm, 1/200, f/2.85, ISO200

Shot at 11:01AM


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STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY: A Toy Story Text and photos by Bert Aricheta

Make a story through a diorama of your toys, then photograph it! Still photography is capturing inanimate subjects. In this feature, we’ll tackle at the aspects of how to capture toys and make a story out of them. Basically the tools of still photography are needed, either a DSLR or a non-DSLR or point and shoot camera. For DSLR users:

- a standard kit lens (18-55mm f3.5-5.6 or 18-105mm f3.5-5.6).

Top photo:

Toys from my nephew Bryne’s box Nikon D90 with Tokina AT-X 50-250mm f4-

5.6 Push Pull lens at macro, 1/4, f/4, ISO1000

SB600 with 42” Reflective Umbrella

- a light source (either a constant light source such as a desktop lamp, or a separate flash)

- a small tripod, or a bean bag to hold still the camera.


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- as an extra, you may want to have macro lenses also, to take your shots more detailed and on more of the macro shots.

In this photo:

Toys from my nephew Bryne’s box which were once my toys when I was

in grade school. Nikon D90 with Tokina AT-X 50-250mm f4-



In bullet 2, I mentioned a separate flash is needed. This is because you as a photographer should direct where to light your subjects dramatically. That is, not using straight on flash of the camera. This comes into an exception if you have a diffuser that would direct your flash reflectively.


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For Point and Shoot users: - a standard kit lens

(may vary for each model).

- a light source (either a constant light source such as a desktop lamp, or a separate flash)

- a small tripod, or a bean bag to hold still the camera.

The advantage for point and shoot cameras is that most of them have the macro mode (usually having the small flower icon) – so you don’t have to but a separate macro lens when taking photos of small subjects.

Now, experiment with the lighting that you are using. Position the light on either of the following setups: • Light on front at the right

of the set. • Light on front at the left of

the set. • Light on the side at the

right of the set. • Light on the side at the

left of the set. • Light at the back, right of

the set. • Light at the back, left of

the set.

In this photo:

Toys from my nephew Bryne’s box Nikon D90 with Tokina AT-X 50-250mm f4-




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LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY: The Golden Hour Text and photos by Bert Aricheta

Landscape photography taken in any time of the day is great. But what makes it more detailed is when you photograph a place during the golden hour. The golden hour is the time where the sun is nearly on its settling stage down to the horizon. The golden hour creates amazing colors on the landscape, see the previous section

Above Photo:

Date taken: April 2, 2012 5:39PM Panasonic GF1, 42mm, 1/250, f/5.6, ISO200

regarding Portrait Photography: Portraits Taken In Ambient Light for the corresponding white balance of the scenery. The equivalent color temperature is around 2,000 K ~ 3,000 K. The golden hour also accentuates trees, shrubs and any large foliage to be seen – and this is because of how the shadows are cast on the ground. To start with, let’s dissect the photo above.


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I took this photo while I was on a bus on my trip to La Union. I de-saturated the photo from the previous page in order to clearly show the shadows that are cast down. The tree in the middle for example, looking at the shadow that it casts is towards the right of the tree. This also applies to the rice field walk ways. Now here is some sort of creek, with a bit of hump on

Above Photo:

Date taken: April 2, 2012 5:39PM Panasonic GF1, 42mm, 1/250, f/5.6, ISO200

De-saturated around -90% in Adobe Photoshop

the left side, the sun was on the left side too. The shadow of the hump hid the reflection from the water – which should be better if the sun was to the right. The heaps of hay and rice grain did not cast a recognizable shadow though. The shot was a bit difficult in framing in. I got few of the branches of a nearby tree.


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DIY CORNER: Speedlight Folder Diffuser Text and photos by Bert Aricheta

This is a cheap diffuser that is of a reflective type. Similar to white cards that are placed on top of the Speedlights. The one that I made was tried and tested in San Miguel Oktoberfest 2011 while I was covering the said event. The huge reflective panel serves as a great catch light to the eyes. Materials needed: Long white PVC folder Long black PVC folder Adhesive Velcro straps (AKA Magic straps) Velcro straps A pair of scissors Fine point permanent marker Duct tape - silver

Knowing more about Velcro Straps, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velcro

Procedure: 1. Download and print a copy of

the layout for the Speedlight Folder Diffuser at the following link:

http://issuu.com/theweekendphotographermag/docs/diy-issue01 2. Trace the layout copy unto both

the black and white long PVC folder.

3. Cut and trim the corresponding guidelines.

4. Place the adhesive Velcro straps on the designated areas. Paste the plastic side (Velcro hooks), not the fabric side of the Velcro.

5. Duct tape the lower portions where the folder would wrap the Speedlight. This would strengthen the PVC folder when fastening it around the Speedlight.

6. Match and place both the black and the white PVC folder cutouts together. The black PVC folder will let the Speedlight’s flash not to flash towards you.

7. Cut a piece of Velcro strap (the fabric side) so it would be used to wrap the PVC folder unto the Speedlight.

The upper flap would serve as a reflective panel as well, when set at an angle, it would reflect the flash towards the front.


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GEAR REVIEW: Lowepro Voyager C Camera Strap http://products.lowepro.com/product/Voyager%20C,2075.htm

Text and photos by Bert Aricheta

I replaced my old Nikon straps for my Nikon D90 and D80 for the Lowepro Voyager C camera strap. The strap has two quick release buckles – great when shooting tethered (when the straps get in the way). The shoulder strap is made out of neoprene, flexible and with anti-slip markings at the back. Lowepro at Megamall sells it for P1950.00. Pros: -Removable strap, good when placing the camera on a tripod. -Metal triangular ring linking to the strap and the camera. -Detachable memory card wallet.

Cons: -To bulky when storing, but it is a plus as an added padded material for the camera. -Anti-slip markings slippery on cotton. -Neoprene material fiber can easily be pulled when in contact with Velcro hooks (the portion having plastic material).


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GEAR REVIEW: Eye-Fi Connect X2 4GB WIFI SD Card http://www.eye.fi/products/connectx2

Text and photos by Bert Aricheta

I purchased the Eye-Fi Connect X2 at Walmart at Eden Prairie last November. Costs around $39, Best buy sells it around $49 that year. The Eye-Fi technology gives a chance of converting you ordinary SD Card into a WIFI device as well. With WIFI at hand, communication is established in transferring images unto a computer, or a tablet. Pros: -Endless storage option – this means that if you have set the endless quota at the Eye-Fi card to 50%, whenever the storage reaches 50%, it then moves the excess to a certain location at your computer that you have configured.

-

-Easy tethering of photos to a bigger display (to a laptop with a 15” display for example). -From my test, the Class 6 measures a transfer rate of about 7mpbs, which is good.

Cons: -With the current speed of USB 2.0 which is being used in current cameras, WIFI transfers are a bit slow, even if your WIFI is of an N type (159mbps). -Drains up power from camera.


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GEAR [BOOK] REVIEW: The Wedding Photography Field Guide by Michelle Turner Text and photos by Bert Aricheta

I purchased this book at National Bookstore just before I left home for the holy week vacation. The book covers the following areas of wedding photography: the gears used, about preparation, the wedding day itself, and some of the post production. I was Interested in the section for preparation, wherein it tackled portraiture, style and techniques, lighting, and also engagement photography (or commonly known as pre-nuptial photo shoots). The wedding day section on the other hand covers the essential parts in covering a wedding.

It’s a must buy for a photographer who’s interested in wedding photography. It’s about 5” x 6, making it handy to place in the side pockets of your camera bag. National Bookstore sells it for about P535.00.


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FEATURED SITE: Kevin Kertz http://www.kevinkertz.com/

Text by Bert Aricheta

I first heard of his works when browsing over modelmayhem.com. Visit his

portfolio at www.kevinkertz.com. You could download the PSD file for lighting diagrams in his site.


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FEATURED MAG: Imag Photography http://www.imagphoto.com


Volume 3, number 9, issue 34 covers Negative Space: The Positive Side. Basics for compact Cameras by Peter Emmett. Birds of Coron by wild bird photographer, Ely Teehankee. Regular sections of the PiPho Photo Challenge, and A Thousand Words as a watch through.

Onset Photo from

http://www.imagphoto.com


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FEATURED MAG: Digital Photographer Philippines http://digitalphotographer.com.ph


Issue number 42 covers On Assignment: Holland, by Christian L. Sangoyo and Joel H. Garcia. It also deals with Playing With Perspective, Going PRO, and features the head to head comparison between the Oly E-P3 versus the Panasonic GF3.

Onset Photo from

http://digitalphotographer.com.ph

The Weekend Photographer Magazine Issue 01

Documents

Transcript of The Weekend Photographer Magazine Issue 01