7. If you process your images in Lightroom, try your vignette feature (under Lens Correction) so the four corners are a bit darker then the rest of your image. To get to this feature, put one of your images in Develop mode and you’ll see the Vignettes feature on the right hand side toward the bottom. Experiment by moving your “Amount” into the negative numbers, and then try moving your “Midpoint” into the negative numbers too.
Vignetting highlights the subject of your image even more. The slight vignetting that I did on the image below helps give the illusion that the paint bottles go on and on as they fade into the distance. The vignetting also brings more focus to the center of the frame.
Have fun with this exercise. When we were shooting in Cape Cod, Brian looked at me and said, “So much of getting better at photography is just trying new things and be willing to experiment.” He is so right.
Try something new.
Experiment with light, shadows and unusual objects.
And enjoy!
If you’ve been inspired by (or have questions about) our Seven Tips for Photographing Objects!, head to my Facebook page, I’d love to answer your questions and give feedback on your photos!
For more fun photo exercises, check out our popular Instructional DVDs.
Click HERE to register for one of our exciting workshops
I just love both of those two teacup pictures, I think of them a lot. They have just stuck with me ever since you first posted them. 🙂
I know EXACTLY what I want to take a picture of, I just haven’t made it out yet to the place where these things are kept. I need to do it before we get nasty weather. Maybe I’ll get up an hour earlier this week and go out there when the sun is rising. Hmmm.
I love your photo exercises, Me Ra! You need to open up the forum so we can share our exercise photos with each other outside of the five Finalists that get posted each month.
I can’t wait to see what everyone else submits… I hope you post more than just the Final Five so we can see the photos and read some of the stories.
Hi MeRa,
Would it be too much to ask about how to submit the photo for this contest? So sorry, I am fairly new in reading your blog, not sure if I got down all the details yet.
Just wanted to say that you truly are an inspiration to me. I have a rather modest camera, a Sony DSC-H50, do you think I could ever take decent pictures with it? I’m still studying the manual, the aperture/ISO are foreing language for me :))
Thank you for your wonderful posts and photos,
Mirela
I love this! I’m so glad you are incouraging people to photograph things that wouldnt normally. Not only does it help you think outside the box but it totally helps you build confidence as a photographer. You are so smart! 😉
So here’s my cheeseball comment of the day…
Lately I have been really into taking pictures of “object’s” some for my blog and some just for fun. And let me tell you it has been one of the best experiences. There is just something incredibly thrilling about getting that sweet shot of something inadament. You have total creative control, that you don’t have with living object’s, so when you capture that it’s very rewarding and confidence boosting. I know it’s corny but the first time I truly felt like a “real photographer” was when I got an outstanding image of a thing. Getting the aperture super low and the focal point right on target equal’s a fun day to me!
The hard part for me is finding and being able to describe the inspiration in the object…
“So much of getting better at photography is just trying new things and be willing to experiment.” – Brillant Prof. T
Great comments ladies!
First Lauren, the forum is the never ending mystery to me. It’s pretty much done but I’m still trying to sort out its purpose and how to direct that purpose. I want to make sure it feels right for us and our crazy schedule and then also helps others. I will keep you updated for sure.
Mirela, glad to have you with us! No matter what camera you have, you can take great photos. It’s a matter of understanding the camera and it’s abilities as well as limitations. Our two dvds teach all about aperture, ISO and shutter speed. Check them out and see if that helps. Lots of people have broken through their glass ceiling by watching them.
Also, great question. To submit a photo for the contest, email it to contest@fioria.us. Attach your image as a JPG and feel free to say a few words about why you picked this image. Also, if you have a blog or website, make sure you include the link so if you are a finalist I can post that too.
And Amanda, you are such a sweetie! I love to hear how your confidence is growing! You inspire me! Your right about the hard part, but this is where we can challenge ourselves to get out of the box. I love to hear how your discovering yourself more and more.
Hi Me Ra,
Great post…I really love the photos you got in the pottery shop, especially the paints. I find when I take photos indoors lately they look yellow and yuck (as I’m only working in natural light). I’m assuming this place had great natural light, but aside from that could you share your settings for these new photos? Also the paint photo seems to be pretty sharp, another issue I’m having lately, so I’m guessing you had a higher aperture? Thanks!
oh those bibles are so inspirational – I wonder why I didn’t think of that as mine! 😛 Pascaline is too adorable: hows it going being a mom? HA!
MeRa,
I love these posts! They give just the right amount of “aha” “so simple” if that makes sense. Anyway, I just received my Lightroom in the mail…very excited. I have been an avid photoshop user for the past few years and I am now diving into Lightroom. I am going crazy trying to figure out how to save any edits to my photos! I know the answer has to be simple but all I am finding are complex answers. Please, if anyone can tell me the answer I would sooooo appreciate it…unfortunately I can’t move forward until I figure this out. Frustrating! Thanks…Kelli
I dreamt I saw your photo of the wedding bands/teacup in a commercial… but I don’t have a TV. It was so vivid! Your images are so sharp and inspiring that they stay with me days and weeks after I first see them. I think I may be articulating, for the first time, my own #1 goal in taking a picture – one I work towards, but have not fully/thoroughly realized yet. Thank you for the never ending encouragement!
Interesting article. Were did you got all the information from… 🙂
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