Photo Shoot in the Shenandoah National Park: Blackrock Summit

Rays North West ISO 400 f/10 1/160 18 mm Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

I'd been meaning to hike the Blackrock Summit Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park (Virginia), and last night I finally made it up there. The hike itself was short and easy, but the views at the summit were breathtaking. I arrived on the summit at about an hour and a half before sunset, leaving plenty of time to capture the sun’s rays playing with the mountain peaks between the clouds.

The Hike

I highly recommend the short hike (only 1 mile round-trip with an optional longer loop of 1.6 miles Blackrock Spur Trail & Treyfoot Mountain Trail) to Blackrock Summit, which is at an elevation of 3,092 feet. Simply follow the Appalachian Trail heading south for about a half a mile. The steepest part of the trail is at the beginning, and then it levels out a bit. Once you arrive, the summit is impossible to miss. The boulders at the top are large and require scrambling up them for the best views. They are not too difficult to climb, and the extra height is worth the scramble. Just be sure to wear good shoes.
 

South Western View ISO 200 f/10 1/40 18 mm focal length - Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

This trail is especially great for photographers who don’t want to hike too far with all their gear, but don’t want to stop at just the overlooks along the parkway; this is a great short hike with remarkable payoffs in stunning panoramic views and photo opportunities.

The Photo Shoot
 
For this photo shoot, I used a graduated neutral density filter to shade the sky in order to even out the exposure. (Note: This Tiffen is a 77mm, so be sure to get the size for your lens.)

Tiffen 77mm Color Graduated Neutral Density 0.6 Filter


There were also enough clouds to add interest and contrast. 

Each image caption in this post notes the settings I used on my Canon EOS Rebel T3i, and I used the graduated neutral density filter in each shot. 

North West View ISO 200 f/10 1/25 18mm focal length - Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

Destination Information

The Shenandoah National Park is a great place for photo shoots while also getting some exercise. Naturally, during peak foliage in the fall is the opportune time to visit, but the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway always provide spectacular scenic views and wildlife is abundant all year long.

Blackrock Summit View ISO 200 f/10 1/100 18 mm focal length - Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

 
Shenandoah National Park is 105 miles long stretching from Front Royal, Virginia to Waynesboro and Charlottesville. Skyline Drive is the scenic roadway that meanders through the park. There are four entrances (and exits) from the park and the parking lot for the Blackrock Summit is at Mile Post 85 and the trail head is right there. 

Before you go, be sure to pick up some trail guides. Having hiked many of the trails in the Shenandoah, I can attest that it makes a big difference to be able to research these trails ahead of time.

Hiking Shenandoah National Park (Regional Hiking Series)













Best Easy Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)

Want to learn how to master low light photography and to capture your own low-light photos? My book MASTER LOW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY is available on Amazon.

In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography - Lake Monticello Sunrise

In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography - Lake Monticello Sunrise
This two minute video takes you behind the scenes on a sunrise shoot at a lake in rural Virginia.

Want to learn how to master low light photography and to capture your own low-light photos? My book MASTER LOW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY is available on Amazon.

8 Steps for Awesome Full Moon Photos

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

This month is a Blue Moon month. Needless to say, Facebook News Feeds, Instagram, and Twitter are aglow with blurry white blobs! Tossed into the bunch are gorgeous images of the full moon, perhaps reflecting on waters or rising over a mountainside.

(Note that while new smartphones now accommodate shutter speed technology, which is amazing, this article speaks to using a DSLR camera, which has control of ISO, shutter speed (including Bulb), and aperture settings.)


With so many opportunities to photograph a full moon in a given year, there are many chances to improve full moon photography skills where you can go from the white blob in the top photo to the crater defined full moon images below:

From this:

White Blob!

To this:

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

Here are 8 steps for photographing the Full Moon. They are a foundational place to start, and depending on individual results, can (and should) be adjusted accordingly.

1. In order to enlarge the moon and show the details of the surface, use a good telephoto lens that is longer than 200 mm. Alternatively, such as in this example, if there is a landscape foreground, the focal length could be a wide angle.

Moonrise in the Rocky Mountains
Photo Credit:Heather Hummel Photography

2. Set the Camera Mode to Manual.

3. Set the ISO to 100 or whatever the base ISO is for your camera. Again, this is just a starting point. Some of these images were shot at higher ISOs.

4. Set the Aperture to f/11, whether using Manual Mode or Aperture Priority.

5. Set the shutter speed to 1/125 with an ISO of 100. If the ISO is set for 200, use a shutter speed of 1/250.

6. Set the focus to Manual. This is often done right on the lens.

7. Set the lens to focus on the center of the infinity sign. Note: Higher end cameras can accommodate infinity in different ways. This step is for more basic DSLR cameras.

8. Set the self-timer to two-seconds and press the shutter release. Depending on the results, either slow down or speed up the shutter speed. For example, if you are still getting a white blob, speed up the shutter speed. This is key: the reason for the white blob is the shutter speed is too slow, allowing the moon light to over expose the image. Speed it up, and you'll see greater moon surface definition.

Moon Rising Over Point Lobos
Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

Accessories:
In order to achieve even better results, add these accessories to your camera bag.


Filters: There will be situations where an filter will help to keep down the white blob effect. A neutral gradient graduated filter, such as this one by Tiffen, can help to shade the brightness of the moon while allowing more light on the foreground. If there are foregrounds such as the ones in the above examples, use a ND graduated filter to even out the foreground and the sky.
 
Tiffen 67mm Color Graduated Neutral Density 0.6 Filter

This example is a 67mm, be sure to get the right mm size for your lens(es).

Tripods:  I always use a tripod, such as Ravelli or Manfrotto, while on low light photography shoots.



Ravelli APLT4 61-inch Light Weight Aluminum Tripod With Bag
 
 Manfrotto MKCOMPACTLT-BK Compact Tripod (Black)


Remote Shutter Release:
For under $10, I highly recommend picking up a remote shutter release. Even though the camera should be set to a 2 second self-timer, having the remote shutter release adds to the reduction of camera shake. I use mine all the time in conjunction with the self-timer.
This top one is an example of one for Canons.


FotoTech FTRC-6 IR Wireless Shutter Release Remote For Canon EOS 5DS, 5DR, 7D Mark II, EOS 6D, EOS 7D, EOS 70D, EOS 60Da, EOS 60D, EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark II, SL1, T6s, T6i, T5i, T4i, T3i, T2i, T1i Digital SLRS(Replaces Canon RC-5 RC-6) with FotoTech Velvet Bag

And this is an example of one for Nikons.

FotoTech ML-L3 Wireless Shutter Release Remote For Nikon D750, D5500, D5300, D610, D7200, D7100, D3300, D3000, D3200, D5200, D5100, D5000, D7000, D60, D80, D90, D600, CoolPix P7800, Coolpix P7000, P6000, P7100, N65, N75, Coolpix 8400, 8800, Pronea S, Nuvis S, Nikon 1 J1, Nikon 1 J2 Nikon 1 V1 V2 V3 Digital SLRS with FotoTech Velvet Bag

Between the filters, tripod, and remote shutter release, your full moon images will be on par with the pros!

Want to learn how to master low light photography and to capture your own low-light photos? My book MASTER LOW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY is available on Amazon.

In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography - Jacksonville, Florida

"In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography"
On location in Jacksonville, Florida shooting the sunset over the St. John's River. 

Want to learn how to master low light photography and to capture your own low-light photos? My book MASTER LOW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY is available on Amazon.

iblazr Lights Up the Selfie World: My Latest Photography Gadget Review

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

As a photographer, I don't leave home without my camera and its accessories. Camera body--check. Filters--check. Tripods--check. Lenses--check. Camera bag with odds and ends--check.

Lately I have been adding new accessories to my camera bag, except they have been for my iPhone, which is actually helping with my DSLR photography. How? I recently started a YouTube series titled "In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography" where I walk viewers through the scenes as I am capturing them and why I choose the camera settings for that scene. I have filmed three videos to date by using the video feature on my iPhone (since my Canon is the star of the videos).

I love taking my audience to the places I photograph--lakes, rivers, and even rooftops. The two obstacles I had to overcome were how could I selfie-video the scenes and how would I handle low light situations with the iPhone? The video selfie was managed with use of the Gekkopod (read my previous review).

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

Happily, I can now say that the low light situation has been resolved with the iBlazr! I have written about the importance of using a tripod in low light photography, but that was from the standpoint of using a DSLR. Now that I am using my iPhone for video, I need extra light cast on me while I'm explaining the upcoming shot. In other words, I didn't want the iPhone filming me in the dark! The iblazr's ongoing fill-flash while shooting both video or still photos is incredibly effective considering its size. It is a terrific addition to a camera bag!

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

iblazr was designed by a team of four inventors who thought up the idea of a tiny LED flash for smartphones. They initially launched on Kickstarter two years ago, but the was iblazr quick to be found in retail stores, such as the Apple Store, Best Buy, and Walmart. It's success lead to the forthcoming version, iblazr 2, the second generation, which is said to be the first native camera synced LED on the market that is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Their latest Kickstarter campaign is already well over $170K from 2,500 backers.

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

In a world where selfies dominate Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, I wasn't surprised to learn that this product is such a hit. From the portrait photography standpoint, a fill-flash brightens the face, which softens the skin. Strong shadows on faces can age someone while also create unwanted grain in images. Neither are flattering effects in selfies! With Bluetooth syncing, a mount clip, a cold shoe stand for digital and analog cameras, a silicon diffuser with a key chain, a micro USB to USB charger, and a variety of uses as an off-camera flash, I found the iblazer to be very versatile!

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

With the iblazr in hand with the Gekkopod, I am even more excited to be out shooting videos with my iPhone for the "In the Field with Heather Hummel Photography" series.

Photo Courtesy of iblazr

But, that is only scratching the surface for the uses of these combined products. I highly recommend checking out iblazr's website, http://iblazr.com, for more info.

To purchase the first generation iblazr on Amazon click here: iBlazr Original LED Flash for iPhone & iPad (White), LED Light for iPad and Android devices + Cold Shoe Mount for digital cameras (DSLR) by Concepter.

Before You Post Your Next Selfie, Read This: 3 Tips for Face Flattering Photos

So you say you're not photogenic? That the camera puts on unwanted pounds? Or you're just too camera shy? From the Facebook news feeds I see, this isn't the case anymore. People are photographing themselves in selfies and group photos and are sharing them all over social media. But, what if those selfies and friends and family photos could be a little more flattering with just a few tweaks in the process?

Selfies or not, people want to know the reason why the camera mysteriously adds the famous yet unpopular five+ pounds, let alone how to avoid it. Fear not, you didn't gain any pounds the instant the shutter released. The truth is, most of the time the excess "weight" is due to lighting, camera angle, or the lens' proximity to its subject (remember, most selfies are taken at arm's length).

Even as a professional photographer, most of the photographs I capture of people are when they are in their element. These captures tend to be when I have no time, let alone space or the luxury of electricity, to set up studio lighting. I embrace the challenge of capturing flattering images with the light given, and as such, I've learned a few tricks of the trade along the way.

These three tips and tricks are ones that can be implemented in selfies, family gatherings, graduations, celebrations, parties, backyard barbeques, or any other time a face is being photographed. Before the shutter is released, share this information with anyone who aims their smart phone, point and shoot, or DSLR at you.

Lights...Camera...Angle (in this case!)...

1. Shadows and Distance

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

This first tip is twofold because both of these are factors that should be looked at together.
First, no matter who the lens is aimed at, look and see where the shadow falls on their face. Why? Because for best results, the image should be captured from the shadowed side of the face and at about a 45 degree angle. Why? Because the lighter side of the face will be magnified by the light, making a face look larger and rounder than it is. By photographing the shadowed side, the face will look thinner.
Second, when possible and room allows, it is better to stand back a bit from your subject and zoom in just enough with a telephoto lens. This applies to more advanced photographers, especially those with a DSLRs and point and shoot cameras. If your camera, and therefore lens, is too close to your subject, it creates a distortion that can be unflattering (i.e. making a nose and face appear larger and wider). Instead, step back and zoom in to create a more flattering effect.

2. Flat Light

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

Flat light is the effect I used in this image of Arianna Huffington and a little girl. For a softer look, go for less contrast, which creates unwanted shadows. What's known in the industry as "flat light" means there is a consistent and even light across the entire face.

Before they say "cheese" look at your subject's face and ensure the light isn't casting unwanted shadows. If it is, have them turn into the shadowed area, which will give a soft light across the entire face, creating a more flattering effect than bright light.

3. Camera Angle

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

Now let's look at the angle of your camera and how to position it for the best results. A photograph taken from above the subject's eye level, and looking down on a slightly jetted chin (photographed on the shadowed side), is one of the most flattering angles. Why? Because extending your chin (a bit like a turtle) helps to make the double chin magically disappear. If the photographer holds the camera a little higher than the subject's eye level, the neck is no longer in the shot. It's called camera angle magic!

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

In this photo of a gentleman, I was able to photograph him from a lower than eye level angle because he has strong facial features that didn't need to be minimized. I also didn't need to worry about camouflaging his neck. As a headshot, this angle worked because the viewer subconsciously looks up at him as though they would someone in authority.

Naturally we're not all being photographed by a portrait photographer who knows better. Instead, selfies and friends and family tend to be the ones who photograph us the most. Now that you are armed with the knowledge that a flattering photo is about the lighting and the camera angle, you'll be looking better and thinner in photos in no time and soon enough you will be receiving more and more "Likes" on your photos and deleting fewer from your camera.

Then again, you could just take tips from Kim Kardashian Selfish?




Follow Heather Hummel on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HeatherHummel
This post originally appeared on the Huffington Post. 

Why President Bill Clinton Is So Difficult to Photograph

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

President Bill Clinton and actor Bill Murray are two of the toughest people I've ever photographed.
Why? Because they are so animated! That characteristic might seem like a plus, but remember, a photo is captured in a fraction of a second. By a fraction of a second, I mean 1/250 on average for a good shot that avoids camera shake or blurring. In that split second, an animated face can give you enough contortions to land a spot on the Vegas Strip. From funky mouths to sucked in cheeks to rolling eyes, just about any expression can come up. As such, I spend a lot of time waiting for the subject to relax their faces before pressing the shutter.

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

Ironically, what saved me with photographing both of these Bills were their gestures. A photo should tell a story, and in that regard, an animated subject is certain to deliver. The hand gestures in these images tell the viewer that they are engaging their audiences, one in a political campaign and the other on the golf course. Both are in their element, and that, I'm certain, brings them even more alive. It comes down to simple body language, and these two know how to speak it well. The hand motions of pointing left, pointing right, and aiming up high indicates excitement, direction, and activity. Audiences love the sense of interaction because it makes them feel connected, which wins them over and makes the experience memorable.

It's not unusual for a portrait photographer to capture hundreds of images of a client in a session. Most professional photographers won't show all the images, and believe me, there are many shots that land in a pile of pixel dust on the floor. A photographer in the field, who isn't directing their subject on how to pose, where to sit, or which way to tilt their head, has to anticipate the person's next move and be ready to capture it in that 1/250 of a second. Therein lies the art of being a street photographer or a candid portrait photographer. (Note: I intentionally leave the term "paparazzi" out of this because those are photographers who hunt down celebrities and public figures to capture them in private moments. The celebrities and public figures I capture are in public forums and expect to be photographed.)

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

A portrait photographer will present their clients with the top 50 or so images and from there narrow it down to the best of the best with their client. A landscape photographer, on the other hand, will likely only share the best one, perhaps two, of a particular scene. For my purposes here, I am sharing a few of the more quirky ones to make my point.

I've photographed enough famous people, such as Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffington, Kevin Costner, Huey Lewis, Kenny G, Ray Romano, and even down to local politicians. From camera settings to coping with whatever lighting you're given on the scene, to not being able to give posing directions, it takes a different kind of approach than the portrait sessions I've done. I embrace the challenge, and while it may seem like shooting pixels in the dark, eventually, after catching enough images, a good one always shows up.

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

At least his book covers got it right!


My Life

Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy

Follow Heather Hummel on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HeatherHummel
This post originally appeared on the Huffington Post.  

The Secret to Firework Photos That Snap Crackle and Pop

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

The 4th of July is a great time to pull out your camera to capture the fireworks. I'm letting you in on the secret to capturing professional level firework photos that snap, crackle, and pop! You will be the envy of your Facebook friends. (Note: these steps are geared to those with DSLR cameras who can adjust ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.)

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

I personally love fireworks captured over water because of the element of reflection. The key to success is understanding the camera settings to use. So, how do the professionals get those firework photos without them being white, blurred streaks across the sky?

These are the 8 steps to take when photographing fireworks.
 

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

1. Use a good telephoto lens, for example one that is longer than 200 mm. 

2. Set the Camera Mode to Manual.

3. Set the ISO to 100 or whatever the base ISO is for your camera (refer to the manual).

4. Set the Aperture to f/8.

5. Set the shutter speed to the Bulb setting. The Bulb mode can be found on DSLRs when the shutter is turned all the way to the slowest possible setting. (See the camera’s manuals for specific details.) 
This setting allows the shutter to stay open for as long as needed. It requires triggering it by pressing the shutter button, and then releasing it by pressing the shutter button again.

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

6. Set the focus on the lens to Manual. 

7. Set the lens to focus on the center of the infinity sign. Note: Higher end cameras can accommodate infinity in different ways. This step is for more basic DSLR cameras.

8. Use a remote shutter release to open the shutter for a count of about 10 seconds then press the remote shutter release again to close the shutter.  (See Accessories below about remote shutter releases. They are less than $10 and one of the best purchases possible!)


Depending on the results, either slow down or speed up the shutter speed. 

Photo Credit: Heather Hummel Photography

Note that in all of these photos, I used a tripod and remote shutter release in order to reduce camera shake. The shutter times range from 10 seconds to a full 25 seconds, all with good results. 

Learning how to use the bulb setting and for how many seconds to keep the shutter open will take experimenting depending on the scene. The beauty of digital photography is that you can see the results immediately and adjust one way or the other, so there really is no losing at this game! 







Accessories:
In order to achieve even better results, add these accessories to your camera bag.


Filters: There will be situations where an filter will help to keep down white streak in the sky effect (over exposed fireworks). A neutral gradient graduated filter, such as this one by Tiffen, can help to shade the brightness of the fireworks while allowing more light on the foreground.
 
Tiffen 67mm Color Graduated Neutral Density 0.6 Filter

This example is a 67mm, be sure to get the right mm size for your lens(es).

Tripods:  I always use a tripod, such as Ravelli or Manfrotto, while on all of my low light photography shoots.



Ravelli APLT4 61-inch Light Weight Aluminum Tripod With Bag
 
 Manfrotto MKCOMPACTLT-BK Compact Tripod (Black)


Remote Shutter Release:
For under $10, I highly recommend picking up a remote shutter release. Having the remote shutter release adds to the reduction of camera shake. I use mine all the time in conjunction with the self-timer or Bulb setting.

This top one is an example of one for Canons.


FotoTech FTRC-6 IR Wireless Shutter Release Remote For Canon EOS 5DS, 5DR, 7D Mark II, EOS 6D, EOS 7D, EOS 70D, EOS 60Da, EOS 60D, EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark II, SL1, T6s, T6i, T5i, T4i, T3i, T2i, T1i Digital SLRS(Replaces Canon RC-5 RC-6) with FotoTech Velvet Bag

And this is an example of one for Nikons.

FotoTech ML-L3 Wireless Shutter Release Remote For Nikon D750, D5500, D5300, D610, D7200, D7100, D3300, D3000, D3200, D5200, D5100, D5000, D7000, D60, D80, D90, D600, CoolPix P7800, Coolpix P7000, P6000, P7100, N65, N75, Coolpix 8400, 8800, Pronea S, Nuvis S, Nikon 1 J1, Nikon 1 J2 Nikon 1 V1 V2 V3 Digital SLRS with FotoTech Velvet Bag

Between the filters, tripod, and remote shutter release, your firework images will be on par with the pros!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
 

Want to learn how to master low light photography and to capture your own low-light photos? My book MASTER LOW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY is available on Amazon.