Resources

Methods / Process

For lighting you will need a tripod and usually a normal zoom lens (18-55 on crop or 24-70 on FF) will suffice. 

Two approaches to taking lightning images. 

1. Use a cable release (put camera in bulb mode) and keep the shutter open until you see a flash or multiple flashes. 

The advantage of longer exposures is you may capture more strikes and also collect enough ambient light to expose the entire sce

2. Set your camera to 10-30 second exposures and just keep taking images continuously. 

With shorter exposures you obviously capture less light but get better detail in the clouds.

Focusing

• Important to set your focus on infinity and then put the camera or lens in manual focus. 

• If you use back button focus then you don't need to put anything in manual. 

• With a wide angle lens, usually focusing on something 10-20m away is sufficient to reach infinity focus and if it's dark you can use a torch or car headlights to do this.

ISO & Aperture

As for aperture and ISO settings, something like f5.6-8, ISO 100 should be a good starting point and then adjust to suit the conditions. 

Exposing for lighting will mean the rest of the scene is dark however if you shoot at your base or lowest native ISO you can easily boost the shadows in post to bring out more detail in the clouds or foreground.

Locations

In terms of locations, any spot will work, however a scene with a strong foreground interest or subject will certainly elevate the image (eg. a lake, building, silo, city skyline, old vehicle/machinery, windmill, a pelican 

CAUTION

If you are a bit wary of standing outside in a storm I would suggest using a phone app to control your camera while you sit in the comfort and safety of your vehicle

Youtube videos:

EXAMPLES:

Come back here to check for updates

NOTE: The aim of this Set Subject topic is to practice and demonstrate the use of a Triptych. the subject of the images is not relevant 

(other than the images need to have been take in 2023, 2024 or 2025)

Definition:

A set of three associated artistic, literary, or musical works intended to be appreciated together.

The term triptych comes from the Greek word 'triptykhos', which translates to mean 'three-layered'. 

The idea of three pieces creating layers and adding depth to a single artwork is central to some of the most famous and enduring triptychs throughout the history of art. 

The best kind of images for a triptych canvas are those that work as strong stand-alone images. When put together with their two counterparts, they become even stronger, making a great visual piece. Triptychs are almost like an illusion, with three distinct parts that blend together to create a full picture. 

The different types of Triptych - https://abstractedreality.com/the-different-types-of-triptychs/

Methods / Process

Creating Triptych with your Photographs - https://brentmailphotography.com/composition/creating-triptychs-with-your-photographs.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawNa_XJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHum43i8wb9jlp5cFlKfJIPDy1DsIX1BVFSh8LeEvShWWzwC4F00j4PcwoS53_aem_miVPmxIqslN_4B9mSHCbYQ

• Creating a Triptych - Digital Camera World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi1AEIKMoXg

• The Art of Creating a Triptych -  https://abstractedreality.com/the-art-of-creating-a-triptych/

• ‘How to Make a Triptych’ - https://abstractedreality.com/how-to-make-a-triptych/

• The Triptych Cut’  - https://abstractedreality.com/the-triptych-cut-7-options-for-arranging-your-panels/

HOW TO CREATE A TRYPTCH 

Both Photoshop and Lightroom can create Collages & Triptychs

See links below for various videos.

In Lightroom

• Select your image(s) required and edit (as required)

  • If you are using 1 image split over the 3 frames then create 2 'Virtual Copies' of the image and select these and the original.

• Select the 'Print' Module

• Select the 'Triptych' template (on the left)

• In the Layout style (right panel)

• Select "Single Image / Contact Sheet'

• Adjust the cell, rows & columns under 'Layout' (right panel)\

• Adjust the 'Cell Sizes' 

Alternatives to Photoshop

photofunia Website - https://photofunia.com/effects/triptych

Simply 

• Select the layout 

• Set your frame colour

• Select the layout 

• upload your 3 images,

NCH - PhotoPad - download software has a collage create Collage function. Photopad is good basic photo editing software.

• • https://www.nchsoftware.com/photoeditor/index.html

CANVA - www.canva.com (It requires you to login, effectively creating an account)

Things to consider

• The Triptych can be made up of One or more images split into in 3 panels

• understand where the splits will fall on the selected image. Do not make the cut/split on a main subject 

• the individual images should be individually strong

• look for images with equal weight on both sides of the triptych

• what idea / notion / emotion are you using the Triptych to convey

• Split position / size

  •  A common to split into 3rds

  •  Alternatively 25% / 50% / 25%  or 20 / 60 / 20 or 50 / 30 / 20

Maintain visual coherency

• the overall balance of the 3 images to achieve a cohesive result

• Continuity of the theme, subject, patterns, lines, colours over the 3 images to help create a visual connection between each piece

• Keep your colour palette consistent and unified.

• Avoid strong, distracting colours where you don’t want them.

• Be aware of where the lighter areas of the image are and avoid having bright sections on the extreme edges of your outer panels.

Technical issues to watch for

• Make sure the image is sharp at the print size (adjust as required)

• Check for ghosting / halos on high contrast areas of the image

Youtube videos:

• The Power of 3 Photos (A guide to Triptych Photography) -  Chris Harvey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSeHUTXEzk0

• Triptych Photography Shoot | Intimate Coastal Landscapes - Thomas Heaton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdOnhiC6wpo

• Landscape Photography - Shooting a Triptych  - Chris Sale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1Scfgzo1_Q

• Create a Collage in 3 Easy Steps in Photoshop (Diptych) – PHLEARN -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yORQWy-f8-w

           yes, this is for a Diptych. Just split it into 3 for a triptych – Same principles

• How to Create a Triptych in Photoshop - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t54aQvoOjXw

• Panel of three images or Triptych - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWWhKbSTQBY

• How to make a Triptych or split panel print in Adobe Photoshop -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXEIU3Hc4FE

• How to Split a Photo Into Multiple Frames - https://www.artifactuprising.com/diy/triptych-photography-gallery-wall?srsltid=AfmBOooTwoueVZ2eUBbG30kJVDC10ZUrpHrVbiUnEU_015DxIPPsCkqa

EXAMPLES:

• https://au.pinterest.com/mrsstanchina/triptych/

Definition:

A Time lapse sequence take a series of photos and stitches them together to make a video. 

Videos usually run at between 24 and 30 frames per second (fps), so for a 30 second video at 24 fps you would need to take 720 photos. If the images are taken 1 every 10 seconds then that will 7200 seconds (120 minutes) to capture or if 1 every 2 seconds that will be 1440 Seconds (24 minutes)

Time lapse compresses time so it is great to capture events that take a long time to occur.

• It shows the passing of time.

• It can show a visually interesting scene (e.g. the movement of clouds over a landscape)

  e.g. a sunrise or sunset as it transitions from dark to light (or vice versa). A flower opening, a plant growing, something being built, activity at a busy location. Clouds

• to give a fast paced vibe

The end results are very similar, but with the time-lapse video you may not have access to the individual images taken in the sequence.

Terminology ( may vary between camera brands)

Interval The interval between each image 

No. of shots The total number of images required to achieve the length of video you require

Time Required (Shooting time) The time required to capture all the required images in the sequence

Playback time The length of the resulting video

Auto Exposure (exposure smoothing) Sets whether the camera will adjust the exposure settings as the lighting conditions change during the capture session

Additional settings that MAY be available (depending on your camera)

Card time The calculated length of time available to record images on the current memory card (based on the space available and image size)

Movie record size This is the movie quality setting e.g. 1080 p (Standard Definition), 4k Video (probably various options)

Main Recording format This sets the 'technical recording format - Best to check your manual for this one.

Screen Auto off Will set whether the screen will be on or off during the capture session (to save battery usage on long sequences)

Beep as image taken (Silent photography) Sets whether you will get an audible tone (beep) when each image is taken (this could get VERY annoying, so probably best to disable)

Interval priority Determines whether the interval between images will have priority over shutter speed (if the shutter speed becomes longer then the interval)

Focus between shots Determines if the camera will focus between shots (if low light this may not function correctly). Recommend - manual focus

Methods / Process

1. Most modern digital cameras have a "Time Lapse Video" feature that will allow you to create a Time Lapse video "In Camera"

If your camera has video capabilities - try putting the camera into Video mode.

• CANON call this feature "Time Lapse Video" and it is usually in the Red 'Shooting" menu when the camera is in VIDEO mode

• NIKON call this feature Time-Lapse Video and it is usually on the "Photo Shooting" menu

2. Interval Timer -  Many cameras have a built in Intervalometer (Interval Timer). This feature allows you to take a series of images (at full resolution) and stitch them together in post processing.  If your camera does not have a built in intervalometer then you can buy an accessory that plugs into your camera that will allow you to set the interval, number of frames etc and control the camera once activated.

You should check your Camera Manual to find how to enable the "Time Lapse Video" feature for your particular camera

• Focus on your key subject before you start shooting

• Set your camera mode to either Shutter priority, Aperture Priority or Manual

• Set your ISO (remember Auto ISO will try to balance the exposure, but in low light may result in high ISO, grainy images

• Take a short test sequence before you press the button on a long sequence

Things to consider

• Set your camera up on a STURDY & LEVEL Tripod

• You'll need the camera battery to be fully charged (you'll be recording for a while)

Most camera batteries will last a couple of hours while timelapse shooting. Some cameras allow you to directly power the camera from an external source or by using a "dummy" battery connected to a power source. (These are optional extra accessories) 

• You'll need plenty of space on your memory card. (I recommend using a large capacity card that is empty to start with)

• consider what your subject is and compose the shot.

• avoid (if possible) the situation where there will be people (or anything else) that will pass closeby in front of the camera

• If its windy - remove the camera strap and anything that might catch  the wind and result in camera shake

Youtube videos 

• search for your Camera Model and then "Time Lapse Video" e.g. Nikon D500 Time lapse video

•  How To Shoot A Time-Lapse: THREE METHODS!! - Dunna Did It - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRJ2RpIYy2Y

Note: Option 3 at 9min 10 sec is the option we would use on our DSLR or Mirrorless cameras.

Some Examples of TIME LAPSE  photography:

• https://timelapseitalia.com/   (the text is in italian (I think) but the videos are amazing and should provide MANY ideas

Videos and other instructional aids

• Basic Setup and process - Canon Collective (but it will be similar for all brands of cameras) - https://www.canon.com.au/get-inspired/how-to-shoot-timelapse-video-neal-walters

• Time Lapse Calculator - PHOTOPILLS - https://www.photopills.com/calculators/timelapse

• How to shoot timelapse on a NIkon d750 and Nikon d5200 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SS2B4egJHQ

• NIKON Z Series - Guide - https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/z30/en/09-03-32.html

• Canon R series - Guide - https://ihitthebutton.com/canon-eos-r5-timelapse/

• Complete Guide to Time-Lapse Photography - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eXy8SdWTlRn-CQMzDgaY8o3D6LD7l16v/view?usp=drive_link

Come back here to check for updates

" RECREATE THIS IMAGE "

The purpose of the activity is to get you to think about and use 'available light' and the different techniques/approaches that were used to achieve the look of the original photo.

The image we have chosen uses a few easily obtainable props and natural light, but the trick is to put it all together. The videos below will hopefully provide you with plenty of ideas and inspiration.

How hard can it be? 😉🧐🤔

The photograph to be "RECREATED" is by Josef Sudek (his nickname was The poet of Prague"") and is titled "Glass with Flower" 

Here is a link to the image that you need to replicate and that is used in the video  >>> https://collections.artsmia.org/art/115381/glass-with-flower-josef-sudek OR you can print this PDF >>> Image to be Replicated

Yep!... We realise that the chosen image that you need to replicate is in monochrome

So for the Set Subject Colour section of the comp, let's see what you can do for a colour version of the image..

Also, since every image entered will be Titled "Glass with Flower" we will add a unique number to the end of each entry Title (prior to voting) so you can isolate which image # best meets the brief.

Here are several Videos to set you off on the right path and give you some ideas

VIDEO #1  - is a YouTube video by Thomas Heaton. 

Thomas Heaton - "In My Garage with Ted Forbes - Art of Photography"  >>> https://youtu.be/OafIDC2TRVU?si=Aj9VMg3ncWFK0eUl

        (you can skip the 1st 2 minutes of the video if you want)

 ( Tom is a UK based landscape photographer - Check out  his other photography videos on his YouTube channel )

The video was made during lockdown as a 'learning' activity initiated by another youtuber, Ted Forbes

The other 3 videos are by Ted Forbes ( Youtube channel - The Art of Photography )  (It's worth checking out some of the 100's of videos that Ted has produced over the years when you get some spare time.)

VIDEO #2 - The title is self explanatory. It gives some great insights about what to look for when you tackle this challenge.

Ted Forbes - "What I learned from COPYING a MASTER Photograph"  >>>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR4fk7TXN5g

VIDEO #3 - This is the Video that triggered / inspired Thomas (and ultimately us) to try this exercise

Ted Forbes - "Available Light : Photo Assignment #1, Part 1"  >>>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJafQpGADjg

VIDEO #4 - This video explains and analyses in more detail the process of replicating the 'look' of a photo and some of the issues that Ted, himself found

Ted Forbes - "Did I just FAIL my own Photo Assignment?" >>>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D4cWArgYlw

If you have any questions or need help please call or email Chris