Today’s eye-opening tutorial from the Adorama TV YouTube channel explores a variety of pro techniques for capturing sharp and dynamic images of moving subjects when shooting with shutter speeds that are slower than you may have thought reasonable.
Instructor David Bergman is a highly acclaimed photographer whose eclectic portfolio includes a wide range of genres from celebrity portraits, sports photos captured at the Olympics, and images of live performances shot on tour. His unique Ask David Bergman website enables anyone to poise questions on popular photography topics, and you just might see his response to your query right here on Shutterbug.
This episode is his reply to a reader who wondered how slow you can push shutter speed shutter speed when photographing concert photos with action, but the techniques that Bergman explains will prove equally valuable for capturing other types of images. And Bergman provides a variety methods for getting the job done in barely nine minutes.
Bergman’s techniques work the same whether you’re using a camera’s mechanical or electronic shutter. He explains that the shutter speed you choose impacts an images in two ways; namely, exposure and motion. “The faster your shutter speed the less light enters the camera—making images darker.” And because faster shutter speeds capture a shorter slice of time, they give you a better chance at freezing movement.”
But here’s the rub: The foregoing considerations often work in opposition to one another. Here’s a clear example: You may be in a dark environment where you’ve opened the aperture as wide as the lens permits, while raising ISO as far as you’re comfortable given the low-light performance of your camera. But, alas, the image you capture may still be too dark.
So what do you do: “At this point, the only way to brighten up the image is to slow down your shutter speed.” The challenge is that you risk the possibility of motion blur if you go too slow. Fortunately, Bergman leverages his years of experience in a way that enables him to address this seemingly insurmountable conundrum.
And you can too by following his straightforward advice. Best yet, these methods don’t require mad skills or any exotic equipment. There’s a lot more to learn about in-camera and post-processing techniques on the popular Adorama TV YouTube channel so be sure to take a look.
We also encourage you to watch a timely tutorial we featured recently in which another experienced pro demonstrates how she captures festive holiday portrait photographs on the street after the sun drops below the horizon.
There are numerous methods for refining White Balance in an image, some more difficult and effective than others. Today’s tutorial from one of our favorite post-processing experts demonstrates why you don’t have to choose between simplicity and precision with an interesting technique that enables you to kill two birds with one stone.
Instructor Anthony Morganti is a professional photographer, trainer, and image retoucher based in Buffalo, New York whose quick Lightroom and Photoshop tutorials are extremely popular among Shutterbug readers. This episode demonstrates a unique twist to the standard methods for correcting color temperature, and it only take two minutes to explain.
It’s important to keep in mind that this timesaving approach only works with Lightroom Classic and not with other versions of the software. Morganti pulls up a nicely composed seaside shot that displays inaccurate White Balance, and then reviews the common approach for rehabilitating a shot.
Most photographers open Lightroom’s Basic tab and immediately pull up the Eyedropper tool and click around the image, “trying to find somewhere within the frame that will give you a proper White Balance.” But as you’ll see, there’s a much better method for getting the job done to perfection.
The trick works like this: “Before you open the Eyedropper tool go the top left of the screen and make sure that the Navigator panel is open.” Now when you grab the Eyedropper tool you’ll find that the image in the box will display the exact White Balance in various areas as you around the frame without clicking on each spot.
As Morganti says, “When you find something that looks right, now’s the time to click and you be instantly be rewarded with accurate White Balance throughout the shot. Morganti demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach with images that have different White Balance inaccuracies.
Bottom line: Morganti says that this unfamiliar approach will enable you to correct any image “in just about 10 seconds” and achieve perfect balance throughout the frame. His instructional YouTube channel has just shy of 400K subscribers and we invite you to join the club.
And don’t miss the tutorial we featured with another post-processing expert, as she demonstrates how to improve your post-processing workflow and edit photographs faster with Photoshop’s easy-to-use Actions panel.
Architects, interior designers, and anyone in the industry know that wide, sweeping visuals of completed projects often take center stage. Wide-angle shots of thoughtfully designed exteriors, expansive views of interior spaces, or panoramic shots of towering buildings, dominate the spotlight—and rightly so. However, there’s an essential component of visual storytelling that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves: detail shots.
These close-up images are vital for showcasing the craftsmanship, thoughtfulness, and unique features that define a space. Incorporating detail shots into your portfolio not only enhances its depth but also highlights the meticulous work that sets your projects apart.
Every great design, from a high-rise building to a custom-built interior, is made up of countless intricate details. The fine grain of a wood finish, the perfect alignment of tiles, or the seamless curve of a staircase rail—these are the elements that communicate excellence in craftsmanship. Detail shots give you a chance to put those fine points in the spotlight, showing prospective clients the care and expertise that go into every project. For builders and architects, they serve as proof of quality. For interior designers, they capture the artistry and thoughtfulness that elevate a space from functional to exceptional.
Most portfolios are filled with wide-angle shots of completed spaces. While these images are extremely important for showcasing the overall vision, they can fall short when it comes to communicating the finer nuances of a project. Here are some ideas:
The list could go on forever, but it’s simple: By including detail shots, you’re providing a fuller picture of your expertise, which sets you apart in a competitive market.
In an era when automation and mass production are prevalent, detail shots remind potential clients that there’s a human touch behind the work. These photos reveal the decisions, problem-solving, and labor that go into creating something unique. For example, a close-up of a hand-crafted beam or a bespoke cabinet design can evoke emotions of authenticity and luxury, something that resonates deeply with today’s buyers and clients.
It’s not just industry professionals who appreciate detail shots—clients do too. Buyers, renters, and investors all look for indicators of quality and uniqueness when deciding on a property. Detail shots:
At Sharp Frame Media, we understand the importance of showcasing every aspect of a project—especially the small details that make it unique. Our team specializes in creating visual content that tells a comprehensive story, from grand architectural shots to those subtle close-ups that add depth and intrigue.
Detail shots aren’t just a bonus—they’re an essential part of storytelling in the design and construction world. They showcase the heart and soul of a project, demonstrate expertise, and communicate quality to potential clients.
If you’re ready to elevate your portfolio with professional detail shots that capture the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness behind your work, Sharp Frame Media is here to help. Let us work with you to tell your story, one stunning detail at a time.
Contact Sharp Frame Media today to learn more about our photography and videography services in the DFW area!
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