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Masking

Photo Commentary #22: Minimalist Landscapes 150 150 varunvisuals

Photo Commentary #22: Minimalist Landscapes
This photo taken by Quang Nguyen Vinh serves as a perfect example of a minimalist-like style of photography - in this case, the style was used with a landscape as the subject matter. However, minimalism can be seen across all genres of photography (and other mediums) like urbanscapes, architecture, street photography, and even portraits.
This photo taken by Quang Nguyen Vinh serves as a perfect example of a minimalist-like style of photography – in this case, the style was used with a landscape as the subject matter. However, minimalism can be seen across all genres of photography (and other mediums) like urbanscapes, architecture, street photography, and even portraits.
During these times of chaos, it is nice to take a deep breath and appreciate the more simpler things in life – there are few better examples than this serene landscape shot by Quang Nguyen Vinh.
 
While the image invokes a peaceful mood through its minimilastic presence, it still presents many concepts that I have spoken about earlier.
 
For instance, depth of field is exemplified by the algae covered rocks foreground, waterscape in the middle, and sky in the background.
 
Furthermore, it is possible that two photos were stitched together with masking, one of a long exposure of the waterscape, and another regular exposure of the sky.
 
The reason I say it is “possible” is because it is just as likely that one could find an in-land body of water with minimal ripples or waves. In which case, a “super long exposure” wouldn’t be required. Instead, a photographer could settle for only a 1-2 second shutter speed (thereby dealing with SOME unintentional blur in the rest of the photo – in this case it would be the clouds) to “calm the water” only as required. This is instead of needing to use a 30 second shutter speed to make a rough ocean look just as smooth. Great shot Quang!
 
Stay healthy everyone!
 
Photographer: Quang Nguyen Vinh
Photo Commentary #21: Combining Elements 683 1024 varunvisuals

Photo Commentary #21: Combining Elements
The stars in the sky, wet and textured walkway on the right, lights of the skyscrapers, and their reflections in the water all make this an eye-catching photograph.
The stars in the sky, wet and textured walkway on the right, lights of the skyscrapers, and their reflections in the water all make this an eye-catching photograph.
By now you all probably know about my crazy obsession with urban nighttime displays as well as astrophotography, so obviously a combination of those visual elements simply make me ecstatic.
 
Just like the images from 4 and 5 posts ago, this picture can make me nerd out as well, whether it’s about the perfectly clear reflections of the city lights in the water, the sharp masking of the stars above, or the wet walkway adding contrast to the photo. The list is simply endless.
 
But instead of my comments, I want to hear some of yours! What element(s) of this photo simply make it “perfect” for you? What is something that if it wasn’t there, would leave the photo incomplete in your eyes? And if you can’t think of anything, then what would you like to see in the photo to make it subjectively better in your opinion?
 
Photographer: Aleksander Pasaric https://instagram.com/apasaric_photography

Photo Commentary #17: Masking and Astrophotography Part II 683 1024 varunvisuals

Photo Commentary #17: Masking and Astrophotography Part II
This photo taken by Dominika Roseclay serves as a great example of one of the situations in which a photographer may have to rely on masking in order to display the “best of two worlds” – a well lighted urban scene as well as a clear starry night sky Note: it is just as possible to find small towns with no light pollution, thereby allowing for such an image to be taken without the use of any masking technique – I cannot say with certainty how the photo was truly captured. Just like any other photograph or piece of art, only the artist behind it knows the whole process of how it was made. I am only stating one method through which the photo COULD be made.
If you have been following along, you will know that my last commentary posed a question asking you to identify three different topics I had already spoken about, within that image.
 
Here is the answer: reflecting surfaces, astrophotography, and masking. One person had correctly commented on the underlying conundrum – how do you get to see clear stars above a highly light polluted area, such as a city (if you remember, astrophotography can only be performed in areas with little to no light pollution)? Well here’s the thing…you can’t. Not really that is (more on this in a bit). So how was it done?
 
The starry sky was likely photographed in an area with low light pollution using proper astrophotography techniques while the city was captured in another location. Using masking (once again, this is explained in an earlier post), the starry sky would replace the typical starless sky seen over city’s as night. The reflecting surface of the water added to that image as well.
 
This photo may also abide by similar techniques (excluding the water of course). However, it is definitely possible for such a photo to be taken in a location that does not require any masking. That is, a small town with enough light to make the structures as visible and eye-catching as a city, but not enough light to pollute or hide the starry sky above. Regardless of which avenue was taken, Dominika definitely nailed this shot!
 
Photo Commentary #16: Masking and Astrophotography Part I 1024 536 varunvisuals

Photo Commentary #16: Masking and Astrophotography Part I
Starry Night Sky Over City and Water

This photo serves as an example to of a time when it may be appropriate to use masking techniques – astrophotography in an urban setting.

This mesmerizing photo taken by Sanaan Mazhar encompasses three different topics that I had spoken about in three earlier posts. Can you guess which topics I am referring to?

And more importantly, rather than me explain the photo to you, how about we flip it around again – how do you think this image was taken? Let me know in the comments below!

Photographer: Sanaan Mazhar
https://www.instagram.com/piccinng/

Masking in Landscape Photography
Photo Commentary #13: Masking 1024 683 varunvisuals

Photo Commentary #13: Masking
Masking in Landscape Photography
Masking is a highly effective tool in photography, especially in the world of landscapes. This image shot by Johannes Plenio exemplifies a moment where masking can be used to capture the best of two worlds.

At the end of my last post, I asked you to think about how photographers are able to retain areas of sharpness in a long exposure photo – today I will be discussing the answer.

Rather than starting with the solution, I figure it would be more interesting to work towards it. Let’s start with what we know. Imagine you are at the location of where this beautiful photo was taken. Your end goal is to arrive at the same photo. Based on the information I gave in the last post, you are successfully able to capture the rolling clouds in the sky. However, the tree on the right was also swaying in the wind so it is blurry. This applies to the grass as well.

You try to take another picture but with a faster shutter speed. Now the grass and trees are sharp but so are the clouds – once again, not what we want.

So now you have 2 pictures framed with the exact same composition (thanks to your trusty tripod), but neither has both the elements you want – sharp foreground and blurry sky. If only you could take the best parts of each photo and combine them into one…hmm.

Welcome to the process of masking. Masking is one of the most widely used processes in photography. Generally speaking, masking simply refers to covering up a certain portion of a photo to which you do (or do not) want certain characteristics to either be captured and/or edited. In this particular instance, you could utilize both images and via editing software, cover up the sharp clouds in one image and the blurry grass/trees in the other.

Of course, this is not the only time masking can be used!

So, what are your thoughts on masking?

Photographer: Johannes Plenio

http://www.coolfreepix.com/
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