This is the final installment of Image Making 101 by Sean Arbabi, aka “PhotoGuru” and author of The BetterPhoto Guide to Exposure. (To see the previous installment about Exposure and Lighting, go here. To read about Composition, go here.)

FLASH

A common mistake people make when taking pictures outdoors is to assume there is so much light that they don’t need to utilize their flash. I often tell people, when photographing their family and friends outside (at a wedding, event, park, function), to always leave their flash on. The extra light fills in shadows on faces and is not only more flattering for the person being photographed (especially in mid-day sunny conditions), but also allows you to see their faces better in the final result. One way I like to use my camera’s flash is in backlit situations (mentioned earlier in this article). First I face the person away from the sun, which provides nice rim light on their hair and shoulders. Then I use my flash to provide even and complimentary light on their face. Just remember one thing when using your flash -- the light from your camera only travels 10-15 feet on average and anything further than that will not receive much extra light.

PHOTOGURU’S REMINDERS

Arnold Newman, yet another amazing photographer, once said “We do not take pictures with our cameras but with our hearts and minds.” Although this may not translate into a specific technique or a tangible way to creating a better photograph, the quote is significant because it tells us it is your creativity and communication of emotions that makes a great image, and not the one-eyed plastic box we call a camera. Yes, digital cameras are great, but they do not create better images, your eye does.

SIDE BAR

The Workshop Fix: Want to learn more but don’t have the time to go back to school? A photographic workshop may be your solution. I love teaching workshops especially in wonderful locations such as Santa Fe, California’s Wine Country, and the windy city of Chicago. They offer an enjoyable platform to learn more about photography directly from an instructor while sharing similar interests with kindred spirits. Whether taking a one-day class, a weekend workshop, or a week-long course, you have the chance to gain knowledge and then use that newfound wisdom in the field when sharing in the camaraderie with other students. And in the day and age of the Internet, you now also have the chance to take courses online, and the PhotoGuru will begin offering classes on the web starting in October, through a company called BetterPhoto.com.

On the web: For Sean Arbabi’s Workshop page, click here.

Visit Sean Arbabi's web site here and for his PhotoGuru website go here (for how-to info, articles, equipment recommendations, and step-by-step instructions for fun photo projects).

If you're curious to know more about Sean Arbabi, his biography and photo now appear on Koloist in the right hand side bar under Contributors. (Click on his name.)