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Articles tagged “Photography”

Take a virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel

by Jeremy Kressmann on Apr 3, 2010

Seeing the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel is a hassle. It’s constantly mobbed, you’re not allowed to take pictures (unlike the sneaky photographer on the right) and you have to walk through a maze of rooms to reach it. But the minute you gaze up at the beauty of this Michelangelo masterpiece, all the pains of getting there evaporate. Now there’s a totally new way to view this stunning masterwork without all the fuss, courtesy of the Internet and some high resolution photography.

The Sistine Chapel Virtual Tour offers web-surfers the pleasure of exploring this oft-packed wonder all by themselves, all rendered in gorgeous detail. You’re free to zoom in on the most minute details of the frescoes, examining them up close in a way never before possible. To help get you in a properly pious mood, your Virtual Sistine tour is also accompanied by the sound of an ethereal chorus (get your mute button ready if you’re not a fan of choirs). As you spin your cursor in circles around the room, you literally feel like you were there.

Thanks to technology, everyone can now get up close and personal with this amazing landmark. Best of all, there’s nobody around to yell at you if you try to take a photo…

[Via Buzzfeed]

Four ways to safeguard your camera

by Amy Chen on Mar 29, 2010

There’s a certain amount of trust that we all display when we ask a stranger to take our photo. I tend to barter services with another camera-toting tourist, as in “I’ll take your photo if you take mine.” But it’s always a bit unnerving to entrust a stranger with your camera and memory card.

Here are four tips to help make sure your camera doesn’t get ripped off. And with a bit of luck, perhaps you’ll come home with frame-worthy photos.

Ask a stranger who has a camera similar to yours.
As a form of informal insurance, it helps to believe that you just handed your camera to someone who is less likely to steal yours because he or she already has the same one. To increase the chance of getting better shots, if you have a fancy SLR, it’s probably not a good idea to ask someone who is still carrying around a point-and-shoot film camera. Even if you switch your camera to auto mode, all the buttons can be overwhelming for the stranger you’ve accosted. When in doubt, ask the stranger to fire off a few rounds and hope a wayward finger isn’t smudging your lens.

I’ve heard of other travelers seeking out a parent with kids because moms and dads are more likely to have experience operating a camera. I suppose parents are also less likely to run off with your camera if they’re trying to wrangle their offspring. However, I try to avoid asking parents with small children because it doesn’t really seem fair to impose when their hands are already full with diaper bags.

Get to know your self-timer.
It’s harder to tell if the stranger can compose your shot just the way you’d like. There’s nothing more disappointing than reviewing your photos on the LCD display and seeing the Eiffel Tower poking out of your head. When that has happened, I’ve let that well-intentioned stranger walk away before I flagged down someone else and tried again. I don’t mean to appear ungrateful, but I didn’t travel that far to come home with mediocre photos. To maintain some control, I’m a fan of the self-timer. I prop the camera on a ledge, rock, or bench, adjust the shot, and hit the self-timer. As always, it’s best to check your surroundings before plopping your camera down unattended even for those 10 seconds. For a better grip on uneven surfaces, the Gorillapod is an inexpensive tripod (from $22) with adjustable legs that can help keep your camera from tipping over. There’s also now an iPhone-compatible version ($40).

Fall back on self-portraits.
Say you’re surrounded by sketchy-looking people so you decide to take your own photo. One drawback is that your head usually looks so large that it obscures the scenic background. Plus, those awkward vanity shots usually take a few tries because you accidentally cut off your head or someone’s. Thankfully, there are now high-tech options like the Samsung DualView TL220. When the 12.2-megapixel point-and-shoot first came out in September, I was psyched because it features not one but two screens to help you better frame that shot. In just six months, the $300 retail price has already dropped; Best Buy is selling it for $250 this week with free shipping.

Consider a waterproof camera.
Whenever I’m at the beach and leave my camera on my towel, I’m always a bit anxious that someone is going to walk away with it. I used to buy cheap disposable waterproof Kodak film cameras but have switched to the 10-megapixel Fuijifilm FinePix Z33WP ($130, Amazon.com), which is waterproof up to 10 feet. Though I haven’t had the chance to snorkel with it yet, I used the camera last summer while paddle boating on a lake. Just being able to take my camera into the water makes it easier for me to relax and not have to constantly watch my stuff.

Major camera manufacturers are rolling out more waterproof models; Olympus makes an affordable line of waterproof cameras (from $230) while Vivitar’s 8.1-megapixel ViviCam 8400 goes for $100. As for the likelihood of someone stealing my wallet or keys off my beach towel, well, those things can be replaced more easily than a memory card full of irreplaceable moments.

Photo of the Day (3.28.2010)

by Jeremy Kressmann on Mar 28, 2010

It’s extremely hard to take good photos of wildlife. Animals move around a lot, many are active only at night and in the case of sharp-tooth predators, getting close can be downright hazardous to your health. That’s why I’m loving Flickr user toffiloff’s up-close-and-personal crocodile photo, taken at the Singapore Zoo. Sure, the danger element is gone, but there’s plenty of great technique at work here: the depth-of-field close-up on the croc and the beautiful reflection in the water’s glassy surface lend the image a true “National Geographic” feel. It makes a nice companion to this shot from earlier this month, doesn’t it?

Taken any great wildlife photos during your travels? Submit your best shots to the Gadling group on Flickr and we might just pick one as our Photo of the Day.

Top ten U.S. spots for photography

by Gadling Staff on Mar 23, 2010

As full-time traveling photographers, my husband and I have traveled all over the U.S. in search of the most beautiful cities and sites to photograph. From the vast open desert to towering urban skylines and raging river canyons, we’ve compiled the top 10 best places to visit for photographers. You’ll find a few well-known favorites along with some unique photography hot spots where you’ll find new inspiration. Grab your camera and let’s get clicking!

10. Seattle, WA
From gorgeous harbor views to the dramatic Mount Rainier, Seattle is city with plenty of photographic appeal. Wake up early and head down to Pike Place Market as the vendors stand claim their booths for the day. From photos of vibrant street life to stunning views of the waterway, Pike Place Market is the place to start your photo adventure in Seattle. If you are lucky enough to be in Seattle during the month of June, the Freemont Summer Solstice Parade is a photographer’s dream come true! Watch as thousands of people parade down one of Seattle’s most eclectic streets, leaving little to the imagination with colorful painted bodies and wild parade floats. It’s a blizzard of color and activity not to be missed.

Of course no trip to Seattle is complete without a trip to the Space Needle. We highly recommend shooting this famous structure at night. Behind the Space Needle is a museum designed by Frank Gehry, another beautiful structure to photograph. If you’re into architecture, continue on to Seattle’s Public Library for a few more shots. Walk along the waterfront for more camera opportunities, visit the Sculpture Gardens and if you have time, and be sure to venture out on one of the giant Ferry Boats to enjoy a ride to one of the Port cities, taking in Seattle’s majestic harbor along the way.
9. Outer Banks, NC
Sand dunes and peaceful shores await you on a photographing adventure to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Travel north past Whale Head Bay and walk along the oceanfront, if you’re lucky, you can photograph wild horses as they run through the sand and splash in the water.

Travel along Corolla Blvd. to the Currtick Beach Lighthouse for the most beautiful sunset over the still waterways. Photograph pelicans landing on the gazebo and the lighthouse just as the sun drops below the horizon. Travel south and take a ferry to Ocracoke, a quaint town offering a diverse photographing experience and beautiful views of the ocean.

8. Las Vegas, NV and Red Rock Canyon, NV
The lights! The glitz! The shine! From the bizarre to the beautiful, Las Vegas has it all for photo hunters. Schedule a trip to the Neon Graveyard to photograph the old neon signs of Las Vegas. Then head down the strip to the New York, NY hotel, The Venetian, Caesars Palace and Paris for some impressive neon-lit hotel shots. Every night starting at 8:00 pm make your way to the famous Bellagio water fountain show. The lights, the water and the amazing formations will have you clicking a mile-a-minute to keep up with this amazing display.

When the neon of Vegas is too much, head out to Red Rock Canyon Park. The park is about 15 minutes away from the strip, and boasts a 10-mile loop through some of Nevada’s most beautiful landscapes. Be sure to get there for sunset and watch the mountains change colors as the sun goes down. Beautiful rock formations, wildlife and scenic overlooks will delight any shutterbug.

7. Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC offers a wealth of options for camera-toting visitors, from historic sights and natural wonders. Start with a drive on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway and stop at amazing vista points. Travel the nearby hiking paths to see wildlife, waterfalls, and beautiful pines. Visit Chimney Rock Park and the Carolina Mountain trail for more leisurely hikes and photo experiences. For the more rigorous hikes, try the Dupont State Forrest and an unforgettable photography experience. Of course, no trip to Asheville is complete with out a trip to the Biltmore Estate. The luxurious gardens and historic mansion offer an abundance of great scenes to be snapped.

6. New York, NY
New York City is an urban photographer’s dream come true. From the lights of Broadway to the Bakeries of Little Italy, the “picture perfect” photo opportunities are everywhere. Our favorite spot to shoot in New York City is Central Park. Nestled amongst thousands of skyscrapers, this urban sanctuary offers countless photography opportunities. Head to the Central Park Zoo in the Northern end of the park, or photograph the beautiful lake as boaters enjoy the city skyline. Then move to the famous historic carousel, and hop on! The views are beautiful as you take your camera and steady it on a the ride’s colorful circus animals.

In the winter visit Central Park’s ice skating rink, where hundreds of children stumble on the slippery ice with their parents. Take a stroll in the fall through tree lined paths, and in the spring enjoy the blooming spring flowers. Central Park can be enjoyed during any season, and offers the perfect picture taking experience.

5. San Francisco, CA
For photography lovers, San Francisco is the perfect mix of natural and urban. Start your day below the Golden Gate bridge to capture this amazing structure in the early morning light. Then head for Fisherman’s Wharf for the street life and views of Alcatraz. The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is another photographic must, with beautiful gardens surrounded by the dramatic city views. End your day by heading across the Golden Gate Bridge for the Marin Headlands. Head to the water surrounded by rocks and grassy hills and if you are lucky enough, see wildlife grazing in open fields.

4. Joshua Tree, CA
This extraordinary National Park in Southern California is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the United States. Located about an hour East of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree has no shortage of amazing wildlife, scenery and fascinating rock formations to photograph. Of course, the park’s Joshua Trees are the main attraction, their odd silhouettes outlining the skyline at dusk.. Be sure to head to the vista point over the San Andreas Fault to stand this amazing geological oddity. Make sure to stick around for the picture-perfect sunset.

3. San Diego, CA
There is not a bad time of year to photograph sunny San Diego! One of the most beautiful spots in San Diego is Torrey Pines State Park. Dramatic cliffs lead to the spectacular ocean and shore line. Between January and March head to the park’s cliffs, overlooking the ocean. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the whale migration from Alaska to Baja, Mexico, perfect for some dramatic photos.

Next head to Balboa Park for beautiful photography opportunities of gorgeous buildings, and complex landscapes. Then make your way North to La Jolla to check out seal beach, where hundreds of seals bask in the sunny shores. And of course no photography trip to San Diego is complete without going to Mission Beach. Walk the two mile boardwalk for spectacular views and a gorgeous sunset, and of course Belmont Amusement park, at the end of the boardwalk.

2. Grand Canyon, AZ
The Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world, lives up to its reputation in every way. There’s no shortage of photographic experiences in the Grand Canyon either. A photo-taker could spend days in one single spot and never get the same image twice. Wake up early to see the brilliant sunrises or stay late for sunset and watch as the mountains change colors. Stop at all the scenic overlooks as you drive from one end of the park to the other. Be sure to find a hike that is comfortable for you to really get into the depths of the canyon.

1. Jerome, AZ
A hidden gem located between Sedona and Cottonwood, Jerome, Arizona is a town of 500 people embedded into the surrounding mountains. Situated on the beautiful switchbacks, Jerome offers photographers an amazing view of the valley and mountains below.

Once a fading mining town, Jerome has been revived in recent years by a growing community of artists. Every thing about Jerome is an artistic photograph waiting to happen, from the old doors to quirky light fixtures. The beauty of Jerome can be seen any time of day, but sunset is an experience you won’t soon forget. Jerome might be small, but its beauty is big, making it our favorite spot to take our cameras.

From coast to coast, America is packed with great photos waiting to happen. So, head out with your camera, find a new place, and be sure to snap a few shots along the way!

Before you go, be sure to check out Travel Talk, in which the guys visit a highly photogenic spot: the top of Manhattan.

Shoot outstanding destination photos — with your iPhone

by Grant Martin on Mar 23, 2010

I used to think that the quality of a travel photograph was mostly hardware dependent, that a fancy Single Lens Reflex (SLR) or Four Thirds camera was critical towards capturing beautiful travel photos. Shots taken with my older, Canon SD300, for example, always seemed to be grainy, poorly lit and generally embarrassing to share among my friends and family. By contrast, my recent Canon Rebel XTi seems to take good photos irrespective of lighting, location or movement. Put enough monkeys in a room with a box full of SLRs, so they say, and the photos will turn out good eventually.

Application, I know now, is much of the battle. ISO speeds, megapixels, sensor quality and number of espressos consumed are all important variables in composing an ideal shot, and with enough training and tinkering, many cameras can produce a beautiful shot.

And then there’s the photographer’s eye, or simply put, skill. In a recent series for the Associated Press, photographer David Guttenfelder put together a stunning feature on the life of US armed forces in Afghanistan, shot solely behind the lens of his trusty iPhone. Yes, with 3 megapixels, no zoom, no flash and a tiny lens, Guttenfelder captured a series of photos better than all of the photos that I’ll ever shoot in my entire life. As it goes to show, talent, skill and composition are better than any hardware that money can buy.

Take a look at the series over at the AP website.

Want some more inspiration? Head over to our own Karen Walrond’s posterous blog for shots that she’s captured on her very own iPhone.