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How To Treat Digital Noise

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Now that I photograph wildlife, it’s a whole new story.

I used to photograph people, places, and things using the lowest ISO possible. That is no longer possible when I am outdoors photographing birds and other moving subjects. My camera settings are typically in manual mode, with the aperture set to the widest lens opening and the shutter speed set to 1/1000 second or faster. I set the ISO to auto, being careful, it does not go above 10,000, but sometimes it does go higher.

I have switched from a DSLR system to a mirrorless camera.

I am a Canon user and recently invested in the Canon R3 full frame camera and RF lenses. The Canon 100-400mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/8, and when I use a 1.4 teleconverter, I lose a stop of light, so I am shooting at f/11. I can still achieve a creamy background, but it is not exactly a very wide open aperture and coupled with the faster shutter speed, my ISO peaks. This results in digital noise.

What is digital noise?

Digital noise is a degradation in image quality caused by a high ISO. Usually, it is because of a low light situation, or it could be caused by using a fast shutter speed which can result in a high ISO. In the past, an ISO of over 400 was considered noisy. As camera sensors have improved, so has digital noise. Full frame sensors generally produce a less noisy image than a cropped sensor. 

The best ways to reduce digital noise:

  1. Shoot with the lowest ISO possible.

2. Utilize the Noise Reduction feature in your camera. You can adjust the setting to high in some cameras.

3. Shoot wide-open if you can afford a telephoto lens that opens up to f/4 or wider.

4. Shoot in RAW and process the image in Lightroom or ACR using their noise reduction adjustment,

The best way I have found to treat and remove digital noise is to use a third-party plug-in called Topaz AI Noise Reduction.

Topaz is an easy fix to most of my images.

The image of the female cardinal was run through the program. As you can see, the original is very noisy because it was shot at 12800 ISO. I have such a high ISO because I chose a fast shutter speed to stop the wings’ action. The male cardinal pictured below was shot at 6400 ISO on a dark and dreary day.

The Topaz program has four modules, and I find that standard works the best. A bonus is that sharpening is part of the software.

Topaz AI Noise Reduction
Without Topaz
With Topaz
This male cardinal was shot on a dark, dreary day at 6400 ISO
Without Topaz
With Topaz

Here is a 20% discount code for the software PICTURECORRECT

You can order it here.

Let me know if you have any questions.

If you would like information on photography workshops, visit the website

If you would like information on private photography workshops, visit the website.

The image above was shot early morning in low light at 8000 ISO. It was treated in Topaz Noise Reduction AI

The Importance of Symmetry

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Symmetry, balance, and equilibrium are all things we humans generally strive for and appreciate in many different areas of life. Achieving symmetry in photography is no different, photographs with balance are visually appealing and striking because of their symmetry. In this article, I’ll outline the ways and benefits of incorporating symmetry and balance in your photos.


We tend to think of photographs as objective items that record a snapshot of reality and as a result, assign them more truth than perhaps they deserve as even the very composition of a photograph can influence our feelings toward it. This is hugely important when considering how to frame a shot for instance a symmetrical image is appealing whereas a photograph with imbalance can cause unease in certain cases. It’s more normal for symmetrical photos to be appealing and this is what we’ll be looking at in the following points. 

1 – Precision

For symmetry to be achieved correctly it does need to be accurate and precise. It’s unavoidably in symmetry’s nature that the resulting shots need to be exact for the effect to work and it’s very easy for us to perceive just the slightest misalignment so in order to avoid this, prepare the shot meticulously. Ensure the position of your camera is in the right spot to achieve harmony in the frame. Thankfully a lot of tinkering can be done in post-production these days but careful setup beforehand reduces the time spent on editing.

Photo by Longreach

Highlighting balance in architecture or man-made structures is a great place to find and emphasize the symmetry that already exists. The above image shows this perfectly as the lines made by the bridge intersect the frame with mathematical precision. This photo is a great example of both vertical and horizontal symmetry. It works on both axes thanks to the water which reflects the bridge beautifully. This also separates the two shades of light, right and left which adds a pleasing contrast to the overall image.  

2 – Pattern

Creating symmetry in photography is basically like creating a pattern in many ways; patterns repeat themselves over and over thereby creating symmetry along the way. When framing your shot, think about the possible patterns that you’re making and if they create harmony. Finding patterns in nature is another aspect to consider in achieving symmetry; objects such as snowflakes reveal perfect symmetry when viewed through a microscope. Each flake is a unique symmetrical pattern that is pleasing to see no doubt but patterns can appear in many more areas of nature. 

Plants are great examples of patterns in nature and we can see their symmetry very clearly in many structures. Certain flowers such as the one below exhibit repeating petal patterns and so create amazing symmetry throughout. The photographer has highlighted the flower by centering it perfectly in the middle of the frame. 

Photo by Kristi Decourcy

Patterns can also be found in many man-made objects, especially within contemporary architecture which in many cases mimics the patterns found in nature! So there’s also potential for experimenting and discovery when it comes to photographing symmetry.

3 – Reflection

Achieving horizontal symmetry is also possible when using reflections and in particular, off of water surfaces. This method of photography can recreate balance and harmony in a creative and often stunning way. Of course, social media sites are inundated with rain puddle reflections of cities and similar scenes which is certainly pleasant for a time but by now is quite overdone. Below I’ve selected a fantastic example of why symmetry in reflection is so appealing. This image offers a lovely reflection of the bird flying low over the water, giving us a great example of horizontal symmetry. Again the framing is so important to get the bird exactly in the middle of the horizontal axis to give such a pleasing example of symmetry. 

Of course, just by looking at the photo, it’s clear that it’s not such precise symmetry as the first two examples I gave which were more ‘pure’ symmetry along all axes as well as their creation of patterns. However, the below image is a great image that highlights were ‘soft’ symmetry can be used to emphasize and highlight the subject of the shot, in this case, a low-flying bird contrasted wonderfully against its background. 

Photo by Stanley Zimny

4 – Repetition

Much like creating patterns and reflections, constructing repetition in the image is another means of symmetry. As we’ve seen with all of the above examples, symmetry features repetition heavily and by incorporating it in creative ways, we can achieve visually harmonious photography. The image below is a great example of this.

Photo by Doug Racine

The photographer has caught a serendipitous moment of two birds in sync with one another. This creates the illusion of the bird being repeated, perhaps artificially, in post-production whereas actually it’s just a carefully composed and timed snapshot of two separate birds. This also draws a direct comparison with the bird and its reflection in the water; two great examples of symmetry being achieved in different ways. 

Capturing symmetry by repetition is quite tricky and at times down to pure good luck but, as evinced, can create wonderfully pleasing images. It’s good practice to try and train your photographer’s eye to notice patterns and repetition in order to create symmetry and balance. 

As always, practice makes perfect so if you’ve learned anything from these tips, try and incorporate them into your next shoot! Good luck and have fun.

Author Bio: Rob Holder is the Director of Fable Studios, a video production agency in Bristol, UK

Gimme Some Bokeh

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bo·keh

/bōˈkā/

noun

Photography

noun: bokeh

  1. the visual quality of the out-of-focus areas of a photographic image, mostly as rendered by a particular lens.
  2. “a quick, visual survey of the foreground and background bokeh of a variety of lenses.”

Creating a bokeh in a photographic image is a technique that can have a positive impact on an image.

Bokeh is also known as a shallow depth of field, selective focus, or a blurring background. This process helps define the subject, and the remainder of the image becomes a negative space.

What are the three methods of creating a bokeh?

First, the most commonly used method is choosing a wide aperture: the wider the aperture (2.8 is wider than 5.6), the greater the blur. If you are interested in achieving a creamy background, choose a lens and aperture to give you the best results. Below are examples of images that illustrate the effect.

Notice the amount of blur and f/2.8 and lack of it starting at f/8

The second method for creating a bokeh is choosing a long focal length lens. The focal length is defined in millimeters, and The longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view, and the higher the magnification. The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view, and the lower the magnification. For example, if you have a 70-300mm lens, the longer focal length of 300mm will provide a more noticeable bokeh than a focal length of 70mm. Below are examples of a 200mm focal length, a 400mm focal length, and a 600mm focal length.

200mm lens f/4
400mm lens f/5.6
600mm at f/4

The third method is the proximity to the subject. The closer the camera is to the subject, the blurrier the background will be. This procedure can present a focus issue, so make sure you use your single AF points.

Not sure what AF Points are? Check out my online courses and private lessons.

ART BEAT: Duluth photographer finds new artistic subjects in her own back yard

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Reprinted from the Gwinnett Daily Post – May 24, 2020. Article by Holley Calmes, Staff Correspondent

Mary Buck has traveled far and wide, creating photographic art at colorful locales of Cuba, Venice, and Paris.

Quarantined at home by COVID-19 and wondering how to spend her time, she found new artistic inspiration outside her window.

The Duluth resident, a talented and versatile photographer, found being sequestered difficult. To pass the time, she decided to decorate her backyard, adding new visual interests that include a birdbath, a squirrel feeder and a hummingbird feeder.

“Little did I know what was in store for me,” Buck said. “I soon found the silver lining in my quarantine when birds started to appear.”

Buck’s small, intown back yard was perfect for bird watching, with young trees and the new birdbath and feeders.

“Little by little, more birds started to appear. I was fascinated by their colors and songs, and marveled at their instinctive skills,” she said.

Gifted photographer that she is, it didn’t take long for Buck to grab her camera and start photographing her winged visitors. Using her longest lens, she was able to capture photos of birds splashing in the birdbath. The fascination grew from there.

Bucks said: “I knew little about birds except for the common ones like robins and cardinals, so I installed a bird identity app on my phone. I quickly learned to identify the birds and learned so much about them. I was astonished at how many types of birds my yard in Duluth attracted.”

Buck has learned to be prepared for her avian friends.

“My outdoor set up is simple,” she said. “It consists of fencing, which acts as a perching platform, as well as many small trees which are within reach of my 400 mm lens. And it amazes me how often the birds splash in the bird bath.”

As a portrait photographer, Buck knows that light is an all-important factor in capturing the perfect image.

“Lighting is a key element in achieving optimal results,” she said. “The morning light is best and provides that ‘glint in the eye’ which is just as important for a bird portrait as a people portrait. The late-day sun is a little harsher, but I am able to capture rim lighting on the birds which highlight their unique feathers and plumes.

“I am partial to the brightly colored birds which are usually the males.

I love the goldfinch, Carolina bluebird, and the cardinal. The house finch is also a favorite and probably the most common bird in my yard.”

Before she was sequestered at home, Buck knew nothing about birds.

“I never took the time to listen and watch birds. Now that I have become familiar with them, it has opened up a whole new world for me,” Buck said. “All this time, they were right in front of my eyes.” Now they are in front of her camera, too.

Mary Buck teaches private photography lessons for photo enthusiasts who would like to learn how to take better pictures.

To learn more about her private lessons visit the website.

You can visit Buck’s fine art web site at https://1-mary-buck.pixels.com/

A Creative Guide for Photographers During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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Are you a photographer stuck at home?

Most cities now have a “shelter in place” mandate to stop the spread of the awful Coronavirus. The safest thing to do is stay at home, but how can you keep your creative juices flowing? Our new normal (at least for the next 30-60 days) can be a great time to learn new skills in Photoshop, Lightroom, photography and video. I have found many ways to continue being productive and help pass the time while having fun. I would like to share a creative guide for photographers with you.

Below is my shortlist of ways you can be creative.

  • Linkedinlearning.com
  • CreativeLive
  • Harold Davis books and videos
  • Spring flower photography
  • Macro photography
  • Start a photo journal

Let’s start with Linkedinlearning.com

Formerly lynda. com., LinkedIn offers a plethora of online learning including everything you have ever wanted to know about Photoshop, Lightroom and ACR. If you are new to Photoshop, I would start with the Essentials Training Basics and Essential Training Photography. I took both courses and then I jumped on to Photoshop 2020 One-on-One Fundamentals. I have been a Photoshop user for almost twenty years, but I still learned so much about the software and how I can improve and enhance my photography. Best of all, the subscription is only $30 per month and you can cancel it anytime you want.

Here are some of the best tips I learned so far:

  • Use the content-aware tool to extend a background when cropping.
  • Add your copyright to an image that will be posted online.
  • Use scrubby sliders to increase or decrease a setting (now I am getting really excited)
  • Converting to a smart object for a non-destructive edit.
  • Lots and lots of keyboard shortcuts.
Here is just one of the Photoshop tips I learned.
The image above was converted to a smart object and next an oil paint filter was applied. Copyright information was embedded using the file info command.

Creative Live rocks!

I have been an active member of Creative Live since 2012. Their online workshops are intended for those who have a passion for being creative. You can learn new photography skills such as wildlife photography, or try something new like public speaking. (we can all use that). If you are a parent homeschooling your child, you can probably find some crafty projects to work on with them. Creative Live’s tagline is: Master your craft, your passion, or something new with creative classes taught by the world’s best.

The trick with Creative Live is to find out their schedule for their FREE ON-AIR and LIVE classes. They are usually during the day, and now what else to you have to do? You can also pay a fee to watch an online course at your own freedom. Creative Live offers a Pass for a very affordable monthly or annual fee. To learn more about Creative Live click the link below.

Join in on the this phenomenal, ground-breaking, learning environment and register for a CreativeLive Photography online course, or any course that interests you.

If you haven’t heard of Harold Davis

you are in for a big treat. He is not only one of the best photographers on earth, he is also a poet and wonderful instructor. He has a knack for creating beauty out of simple subjects and is willing he is to share his skill and talent. I would start on his website to learn more about his books, webinars and live workshops.

Harold’s creative vision is unparalleled in the industry. He has been one of my favorite photographers for a long time. I have enjoyed one of his webinars: Painting in Transparency Using a High-Key Layer Stack Webinar with Harold Davis, that I have watched it over and over again. For this process, you will need a lightbox, and there are lots of DIY instructions available online. It will be worth your time to check out Harold Davis.

An example of a high-key layer stack.
(Harold’s are much better)
Here is another example of the high key layer stack method. Apparently I used it for a holiday greeting.

The spring flowers are amazing

depending on where you live. In Georgia, spring has sprung, and the landscape is filled with cherry blossoms, azaleas, tulips, dogwoods, and a very high pollen count. Going outside in nature can be a great way to unstress in today’s uncertain times. Maintaining social distancing is a must.

You can research the botanical gardens where you live to see if they are open. Near where I live, Gibbs Gardens is still open. Although I have been there many times, I find the early spring to be the most beautiful time to witness and photograph nature. Gibbs Gardens is in Ballground, GA, about 50 miles north of Atlanta. If you go, make sure you pay online in advance and go online for their hours.

An image from Gibbs Gardens taken March 22, 2020. A Topaz Impression filter was used to enhance this image.
I tiptoed through the tulips at Gibbs Gardens on March 22 and never saw such a beautiful display of tulips in my life.

Macro Photography is like discovering

a parallel universe that can not typically be seen with the naked eye. I am just beginning my adventures in this genre of photography, so I do not have tons to share except get out there and give it a try.

You will need a macro lens or an extension tube kit. The extension tubes are the cheapest way to go and are a great way to start out in macro photography. I used the tube kit for years but decided to invest in a macro lens this year. I have the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens which is an awesome sharp lens, which I can also use for portraits.

Macro photography is something you can do in your own backyard or at your kitchen table. Crawl around on the ground and look under plants and in the soil and you might be surprised what you can see with a macro lens. For indoor work, I usually buy a bouquet of flowers from Publix and photography them all week long. If you live in an area where spring flowers are in bloom, you will have a special advantage.

This image was taken using extension tubes. The water droplets underneath the brush were barely visible with the naked eye.
This image is a macro of the back of a sunflower. I used my extension tubes for this image focusing on the foreground and letting the background present an ethereal look.
Who doesn’t love a rose? I photographed this rose using my Canon Macro 100mm lens. I used an aperture of f/18 so the layers of petals would not be blurred due to a shallow depth of field.

Lastly, I would encourage you to journal

during these difficult times. You never know, your journal could become a best-seller someday. Since you are a photographer, accompany your text with photographs that tell a story. Your story could be handed down to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren someday.

I hope I have given you enough ideas for a month.

Hopefully, we will not be hunkered down after April. We will all get through this together. Be safe, stay healthy and keep shooting!

Looking forward to the day when we can all bask on the beach together!

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Artsy Photography Tip 1

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I am starting off the New Year by blogging about some of my favorite tips on how to improve photography. The first several tips for the New Year will be artsy techniques. Creating a work of art with a camera starts with a unique composition. In all of my classes and on blog posts, I talk and write about the rule of thirds, so I will skip that and go right into the positive impact of negative space.

What is negative space?  It is space to the right, left, top or bottom of a subject that surrounds the subject in a photograph.  Placing the negative space is in itself an art.  When correctly placed, it adds balance to the composition. Negative space in a photography prevents the subject from looking too crowded.  Negative space is most effectively used when photographing a subject off-center.  The image above is nicely balanced with the subject on the right and the pond ripples and reflections on the left. An added bonus is that the egret is facing to the negative space.

Exercise – Try this simple and quick exercise to view the impact of negative space on a subject.  Find a subject and draw an imaginary tick-tack-toe pattern over it. Photograph the subject in each of the four quadrants (where the lines intersect). Try this with several subjects and see how each one makes you feel. You will soon discover the power of negative space in your photographic compositions.  Below is an example of a photograph that I took of my dog Jazpur in the fall leaves.  The next photograph is of a hiabiscus flower with the stamen leading to a colorful bouquet of negative space.

Rule of thirds exampleflower photography