Martial Art Photography

We've Moved.

2010-10-09T15:25:00.002-04:00

Please visit our new blog location at http://martialartsphotography.net/

Thank you!

Photo of the Week 10/06/2010

2010-10-06T00:12:00.001-04:00

5-8-2010 Queen City Laban Laro

Photo of the Week 9/29/2010

2010-09-29T02:08:00.002-04:00

4-17-2010 - Champion Challenge Martial Arts Open - Amherst NY.

Tournament Shooting without Flash, a primer. -Bob Hubbard

2010-04-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

Tournament Shooting without Flash, a primer.
-Bob Hubbard

Traditional thinking says to use flash to freeze action. But what do you do if the venue won't allow flash photography? Shooting in a low light situation is tricky, even for pros. Where our eyes may think things are well lit, the average karate school or gym just doesn't put out the level of light needed by most cameras to capture anything but a blurry, grainy mess. So, what do you do? This is where you're going to have to put away the pocket camera and reach for pro gear.

This is where you need to know your camera well. Locking it on auto is not going to get you anything but amateur level shots, and often will trigger your flash, getting you in trouble and possibly ejected from the event.

Taking good shots in low light is tricky, but it's not impossible. It's a matter of raising your ISO to 800, 1600 or possibly even 3200, combined with a wide aperture of 2.8, 2.0, 1.8 or even 1.4 and a shutter speed around 1/60-1/200. Optionally, you may wish to use a tripod for added stability. Lets look at each of these briefly.

ISO
ISO when it comes to digital photography is a measure of light sensitivity. You trade light sensitivity for grain or noise in the image. While the final image doesn't really care how many MP you have, ISO does. Or rather, it cares how big those pixels are. A pocket camera's pixels tend to be a quarter of the size of a DSLR's. Bigger pixels = more light capturing ability + less noise. Play with the ISO starting with 800 until you find your optimum balance of noise to sensitivity.

Aperture
The aperture or Fstop determines how much light hits the sensor during a shot. For low light shooting, you want a lens that can do a 2.8 or wider for maximum light grabbing. Unfortunately, your standard kit lens just can't do this. Most manufacturers make a budget 50mm 1.8 or close lens, but if you want a zoom, you can expect to pay several hundred to a few thousand dollars. A trade off with a wide aperture is a shallow depth of field. Depth of field is how much of the image is in focus. A pocket camera is set to infinity, which is why most snapshots are all in focus, while pro shots focus on the subject and blur backgrounds. Experiment with your lens to see how sensitive it is. I've found that Canon lenses tend to be tighter than Nikon in this.

Shutter Speed
Shutter speed determines how much motion blur you'll get during a shot. Usually doing low-light shooting you'll keep the shutter open longer, times of 1/40 are common. However for action shots, you'll get significant blur at that speed. When using flash, you can set your speed at 1/200-1/500, but low light I suggest starting at 1/125 and working from there.

A good starting base is ISO 1600, F2.8, 1/125. You should experiment with this, and fine tune it depending on your conditions and equipment.

Tripod
Using a tripod is also a good idea to help stabilize your shot and keep things sharp. Keep in mind however that if you are using a tripod with an image stabilizing lens or camera, it is a good idea to disable the IS function as it can cause more blur when used in conjunction with a tripod or monopod.

I hope you've enjoyed this brief primer on low light shooting. Obviously, we've barely touched the surface here and could go into great depth on each part, but I hope this is enough to get you started. As with all photography, you need to practice, practice, practice to master the technique.

====
Bob Hubbard is a professional photographer specializing in martial arts event, nature and portrait photography. He is also the CEO of SilverStar WebDesigns Inc, a web design and hosting company specializing in martial arts sites, as well as an administrator on the popular martial arts communities MartialTalk.com, Kenpotalk.com and FMATalk.com. His martial arts photography can be found there as well as at his martial arts photography web site, martialphotos.com. He may be reached through these sites.
Copyright © 2010 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to reprint this article on websites, blogs and ezines provided all text, links and authors bio is left intact.

Tips on Lenses – Sharp Images at a Budget Price, the 50mm Answer. -Bob Hubbard

2010-04-26T23:52:00.000-04:00

Tips on Lenses – Sharp Images at a Budget Price, the 50mm Answer.
-Bob Hubbard

For anyone shooting portraits with a DSLR, which lens is best is an ongoing question, with most photographers having differing opinions based on their shooting style and goals. Good portrait lenses can run into the thousands of dollars for high end pro-glass. Thankfully both Nikon and Canon have an affordable answer within most shooters budgets.

The 50mm F1.8 lens.

While I would love to have the F1.2 or F1.4, both are out of the budget of the beginner or casual shooter at $350-$1,500. I've shot both Nikon and Canon DLSRs over the past few years, and both vendors offer a dirt cheap, razor sharp F1.8 lens right around the $100 price point. These lenses are great for low light occasions, create sharp and vibrant images, and are ultra light. The downside is they tend to be made of plastic and lack the durability of the higher priced F1.4 versions. The other downside is, as a prime or fixed length lens, the zoom tends to be your own two feet.

If you're serious about your photography, or just want a low cost sharp lens, check out the 50mm offered by your vendor. You won't be disappointed.

====

Bob Hubbard is a professional photographer specializing in martial arts event, nature and portrait photography. He is also the CEO of SilverStar WebDesigns Inc, a web design and hosting company specializing in martial arts sites, as well as an administrator on the popular martial arts communities MartialTalk.com, Kenpotalk.com and FMATalk.com. His martial arts photography can be found there as well as at his martial arts photography web site, martialphotos.com. He may be reached through these sites.

Permission is granted to reprint this article on websites, blogs and ezines provided all text, links and authors bio is left intact.

Join us on Facebook

2010-04-25T12:00:00.002-04:00

Martial Arts Photography on Facebook.

Limited Edition Grandmaster Bobby Taboada Portrait

2010-02-15T01:01:00.002-05:00

Grandmaster Bobby Taboada

=Print Prices=

All prints are printed on Kodak Professional Paper for the highest in print quality.

8x10 Matted (11x14)
$299

11x14 Non-Matted
$279

11x14 Matted (16x20)
$399

16x20 Non Matted
$379

=Plak mounted=

8x10 - $350

8x10 - $350

11x14 - $450

16x20 - $550

Limited Edition Datu Tim Hartman Portrait

2010-02-06T00:51:00.001-05:00

=Print Prices=

All prints are printed on Kodak Professional Paper for the highest in print quality.

8x10 Matted (11x14)
$299

11x14 Non-Matted
$279

11x14 Matted (16x20)
$399

16x20 Non Matted
$379

=Plak mounted=

8x10 - $350

11x14 - $450

16x20 - $550

Contact me to order. http://martialphotos.com/

Limited Edition, Signed and Certified.
Each portrait run is limited to 10 prints total irregardless of size.
Matted prints include frame.
Hand numbered and signed.
Certificate of Authenticity is sent with each portrait.
Prices include shipping within the US. Contact me for rates outside the US.

The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

2010-01-26T20:42:00.001-05:00

"One hundred percent of donations received by the Clinton Foundation and the Communities Foundation of Texas go directly to relief efforts."

Donation sent.

http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/

Updated: Taking Better Action Photos

2009-04-03T16:29:00.002-04:00

I've updated the article with a variety of extra resources to help you out.
http://www.squidoo.com/betteractionphotos

Hiatus

2009-02-22T23:43:00.001-05:00

I'm rethinking on what I want to do with this blog, other than just post photos. Will be relaunching in March.

Safety Tips for Models By Bob Hubbard

2008-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Safety Tips for Models
By Bob Hubbard

From bobhubbardphotography.com
==========

Safety Tips for Models

Modeling is normally a safe activity. Unfortunately, there are a number of unsavory characters out there who will prey on those who are vulnerable. Some shoots can place you in a vulnerable position. So, here are some tips I've collected from various photography and model sites to help ensure your safety.

Do your research into your Photographer.

Check references with other models he or she has shot.
Make sure you see examples of their work. And specific, examples of what they want to use you for.
Check the National Sex Offender Registry.
Use Google or another search engine to look up their name.
Check with sites such as OneModelPlace, ModelMayhem, etc.
Find out as much as you can about those you are considering working with. Ask around.
Be certain to get a verifiable home and/or studio phone number, and street address, for anyone you work with. Especially if you are meeting somewhere
If a photographer say's he shoots for a certain magazine......look in the mag and see if his name is in the mast- head.. If it isn't, call the editor to verify him. If they don't know him, drop him/her immediately.

Protect your Privacy.

Never post personal contact information, such as address and phone number in an area where the public will view it (such as websites, message boards...etc).
Be very careful regarding posts and e-mail from anyone with a generic (hotmail, yahoo, etc.) e-mail address.
Be wary of unprofessional posts and emails.
A private area should be provided for you to change outfits. Remember, you are there to do a shoot, not a striptease.

Protect Yourself on Shoots

Be very clear about what kind of work you are looking for, and what kind of work you will not accept.
Never travel on a shoestring and have a back-up plan if things don't work out exactly as planned.
Especially when working with someone new, if possible, bring along a chaperone to the photo shoot. Any professional photographer should not have a problem with this. Do NOT work with anyone who refuses to allow you to.
Arrive at remote shoots seperately.
Let someone know where you will be at all times.
Know what your limits are as to what you will do, and stick with them. Make certain that both you and the photographer are well aware of them. Leave if the photographer insists you go beyond them. (IE: Do nude when you don't want to.)
Home studios are fine, just make sure that there is a separate changing area, with a lock. Always check your surroundings. Check for exits etc.

Protect your Future

Don't ever do anything that you might be sorry for later. What you do today can affect your carreer later down the road. "If you pose for a photo that you cannot show your family and friends, and be proud of it, it wasn't worth doing". Mainly YOU should be proud of it.
There should always be a modeling agreement"release" signed before the shoot, some might prefer after. As long as you get one it should be ok. Make sure in the agreement that you have knowledge of where and how your images are going to be displayed. Try to have full say in this.... If at all possible.

====
Bob Hubbard is a professional photographer specializing in martial arts event, nature and portrait photography. He is also the CEO of SilverStar WebDesigns Inc, a web design and hosting company specializing in martial arts sites, as well as an administrator on the popular martial arts communities MartialTalk.com, Kenpotalk.com and FMATalk.com. His martial arts photography can be found there as well as at his martial arts photography web site, martialphotos.com. He may be reached through these sites.
Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to reprint this article on websites, blogs and ezines provided all text, links and authors bio is left intact.

Advice for Photographers By Bob Hubbard

2008-12-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Advice for Photographers
By Bob Hubbard

From http://bobhubbardphotography.com
==============

Advice

As I continue to study and learn about the art of photography, I am amazed at both it's simplicity, and it's complexity. What follows are a few nuggets that I've learned so far on this journey.

Lighting is key

Having the right amount and the right type of light is crucial to taking a good photo.
Not enough, and it can appear hazy or underdeveloped.
Too much, and you can wash out the high spots as well as the colors.
The wrong angle can make your photo appear too flat, or lifeless.
Not all light sources are equal. Lightbulbs give off different colors of light, all of which effect your photo differently. Whenever possible, shoot using true natural type light.
Understand lighting setups. A bright flash right in front of the subject is usually bad. Off set it to one side to create complimentary shadows and show depth. Use additional lighting to highlight details, or 'cut out' your subject from the background.

Backgrounds

Avoid overly cluttered backgrounds. If the background is too busy, your subject can become lost in the confusion.
Use wide apatures and fast shutter speeds to create a narrow depth of field/view to keep your subject in focus but throw your background out of focus. This is usually not possible with consumer grade point and shoot cameras.

Shutter Speeds

Understanding the relationship between shutter speed and motion can help you to get the action shots. Too slow, and it appears blurry. Too fast, and you can lose important depth and tone.

Stability

Unless you have the hands of a surgeon, using a tripod is a good idea, especially when dealing with slower shutter speeds.

Expensive does not equal better.

You can spend $100 on a midrange consumer digicam, or $30,000 on a top of the line professional rig. If you don't understand the relationships between lighting, shutter speed, and all the other bits you can adjust on your camera, you will take bad photos. A low end camera will adjust things for you. The fancier ones require you to do it yourself. Learn on the low end, then move up as your skills progress.

Spending a fortune on gear is not needed for a hobbyist.

You can spend $200 on a pro-style light rig, or under $25 on a good quality natural light bulb, a shop reflector, and a cheap tripod to clamp it onto. The later is comparable in effect, but a lot cheaper to learn with.

Know your Legal Rights

Your Rights When You Are Stopped or Confronted for Photography by Bert Krages, Attorney at Law

Buffalo Martial Arts and Fitness Expo October 17 & 18, 2009

2008-12-01T14:21:00.001-05:00

Buffalo Martial Arts and Fitness Expo
October 17 & 18, 2009

We are proud to announce that on October 17 & 18 Buffalo, NY will host the first annual Buffalo Martial Arts and Fitness Expo.

Whether you are relatively new to martial arts or a seasoned martial artist, the Buffalo Martial Arts and Fitness Expo has something for everyone. Special features of the event will include two international tournaments and seminars taught by industry leaders, along with a premier trade show.

On October 17, the Expo will feature the Queen City Laban Laro VII. The Queen City Laban Laro is one of the area’s longest running tournaments. This year’s event has more divisions that any other regional tournament offers. To date, there are 170 divisions. In addition to the standard events of forms, weapons and fighting that most competitions offer, there will also be divisions in grappling, stick fighting, self defense, breaking and musical forms. For more information on the Queen City Laban Laro, go to www.queencitylabanlaro.com

On October 18, the Expo will host the second Can-Am Border Battle. This will be an international team competition featuring weapons, kata, point fighting and stick fighting as its events. In addition to individual awards to competitors, there are also team medals for the countries participating in this event. Last year’s results had the gold medal and Can-Am Cup going to Team Canada, Team USA took silver and NAFMA International took bronze. For more information go to www.canamborderbattle.com

The trade show will have a variety of vendors from supply companies to consulting firms. There will also be demonstrations, seminars and workshops from industry leaders to world renowned Grandmasters. Check the Expo’s website www.buffalomartialartsexpo.com regularly for added classes and instructors

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unique martial arts experience!

For more information contact:
Datu Tim Hartman
Phone: 716-675-0899
E-mail: admin@horizonma.com
Web www.buffalomartialartsexpo.com

Taking Better Action Photos By Bob Hubbard

2008-12-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Taking Better Action Photos
By Bob Hubbard

Ever been at a martial arts or other sporting event and taken pictures and not been happy with what you got? Were the eyes red and demonic looking, or did the subjects look like blurs or whispery ghosts? Here's a couple of suggestions to help you improve your shots.

1 - Know your camera settings.

Most people simply put their camera on "automatic" and hope for the best. This works in most cases, but action shots require a bit more knowledge to get right. Check and see if your camera has an "Action" or "Sports" mode. These settings use preset settings from the manufacturer to try and optimize your camera to capture fast moving action. While not perfect, it will usually improve what you do get.

2 - Use your Flash.

Yes, even in what to you looks like a nice and bright room, using your flash can help to "freeze" the action for your camera to catch it, and will add some pop to your shot.

3 - Enable Red Eye protection.

Many current pocket cameras today include a mode that ties to minimize those evil glowing demon eyes you get when using flash. Red eye is caused by the flash being too close to the lense, and the flash being "seen" in the eye. This is part of why professional photographers use those special grips and have the flash way up over the camera. If your flash is too harsh, try taping a little tissue paper over the light to soften it. Be aware that doing so will shorten the range and brightness of the light.

4 - Know what ISO your camera is set at.

Simply put, properly setting your camera's ISO will improve your pictures. A low ISO like 100-200 tends to be sharp, clear. High ISO's like 800-1600= ten to be on the fuzzy side, and grainy. So, why use a high ISO? The higher the number the more light sensitive your digital film is. Use a high ISO in low light situations.

5 - Take some test shots.

Digital cameras are great in that you can take as many shots as you want and not have to worry about bad ones. Before the event, take some test shots and preview them on the screen. Delete the ones that are really off, tweak your settings and try a few more.

Sports photography is a fun activity, but getting the best quality shots takes a little work. I hope that these tips help you enjoy your photography more.

====
Bob Hubbard is a professional photographer specializing in martial arts event, nature and portrait photography. He is also the CEO of SilverStar WebDesigns Inc, a web design and hosting company specializing in martial arts sites, as well as an administrator on the popular martial arts communities MartialTalk.com, Kenpotalk.com and FMATalk.com. His martial arts photography can be found there as well as at his martial arts photography web site, martialphotos.com. He may be reached through these sites.
Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to reprint this article on websites, blogs and ezines provided all text, links and authors bio is left intact.

Light Month

2008-11-28T23:47:00.001-05:00

Looks like November turned out to be a lot lighter than I'd hoped. Check back starting December 1st for new articles, photos and tips.

Happy Holidays!

Light Week

2008-11-01T12:40:00.000-04:00

Due to the election and being swamped, the first week of November will be a little light in content. We'l be back to usual shortly.

POTD: October 31, 2008

2008-10-31T00:01:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween from "Bob"

POTD: October 30, 2008

2008-10-30T00:01:00.002-04:00

Datu Hartman on the floor during Sensei Gerry DiSanto seminar @ Horizon Martial Arts
June 25 2006

POTD: October 29, 2008

2008-10-29T00:01:00.001-04:00

Sensei Gerry DiSanto @ Horizon Martial Arts
June 25 2006

POTD: October 28, 2008

2008-10-28T00:01:00.003-04:00

Sensei Gerry DiSanto @ Horizon Martial Arts
June 25 2006

POTD: October 27, 2008

2008-10-27T00:01:00.002-04:00

Sensei Gerry DiSanto @ Horizon Martial Arts
June 25 2006

POTD: October 26, 2008

2008-10-26T00:01:00.002-04:00

Sensei Gerry DiSanto shows how pretzels are made
06+-25-2006

POTD: October 25, 2008

2008-10-25T00:01:00.002-04:00

Guro Primo Luciano rolls during Sensei Gerry DiSanto's seminar at Horizon Martial Arts
06-25-2006

POTD: October 24, 2008

2008-10-24T00:01:00.002-04:00

Sensei Gerry DiSanto @ Horizon Martial Arts
June 25 2006

POTD: October 23, 2008

2008-10-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

Datu Tim Hartman on the floor
06-25-2006

POTD: October 22, 2008

2008-10-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

Open House at Bill Adams Martial Arts & Fitness Center
6-17-2006

POTD: October 21, 2008

2008-10-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

Open House at Bill Adams Martial Arts & Fitness Center
6-17-2006

POTD: October 20, 2008

2008-10-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

Open House at Bill Adams Martial Arts & Fitness Center
6-17-2006

POTD: October 19, 2008

2008-10-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

Open House at Bill Adams Martial Arts & Fitness Center
6-17-2006

POTD: October 18, 2008

2008-10-18T03:01:00.000-04:00

Rising Star Region 4 Martial Arts Tournament at Bill Adams Martial Arts in Eden NY on June 21 2008

POTD: October 17, 2008

2008-10-17T03:01:00.000-04:00

Rising Star Region 4 Martial Arts Tournament at Bill Adams Martial Arts in Eden NY on June 21 2008

POTD: October 16, 2008

2008-10-16T03:01:00.000-04:00

2007 Queen City Laben Laro

POTD: October 15, 2008

2008-10-15T03:01:00.000-04:00

2006 MartialTalk.com NY Meet&Greet Instructors.

POTD: October 14, 2008

2008-10-14T03:01:00.000-04:00

Photo from the US Team Trials for the 2008 Can-Am Border Battle

POTD: October 13, 2008

2008-10-13T03:01:00.000-04:00

GrandMaster Jerson 'Nene' Tortal at the World Modern Arnis Alliance NY Camp 2008

POTD: October 12, 2008

2008-10-12T18:40:00.000-04:00

Photo from the 2008 Queen City Karate Classic

Martial Art Photography

We've Moved.

Photo of the Week 10/06/2010

Photo of the Week 9/29/2010

Tournament Shooting without Flash, a primer. -Bob Hubbard

Tournament Shooting without Flash, a primer.-Bob Hubbard

Tips on Lenses – Sharp Images at a Budget Price, the 50mm Answer. -Bob Hubbard

Join us on Facebook

Limited Edition Grandmaster Bobby Taboada Portrait

=Print Prices=

=Plak mounted=

Limited Edition Grandmaster Max Pallen Portrait

=Print Prices=

=Plak mounted=

Limited Edition Master Michael Giron Portrait

=Print Prices=

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Limited Edition Grandmaster Robert Castro Portrait

=Print Prices=

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Limited Edition Grandmaster Ron Van Browning Portrait

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Limited Edition Matee "Dragon Leg" Jedeepitak Portrait

Matee "Dragon Leg" Jedeepitak4 time Muay Thai champion

=Print Prices=

=Plak mounted=

Limited Edition Datu Tim Hartman Portrait

=Print Prices=

=Plak mounted=

The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

Updated: Taking Better Action Photos

Hiatus

Safety Tips for Models By Bob Hubbard

Safety Tips for Models

Advice for Photographers By Bob Hubbard

Advice

Buffalo Martial Arts and Fitness Expo October 17 & 18, 2009

Taking Better Action Photos By Bob Hubbard

Light Month

Light Week

POTD: October 31, 2008

POTD: October 30, 2008

POTD: October 29, 2008

POTD: October 28, 2008

POTD: October 27, 2008

POTD: October 26, 2008

POTD: October 25, 2008

POTD: October 24, 2008

POTD: October 23, 2008

POTD: October 22, 2008

POTD: October 21, 2008

POTD: October 20, 2008

POTD: October 19, 2008

POTD: October 18, 2008

POTD: October 17, 2008

POTD: October 16, 2008

POTD: October 15, 2008

POTD: October 14, 2008

POTD: October 13, 2008

POTD: October 12, 2008

Tournament Shooting without Flash, a primer.
-Bob Hubbard

Matee "Dragon Leg" Jedeepitak
4 time Muay Thai champion