fbpx

DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

Search

Submit A Story

This photo of “crowded” California beach is not what it seems

by 27 Comments

We have already seen that the change of perspective and focal length can drastically change the story. And after the latest controversy over a “crowded” beach in California, we can see exactly how it works in the context of reporting.

After a photo of the beach was published, people started a heated debate over it, claiming that it was “fake.” And in a way, they were right. The photo wasn’t doctored, but it was taken with a telephoto lens, making the beach look overcrowded. Filmed from a helicopter, the situation turned out to be much different.

[Read More…]

Seven tips to help you shoot the perfect beach silhouettes

by Leave a Comment

Silhouette images can really pack a punch! They can be very striking and have the ‘wow’ factor. But how do you take them? Follow the tips below to take your own perfect beach silhouette images!

All the images here, were taken either on the beach or on the cliff tops above the beach. The beach is a great location for silhouette photography because of the wide open sky and uncluttered background.
[Read More…]

Drone pilot captures great white shark lurking near swimmers in Australia

by 8 Comments

When a 17-year-old Cameron Grace recently flew his drone on Australian beach, I doubt he had in mind that his hobby would prevent a dangerous encounter. While flying his DJI Spark, he spotted a shark lurking only meters away from two swimmers. Thanks to his and his aunt’s quick reaction, the swimmers managed to get out of the water.

[Read More…]

Cosplay photoshoot with giant fake rifle sparks public warning from California authorities

by 11 Comments

Last week, a cosplay photoshoot involving a large fake rifle caused quite a stir on the public Seacliff State Beach in Monterey Bay, California. The costumed model was seen carrying the huge replica gun at the beach, and judging from the photos, nothing indicated that it was fake. Some beachgoers reported the photoshoot to the police, and the whole case prompted a public warning from the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office.

[Read More…]

Drone pilot captures the frightening moment he spots a shark approaching his family

by Leave a Comment

While his wife and kids were playing in the shallow water at New Smyrna Beach in Florida, Dan Watson decided to take their photo from air. And boy they were lucky that he did! As he got his Mavic 2 Pro into the air, he spotted a shark moving towards his family. He rushed them out of the water and took incredible photos as they were running to safety.

[Read More…]

A complete guide to sunset beach silhouette photography

by 1 Comment

Mysterious.

Curious.

Magical.

These are some of the ways to describe a silhouette. Silhouettes are different from other forms of photography in that they give you very little in terms of detail. Instead, the silhouette taps into your mind and makes you wonder what the image is all about.

There might be people, buildings, or other objects that are a part of the silhouette. It is up to you to decide what story is being told and that is part of its magic.

The purpose of this guide is to teach you the art of sunset silhouettes on the beach – my absolute favorite type of silhouette.

[Read More…]

These aerial photos will make you see familiar shapes in the surfs on the shore

by 3 Comments

Remember that little game we’d play as kids, finding familiar shapes in the clouds? I still play it from time to time, but Australia-based photographer Peter Adams-Shawn has raised it to a whole new level. His project titled “From the Deep” features aerial photos, taken with a drone above the surfs of his local beach. In the photos he takes, surfs form various shapes we can analyze and recognize something familiar in them. He shared some of his wonderful images with DIYP, so let’s see – can you still play this game?

[Read More…]

Laguna Beach changes Non-Commercial photo permit rule after complaints of the public

by 8 Comments

The news that LagunaBeach requires a permit for shooting in public places has caused a lot of stir. After strong reactions from the public, it turns out that the problem was – inaccurate choice of words.

Laguna Beach Assistant City Manager Christa Johnson told OCWeekly that the permit only applies who photographers and filmmakers who receive compensation for their work. So, the City Council simply changed the “Non-Commercial Photo Permit” to be “Professional Still Photo Permit.” You still need to pay if you want to shoot, but apparently – only if you are paid for photo or video work.

[Read More…]

Public places now demand a permit, obey or face court and fines

by 124 Comments

Shooting in public places is generally allowed and you shouldn’t have any problems with the authorities. However, if you plan a photo shoot in the City of Laguna Beach, whether commercial or non-commercial, be ready to file for a permit. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay a fine.

A photographer recently had a photoshoot on the beach, when a ranger approached him. It turned out he needed a permit to take shots, although he was shooting in a public place. A friend of the photographer, Thien Dinh, shared the story with us. Considering this is one of his favorite shooting locations, this affects him too, as well as many other photographers.

[Read More…]

Being limited by my landlocked location, I bought 1,500 pounds of sand for a “beach” photo shoot, and got a single photo out of it

by 3 Comments

I bought a stack of foreign Vogue magazines for inspiration, and inside of Vogue Italia I saw an amazing photo of Alessandra Ambrosio on a beach at night (the image at the bottom of this page). I tucked it away in a manila envelope labeled “Possible Shoots”.

For a year and a half, every time I would create a new mood board, I would see this gorgeous photo. Slowly over time an idea grew that I could manage to have a similar shoot, without having to leave my studio.

[Read More…]

Recent Posts