Shot stock photos at Ypsilanti’s 4th of July parade, I just love 4th of July parades, I get all sorts of emotional and patriotic… Here’s what I did right and what I’ll do differently next time:
– I researched the parade route, figured out a good place to park, got there early, played with camera settings. Went with ISO 100 since it was a nice sunny day, shutter priority with my shutter speed at 1/500 to ensure good focus.
– I used my 70-300 mm zoom camera to get close-ups but when I look at my photos few went beyond 100 mm, and you’ll see I missed some good shots because I couldn’t zoom out enough. Next time I’ll stick with my 18-105 mm lens.
– I wanted to get some shots with the iconic Ypsilanti water tower, so I placed myself on the right side of the road and I did get some nice shots with the tower:
but being on that side of the street also meant that I ended up with more commercial logos in the background than I wanted on the close-ups:
Luckily I was able to catch them after the parade and got a nice photo with the water tower in the background:
I was very nice and smiled and waved to everyone, and they waved back and would pause to get their photo taken:
Here’s where my zoom lens was a mistake, next time like I said, 18-105 mm…
Got some good shots of the Ypsi cheer team:
and of veterans:
Even this quite close-up one was only 70 mm, so I clearly didn’t need the zoom, should have switched back earlier… Live and learn…
People will give you every chance to give you a nice photo. This was my 4th try at this guy, other participants kept getting in the way:
again, though, note the crowded background – next time, other side…
Having gained confidence from people wanting to have their photo taken, when I was not happy with my shots of Debbie Dingell, who is running for her husband’s position in the US Congress, I ran ahead and tried again and asked “Mrs. Dingell, can I have a photograph?” and she paused for me:
Note I was on the other side of the street with trees in the background… I’ll go with this angle next year…
So to recap:
– What I did right: Good research, good camera settings (ISO 100, shutter priority at 1/500), good shots with iconic water tower, friendly attitude, nice close-ups.
– What I’ll do differently next year: Alternate to other side of street for cleaner background, go with 18-105 mm lens.
That’s the thing with photography, always learning… I’ll process the photos tonight and will report back on Shutterstock results…
Susan
PS All the ones I submitted got accepted! You can find the collection here.
Susan Montgomery Photos 