In our search for great photography for the TravelMuse site we sometimes come across extraordinary photographers. They aren’t all professionals, some are hobbyists that have a great passion for the art, and strive to learn everything they can about it. While looking for images for our Québec City issue I came across Flickr user dancl, and immediately recognized the quality of his work. He was kind enough to let us use one of his images for the cover of that issue, and was excited about the opportunity to be interviewed for our photoblog. Here's what dancl, or Daniel Fuentealba, had to say.

TravelMuse: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Daniel Fuentealba: I’m from Concepción, Chile. I’m a wood engineer who studied for a Masters of Science at the University of Bío-Bío (Concepción, Chile). I moved with my wife in 2004 to Québec City, Canada to study in a Ph.D. program at Laval University. Last year we became parents of a beautiful little boy named Benjamin. Since we are far from our family and friends in Chile, we maintain a blog in order to share his growth.

TM: What got you interested in photography and why do you continue to enjoy it?

DF: In 1996, my sister Mariely gave me her Zenith 122 manual camera. As I started studying at the University of Bío-Bío, I joined the university’s photography club, which is where I learned the basics of photography and darkroom techniques. It wasn’t until I came to Canada in May 2005 that I picked up the camera again. At first I used a point and shoot Canon Powershot A510, just to document our new life and share it with our family. I still use that same camera sometimes and have taken some prize-winning pictures with it. (Canon A510 gallery)

"Grands Feux Loto-Québec", Finalist | Centre de Congrès photography contest “Nouveau regard sur le Québec”

Fireworks

1st place Club Photo Optica exposition "Rouge" | Université Laval

Technical ability mention | Interuniversity photo contest 2007-08 Montreal University

Water Drops

Finalist | Photography contest at Laval University

During this last contest I had some good friends who encouraged me to join Laval University’s photo club, Optica. A few months after I joined Optica in September 2006, I bought my first D-SLR, a Nikon D70 with a Sigma 24-135mm f/2.8-4.5 lens. This club influenced me greatly, helping me to improve my technique and increase my interest in sharing my photography. Nowadays I share my work on a photoblog at , a blog at  and as always my Flickr account.

TM: What is your favorite photograph that you've taken and why?

DF: If you see my photo blog you will see that I have many, but I would say the one with the water drops on my office windows would be the most important for me as it led to my joining Optica. Through the club I have met many great photographers who helped me to recover my passion for photography and who keep me reading, learning and practicing to improve my technique and artistic side.

TM: What is your opinion on post-processing in Photoshop in terms of enhancing photos?

DF: That is a big question. I think post-processing is necessary because digital photographs are not as good as slide film right out of the camera. Digital photography is faster, cheaper and better for improving your technique though, because you can see the results instantaneously. I prefer digital photography for my own work.

Personally I would say that all my pictures have passed through Lightroom and/or Photoshop. Usually I use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to correct the color temperature and then Photoshop for details and adding the signature, among other things.

I have to say that I still keep some cameras in order to shoot film because, in my opinion, digital photography has taken some of the beauty out of the essence of photography. It has eliminated the need to take the time to observe and view the picture before making it, paying attention to the framing, etc. With digital and RAW files, you do one part of the work when you shoot, but it is not finished. You have to spend some time on the computer to develop your digital pictures. Because you have a memory card which you can fill, you are able to take test shots, which, I think, can start to erode your technique. That’s why I try to balance both technologies: film as well as digital photography.

TM: How long have you been using Flickr, and what do you like about it?

DF: I’ve been a Flickr member since October 2006. I really like to share what I do with people, even more so when I know that they are also interested in photography. It’s a pretty good way to improve your photography since you can usually get the technical information of a picture (EXIF information). It has many qualities that I like so I think DanCL (Dan: Daniel + CL: .cl from Chile) will be on Flickr for a while.

TM: What kind of responses have you gotten to your photos on Flickr?

DF: As I said before, Flickr has really helped me to improve my photography. The feedback that you get in Flickr helps you a lot. There is always the “good picture,” “nice colors,” “love the framing,” but also you get real critiques that let you see your pictures from a different view point that you could never see on your own. I already have more than 25,000 visits, and I really enjoy having my pictures commented on.

TM: What kind of responses have you gotten to your photos that have appeared on TravelMuse?

DF: It’s funny, but when I originally posted the picture on October 2007 I didn’t have any comments at all. I started getting good comments from people when they knew that the picture was on the cover of your article about Québec City. I have received some e-mails in the past asking for permission to publish my pictures for free, but this is the first time that I accepted, and I think it was mostly because it was for a cover.

TM: What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?

DF: I’m not the one to give advice, but if I have to say something I would say to practice (using digital) but keep fresh on the basics (using film). And of course seeing/observing lots of pictures … and sharing your opinions and critiques so other people will do the same for you.

Concert / Fête du Canada

hahn on blue + fan on red + chester on white

mountains map

It’s almost the time of year again when deciduous trees burst into vibrant colors, causing photographers to run for their cameras. Some parts of the United States are famous for their brilliant fall color displays, but no matter where you live you should be able to find some signs of the coming autumn season.

Here are five tips to help you make the most of this great photographic opportunity.

1. Pay attention to the time of day you are shooting.

Early morning and late afternoon are usually considered the best time to shoot. One hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset are called the “magic hour” because the sunlight is softer and produces long, low-contrast shadows.  The warm color of the light will also help to make the fall colors stand out and glow. The general rule is to shoot when your shadow is longer than you are tall.

Les feuilles magiques by darkpatator on Flickr

2. How to shoot when midday is your only option.

When the sun is directly overhead you won’t get the dramatic shadows and colors of the morning or evening, but there is still a lot you can do. Bright, intense noon light is perfect for backlighting fall colors. Consider getting up close and filling the frame with a single leaf, being careful to get the sun directly behind the leaf. If your camera can focus close enough to do this, you’ll end up with a fascinating photograph of the internal structure of the leaf. Try the same thing with a whole tree, but be careful about lens flare.

Sycamore Leaf by Clearly Ambiguous on Flickr

3. Lens accessories can also add drama to your photos.

Polarizing filters have the effect of darkening blue skies, giving them a deep intense color instead of a washed out look. Reflections can also be reduced with the use of these filters, which can help you get more intense colors in the leaves, especially if it has been raining.

Yellow leaves by jpctalbot on Flickr

4. Take some time to consider the composition of your images.

The vibrant colors are beautiful, but you’ll soon get tired of images that are just a jumble of colors. Look for interesting tree trunks, creeks, rocks or even mushrooms to include in your shot. Remember things like the rule of thirds—which says to place the subject of your photo 1/3 of the height or width of the frame away from the edge to give it a more interesting, unbalanced look.

A photo of wild mushrooms by elbfoto on Flickr

In addition, look for lead-in lines to include in your photo. A lead-in line is any compositional element that extends from the edge of your photo into the middle, with the best results being elements that come from the corners.

Langholz by Wolfgang Staudt on Flickr

5. Change your point of view!

Don’t take all your pictures from eye level—that’s what everyone is used to seeing, so it’s easy to get bored. Get down on the ground and shoot straight up, or find tiny things that people might miss if they weren’t paying attention. If you have a tripod and there is a breeze, play with the motion of the leaves. If you set your shutter speed to 1/25th of a second or slower, the leaves will blur in the direction of their motion, creating a beautiful, painterly effect.

4:23 by stop.down on Flickr

Most importantly, however, have fun and enjoy the short-lived photographic opportunity!