Author Archives: Clifford Oto

There are times when I’m on an assignment, usually a sporing event, where I just can’t get into the rhythm of the game. My timing is off or non-existent. Consider it a photographer’s version of writer’s block. This is usually as the beginning of the season when I’m a bit rusty as shooting that particular […]

The next Readers Photo Challenge assignment will be a time to reflect because “reflections” is the subject. Using reflections as a compositional element can add a little extra visual spice and interest to your photo. You can find reflections just about anywhere. The most obvious choice to create one is a mirror. You don’t have […]

Animals were the subjects of this month’s readers Photo Challenge assignment. Some people sent in pictures of pets while others chose to find their animals in the wild. From mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects, most types of living things are represented here. Some were found close to home while others were photographed far and […]

In May, the Stage 3 of the Amgen Tour of California cycle race embarked from Stockton. I needed to get multiple pictures that told the whole story of the event, which meant that I had to plan carefully. Now, the tour is different from most sporting events. You only get a few opportunities to get […]

Occasionally I’ll be asked what’s the best camera. Is it a DSLR, superior to a point-and-shoot camera or smartphone? The answer is: it’s whatever you happen to have with you at the time. It may sound a bit flippant, but if all you have is one type of camera and not the other, you don;’t […]

Animals are the subjects for June’s Readers Photo Challenge. Most people have an affinity to on sort of creature or another and this challenge will encompass them all: mammals, birds, reptiles fish and insects. Whatever strikes your fancy and you can photograph it is fair game. Pets are a natural source of subjects for most […]

People at work or play was the subject of the latest Readers Photo Challenge assignment. The idea of the assignment was not just to photograph the activities, which can be very different from each other, but rather to get pictures of people engaged in doing something and not just sitting for a portrait. Ten readers […]

Some of you may think that outside during the day is the best time to take a portrait because there’s plenty of light. That’s true but it’s not always the best light. The best outdoor light is early or late in the day when the sun is near the horizon. Midday sun is the worst. […]