Posted May 6th, 2009
by John Domizioli
by John Domizioli
Outdoor photography is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby, but it can also be one of the most frustrating. Truly capturing the beautiful colors, shapes and textures of the great outdoors can be quite a challenge for even the most experienced photographer, and outdoor photography requires the use of different techniques, and different equipment, than shooting indoors under artificial light.
Part of what makes the outdoors such an attractive subject for photographs is the fact that the light conditions are constantly changing. This ever shifting light can also present some problems, however, and it is important to be prepared. Many of the tips that follow focus on lighting, including the use of filters and other equipment designed to overcome some of the challenges of shooting those wide open spaces.
- An important option to consider is the use of a polarizing filter, UV filter, or possibly both. A good incentive for using filters is increased color depth and clarity in the finished shots.
- It is well known that higher quality photography camera lenses produce higher quality photos; however budgets vary between photographers, but still the most expensive lens that is affordable is the best option. Remember, the quality of the lens will show in the quality of the photo.
- Because camera shake can be a possibility, it is important to use a tripod when shooting outdoors. Distortions caused by camera shake are especially noticeable in these shots, but a good tripod will assure stability and allow you to concentrate on more important things.
- When taking a shot of the sky or other wide spaces, by default the focus will usually be at infinity. Before taking the shot always check to make sure that digital cameras lenses are properly focused.
- Telescopic zoom lenses are designed to magnify distant objects. This can be a great asset for an outdoor shoot; however the use of these lenses can cause a loss of contrast. Often it is better to move closer to the subject and use a shorter lens.
- Look around without the camera and study the landscapes that would make the best photographs. Note the elements in the landscape and how they fit together into a cohesive whole. Shoot with this perfect image in mind.
- Study your finished photographs and note the ones that look the best. Look for patterns in the way they were composed and shot. Then apply those elements to your future photographic endeavors.
- Experiment with different angles to bring new life to your photos. Shooting familiar objects from unfamiliar perspectives can create a unique new look.
- One of the great parts about outdoor photography is you can zoom in on a small flower or shoot a whole landscape. Play with different lenses and zoom levels until you find the shot that you want.
Tags: arts, hobbys, lenses, lenses for outdoor photography, outdoor photography, Photography, photography landscapes, tips for new photographers Posted in Photography
Posted May 2nd, 2009
by Tony Forrester
by Tony Forrester
If someone wanted to create a photo gallery of human emotions, he or she would be well served to hire a sports photographer. Photojournalists who cover sporting events may even be able to capture an impressive range of emotions on a single afternoon. Anyone who reads Sports Illustrated or the sports section of a daily newspaper that has a talented sports photographer on board has seen stunning photos of anguish, determination, elation, despondence, confusion, anger, frustration, surprise, and bewilderment on the faces and in the body language of athletes, onlookers, referees, and coaches. In fact, these images routinely win awards in big-stakes photo competitions. And many sports photographer pros have no interest in the sporting events they cover. After all, its not about sports ” its about permanently suspending an intensely focused soccer player in mid-air as she sends home the winning goal or capturing a pitchers outstretched arm as he winds up to deliver the decisive fast ball.
Anyone can learn sports photography if it interests them. Advice from the pros is plentiful on the internet often accompanied with dramatic photos to demonstrate the value of their opinions. Unfortunately, these recognized photojournalists have advantages that usually are not available to their less experienced counterparts. For example, they usually have direct access to the playing field or press box of the event. Joe Lightbox, on the other hand, will need to have a few extra tricks in his camera bag for when he finds himself restricted to the stands. Zoom, speed, and light levels will all be very different for him.
Some popular advice from the pros is this: You must have a good SLR camera either digital or 35mm. A 7x or higher optical zoom is essential for a digital camera. You will have no control of the poor lighting at sports events so come prepared to deal with it.
So how does Joe deal with it?
Shutter speeds of 1/250 to 1/500 work best to achieve sharp action shots. If possible Joe needs to get to the event early so he can adjust his shutter speed to match the event lighting; a faster shoot requires more light. If the lighting is good an aperture opening, or f-range, of 8-11 is allowable (more about aperture shortly). A faster shutter speed requires a larger lens aperture to allow more light. (Note: Larger apertures usually make for a heavier and more expensive lens)
Two or even three types of photography camera lenses are recommended by the pros for varied shots.
Telephoto lenses are usually described by their focal length, in mm, and their aperture, which is an f number: The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8-32 for example. A smaller f number translates to a larger aperture opening and a faster lens, because of the reduced exposure time. Another example is the Nikkor 200mm f/2 and the Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6. With the different situations that are encountered while shooting a sports event one pro photographer covers all of his bases by using three lenses: an 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5, a 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6; and a 50mm f/1.8. These allow him to snap fast clear action shots and the lower activity ones as well.
The maximum aperture (minimum f number) for digital cameras zoom lenses is typically f/2.8 to f/6.3. A constant aperture of f/2 or f/2.8 is usually found on faster lenses.
To help compensate for low lighting levels, Joe should increase the ISO ” the measurement of a cameras sensitivity to light ” to 200 or even 400. Unfortunately, the higher the ISO, the grainier the result. However, a very fast lens can somewhat reduce the ISO. Shooting at f/2.8 or f/4 will give him a lot more leeway as far as shutter speed and ISO.
Shutter lag time is something else that Joe needs to understand. Basically, shutter lag time is the amount of time that elapses between the time Joe presses the button to the moment the picture is actually snapped. Auto focus can be a great resource at times, but it can significantly increase shutter lag time. For action shots it may be necessary for Joe to use manual focus mode if it is an option on his camera.
One last thing for Joe to do: Call the venue ahead of the event date to learn their policy for picture-taking. Photography could be prohibited and, at the very worst, he could be barred from entry if hes carrying a camera; or he could be allowed in but forced to leave his camera in a back room, which may not be a palatable option for Joe; or limitations on camera size and flash use could be posted. Any of these consequences would be a painful disappointment for Joe.
Tags: Cameras, lenses, Photography, pictures, sports photography, sports photography ideas, tips for new photographers Posted in Photography
Posted February 22nd, 2009
by David Wilson
by David Wilson
So, you have a brand new digital SLR, and might be thinking about buying some new glass to go on front. After all, being able to change out lenses is one of the best reasons to get an SLR in the first place. You will be on the hunt for new glass soon if you aren’t already.
So, you’re getting some lenses, but which ones? It really depends on a lot of different factors. What kinds of things do you want to photograph? What do you want to spend? You’ll have to be thinking about all of these things.
Let’s say you’re just an average user. Your camera probably came with a decent, versatile zoom lens. You probably want your next lens purchase to fill in a gap left by this zoom lens. Like to take wildlife or sports pictures? Then you’ll need a fast telephoto lens. Like to do landscapes? Then a wide angle zoom (or fixed) lens might be in your future.
The zoom vs. prime debate is one thing you’ll certainly come across. Primes lenses are cheaper, sharper, and faster than zoom lenses, but of course they only give you one focal length. Zooms are more versatile, so its your choice as to which you value more.
If you do a lot of low light work, like concerts, you’ll need some fast lenses. Unfortunately, fast lenses come at a huge cost premium. They are also really heavy and bulky because of all the extra glass. Still, though, they are a great item for any photographer to own.
If you’re on a budget but want the kind of image quality a mid grade consumer zoom can’t give you, check into using old manual focus prime lenses. Many modern DSLRs can take excellent manual focus lenses from as long as 45 years ago. You’d be amazed at the quality of some of these lenses.
So, you can see that there are many, many different options for getting a lens for your new DSLR. Just be sure that you figure out what you’re looking for, and you should be able to find some awesome lenses that will greatly enhance your photographic experience.
Tags: Digital Photography, dslr lenses, electronics, hobbies, hobby, lenses, Photography Posted in Photography
