How many times has a good shot been ruined by a vital part of the image being out of focus? A lot, I would guess. We often rely too much on auto-focus letting the camera make the decisions. Let’s look at some ways to ensure that the important parts of the image are sharp by taking back control.
Nearly all cameras these days have auto-focus which virtually guarantees at least some of your image will be in focus. Which part, however, might not be the part you want to be sharp. Most auto-focus systems will use an area of the image to focus on – usually a central point. This may be fine for most general scenes, but there will be times when it leads to parts of the image loosing sharpness.
Sometimes, particularly if you have a fairly prominent foreground, your auto-focus will focus on this area and leave the main subject out of focus. Especially if you have a narrow depth of field. This can happen if the Focus Area is set to “closest”. You can choose “single” Focus Area to get around this. Auto-focus can be confused under certain conditions when the focus area contains objects at different distances, unusual contrast or a finely detailed subject. If you find the main subject going out of focus when using auto-focus, try letting the camera focus on something at a similar distance, hold the shutter part way down to hold the focus, and recompose the shot. If all else fails you can always use Manual Focus!
When it comes to focus, depth of field is very important. Depth of field is the range of focus within an image. It is governed by the aperture of the lens. The larger the aperture the narrower the depth of field. Conversely, the smaller the aperture the greater the depth of field. Confusingly, the higher the aperture number the smaller the actual aperture. So, f11 gives a smaller aperture than f4. If you are using Aperture Priority exposure you are in control of the depth of field and can alter it to suit what you want. Otherwise the camera will set the aperture depending on the shutter speed in order to get the correct exposure. It is a good idea to use the preview button to see what the depth of field will look like in the final image.
If you are in auto-focus you can choose between Single-Servo or Continuous-Servo. This is basically to handle moving objects. Generally, single-servro will ensure a sharp, focused image. Continuous-servo may be a better choice for erratically moving objects which are constantly changing distance.
If your camera has manual focusing controls, learn to use them. You will almost certainly come across situations where auto-focus lets you down, and if you know how to use manual focusing you will get more out of your photography. Manual control is almost always needed when photographing close ups, and controlling depth of field. It allows you to make precise adjustments and inevitably control where in your image the sharpness lies.
Lastly, if your camera has an electronic range finder, life is even easier. In Manual Focus mode, make sure your subject is in the focus area, half press the shutter-release, turn the focusing ring until the in-focus indicator is displayed and you are focused. No excuses! Enjoy your photography.
Friday 31 July 2009
Monday 27 July 2009
What You Should Know About Your Camera Settings
Digital cameras come with basic settings which are great for most photographers when starting out. As you become more experienced and want to try experimenting you will probably want more from your camera. This means learning more about the different settings your camera has to offer. Here we are going to look at some of the settings you can use to great effect.
The fully automatic mode, usually a green symbol will completely take control of your camera settings, so is best used for only the most straight forward point-and-shoot pictures.
The first one to look at is the “P” or Program mode. This will give a high level of automation, but still allows for some alterations to the basic settings.
The SCENE mode, designed for situations such as landscapes, close-ups or sport, save a lot of hassle, so use them if your camera has them.
Use the highest image quality your camera has to offer. The RAW format gives the highest quality, but uses a lot of storage. JPEG loses a bit of quality, but is easier to work with on your computer. You can always reduce the size of the image, but you can’t put in quality that wasn’t there in the first place.
If you have one, the BRACKETING setting is useful to make sure you get the right exposure. This will allow you to take - usually three - slightly different exposures. Hopefully, one of them will be correct.
Use the A (Aperture) priority setting to control the depth of field. That is the band of the image which is in sharp focus. This setting allows you to set the aperture of the lens, letting the camera control the shutter speed. A low AV will give a shallow depth of field. Very useful for throwing the background out of focus for example. A high AV will allow everything from foreground to distant objects to be sharply focused.
The T (Time) or S (Shutter) priority setting allows you to set the shutter speed whilst letting the camera control the aperture. This is needed when shutter speed is important. For example, an action shot will require a very short shutter speed. For low light conditions a long exposure may be necessary.
On the subject of lighting conditions, try altering the ISO setting. This is the equivalent of the film speed in old technology! Raising the ISO number makes your camera more sensitive to light so you can use a higher shutter speed. Useful to freeze the action or avoid camera shake.
Another setting you can use is MACRO. This lets you get some really great close-up shots of objects. It used to require special lenses for these photographs and was beyond the reach of most amateurs. Now all it needs is an automatic setting on your camera.
Set the camera to SERIES or CONTINUOUS exposure and be ready to make a number of exposures in rapid succession. If the action is unfolding in front of your eyes you don’t want to miss that vital shot.
The default WHITE BALANCE on you digital camera will be auto, which is fine for most snapshots, but can sometimes give a cold feel to your photographs. When you are shooting landscapes or outdoor portraits try changing the setting to cloudy. This will give a warmer, richer tone.
Learn more about digital photography
Earn Money With Your Camera
Easy Photography Business
The fully automatic mode, usually a green symbol will completely take control of your camera settings, so is best used for only the most straight forward point-and-shoot pictures.
The first one to look at is the “P” or Program mode. This will give a high level of automation, but still allows for some alterations to the basic settings.
The SCENE mode, designed for situations such as landscapes, close-ups or sport, save a lot of hassle, so use them if your camera has them.
Use the highest image quality your camera has to offer. The RAW format gives the highest quality, but uses a lot of storage. JPEG loses a bit of quality, but is easier to work with on your computer. You can always reduce the size of the image, but you can’t put in quality that wasn’t there in the first place.
If you have one, the BRACKETING setting is useful to make sure you get the right exposure. This will allow you to take - usually three - slightly different exposures. Hopefully, one of them will be correct.
Use the A (Aperture) priority setting to control the depth of field. That is the band of the image which is in sharp focus. This setting allows you to set the aperture of the lens, letting the camera control the shutter speed. A low AV will give a shallow depth of field. Very useful for throwing the background out of focus for example. A high AV will allow everything from foreground to distant objects to be sharply focused.
The T (Time) or S (Shutter) priority setting allows you to set the shutter speed whilst letting the camera control the aperture. This is needed when shutter speed is important. For example, an action shot will require a very short shutter speed. For low light conditions a long exposure may be necessary.
On the subject of lighting conditions, try altering the ISO setting. This is the equivalent of the film speed in old technology! Raising the ISO number makes your camera more sensitive to light so you can use a higher shutter speed. Useful to freeze the action or avoid camera shake.
Another setting you can use is MACRO. This lets you get some really great close-up shots of objects. It used to require special lenses for these photographs and was beyond the reach of most amateurs. Now all it needs is an automatic setting on your camera.
Set the camera to SERIES or CONTINUOUS exposure and be ready to make a number of exposures in rapid succession. If the action is unfolding in front of your eyes you don’t want to miss that vital shot.
The default WHITE BALANCE on you digital camera will be auto, which is fine for most snapshots, but can sometimes give a cold feel to your photographs. When you are shooting landscapes or outdoor portraits try changing the setting to cloudy. This will give a warmer, richer tone.
Learn more about digital photography
Earn Money With Your Camera
Easy Photography Business
Friday 17 July 2009
Tips For Creating Better Pictures
Often it is the simple things which make the difference. So here are a few easy steps to take which will help you to take better pictures.
Before you press the shutter check the viewfinder. Sounds obvious I know, but you would be surprised at the number of times you can look at a photography you have taken and think, “Oh, I didn’t notice that in the background”. Check that everything you want is in the shot, and just as important, nothing is in there that you don’t want. Look around the edges to make sure nothing unwanted is intruding. Check that you are not chopping off anything that you want to be in there. Check that the horizon is level and that verticals are vertical. You don’t want anything leaning which isn’t meant to!
Try to be imaginative with angles. Different angles can be more interesting than those straight on shots. Get up higher or lower. Stand on a chair, kneel or even lie down. Get that unusual angle to make your shot different.
If you are photographing a person it is often good to get in close. These can be more intimate and interesting. It can also cut out unwanted background clutter and distractions. Beware the dreaded tree growing out of someone’s head!
Use doorways or overhanging branches as natural framing devices. These help to emphasize your subject and give a more pleasing composition.
When photographing a scenic view try to place something in the foreground to give a sense of scale and depth.
• Search the viewfinder
• Hold the camera level
• Fill the frame
• Use framing devices and foreground.
Learn more about digital photography
Earn Money With Your Camera
Easy Photography Business
Before you press the shutter check the viewfinder. Sounds obvious I know, but you would be surprised at the number of times you can look at a photography you have taken and think, “Oh, I didn’t notice that in the background”. Check that everything you want is in the shot, and just as important, nothing is in there that you don’t want. Look around the edges to make sure nothing unwanted is intruding. Check that you are not chopping off anything that you want to be in there. Check that the horizon is level and that verticals are vertical. You don’t want anything leaning which isn’t meant to!
Try to be imaginative with angles. Different angles can be more interesting than those straight on shots. Get up higher or lower. Stand on a chair, kneel or even lie down. Get that unusual angle to make your shot different.
If you are photographing a person it is often good to get in close. These can be more intimate and interesting. It can also cut out unwanted background clutter and distractions. Beware the dreaded tree growing out of someone’s head!
Use doorways or overhanging branches as natural framing devices. These help to emphasize your subject and give a more pleasing composition.
When photographing a scenic view try to place something in the foreground to give a sense of scale and depth.
• Search the viewfinder
• Hold the camera level
• Fill the frame
• Use framing devices and foreground.
Learn more about digital photography
Earn Money With Your Camera
Easy Photography Business
Thursday 9 July 2009
Which Digital Camera Do I Choose
Most of today’s digital cameras are capable of producing great quality results. Even the less expensive seem to offer a wide range of controls.
Cameras largely fall into three groups. The simple point-and-shoot compact is probably best for a beginner. Next is the more expensive SLR (Single Lens Reflex) which will have a greater resolution and usually a zoom lens. The top of the range professional cameras will offer even more resolution, more flexible camera and image controls and better quality lenses.
Cameras with optical see through viewfinders provide a small but adequate view. Many, even the less expensive cameras, have a liquid crystal display (LCD). The larger screen is easier to use and often flips out which is useful for awkward angles.
The more expensive the camera, the more pixels it will generally have. So what is a pixel and how many do I need? A pixel is a picture’s element. The more you have the greater the resolution – the capability for recording greater detail. The image sensor is made up of individual pixels, so an 8 megapixel sensor will have 8 million pixels or picture elements.
For normal size prints and for web use 3-5 megapixels are ample, but for more professional use 8 or more megagpixels are needed. Remember that the number of pixels doesn’t guarantee good image quality – a lot depends on the quality of the lens. That’s why the more expensive cameras have more pixels and high quality lenses. As with many things, the final quality is only as good as the weakest component.
Digital cameras store images on memory cards. The cards supplied with the camera are usually inadequate – good for only a handful of images. You will need to buy a card with a reasonable amount of memory. Often the manufacturer will give an indication of the number of images a card will hold.
It’s important that your camera feels right. Be comfortable with it. Don’t go overboard when buying your first camera. If all you need is a point-and-shoot compact for the occasional holiday snap, don’t spend a fortune. On the other hand if you are going to get serious, then think about how your camera system will grow with attachments like flash, tripod and filters etc. And don’t forget – have fun!
Learn more about digital photography.
Earn money with your camera.
Easy Photography Business
.
Cameras largely fall into three groups. The simple point-and-shoot compact is probably best for a beginner. Next is the more expensive SLR (Single Lens Reflex) which will have a greater resolution and usually a zoom lens. The top of the range professional cameras will offer even more resolution, more flexible camera and image controls and better quality lenses.
Cameras with optical see through viewfinders provide a small but adequate view. Many, even the less expensive cameras, have a liquid crystal display (LCD). The larger screen is easier to use and often flips out which is useful for awkward angles.
The more expensive the camera, the more pixels it will generally have. So what is a pixel and how many do I need? A pixel is a picture’s element. The more you have the greater the resolution – the capability for recording greater detail. The image sensor is made up of individual pixels, so an 8 megapixel sensor will have 8 million pixels or picture elements.
For normal size prints and for web use 3-5 megapixels are ample, but for more professional use 8 or more megagpixels are needed. Remember that the number of pixels doesn’t guarantee good image quality – a lot depends on the quality of the lens. That’s why the more expensive cameras have more pixels and high quality lenses. As with many things, the final quality is only as good as the weakest component.
Digital cameras store images on memory cards. The cards supplied with the camera are usually inadequate – good for only a handful of images. You will need to buy a card with a reasonable amount of memory. Often the manufacturer will give an indication of the number of images a card will hold.
It’s important that your camera feels right. Be comfortable with it. Don’t go overboard when buying your first camera. If all you need is a point-and-shoot compact for the occasional holiday snap, don’t spend a fortune. On the other hand if you are going to get serious, then think about how your camera system will grow with attachments like flash, tripod and filters etc. And don’t forget – have fun!
Learn more about digital photography.
Earn money with your camera.
Easy Photography Business
.
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Getting Started As A Digital Photographer
The age of digital photography is definitely here. It is simply the easiest and the best way to take photos these days. Gone are the worries about having enough film and the cost of processing. The number of photos you take is limited only by the size of your memory card. As every shot you take costs virtually nothing you can take as many as you want and simply delete the ones you don’t like. Instant feedback is one of digital photography’s greatest advantages.
If you learnt your photographic skills with a film camera – don’t worry – all those sound principles still apply. Although focus and exposure can be handled automatically, you can still use your creative skills and don’t forget the all important composition.
We will be looking at things like how to choose a camera, understanding it’s settings, as well as techniques and how to take that great picture.
Learn more about digital photography.
Earn Money With Your Camera.
Easy Photography Business
If you learnt your photographic skills with a film camera – don’t worry – all those sound principles still apply. Although focus and exposure can be handled automatically, you can still use your creative skills and don’t forget the all important composition.
We will be looking at things like how to choose a camera, understanding it’s settings, as well as techniques and how to take that great picture.
Learn more about digital photography.
Earn Money With Your Camera.
Easy Photography Business
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