my Journey in DSLR Photography: Digital photography

Showing posts with label Digital photography. Show all posts

Sunday, January 2, 2011

A Good dSLR Photography Site

An example of digital photography. This photo ...

Image via WikipediaI found one good site to learn and share dSLR photography. No, I have not reached a level where I can be proud of my shots at every push of the button. In fact, I am still switching a lot between the auto (preset) modes and manual mode, comparing and studying and re-shooting at different angles and settings now and then, but for me, since photography is one area that I can say is quite subjective and very personal, that is how I learn.

And with that, i want to introduce to you the dSLR website that I know is good, one look, and the photos and tutorials and all others will be of help to you as well, as it is to me, in our dSLR Photography journey.

Enjoy!

David Busch's Mastering Digital SLR Photography, Third Edition

Base Digital Photography

Friday, April 16, 2010

Book review: The Moment It Clicks

THE MOMENT IT CLICKS
Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters

by Joe McNally

That is the title of the book that I will now give a short (to be honest, also shallow) review. There will come a time in my book reading that I will just simply flip through the pages without really reading the text.

And talk about a book on photography. I really thought that I knew this guy (his picture is in the book), and I've seen him somewhere. Then I flipped some pages, and I said, 'No wonder!' The name came up: Scott Kelby. I've seen them both in the books that I've read that were written by Scott Kelby (The Digital Photography Books 1, 2, & 3). They are 'shooting partners.'

Now, straight to the (supposedly) review that I am making:

Just the book's cover, if you are a person of details, will already catch your attention. I'm imagining how the picture was taken: the model held a piece of broken mirror infront of her, perhaps at arm's length, then the photographer made a very careful angling of the mirror to have a shot like the camera is directly infront of her...

Still leaves me thinking how it was really done.

Anyway, there were a lot of sentences, or rather, quotes, in this book; if not on all pages, it would be about in 95% of the book's pages, and some I will quote here. Somehow I find myself in the same thought or situation, so I think the experience will be the same. (Should I say, the path will also be the same: towards excellence?)

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"I can't tell you how many pictures I've missed, ignored, trampled, or otherwise lost just 'cause I've been so hell bent on getting the shot I THINK I want."

"I had no contacts, no permission, no one to ask permission from... things get real simple when you have no time."

"Tom Kennedy, the former DOP at National Geographic, always used to tell me to pay attention to the small details." (DOP means Director of Photography)

'It doesn't matter if it's only fine minutes, as long as it's the RIGHT five minutes."

"Light falls.Just make sure it falls in your favor."

"Don't pack up your camera until you've left the location."

"Shoot it now. Don't ever assume you can do a picture 'Later.'"

"Ya gotta keep your head on straight and remain confident behind the lens in a deal like this when everybody thinks you should soot it their way."

"Keep pushinig. 'No,' is always the easiest answer."

"Sometimes it's all working for you and you still miss. Other times it all sucks and you get a terrific frame. You just never know. The one surefire way to get nothing is to not bother looking."

"Some rules are good ones, like the rule of thirds. It works. but, like all rules, ya gotta break it every once in a while."

"You gotta be loose, like a boxer -- you have to bob and weave and slip and slide. The world doesn't stay still. We can't either."

"I gave flashes to these body builders and told them to go light temselves. Trust me, they were into it."

"The only way to keep your heart beating as a photographer is to shoot what you love."
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I like that last quote a lot. And that is just at the first few pages of the book! And while the book has ample text for reading, what is most important, especially when you have no time to go through everything, the "How to Get This Type of Shot" section is there. Isn't that wonderful?

Joe has a blog which you can visit to stay up to date: joemcnally.com/blog.
This book has a Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/themomentitclicks.

Would you tell us your review of the same book, too?

Thursday, April 15, 2010

35mm Photography

Cameras from Large to Small, Film to Digital.

Image via Wikipedia

This is one more book that I borrowed from the library, and it is dealing more with Analog SLR units. it do touch on DSLR cameras and technology, but the discussion, tips and techniques are more on Analog SLR cameras and photography.

Case in point, this book neatly discusses the history of SLR photography, the beginning and the developments throughout the years, and shows some pictures of the antique camera units that started it all, like the Leica I, Nikon F, etc., etc.

The book explains how the 35 mm came to be, and again, for roll films, how to be able to 'save' on the rolls, by cutting up the roll into smaller quantity and putting in empty cassettes, to be able to come up with 5 to 10 or so shots for a given ISO rating, which was then having the term "DX-nnn" convention. So a DX-400 means my ISO is 400; This has now changed in the DSLR, where each shot can be assigned its ISO value, but in those days (I remember this), rolls usually come in 36 shots. If you want to change the ISO value, take out the current roll, and of course, waste the unused shots, and put in the new roll. You can avoid this altogether, as this book suggests.

And quite frankly, there is nothing further from the truth: be it an Analog or a Digital SLR, the camera is simply but a tool, and how it works the wonders is largely the photographer's expression and discretion.

Here is the book's selling point, from the back cover: 35mm Photography, by Steve Bavister

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A complete guide to the most universal and popular camera format, from choosing the right equipment through to developing, printing, string and even selling your photographs, by well-known photographer and author, Steve Bavister.

comprehensive guide to camera equipment and accessories
expert advice on subject matter and techniques
digital photography, manipulation and printing
invaluable fault-finding section

Steve Bavister has written more than ten books on photography. He is a former editor of Photo Answers and publisher of Practical Photography, and is currently the editor of The Photographer, a leading publication for professional photographers.
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Read that book. I'm sure it is not 'just another book' on photography. Though photography is a thing of the past, there is always something that comes up now and then. And each photographer, like you, will eventually make a mark - distinctly.

What's your say?

Monday, April 12, 2010

3 DSLR Accessories - the basics!

Joby GP3 Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D80 & D90 Digital SLR Cameras

Sony VCL-DH1758 Tele Conversion Lens for DSCH1 Digital Camera

Joby GP1-D1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Grey)

Sony NP-FG1 InfoLITHIUM Type G Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Pack for Sony W & H Series Digital Cameras

Sony LCS-CSD General Carrying Case for Compatible Cybershot Digital Cameras

Westcott 301 Photo Basics 40-Inch 5-in-1 Reflector

Sony VCT-R640 Lightweight Tripod for DSCV1/P41/W1/P93/P73/P92/P100/P150/F88/F828 Digital Cameras

Canon Monopod 100 for SLR Cameras & Lenses

One guy said that there are 3 lenses that you need: standard, telephoto, and a macro. I do agree about the first two, but for the third, there are many who disagreed, including me. I may go for a longer telephoto lens if I can. There are quite a number of problems attributed to a macro lens, so while it may be able to come close and give you a 1:1 rendition of your subject, you must be very good in using it to make it really a worthwhile piece of glass in your camera lens kit.

There is one article that I got from eZine, and it is quite an informative one, but it is not on the glasses that you should have. It is the accessories that you should have. Read on...

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3 Digital Camera Accessories Every Photographer Needs

There is a misnomer that digital photography is its own form of photography, quite untrue. The digital part of photography is just the method of recording so what applies to photography applies to digital as well. So let's take a look at the three accessories I think that every photographer needs.

These aren't listed in any particular order and I don't think in any order of importance either although if you were to push me for an answer I would place a tripod as my number one accessory. It will also depend on what type of photography you are pursuing as to which one will be number one to you. They are, however, accessories that I would list as essential to a photographer's gear bag.

1. A tripod

If you don't already have a tripod then get yourself one. Buy the most expensive one you can afford. A good solid tripod is essential to the kit of a photographer. There are many occasions when light conditions aren't good and the extra stability helps you create crisp, sharp images. Just a little camera shake will cause blurring to some degree in the final photo. A tripod is especially useful when shooting close-ups of flowers and small creatures and helps you to have complete control of your images.

2. Remote shutter release

This is coupled with the tripod and is essential when avoiding camera shake. Even when your camera is mounted on the tripod, the simplest action like pushing the shutter button can still cause camera shake and prevent you from taking the sharpest images. It works very simply either connected by a cable to the camera or using an infrared connection to activate the shutter.

3. A good circular polarising filter

A polarising filter cuts down glare and reflections off shiny surfaces. Those of you who have ever owned or used a pair of polaroid sunglasses will know the effect that it has on shiny and reflective surfaces. This includes foliage as well. When using polaroid sunglasses while looking at water you are able to see below the surface if the water is clear. The sky becomes bluer and the green vegetation greener. If you are landscape photographer you will really benefit from a polariser. I consider this essential. One tip though is that you should always use one that has the equivalent or higher quality of your lens. There is no point in putting bad glass in front of good glass.

Remember that these are my three top choices of accessories in no particular order. You need to choose which ones will serve your particular needs the best. I use all three equally but maybe if my photography changed slightly I would add another one or two to my list. Happy shooting!

Do you want to learn more about photography in a digital world? I've just completed a brand new e-course delivered by e-mail. Download it here for free by clicking here: http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/ To learn how you can take your photography from ordinary to outstanding click here - http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/21steps.htm

Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography.

Article Directory: EzineArticles
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I have the 1st and 2nd, but not the 3rd; I'm currently on the lookout for it. Any idea? That would be great!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Hints: 500 Digital SLR Hints, Tips and Techniques (Part 2)

Image via Wikipedia

With the remaining battery in my laptop, I’m continuing the list of tips on digital photography from the book 500 Digital SLR Hints, Tips and Techniques:

22. Online service. Because of the size of JPEG files, they are easier to transmit over the web: upload and download on smaller file sizes is really an advantage over other file formats other than JPEG (or ITFF), naturally because the file size will be bigger. That means your JPEG file size, to be optimized for online use, has to be set small, not to Fine (or even Medium).

23. Photographing outdoor subjects (sports, nature, landscapes, and the likes).

Color space: sRGB III (saturated colors)
Sharpening: slightly above normal but not the highest setting
Tone: normal (medium level) in bright conditions, or more than normal in average light

24. Recommended settings for Photoshop processing. If you plan to work on your images post-capture then the following settings are a useful guide.

Color space: Adobe RGB
Sharpening: none (apply in computer)
Tone: normal

25. White balance. Make sure that you set the appropriate white balance so your color cast correctly compensated by the camera. But then again, sometimes, the white balance setting is going to give you some leeway for artistic composition. Haven’t tried that yet?

To be continued…

4 Photography Books

I borrowed some books on photography from the library, and actually, there were 16 books that I borrowed. I finished some, and due to time constraint, the rest I cannot read. Then the due date came…

I have to return the books, and for me to be able to borrow them again, I am listing them here, my reference.

Advanced Studio Lighting Techniques for Digital Portrait Photographers – by Norman Phillips
The Best of Photographic Lighting; Techniques and Images for Digital Photographers – by Bill Hurter
The Art of Garden Photography – by Ian Adams
An Illustrated A to Z of Digital Photography – by Nigel Atherton & Steve Crabb

Actually, I saw the name ‘Adams’, and I was thinking, could this person be related to Ansel Adams? (What do you know?)

So there is my list of 4 books that I’m returning today. I will get them back again in a couple of days.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to read them from cover to cover to gain more knowledge on DSLR photography.

Till then…

Thursday, April 8, 2010

You basically need only 2 lenses - for a start

Nikon D5000 Digital SLR with AF-S DX VR Zoom-N...

Image via Wikipedia

I got a tip from a subscription mail on digital photography, which says that you need 3 lenses, basically. But I think I will disagree.

I am a beginner in photography, but my exposure to photography dates back to my father, which dates back to his father, my grandfather. To what extent were they in photography? My grandfather has his own darkroom.

Does that say anything that matters to this discussion? But on my own, I am a beginner in DSLR photography. You may want to read on my history in photography.

I say that you only need two lenses: standard (18-70mm) + telephoto, and that would usually be a medium telephoto lens (up to 200mm).

However, as much as I wanted to defend my stand, I would just give some guide on what these lenses are. Get this one thing straight. photography, especially the emerging practice in DSLR photography, has no hard and fast rule. Everything depended on the photographer's understanding and skill, and his 'taste' or 'discretion'.

What is common or invariable, are those hardwares, those camera units, lenses and additional gadgets. It becomes like software programming then, where the same software is used, but a different approach is applied from programmer to programmer.

So with all those person-dependent differences, allow me to present to you an Ezine article original, telling all about the different lenses.

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A Guide to Types of Camera Lenses

Different types of camera lenses are suited for different activities. Do you need a telephoto lens to capture photos
from a long distance? How about a macro lens for close-up photography? Familiarize yourself with popular camera lenses so you can determine which are best for your photography applications.

Wide-angle

Wide-angle camera lenses are ideal for shooting interiors, landscapes and large gatherings. The important thing to look at when shopping for wide-angle camera lenses is the uniform quality of the shot. If you're looking at a wide-angle lens with a crystal-clear center and blurring around the edges, keep on looking. You may also encounter Spherical Aberration, or wide-angle distortion of your images. If you can't afford a quality wide-angle lens that avoids these effects, hold off making a purchase and save your money until you're able to get the quality lens you need.

Telephoto

Telephoto camera lenses may be the most difficult type of camera lens to purchase. Telephoto lenses are typically the most expensive, as the quality of the glass makes a big difference in long-range applications. Typical uses for telephoto lenses include sporting events, landscape features and animals in nature. The longer the telephoto lens, the larger the aperture should be, so look for proportional length and aperture width when shopping for telephoto camera lenses. Because longer telephoto lenses require more glass, lengthier lenses are significantly more expensive than shorter lenses.

Zoom

Unlike a fixed-focal-length lens, a zoom lens gives you the option of shooting subjects both near and far. Zoom camera lenses suffer a slight loss in quality over fixed-length lenses but make up for the difference in quality by their usefulness in different applications. If you're trying to quickly shoot subjects at different ranges, such as a moving object, you may not have time to change fixed-length lenses as the subject comes closer to you or moves away. Zoom lenses give you the ability to keep a moving subject in frame and are good choices if you need a versatile lens for a moving subjects or a variety of applications.

Standard

While standard camera lenses may seem to be unnecessary in light of specific lenses for different applications, in reality, the opposite is true. Standard lenses require you to think more about the shot you're planning and move to get a good angle and distance, but they take quality pictures and the process involved helps you learn to compose better shots. An advanced photographer can use a good standard lens for a variety of applications, where a novice photographer may feel the need for specialized lenses for each application.

Macro

A macro camera lens is designed for extremely close-up photography at short range. Macro lenses aren't good at capturing close-up shots from far away, like a telephoto lens, but are instead designed for the photographer to be close to the subject. Macro lenses are ideal for nature photography, photographing collectibles and science photography.

For more information on SLR cameras, visit the hobbies section of Life123.com.

Article Directory: EzineArticles
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Have you found which one to use now?

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Photography during Birthdays

At Evan's second birthday party (Gymboree)

Image via Wikipedia

Here is a very practical tip when you are assigned or tasked to taking pictures during a birthday party. An Ezine article original, this is one sure way to be able to take pictures that will be considered as good, better, or best photographs.
We call ourselves amateur photographers, and so we are at our level. But if we are able to take those killer shots that will impress everyone, that is good! All it takes is an open mind, a watchful eye, and a willingness to go for it.
Read on...

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Photography Tips For Perfect Birthday Party Pictures

Flower Portraits Birthday Book: Dates to Remember Year After Year (Birthday Books)

Making great photographs calls for more than a great and expensive camera. It calls for an imaginative mind that can capture all the moments in life that reflect the beauty of the world. Taking photographs during events calls for more creativity. This has led to the specialization aspect by a number of photographers. This ensures that you perfect the art in every event that you go to.

As an amateur photographer, you can perfect taking pictures at events through following up a number of tips. Birthday parties offer a great opportunity for you to explore and use the tips. When taking photos at a birthday party, the very first consideration that you should make should be in regard to clarity. A lot of things happen at the birthday parties. These include but are not limited to dress ups, cake cutting, gift giving, feasting and also games. Capture the various moments clearly and conscious by being keen and observing the various reactions that are brought forth. The second point that you should take note of is the event in totality. Despite the diversity in events, ensure that you have a progressive story show casing bits and bits of the happenings of the whole event. For instance at a birthday party, always ensure that you have a picture of at least everyone in attendance. They do not have to be individual pictures, take group pictures that are fun and focused.

For great pictures, ensure to choose the background well. It should reflect the event that is on going. Have close ups on solid colors or picture boards to reflect the fun and glamour that is associated with the birthday. The need to think of your self as a professional photographer can never be over emphasized. Last but not the least, put up the pictures on a booklet in order of story for fun and great memories.

Providing you the best digital photography tips and tricks on the internet by leveraging the expertise of the worlds top photographers. HowiTooKit also features information on photography lighting style and digital slr photography.

Article Directory: EzineArticles

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

My review: 500 Digital SLR Hints, Tips and Techniques

540 Ct - Zeiss Lens Cleaning Cloths for Cameras, Microscopes, Glasses (6 Pack) Pre-moistened

TIGI Catwalk Camera Ready Shiner & Defrizzer 3.4oz (2 PACK!)

I was looking forward to a chuckful of reading when I got hold of this book. I mean, I've read another book (the volume 1 of 3 volumes) about digital photography and though it is almost of the same genre, promising (and delivering) tips as though you were side-by-side shooting, there's still some 'talk' in between the lines.
That isn't so with this other book, as it right away delves into telling what to do, and should be, and how.

For example, if you are into photographing cars and motor vehicles where the trailing lights are going to show, it tells you how: the settings on the camera, and whether or not to use a tripod, etc. It is of that sort.

I did pick up a few to a tonful of useful info, but, as in all things that has to stick to the brain - a hands-on is required.

I like what Michael Freeman said in his book, 'On The Road With Your Digital Camera':

Large Fanny Pack Waist Bag w/Cell Phone Holder & Credit Card Organizer in Black Leather

"only a photographer can tell you how and where to get the shots that matters to a photographer... but then again, your eyes are different from that photographer (or any other photographer)..."

Not exactly the statement verbatim, but the essence is there. Other photographer can help you, but only you can make your mark - your very own.

That is why, whatever we learn in tips, in schools, in books, and in all other learning mediums that we come across with, it is through and by our disposition that we affirm and confirm what we learn, and only then can we carve our own niche.

We all have that privilege, and that opportunity we must not miss.

Kwik Tek Dry Pack, Nylon Belt (6-Inch x 5-Inch x 3/4-Inch

Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Rebel XT/XTi Digital SLR Cameras and VIXIA HV Series and ZR Series Camcorders

I have now finished the book, and while it is not due for return yet, I will keep it with me and post some of the helpful tips and techniques for all to benefit from.

Till then!

my Journey in DSLR Photography

Pages

Sunday, January 2, 2011

A Good dSLR Photography Site

Friday, April 16, 2010

Book review: The Moment It Clicks

Thursday, April 15, 2010

35mm Photography

Monday, April 12, 2010

3 DSLR Accessories - the basics!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Hints: 500 Digital SLR Hints, Tips and Techniques (Part 2)

4 Photography Books

Thursday, April 8, 2010

You basically need only 2 lenses - for a start

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Photography during Birthdays

Thursday, April 1, 2010

My review: 500 Digital SLR Hints, Tips and Techniques

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