Learning to Select Appropriate ISO Settings

August 31, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Comments (0)

All photographers, irrespective of their level of experience, know the term ISO as it is one of the essential requisites, which enables them to take effective photos in varied light conditions. As one of the three components of the exposure triangle, the ISO setting is defined as a value which represents the sensitivity of the digital camera’s image sensor. This value is expressed in form of a definite number and is inversely proportional to the amount of light meaning that the lesser the ISO value, the more is the light required and vice versa. If you take a look at the two photos below you will notice the effect that the different ISO settings have on the final outcome – the one on the left has been taken 100 ISO and the one on the right at 3200.

It is essential for a photographer to adjust the ISO value while taking a photograph in combination with the shutter speed as well as the aperture because it is this setting which determines the final outcome of the photograph. Therefore, whether it is a professional photographer trying his talents in a deep rain forest or an amateur practicing at a concert, unless the ISO setting is adjusted in accordance with the amount of light in the surroundings, one would only end up taking dark images.

While selecting an ISO setting, there are four parameters which need to be kept in mind by the photographer namely light, grain, tripod and the status of the subject. While reference to light is to inquire whether the subject is well lit, the reference to grain whether it is a finer grain, which is required along with its noisiness. Likewise, the status determines whether the subject is moving or stationary and the fourth factor pertains to the use of tripod by the photographer.

Many photographers tend to take pictures with their digital cameras set in the ‘Auto Mode’ since in this mode the camera determines its own ISO setting in accordance with the surrounding conditions. In case the individual wishes to select his own specific ISO, then it should be accompanied by a change in the aperture setting and shutter speed as well. The ISO value, which is the normally accepted norm for acquiring crisp shots with the least amount of noise and grain is 100, although it can be altered either way.

And 100 is considered to be the optimum ISO value because a value which is higher than this figure results in noisy images with more grain. Although people do not mind a bit of noise since it does not always disturb the picture, there are other demerits which are likely to occur like reduced sharpness and reduced contrast ratio. However, these are minor problems which could be overcome by opting for a more technologically advanced camera.

Certain situations that call for a higher ISO setting are indoor sports events which involve a fast moving subject in a limited light setting, concerts which also feature limited light, art galleries and churches and birthday parties. Similarly, situations which could be shot with a low ISO value are shooting a stream, taking pictures of a field on a sunny day and trying to take photographs indoors without the images being too bright.

An adept photographer is always quick to realize the importance of the ISO setting in a digital camera and hence dedicates his efforts towards getting in-depth understanding of the subject. Ultimately, mastery in this area could be acquired by practically experimenting with different ISO settings and judging their impact on the photograph.

http://www.bestdigitalcameras.me/camera/3/Learning-To-Select-Appropriate-ISO-Settings

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Manipulating Exposure in a Digital Camera

August 31, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Comments (0)

The exposure in a digital camera is governed by three main factors namely the ISO, the aperture and the shutter speed. While the ISO is the unit which represents the digital camera sensor’s sensitivity to light, the aperture refers to the size of opening in the lens at the time of taking the picture, and finally the shutter speed indicates the length of time during which the shutter remains open. Since these factors are sacred elements of exposure, they are collectively referred to as the exposure triangle.

Since exposure determines the quality and overall outcome of the photograph, it is mandatory for all aspiring photographers to learn the basics related to it. It is undoubtedly an aspect of photography, which requires a lot of practice and the only way to acquire mastery over this technique is to keep on experimenting with the settings until one finds a perfect solution.

Acquiring the right exposure entails adjustments on three counts and this feature of photography has been aptly compared to the act of juggling. As a juggler juggles more than two objects while concentrating on all of them at the same time, a photographer is expected to be aware of the current status of all three factors in order to attain the ideal exposure for his photograph.

The interdependence of the three main determinants of exposure namely the ISO, aperture and shutter speed is a slightly difficult concept, which the novice and amateur photographers may find hard to grasp. Therefore, an easier way of explaining this relationship is by making use of the metaphor of the window with a shutter wherein the learner is asked to imagine that the camera is a window which can be opened and closed depending on the needs of the user.

With the window serving as the digital camera, if the aperture is assumed to be the size of the window, then the amount of light permitted to enter is directly proportional to its size, meaning the bigger the aperture, the more is the quantity of light coming in. Similarly, if the shutter speed indicates the duration for which the window remains open, then in this case also, the quantity of light which enters varies in direct proportion to the time for which the window is left open.

Comparatively the ISO factor is a little more difficult to understand because of its implication on the sensitivity of the camera. To make the explanation simpler, the ISO is quoted as being low when an individual within the room with an open window shields his eyes with sunglasses and high when the same individual takes off his sunglasses.

Another popular metaphor, which is used in this regard, is sunbathing wherein a parallel is drawn between the body getting exposed to the sun for getting tanned and the exposure in a digital camera. Here, the variants are quoted as being the sunscreen which determines the amount of sunlight hitting the skin as the aperture of the camera and the duration for which one is exposed to the sun as explaining the shutter speed. The sensitivity factor or the ISO in this case is indicated by the skin type of the individual as in some skin types are more sensitive as compared to others.

According to experts, the technique of manipulating the exposure is best learnt while handling a digital camera due to the choice which it offers to the photographers. Such a camera not only enables them to take photographs in normal modes like the auto mode and the manual mode, but in a couple of semi-automatic modes as well like the aperture priority mode and the shutter priority mode.

With the window serving as the digital camera, if the aperture is assumed to be the size of the window, then the amount of light permitted to enter is directly proportional to its size, meaning the bigger the aperture, the more is the quantity of light coming in. Similarly, if the shutter speed indicates the duration for which the window remains open, then in this case also, the quantity of light which enters varies in direct proportion to the time for which the window is left open.

Comparatively the ISO factor is a little more difficult to understand because of its implication on the sensitivity of the camera. To make the explanation simpler, the ISO is quoted as being low when an individual within the room with an open window shields his eyes with sunglasses and high when the same individual takes off his sunglasses.

http://www.bestdigitalcameras.me/camera/2/Manipulating-Exposure-in-a-Digital-Camera

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Holding a Digital Camera

August 31, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Comments (0)

There are a few basic guidelines pertaining to the technique of which should be ideally adhered to by all photographers, especially beginners and amateurs. The foremost among these is the recommendation to hold the right side of the camera with one’s right hand in such a way that while the forefinger hovers over the shutter release, the other three fingers are curled in front of the camera and the thumb grips the back of the camera.

Likewise, the position of the left hand varies in accordance with the type and model of the digital camera as long as the basic requisite of providing support for the weight of the camera is met with. Therefore, the ideal position for the left hand is to be placed either underneath the camera or alternatively around the lens. Generally, most of the later versions of cameras feature grips or impressions which could be used in order to attain a perfect grip, neither too loose nor too strong.

One of the most common problems related to the holding of digital camera faced by photographers is the camera shake, which occurs due to the faulty grip of the photographer and can result in blurred images. The negative affects of a faulty grip are further felt in situations featuring less light wherein the shutter is left open for a longer period and even the slightest of movements could result in a blur.

There are times when photographers have also been observed holding the digital camera with one hand at an arm’s distance while taking shots in an attempt to frame the shot further away from their bodies. While using one hand might result in a picture perfect photograph, on the flip side it might cause the camera to sway or shake thus spoiling the entire effort.

Stability plays an important role while holding the camera and it depends on the photographer to acquire stability through a tripod, by leaning against a wall or by using both his hands. Using a tripod or holding the camera with both hands while taking a shot is likely to produce great results; in case the photographer needs to stabilize himself further, he could either lean against a wall or a tree, try out a sitting or kneeling position or try clicking with his feet placed a shoulder apart.

Some photographers like to make use of a view finder while taking photographs. Since an important pre-requisite for such a shot is to keep the camera close to one’s body, the best way of positioning it would be by tucking the elbows into the sides and leaning the camera a little distance away from the face. Such a stance would not only provide flexibility to the photographer, but would also enable him to hold the camera still during the crucial moments.

Although being able to hold a digital camera properly seems to be a simple proposition, novice photographers quickly learn its importance after the first few blurred photographs. It is due to this that one of the earliest lessons in photography are concerned with the technique of holding the digital camera and every photographer is urged to develop his own grip and style in accordance with his individual preferences.

http://www.bestdigitalcameras.me/camera/1/Holding-a-Digital-Camera

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

A Few Helpful Tips For Taking Digital Photographs

August 30, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Comments (0)

Here I am going to run through a few tips for digital photography which will help you while out taking photographs or setting up a photo shoot. Some of you might know these but I am sure there is some here to help someone.

The standard digital camera has many settings and the setting that it generally is in when it is bought is the auto setting. The auto setting is the normal white balance setting for all cameras. People generally buy a camera and leave it on the auto setting all the time and never change it.

Now the problem here is that the auto setting is a bright and crisp setting which can sometimes leave your photographs feeling sharp and coldish.

For something a bit different change the setting on your camera to the cloudy setting especially if its a bright or sunny day. What this does is that it allows more red coloring to come through in your pictures which in turn makes your photographs feel warmer.
This is a nice tip to remember if you are taking pictures of a family member or child, especially outside. Try it for yourself. Take two photos of the same shot, one on the auto setting and one with the cloudy setting. Load them onto your computer side by side and check for the difference.

Another tip which most people don’t do but I recommend, is getting yourself a tripod. A tripod is a very handy and useful piece of digital camera equipment. Remember what I said earlier about the auto and cloudy settings above, taking two identical shots of the same subject using different settings. Well what better way to make sure no human error affects your pictures, and no matter what setting you are using the shots should be the same.

If you have spotted a great picture opportunity like a harbour with boats, find a location you are happy with. Set up the camera and tripod and take for example 4 shots on various settings then move to another location and do the same thing again. Remember that you can never take enough pictures as you can always delete the ones you don’t want.

All you are looking for is that one great shot but you might have to take 50 or more pictures to get it. But at least when you are deleting the photos you’re not happy with at the end, it won’t be due to shaky pictures or the camera not being held level.

I hope that these few tips for taking digital photography will help you in some way to achieving great shots and remember not to be worried about taking too many photographs. Change the settings, change locations and angles as you can always delete the ones you aren’t happy with.

If you have found these few tips for taking digital photography in some way helpful then check out: http://www.Digital-Photography-Tips-And-Tricks.com for more great tips.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

The Photography Background – The Biggest Difference Between Professional and Beginner!

August 30, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Robert Merritt
Level: Basic

Photography Background – discover ways to create expert quality – hand painted backdrops for literally pennies on the dollar! It’s EASY!…Article Word Count: 642

View the Original article

How Does Green Screen Work? Explained Easy in Plain English

August 30, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Takuya Hikichi
Level: Platinum

Blogger, Writer, Dad, Brother and Friend. I Help Organizations Take Their Business Online.Article Word Count: 316

View the Original article

That Mr Kodak Must Be One Rich Dude

August 29, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Jeanne Gibson
Level: Platinum

Jeanne Gibson writes from Springfield, OR and has published hundreds of articles online as well as many articles in magazines and anthologies. She especially enjoys … Article Word Count: 1091

View the Original article

Successful Children’s Photography – It’s a State of Mind

August 29, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Comments (0)

There’s nothing I enjoy as much in drawing and photography, as the moment I succeed in capturing some of the essence of a child’s consciousness to show on a print. It might not seem apparent to look at a child, but they can be truly challenging as photography subjects, and if you ever want anything more than just a toothless “cheese”, if you want a picture that fairly drips with a child’s innocence, wit and sparkling energy, then the stock-in-trade of imagination, creativity and patience you’ll need can often be staggering. Here are my children’s photography tips on how to create moments and capture them on film in a way that the children being photographed will look at 20 years from now and say, “Yes, that is what it felt like to be me at five”.

To begin with, you can’t just pull a child in front of the camera and expect her to perform. The first lesson of children’s photography is, that you need to adjust your whole photography routine to them, because a natural smile never pops up on cue. And make sure that you don’t pick a moment when the child is sleepy, hungry or cranky. Once you have your child with you, make sure that you spend a couple of hours around the child to build up a bit of familiarity a friendly atmosphere.

The child who is your subject needs to be comfortable; this isn’t the time to insist on what outfit she should wear, and what place to frame your pictures. A child who is happy and confident about herself and her surroundings will bring forth more natural presence in her pictures. It should probably not be a place she is unfamiliar with, or she’ll be careful and a bit withdrawn (unless that’s the feel you are going for). When parents are present at the shoot, they can get terribly anxious about how they need to bring the best in the child out. It is for a reason that stage parents can be so distracting for young child actors. It could be a good idea and to help the anxious parent away from the photography area for some time. Children’s photography needs the child to be in her element – coaxing better performance out of her is hardly the way to catch her at her most natural.

And “natural” comes with patience. No end of patience. You need to understand that the child is the one that directs where the photography heads that day. You need to talk to her about her favorite toy, what she wants to do, or what a shadow reminds her of; try talking about a favorite cartoon character – and then listen. Good listening – is there no end to what there is to be gained with this great ability? The more you listen to a child, the more she will open up. And the best way to speak to a child is always to crouch down to her level. That’s something all children’s photography experts will tell you – for the most part, they have to be no taller than she is.

Read more about author in:
bathroom storage cabinets
Metal Storage Cabinets

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Top Poses to Avoid in Photography

August 29, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Comments (0)

It is rather challenging to create wonderful portrait photography if you have bad poses. Here are few of the poses to avoid in creating stunning portrait photography.

1. Never shoot the subject head on

The body position will create a block to the light flow. It will result in a very unflattering image. The broad shoulders can add at least ten pounds to the subject. As an alternative, you can angle the subject away from the camera.

2. Never face the sun

Do not let the subject face the sun as you take their picture. You can put the sun behind them to give a nice depth to your portrait and a flattering hair light.

3. Steer clear from large eye whites

You need the subject’s iris to be in the middle of their eyes. It is very unflattering if the majority of the eyes is the white area. It creates a very meager photo. You can let the subject move in to the camera’s direction and focus on a midpoint or perhaps gaze you with the eyes.

4. Avoid getting too near to a background

Do not let the subject pose to be too close to the background since you will get a solid black shadow. It is important to let the light wrap around the subject to have a softer light. It is ideal to position the subject six feet or more from the background.

5. Avoid uncomfortable poses

If it does not look natural in the picture, then it is probably not in real life. Sometimes it is fun to have silly and odd poses but the customers will not like it to have rigid and awkward poses and scenes. All they will remember from the shoot is how uncomfortable and strange they feel. And that is one thing that every photographer must avoid to keep clients coming back for your services.

If you want to have a professional photographer on your special events, you can try to hire a New Orleans photographer. Bea Allen is a New Orleans photographer that specializes in wedding, event and portrait photography. Visit www.crystaltrickphotography.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Capturing the Stark Beauty of Beaches

August 28, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Comments (0)

You may face various struggles when attempting beach photography. This is especially so for beginner photographers. This is usually because many people do not consider the tremendous photographic conditions that need special attention.

For example, there might be too much light, reflections and movements can also stress photographers. At the same time, it can also create brilliant pictures. The following are some tips that might help you:

Remember the Sunny F16 Rule
If know that you are taking pictures at the beach especially when it is very sunny, you must remember that your pictures must be of good quality. You can take a series of photos taken with F16 rule and make your own calendar.

Make Use of Reflection
At the beach, you will most likely be surrounded by water. Hence, there are plenty of chances for you to take pictures of reflections. If the condition is correct, you pictures will look more interesting.

Pay attention to Black and White
Some of you might have views that water or beach is the place to get extraordinary contrasting colors in your pictures. Sometimes, you will also need to explore other colors like black and white.

The Use Driftwood in Pictures
This can be found almost anywhere on beaches. This will be a good focal point in your pictures as it enables you to attract the viewer to the area of the picture and also looks beautiful in a custom photo calendar.

Consider the Weather
Many will think of beaches when they want to take beautiful cloudless days. They also need to prepare for rainy weather too. This is because the weather is unpredictable and often, spectacular weather can create in beautiful images.

Use Clouds for Drama
Many good pictures at the beach always include clouds as it makes the picture more interesting.

Take Pictures during Night Time
We often think about beaches when we think of beautiful sunrise and sunsets. You also need to consider taking photos at night.

For more visit our website Make Your Own Calendar with good designs or Custom Photo Calendar according to your interest. Visit http://www.lifeblob.com/store

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Photography Ideas – Tips For Taking Wedding Photos

August 28, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Richard Furman Walker
Level: Platinum

I am retired military and I enjoy bike riding and reading books. My first joy is creating websites. Helping people is one of the rewarding … Article Word Count: 376

View the Original article

Wedding Photo Ideas – Best Ideas For Creative Wedding Photos

August 28, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Comments (0)

Wedding photography has an important role in every wedding celebration. It creates memorabilia of the most wonderful event of a couple’s (bride and groom) life. Therefore, professional wedding photographers are supposed to capture some of the best moments during the wedding celebration. It is a tough and quite complex task for wedding photographers to create unique wedding photos. This article will discuss about some of the most popular ideas to capture wedding photos.

Focus On Capturing Emotions
The magical secret of capturing the best wedding photographs lies in capturing real emotions of people at wedding venue, especially the bride and the groom. There are several emotional shades appearing on the face of bride. It can be sadness of losing her family, excitement for a whole new world, happiness of getting her beloved for lifetime, and many more. Similar emotions appear on faces of other people (including the groom) during the wedding. An experienced wedding photographer is supposed to capture all these moments.

Avoid Too Much Posing
There are several occasion where people want them to be captured in a specific pose. Such kind of posing is OK to some extent. However, repetition of same pose again and again will make the wedding album boring. Therefore, when it comes to capturing routine photos, the photographer should avoid too much posing. Rather, they should capture photos of guests and family members in natural gestures.

Think Romance and Be Creative
Wedding photos are a treasured gift for the couple getting married. It will l bring all those fun filled moments and nostalgia in front of them whenever they will see their wedding album together. Therefore, perfect blend of creativity and romance in wedding photos is required to make it a real treasure for bride and groom.

To attain this purpose, photographer needs to capture photos in several romantic gestures. Taking help of natural sites will enhance the effects. For example, capturing private moments of married couple in a boat, kissing each other at the time of sunset and sun hiding behind them, bride and groom stealing some private moments from the guests and family, can be the most loved photos for married couple.

Take Bride and Groom’s Opinion
The bride and the groom both have several dreams about their wedding. They plan a lot about this most auspicious moment of their life. They also plan about the wedding photos in different moods. Their opinion is very much valuable for wedding photographer. These opinions should be incorporated in wedding photos.

Apart from aforementioned tips, wedding photographers should also use the advance features of their camera or the photo editing software to bring creativity and magical touch in wedding photographs.

MMyfotobox provides a modern and fresh angle to wedding photography. We take emphasize in taking candid moments so that you are able to relive those special moments day in day out. Visit for our special work in the field of wedding photography: Australian wedding photographer

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Why You Should Use Digital Cameras – Benefits and Advantages

August 27, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Pete Silverman
Level: Platinum

Pete is an electronics geek with experience in the television, HDTV, photography, GPS, car and home gadgets and related equipment fields. A relentless enthusiast for … Article Word Count: 381

View the Original article

Sigma Macro Lenses For Canon EOS Cameras

August 27, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Wayne Rasku
Level: Platinum

Love digital photography. I spend as much time with my camera as I can. The rest of my time outside of work is spent either … Article Word Count: 457

View the Original article

Digital Photography – A Necessity in the World of Printing Today

August 27, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Amy Dixon
Level: Platinum

Amy loves to write articles. It has been apart of her life since 4 years ago. This author loves to write health articles, acupuncture, golf … Article Word Count: 402

View the Original article

Next Page »