Photoshoot Tricks & Tips - Light

Subject :- Lamp Post

Time :- Night (12:00 - 1:00 am)

Setting : - My Neighborhood

I was standing in front of my porch looking out shooting stars when i noticed that the lamp post by the road not far away seemed to be a pretty amazing subject. I got hold of my camera and started taking snaps of it while experimenting with different kinds of settings. Here are some examples of the snaps i took:-

Go!

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What i did was select a relatively low shutter speed then use manual focus which can be done by selecting the 'm'-manual instead of the 'a'-auto on your lens and make the focus go blur to the max fiddling with the focus. As i snapped the shot i moved the camera in the direction of what i wished to right. 

*note: this may need a little practice to get used to.

I took many frames for starters to get the basic of this technique.Once you mastered it, its really simple and extremely fun to play around with.

Good Luck!!

~tatgraphy

Cell phone camera - taking photos

Camera phones are very common and many people use their camera phones to take photos / images, which has grown into a global phenomenon. Taking a picture with a camera phone is more challenging when compared with a specially designed digital camera to capture your precious memories.

 *taking photo of a girl using a camera phone

Taking Better Photos Using Your Camera Phone Tips: -

• Define the most appropriate setting
Adjust settings such as weather and lighting environment before you start taking pictures. The flash settings is also important, you can opt whether to use auto flash or no flash accordingly.

• Be as steady as possible
The lens on a camera phone is smaller compared to a digital camera, making it very susceptible to camera shake. This will produce blurry images even if you move the phone just a little bit. This applies in low light situations.

• Mind the light
This refers to how the light is set and also the quantity of light available. Be aware of your main light source.

*close up photo of a glass of iced tea

• Close ups
Camera phones function better at taking close up photos. In addition, this also reduces the effects of camera shake.

• Take photos of still objects / subjects
Less movement of the object / subject will yield a clearer & sharper photo.

• Edit your photos
You can either edit your photos with the built-in image editing software in your phone or use Photoshop on your PC / Laptop later on for better results. 

• Protect your lens and make sure it is clean and free from scratches
You can buy a casing to protect your phone for this purpose.

• Select the highest resolution
This is the best resolution when you plan to print out the picture.

• Avoid using your digital zoom
Using the digital zoom will lower the quality of your photo.

Digital SLR Camera - Top 10 Choices

For some people who really want to dive in the world of photography it would not be simply enough to capitalize only digital compact cameras. People like this need a more complete camera with better features and better results. For them there would be no problem if they had to spend more money because the money spent will be comparable with the results obtained. This can be obtained from a digital SLR camera.

 *sample photo of a Nikon D90

Overview of digital SLR cameras: -

Digital SLR cameras usually have a sensor nine times larger than the standard digital camera, and are aimed at professional photographers and serious devotees. The Lens of a SLR camera can be replaceable according to need. Typically, manufacturers have offered a standard lens (kit lens), but different types of lenses are also sold separately, according to the needs and financial capabilities. SLR type cameras are divided into two types, namely SLR for hobbyists, or SLR for professional and the price level is also different. The classification of SLR camera can be according to the level of quality which the price can also vary.

The following are among of the few cameras that are in the market which are worth keeping an eye on : -

1.Nikon D90
D90 has a high value in producing excellent images and the designs are awesome
Max. Megapixels: 12.3 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 6X Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 18
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 105
Weight (ounces): 40.5
Media Slots: SD Card

2. Canon EOS 50D
Upgraded version of the 40D with some new added features.
Max. Megapixels: 15.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 11x Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 18
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 200
Weight (ounces): 50.6
Media Slots: CompactFlash

3. Canon EOS Rebel XSI SLR
Type Rebel XSI is able to reach out far but you may need to spend more money than the expenditure incurred by novice users.
Max. Megapixels: 12.2 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 18
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 55
Weight (ounces): 8.25
Media Slots: SD Card

4. Canon EOS 40D
A full-featured camera that produces satisfactory images. The photos taken will look like a pro.
Max. Megapixels: 10.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 4.8X Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 28
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 135
Weight (ounces): 48.8
Media Slots: Compact Flash

5. Sony Alpha DSLR-A300
The LCD screen is easy to set up and real-time, good design, easy to use as well as economical.
Max. Megapixels: 10.2 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 3.8X Zoom
Minimum Zoom  Range (mm): 18
Maximum Zoom  Range (mm): 70
Weight (ounces): 32.8
Media Slots: Compact Flash, Memory Stick

6. Olympus Evolt E-510 
This type offers many additional features even though the price is not too expensive, although some functions will be difficult to access.
Max. Megapixels: 10 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 28
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 84
Weight (ounces): 7.26
Media Slots: Compact Flash, XD-Picture Card

7. Olympus E3
The camera is big, heavy and sturdy looking features advanced control and can autofocus quickly
Max. Megapixels: 10.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 5X Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 24
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 120
Weight (ounces): 52.6
Media Slots: Compact Flash, XD-Picture Card

8. Canon EOS Rebel XS
This digital SLR camera is suitable for beginners, because it is easy to use and the price is not too expensive
Max. Megapixels: 10.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 18
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 55
Weight (ounces): 28
Media Slots: SD Card

9. Pentax K20D
This type is quite good but its autofocus features which are slow will make frustrate you.
Max. Megapixels: 14.6 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 18
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 55
Weight (ounces): 36.5
Media Slots: SD Card

10. Nikon D60
This camera produces satisfying images, but very few features are added compared to the D40X model.
Max. Megapixels: 10.2 Megapixels
Optical Zoom: 3X Zoom
Minimum Zoom Range (mm): 18
Maximum Zoom Range (mm): 55
Weight (ounces): 28.8
Media Slots: SD Card