Photographic Lenses – A perspective from an avid shutterbug in Grafton.
Have you ever wondered why photographs turn out different than what you saw through the viewfinder? Why is my photography blurry or out of focus? How do I capture more of the subject area in the photo? How can I get closer to the subject? Why is the photograph darker than suspected? I have had these questions over the years and have studied photography lenses so that I can select the most appropriate camera and camera lens for my subjects.
Today, with the most wonderful world of photography , and the technology at hand, it is much easier to shoot those prize photos even for the weekend shutterbug. But, if you understand even a few basics your photographs can turn out much better than you anticipated. It has become really easy for anyone to pick up a point and shoot fixed lens digital camera and take a great photo. With the influx of many high end, high megapixel cameras available for under $200.00, anybody can put memories in their pocket.
Grafton Photography – Famous Photographers
Portrait photography generally makes the face, facial features and expressions predominant. It captures the personality of the subject using effective poses, backdrops and lighting to serve different purposes. Portrait photographers focus more on the face and emphasis on it even though the body and the background may also be included in the photo. This type of photography has become very popular that it is what most people choose for their weddings and other important events and celebrations.
Whereas the photography is not that hard to achieve, it may take a few skills to get the most stunning shots. Below are some helpful tips you should consider to get the best from portrait photography for your desired use and purpose.
Tip 1 - Let the camera be at an angle. Shooting portraits goes beyond the usual vertical and horizontal framing. Diagonal angles have a way of injecting some fun into the images and add some energy to them as well. You, however must be careful when angling so you do not end up looking as though you made a mistake holding the camera.
Tip 5 - Play around with unfocused shots. Sharply focused images seem to be the standard for photographers. At times, however, especially in portrait photography, shots that are unfocused tend to work best. This is because they have a tendency of showing real emotion, interest and mood. You can achieve such shots by using a large aperture to create narrow depth of field and then focusing on something that is in front or behind the subject instead of focusing directly on the subject. You can also use wide aperture and focus on something else besides the subject so the full image is out of focus. Unfocused shots tend to be mysterious and dreamy and work for some purposes.
Learning Photography and How to Do So
1. Print your images
Are your photographs destined to remain hidden on a hard drive forever, unseen by the world? Remember the buzz you once had in the pre-digital days, when you saw your photographs the first time in print?
Why not peruse your recent holiday snaps, and select your best work to be immortalised with ink on paper. Frame them; hang them in your home; give them away as gifts.
2. Update your camera gear
There comes a time when your digital camera doesn't do your skills justice. While point-and-shoot cameras are convenient and cheaper, they are restricted by their simplicity and their smaller sensor size.
Unfortunately, the old adage 'you get what you pay for' is still the truth. Even an entry-level DSLR and kit lens will produce sharper and bigger images, and allow you to play with a wider aperture range, from at least f/4 to f/22.
If you're into landscape photography, a sturdy tripod is a must, as is a polarising filter to darken blue skies. A cable release will prevent camera shake during longer exposures. A decent kit bag will protect your expensive gear, and enable more efficient access to it.
3. Subscribe to a photography magazine
The racks of most bookshops are stacked with numerous photography magazines. My favourite is Digital SLR Photography*, which boasts a higher standard of writing than found in other titles from the UK. Of course, these days you can subscribe to the digital version of magazines, and download them to your mobile device of choice.
4. Start a personal project
A popular pastime is to shoot a photo every day for 365 days. The idea is to force yourself into the habit of getting your camera out regularly, not just for holidays, or special occasions. Shoot ordinary events or items.
10. Join the club
Photo albums have now been replaced with on-line galleries. Host sites include Google Photos or Yahoo's Flickr, but if you're serious, why not build your own personal website? This is no longer such a daunting task, as it was a few years ago. Cloud-based hosts include clikpic.com and wix.com where beautiful templates make DIY web design a breeze.
However, if you and computers don't mix, you can always find a like-minded community of real humans in a local camera club. These not-for-profits offer advice, training, competitions, trips, conventions and printed publications.
11. Take a photography course
Most folks will benefit from attending at least one photography course, especially when they're starting out. This needn't be a four-year university degree. Check out your local high school - many offer night classes for adults, and are great value for money.
Alternatively, many pro photographers run seasonal workshops on portraiture, wildlife or landscapes.
12. Go on tour
To really improve your photography, you need to grab your camera, and practise, practise, practise.
Perhaps the best way to fast-track your camera skills is on an intense weekend shooting on location, with an experienced guide. He or she will transport you to the best hot spots at the best time of day, to ensure you get great images.
If this article has inspired you, feel free to make contact - I'd love to help take your landscape photography to the next level.
[ Digital SLR Photography magazine: Digital SLR Photography ]
Grafton Photography Studio - Things You Need To Keep In Mind!