A Guide For Newbies In Photography (SLR Film)

Photography is one of the most popular hobbies today, and a lot of photographers progressed from being a photo hobbyist to a professional who gets paid to do what they love. Being a great photographer requires a lot of patience, an artistic eye, and technical know-hows. To help those who are interested in becoming a photographer, here are some tips that will surely help them in creating beautiful, interesting pictures.

1. Choose the right camera

A photographer eats with his camera and sleeps with his camera. The camera is his life. Therefore, it is but very important to choose the right camera to shoot those perfect photographs. There are many kinds of cameras that aspiring shutterbugs can choose from, catering to different kinds of budgets. It goes without saying that the best cameras are the priciest ones. A good camera is a large but justifiable investment.

These are the type of cameras available in the general market:

1. Disposable camera
2. Compact camera
3. Single lens reflex camera or SLR
4. Digital camera

Beginners are recommended to use the medium price range cameras such as Minolta, Pentax or Canon, which can take great-looking pictures almost as good as the top-of-the-line ones.

2. Select suitable lenses

Beginners can start off with two lenses, the first one from 28mm to 80mm and the second one from 80mm to 270mm or 70mm to 300mm. There are different kinds of lenses, the normal the wide-angle, the zoom and the macro lenses.

3. Distinguishing film types

Obviously, film is very important since the images taken are stored here. The most general kinds are colors are black and white films.

4. Choosing the right film speed

The general rule is, the higher the ISO number, the faster the film. Faster ISOs are for fast actions like sports, or for shoots where there is less light. For shoots with an abundance of light, a 100 0r 200 ISO will do just fine.


5. Balancing of color

The film should always be matched to the source of the light in order to produce desirable pictures. Unlike the naked eye, film sees different light colors, and if the light and film don't match, the colors will come out all wrong.

Photography is a great hobby that is recommended for everyone, men and women or young and old alike. Studying the right techniques is essential if you want to become good at it. Just following these guidelines and anyone can create great-looking pictures in no time.

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The Benefits That Photography Clubs Can Bring

In any kind of endeavor, joining an organization or a club provides countless possibilities of enhancing your knowledge and skill about that particular endeavor.

Take for example the photography clubs. Photography clubs are generally groups of people united by their interest in photography. Whether these people are professional or amateur photographers or who are just fond of the basic concept of photography, they merge into one group and solidly uphold the principles of photography.

As to the many kinds of clubs, photography clubs are focused more on the hobby of taking pictures and the artistic side and not just the plain process of capturing still photographs.

So for those who are not yet aware of the benefits that photography clubs can bring, here is a list of some of the basic advantages of these particular clubs.

1. Additional knowledge in photography

One of the best things about joining a photography club is that people who are photography aficionados have the chance to learn new things concerning photography without having to spend more money so as trainings and seminars.

With these kinds of clubs, people can easily exchange ideas and learn from each other as they partake in the growing industry of photography.

2. New friendships

Like any other club or organization, photography clubs also provide new friends and not just acquaintances. This is because since most of the club members have the same interest in photography, they can easily feel good with each other, and have lots of things to talk about, thus, easily forming a good bond among them.

3. Feasible ways to maximize photography

If you are so much into photography and you would like to know more about photography, you just need to join these types of clubs. The only problem is that there are photography clubs that can be pretty expensive especially because they require some membership fees. However, most of photography clubs are non-profit and will not require you to pay for a membership fee.

In this way, you can instantly maximize your knowledge about photography and make the most out of the concepts that you can learn from the different trainings and seminars.

All of these things are boiled down to the fact that photography clubs are not merely created just for the sake of having them. They have their own purpose and, that is, to provide career guides to people who may want to learn from the meetings and sharing of every member.

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How A Digital Camera Works

Digital cameras come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Different brands of digital cameras also offer users an array of features designed to make each and every shot fantastic. Despite the numerous features offered by digital cameras, manufacturers still manage to create products that are simple enough for a child to use.

Day by day digital cameras are becoming a well-known fixture in most homes across the globe. In fact, most of the people around the world own one and use it on a regular basis.Digital cameras have also been incorporated into a variety of technical gadgets that have been integrated into the lifestyle of people everywhere.

PDA devices as well as cellular phones are just some of the technological devices that have a digital camera feature. Despite being an add-on feature, the digital camera device installed in these gadgets fair relatively well compared to detached models.

As a matter of fact the memory used for digital cameras, detached models or otherwise, can easily be upgraded using memory cards. The added memory will certainly come in handy because most digital cameras can also be used to take video clips.

There are numerous brands of digital cameras available on the market today. Mainstream electronic brands like Nikon, Kodak, Canon and Olympus are just some of the manufacturers of conventional 35mm cameras who have jumped on the bandwagon to create their own lines of digital cameras. Other famous brands that manufacture digital cameras include Panasonic, Casio and Sony.

Basic Features of Digital Cameras to Consider

Regardless of brand names, digital cameras have the same basic features that any consumer should know and consider before buying one. Even though digital cameras are generally a point and shoot device, certain features can often single out a particular brand or model. A good example of this is the term megapixel, which became known when digital cameras were introduced in the market.

Megapixels, which means millions of pixels, measure the quality and size of a digital camera. Pixels refer to the dots that make up a picture. Therefore a digital camera that has about a 5-megapixel resolution will produce better quality pictures compared to a 3-megapixel digital camera.

Moreover, photos taken with a digital camera that offers greater megapixels can be enlarged safely without sacrificing the quality of the picture. Average digital cameras with less than 3 megapixels often forfeit the clarity of the picture once it is enlarged. Unfortunately, there is a downside to using a digital camera with greater megapixels as they consume more of the camera’s memory.

The zoom function of a digital camera is another feature that most consumers should consider. There are generally two types of zoom features for many of the digital cameras on the market today. The optical zoom feature is common in devices without permanent lenses. The user can simply zoom and focus on the subject to be photographed.

A digital zoom feature is similar to using an editing software program for images. In most cases, a digital camera may offer both types of zoom features. Most digital camera users recommend concentrating on the optical zoom feature to validate the quality of the device.

What to Look for In a Digital Camera

A digital camera generally has an LCD screen. This wide screen replaces the small aperture in conventional cameras through which you look into before taking the shot. The LCD screen allows the photographer to view the picture while taking it to see how it would appear in reality.

Digital cameras have memory stick slots where memory sticks are inserted. Unfortunately, memory is another major consideration that many consumers often overlook. For the most part it is because digital cameras that require larger memory can be quite expensive.

On the whole, many of the digital cameras of today make use of rechargeable batteries. Consumers should check if the particular brand they wish to purchase comes with a charger. If not, then you need to purchase it separately.

Downloading pictures taken with the digital camera is another factor that need to be considered. In most cases, many digital cameras can easily be connected to a desktop computer using a USB port. Through this connection, a user may download the pictures taken with the camera into the computer’s hard drive for printing or editing.

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Shoot Like Professionals

Whether you just have a simple point-and-shoot camera or the more expensive digital SLRs, you can definitely take quality pictures like the pros do. It’s not the type of camera that takes great shots, it’s the photographer. If you don't know how to correctly take a shot, you can take a really bad picture from an SLR camera.

As long as you know how to correctly take pictures and are willing to make some adjustments, taking great photos will be easy for you. Here are some tips to help you shoot like professionals even with your simple digital camera.

1. Would you like your shots to have a warmer feel? Most shots taken from a digital camera without any adjustments look cool and clammy. This is because the white balance setting is set to “auto” as default which is fine for snapshots.

If you want a warmer effect, though, with sharp colors, you may want to set the white balance to “cloudy” setting instead of auto. This is like adding a mild warming filter to the lens of your camera. Cloudy setting increases the yellow and red colors adding a richer and warmer effect to your shots.

2. Polarizing filters can be one of the most important investments you can add to your digital camera. These filters reduce the glare and unwanted reflections on your shots. This is great when you frequently take landscape and outdoor shots. Pictures taken with a polarizer have richer and more saturated colors.

If your camera won't allow filters, like a simple point-and-shoot camera, don’t fret! You can still have a polarizing effect on your shots by placing a good quality pair of sunglasses in front of the lens. It gives an effect similar to a polarizer. Just make sure that you place it to the lens as close as possible and the rims are not seen.

3. For an outdoor shot with shine, use your camera’s “flash on” or “fill flash” feature. This lets you control when you want the flash to go off, instead of it deciding when it wants to. This mode exposes first the background then adding enough flash to illuminate your subject.

For great results, place your subject where the sun illuminates the hair from the side or back. Alternatively, to let your subject be comfortable and not be annoyed by the sun’s heat, place your model in the shade then use the flash to illuminate the subject.

However, built-in flashes only have a maximum range of 10 feet. Thus, it would be better not to go too far from your subject.

4. Taking detailed shots of objects like flowers or small insects is easy with your digital camera. Most digital cameras have a feature called “close up” or “macro mode” usually indicated by a flower sign. With this mode turned on, you can take shots of objects as close as possible. However, you only get a shallow field-depth when taking close up pictures so it is better to focus on the most important part of the subject then allow the other parts of the image go soft.

5. Leveling the image may be difficult for amateurs as well as some pros. One way to get a level or an even shot, especially of a nature shot, is to look for some horizontal lines as guide. If you have a view of the horizon, where the sky meets the ocean, you can use that as your leveling guide.

If it still is difficult for you, you can try to take several shots at different angles so you’ll know which one would give you the best shot. After some time it will become natural for you to take even shots.

These are just some of the tricks you can do to take wonderful shots on your digital camera, be it a simple point-and shoot kind or the more professional SLR type. Photography is really an enjoyable and fulfilling hobby, especially when a lot of people also appreciate your shots. And it is not that difficult to have shots that most people will like. Just explore, read different books, and take advice from pros and you’ll surely be one of them in a matter of time.

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The Role Of Photojournalism

Photojournalism is a branch of journalism that tells a story through the form of images. The point of view of photography, is it different from its other branches in the sense that the stories from the images photojournalists offer are news related.

They are informative, and relevant to society, as well as informing us of what is happening around the world. These images also possess the quality of being objective. The context of the images, and its relevance are directly connected to the story it's telling.

Photojournalism is an essential part of the news media

To most people who watch the news or read newspapers, pictures are what give them a visual representation of what the printed words are summarizing. This makes reading the newspaper more effective because it gives the readers an idea of what it must be like to witness these events as they are unfolding. This is especially true of those who seldom watch the news, or read the newspaper. These images become their key to understanding the stories that are being reported in the news.

Photojournalists

Photojournalists don't have an easy job. There are certain times when they risk their lives just to bring the news right into our living rooms, so we can be informed of what is happening around us.

Through the form of photographs they are able to let us in on the situations and events that are transpiring in other parts of the world. They offer us a glimpse of the people, their actions, places, things and scenes of daily life that are captured in their images. This way we become aware of the issues that are facing our society today.

Role of Technology in Photojournalism

The advent of technology has made the influence of photojournalism more pronounced. Nowadays, news can literally travel the globe within minutes. The usage of the internet, videophones, and excellent quality of printing technology has made the role of photojournalism a more visible presence.

This is why more than ever photojournalists have a much greater responsibility of ensuring that they present images that are objective. The downside to the progression of technology is that now individuals have the ability to manipulate images. This is where the question of ethics comes in. This is why there is a code of ethics that have been established to address these issues. Although, these tend to vary from country to country.

Photojournalism is a serious profession that merits respect and attention. After all, the images that accompany the stories in the news are truly what helps the public understand the meaning behind the words.

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The Best Time To Choose A Wide Angle Lens

When is the best time to choose a wide angle lens, and how does one choose the appropriate wide angle lens for a particular shot?

First things first, the best time for a wide angle lens is to be used is when you are planning to take a beautiful shot of a landscape.

Another important aspect of landscape photography is the selection of the appropriate light as well as the perfect location of the landscape shot. As much as possible, and depending on what it is being shot, the selection of the appropriate day to catch that landscape picture perfect landscape view is everything.

Lights, location and action

When the location has finally been chosen for the wide angle lens shot, try to notice the light effects visible on the area that you plan to shoot in over a whole twenty four hour day. This ensures that you know how the lights play over the range of mountain, sand or seas. This also helps you plan just how it is you are to go about taking that shot, when and how.

When you finally know, it is therefore time to be a little bit creative. You may include elements in your picture’s foreground in order to have an additional scale and depth to your pictures. Also, feel free to look around from other points in the area where you think the shot could just as well be taken. This may add a little bit of interest to the final picture. Also consider taking a variety of levels and positions.

Time is always of the essence

Believe it or not, in order to avoid any shadows that may appear harsh on the picture, the best time to shoot is early during the morning as well as late in the golden afternoon.
During this time, take your camera out and set it up using a tripod. Then, take a reading of any area of the shot using a light-meter. Once the appropriate measurements have been taken, adjust the speed of the shutter and the aperture.

After all these, all you need to do is to press the release button and take a beautiful picture.

Make use of natural effects

If there are any natural creations occupying your shot, try to use a backlight or side lighting that provides the leaves, – for example – grass, water or smoke an appearance that these seem to be translucent, almost ethereal.

Pictures of a beautiful sunset are best taken just when the sun has gently touched the horizon and immediately a maximum of five – count them - five short minutes just after the sun has finally set.

It is best that you use or position yourself to a geographically high point.

A filtered polarizer may also be used in order to heighten the sky’s color or tone, thus delivering a picture befitting a postcard.

A wide angle lens helps a lot in increasing the picture’s scope.

Do not forget to relax. This prevents the camera from unnecessarily shaking and helping you focus on the subject more than anything else.

Supply yourself with much needed supplies

Since landscape photos are usually taken far from the city and well into the country, it is best that you pack up a host of equipments that enables you to take pictures even during temporary obstacles. A flashlight always comes in handy, bottled water is another (to keep the photographer replenished and not thirsty), as well as a lot of extra rolls of film. This is one equipment that photographers generally can't do without.

Basically, a wide angle lens has a focal length that measures less than forty millimeters. Be aware as well as be wary that the length of the lens changes how an image is seen.

All in all, determining the best lens to use for a particular shot requires a lot of patience, skill and practice. The art of mastering landscape photography doesn't have to be difficult. And the best lens to use for such kind of photography is a wide-angle lens. Getting that that shot right takes not only skill but the strength, stamina and endurance to get to where the location of the landscape is and the energy – upon reaching that location – to get the job done. And when that moment arrives, the job has only just begun.

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Achieving The Wedding Photography Of A Couple's Dreams

A wedding is undoubtedly one of the most precious moments in a person's life. Capturing it on film to be stored forever is even more important. Today, brides and grooms have so any options to choose from when it comes to choosing the kind of photography that they want for the most important day of their lives.

Here is a guide in achieving the wedding photography of a couple's dreams:

1. Choosing the right photographer

In order to select a wedding photographer, a couple must first decide on the picture style that they want.

Portrait photographers are perfectly capable to take both formal and casual pictures, but he will most likely concentrate on the formal ones.

Photojournalists take shots that are candid and not planned. This kind of photographer usually has experience in journalism photography.

Hobbyist photographers are those who are often a friend or a relative of the couple, and would likely offer his services for free or a very low price. It is hard to tell the kind of pictures that they will produce, and there is a risk that the pictures may not be as good as a professional's.

2. Getting the perfect camera

Wedding photographers usually use two basic camera types: the 35mm and the medium format. The 35mm has the tendency to produce pictures that are a little grainy, but the only person who may notice the difference are the photographers themselves.

3. Color or black and white?

Color is usually used in wedding photos, but those who want a more artistic feel may go for the black and white film. Black and white photos lasts longer than color ones, though color films capture the details of the event more appropriately. One option would be to take the pictures in color first, then have copies made in black and white.

4. Personality of the photographer

Most couples want a photographer who can take great pictures but who is also friendly and sociable. Set an interview with the prospective photographer, and make sure to ask effective questions. Also, make sure to ask for references, and take a look at his previous work.

All these tips can help couples in getting those perfect pictures on their special day. Make sure that these pictures can be shown proudly to families and friends, and can be passed down to future generations.

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