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Photography Tools & Techniques |
- Film vs. Digital?
- I prefer not to partake in this debate;
both mediums have their merit, and capture great images. I've personally
been using digital because of my need to take lots of photos but with
a light load; small high-capacity memory cards have proven convenient
for me in all types of inclement weather and times of day. I remember
the days backpacking through Europe, having to manage 20 rolls of b&w
and color film.
- What camera should I get? -
I believe the camera does not make the photograph. While the technology
certainly helps, the subject and composition make much of the photo.
If you don't have the money for a prosumer-level SLR camera, be assured
that I've taken great photos with point-and-shoot's. Three things you'll
want to think about when purchasing a digital camera: (1) shots/sec
(how fast can you take a photo), (2) resolution (in megapixels - 5 Megapixels
are more than enough for the average user), (3) battery-life (in hours).
- Tip: Use Flash in Daylight
- As counter intuitive as it sounds, learn to use your flash during
the day. On either a clear or overcast day, the sun can cause the sky
to much brighter than the foreground. To ensure your subjects (human
or still-lifes) don't turn into under-exposed silhouettes, use your
flash. The flash will brighten the foreground and even out the amount
of light.
- Problem:
Washed-out clouds/skies - Ever shoot textured clouds and blue
skies, only to end up with something washed-out and your clouds undefined?
Use a polarizer to help define those clouds, and keep your skies blue.
Some lens manufacturers now make polarizer filters for point-and-shoot
cameras.
- Problem: Hazy Mountains - UV
levels are stronger in the higher altitudes of mountains. You'll often
find your colors dull and hazy. These conditions can be improved with
a UV filter.
- Get close and personal: Tourists
often make the mistake of posing near monuments, buildings or mountains
too far from the camera. Stay within 3-4 feet of the camera and to the
left/right/below center-frame.
- Tripod: Don't underestimate
the power of a tripod. If you have shaky hands, a tripod can help you
take sharper images. If you camera supports long-exposures, a tripod
is essential. A tripod has even saved my life; I've used it to ascend
a steep snowy slope and used it as a makeshift tool for self-arrest
on the descent.
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