Things are still a bit messy on the blog as I imported it from my old website. Links may be broken. I’m working on it! Thanks for your patience.
It's all about timing
Photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, the pioneer of modern photojournalism, was the master of timing. He coined the term decisive moment, to describe that moment at which the photo is "most significant". I see timing as the point when your composition, exposure, lighting and subject, all intersect in perfect unison. Photographically, timing is important for everything from facial expressions to sunsets.
Size and Resolution Explained
Are you confused by image resolution, ppi, dpi and pixel dimensions? This video demo will explain it to you.
What is fast glass?
This post will explain what lens speed is all about. Lenses all have a maximum aperture. The maximum aperture is the widest opening the lens can have. The wider the lens opening the more light it will let in to the camera sensor. Here is a graphic representing apertures:
Digital camera buying guide
If you or someone you know is in the market for a new digital camera, this guide contains information that is key to your buying decision. But I don't want to sound too much like a hard sell salesperson so you'll have to download it and find out for yourself.
You don't need Photoshop
I can't believe I'm writing this, but most of you don't need to bother buying Photoshop! Sure it has the snob factor and all that, but if you don't really have to use the full potential of this image editing software, and you don't happen to have an extra $700 lying around, then don't bother. I mean it! Here's why:
Sometimes you need to change your perspective
The focal length of the lens you choose can totally change your perspective. This post shows a visual representation of what I mean. I've tried to keep Shawn the same size in each of the photos. Same f-stop on each photo (f-8.0) and no cropping or any fancy stuff on any of the photos.
How to get perfect white balance
Custom white balance can be a tricky subject, especially if you are new to digital photography. My preferred method is using a measured neutral gray card. The one I use is called a WhiBal and is made by RawWorkFlow.com. This video demonstrates how I use the card when shooting and in editing the files.
Get better color in your photos
Most people keep their digital cameras and their camera phones set on Auto White Balance (AWB), which works okay most of the time. But to get the best colour you need to set your white balance to capture the colour temperature of the light falling on the subject. If you set your camera on Auto White Balance, the camera wants to make the colour neutral. If there is predominant amount of one colour, such as orange, like in a sunset or wild storm, then the camera thinks, "Whoa, too much orange, we need to neutralize that." The camera doesn't know what type of light you are shooting in, it just sees orange.
Computer cables: USB, Firewire 400, Firewire 800
Your question: What is the difference between USB, Firewire 400, or Firewire 800 connectors? To find the answer, read on.
The importance of calibrating your computer screen color
You've been going through all the exercises in my photo lessons. You've spent time getting the perfect lighting, perfect white balance, perfect exposure, and best composition, and you are now ready to have a look at the photos on your computer. You load up your photos and open a couple up in your favorite image editing program. Your heart sinks. Um . . . What happened?Your photos look nothing like the way they were in your scene. Now it's true, your mind can probably fill in the blanks and recreate that magical place for you in true colour, but really deep down you know something isn't quite right.
20 Tips for critiquing your holiday photos
Imagine this scenario: Your friend has just come back from an eco-vacation in the Antarctic. She's invited you and several friends over one night to look at her photos. When you arrive you get a glass of red wine and find yourself a comfy spot on the couch. She's borrowed the data projector from work and has it pointed at the coffee-with-cream coloured wall. The lights dim. The show begins.
Good composition is the strongest way of seeing
Struggling with all the technical elements of digital photography like how to set up the camera and how to best post process your files? It can be very frustrating! To reduce the stress of taking perfect pictures, get back to basics.
Photography is like skateboarding
I have a confession to make: I was a teenage skateboarder (and in my mind I still am). I was probably more into skateboarding than photography. I read all the skateboarding magazines, and had tear sheets and posters of skateboarding plastered all over my bedroom walls. I practiced 360's every spare moment, and had contests with my brothers on who could do the most 360's in a row.
Choosing a digital camera system that will work for you
Hey Marlene, I have a question in regards to cameras. The new Pentax K-7 has caught my attention based on its features. What is your opinion on the Pentax camera and lenses? I was hoping that Nikon was going to replace the D300 with a supposed rumored D400 but nothing yet, and tired of waiting.
Should I use a flash or get a fast lens?
At some point after you've purchased that entry level sub $1000 dSLR kit with a couple of consumer grade zoom lenses, you're going to want a faster, sharper lens. By faster I mean one with a larger f-stop than the typical f3.5 you're getting at the wide angle setting of the lens in the kits. Remember, a faster lens lets in more light, so you can you can use a faster shutter speed. That's where the term comes from.
Normal, Fine, Superfine!
Set up your camera to shoot the best image quality jpgs. To get the best images from your camera, it's good to understand what all the functions mean and do. This post teaches you about picture quality.