June 2009 Archive

by Brian Trimmer

There are many types of digital camera to choose from; deciding which the best is for you depends entirely upon what you wish for.

Pocket sized cameras are very convenient and easy to carry; also, they capture very good images using standard sized photographs. Unfortunately they lack many features of some of the larger models.

Likewise, point and shoot cameras are tiny enough to fit in a pocket, so as to be on hand when you need but they also lack the controls and options of larger cameras.

The fastest growing group of point and shoot cameras are those found on cell phones. Despite the convenience and multi-uses of the camera phone, the photo quality is generally poor.

Larger, “high end” cameras to come with numerous features including zoom lenses and many focus and exposure controls. Growing in popularity are single-lens reflex or SLR cameras.

Though expensive, SLR cameras have many advantages: changeable lens, faster focus, they are less noisy than other digital cameras, and a larger view screen that replicates the image to be photographed.

Furthermore, a list of additional accessories can be purchased to augment your SLR camera.

There is no wrong answer regarding which type of digital camera to purchase, it is merely a question of your tastes and photography needs. You may be perfectly happy with a smaller pocket sized or cell phone camera.

However, if you take many pictures and wish for high quality and additional features, you may want to investigate a larger SLR camera.

By Heather Trimmer

If you have ever watched a child try to maneuver on a low wall at a park, you know how challenging but necessary balance is to the process.

Scraped knees or elbows are a possibility.

So, with arms stretched wide, the child takes the first few tentative steps along the thin wall.  Yeah, balance.

The same is true for a tightrope walker.  Balance is everything, though much more is at stake than a scraped knee.  Without balance, the walker can’t function properly.  Clarity is lost, and so is the ability to do the job well.

At the same time, balance and clarity are essential elements when taking your digital pictures.

When striving for balance, select the dominant objects that you want to photograph and arrange them so that they complement each other.  This works especially well when you are taking shots of still forms.  Generally, the eye is drawn more to balance and symmetry.

By Heather Trimmer

Throughout the history of photography, many have discovered the importance of vantage point.

Think of the powerful people throughout the twentieth century who were photographed, and you will understand the importance of a low vantage point for the camera.

Franklin D Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, among many others, were captured in powerful pictures because they were literally above the photographer. This gave the impression of significance and strength.

In addition, if you want to bring significance or emphasis to an object that you are photographing, take your picture from a lower vantage point. Increasing the height away from the object can reduce its significance.

Vantage point can also be used when taking snap shots, or when you want to highlight an item on Ebay.

Of course, take pictures from a variety of different angles so your potential Ebay buyer gets full disclosure of the item for sale.

One of your shots, without a doubt, should be taken from a low vantage point to give significance to your item for sale.

By Brian Trimmer

I recently visited the National Archives in Washington DC.   Anyone who has gone can tell you about the tight   security–regarding flash photography.  We shouldn’t blame the Archive’s staff, they are protecting rare and important historical document that are very susceptible to light.

In addition to the no-flash rule, strictly enforced, the interior lights are very dim.

This makes good photography nearly impossible.   Fortunately, we have the function button.

Your digital camera has a variety of hidden features that can be explored in the instruction manual, or for the more adventurous sorts, tinkered with via the function button.

Essentially, low-light setting allows the maximum amount of available light to be utilized.   Pictures in darkened areas will appear lighter;  maybe not with the same consistency of flash photography but far and above the dim, blurred pictures taken on normal setting.

Without low-light, and in the absence of flash, you will be disappointed by substandard quality of your photos.

You may wish to check the instruction manual for which icon or feature number to activate the low-light setting.

Lastly, be sure to readjust your settings after leaving a darkened area or your pictures will be washed out.