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by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Smartphones have forever changed the world of photography, making the art form more accessible and connecting people from across the world through the instantaneous sharing of images. For all their benefits, there are plenty of criticisms to be had, especially on the creative front. Smartphone cameras are, for some, everything one could want from a camera. For others, they lack the control and creative freedom that makes photography so interesting.
Who can blame one for having hard feelings against smartphones. After all, they nearly wiped
by John Harris · Posted
It would be foolish to claim that there is only one way to take a portrait, but there are some accepted norms and basic camera settings that you should understand if portraiture is to become your area of photographic interest. Remember though, as you walk down your creative path, that a portrait is more than a headshot, more than a beautiful photo of your subject; it is an opportunity to get to know someone, to have a visual conversation with a person, and to use your photographic skills to pass that understanding of the person on to the
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
One of the magical aspects of modern photography is the ability to review an image instantly within our EVF (electronic viewfinder) or right on the back of the camera.
Frequently, one possible mistake that digital photographers make is when reviewing an image on their camera—they evaluate exposure based on the reproduced image. Why might this be a mistake? Well, both your camera’s LCD and EVF likely have adjustable brightness. Also, you might be viewing your images in bright sunlight or in the pitch black of night. Just as viewing a computer
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
As we learn about exposure, we need to talk about shutter speed. Your camera’s shutter controls the duration of an exposure and is one of the three settings that determine the exposure of an image. Together, these settings are known as the exposure triangle.
Where aperture controls the amount of light we allow to reach our imaging area, it is the duration of our exposure that will directly influence whether an image is sharp or blurred. This is what makes it such a significant piece of the exposure puzzle. Now, let’s take a closer look
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Photography is by definition, the capture of light on a light sensitive surface. That surface could be glass, tin, film, or a digital imaging sensor like those found in most modern cameras. The amount of light that reaches our light-sensitive surface is what we can define as exposure.
A good exposure will look accurate to life or the photographer's creative vision. It will maximize an images quality and
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Winter brings with it some of the best photographic opportunities imaginable. As the temperatures begin to drop, our approach to photography changes a bit. Cooler weather brings with it snow, stunningly colorful evening skies, wintering birds, and an assortment of beautiful weather conditions. Some of the best photographic opportunities present themselves in these unfortunately cold times. That being said, if we prep ourselves and our gear appropriately, we can capture stunning images.
Before You Head Out
First, some safety precautions. Cold
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Welcome to Part 3 of our journey into the world of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) photography. In this final chapter of the 3-part series of articles, we voyage back into the mental aspects of creating ICM art, as well as take in some tips for some of the more common ICM subjects and finish with inspirational words from some of the masters of the craft.
Above image © Morag Paterson
Approach
Because ICM eschews many of the lessons we have tried so hard to learn in photography over the years, the approach and process are very
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Specular out-of-focus highlights have appeared in photographs since the first photos were taken through lenses. In 1997, Photo Techniques magazine introduced the word “bokeh” to the photography world’s vernacular and the out-of-focus areas of photographs have been scrutinized ever since. Before the term, there was certainly discussion about the aesthetics of the out-of-focus specular highlights of a photograph, but until 1997, there wasn’t a good word in the English language to describe the phenomenon. Credit goes to Mike Johnston, article
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Welcome to the world of photography beyond what you can do with your smartphone! With an interchangeable-lens digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless) you can do so much more than when you’re using the camera in your phone. Even though it can be intimidating at first, there are some fun photographic challenges that even beginning photographers will enjoy. Not only are they relatively easy, these photo assignments will build photographic fundamentals for all your
by Jill Waterman · Posted
The bright lights and lively bustle of the city at night is especially captivating to photographers, who have long sought to capture this rich spectrum of color, contrast, and motion in images. Yet there is more to consider in the world after dark than just a snapshot approach and automatic camera settings. With this in mind, consider these seven tips to help you get the most out of urban environments in low light.
Establishing time and place
by Mary Latvis · Posted
When looking to align camera images with what their eye sees, to smooth complexions subtly, or to create specific looks for various scenes, moods, or locations in their projects, experienced videographers and cinematographers often turn to optical filters. When you’re confident about the look you want, optical filters also enable you to “bake-in” elements of your vision, both saving time in post and reducing the possibility of unwanted or unintended “corrections.”
While many filter looks can indeed be replicated or at least approximated
by Allan Weitz · Posted
Sometimes, the phrases, acronyms and strings of numbers or number-letter combinations used to identify photographic hardware or techniques can be daunting to the uninitiated neophyte photographer.
We've prepared a list of the basic terms. Have we left any out that you think should be added? Please let us know!
0-9 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
by Jill Waterman · Posted
With the year winding down and arrangements for family gatherings in the works, some advance planning for recording these moments through photographs is a worthwhile consideration. It’s no longer the era of your grandfather’s Kodak, with family members captured stiff as a rail or suffering from red-eye. There are lots of exciting imaging options out there, all of which involve slightly different approaches. In an effort to help you to make sense of the current spectrum, we’ve outlined these seven tips to walk you through the process, and to
by Mike Wilkinson · Posted
As prices continue to plummet and resolution continues to rise, it is becoming commonplace for amateur and hobbyist photographers to purchase a high-quality digital stills camera—mirrorless or DSLR. Even a photographer with a $500 camera can capture amazing clarity with just about no training whatsoever. Almost every one of these cameras now has the option to shoot video, usually in an HD resolution (or even 4K video, on some models). Lots of photographers, even the professional ones, are clueless when it comes to picking the best settings,