Digital Photography -How To Improve Your Digital Photos-

Biography  Began SLR film photography in 1986  First digital camera was a 2.1 MP Sony Cybershot  First DSLR was the Canon Digital Rebel – 2006  Publications & Features – Compassion, Courage & Friendship Book - August 2008 – Solent News & Photo Agency, UK - January 2011 – Wisconsin Trails Magazine - June 2011 – Capture Wisconsin Book - November 2011 – Wisconsin Trails Magazine - February 2012 – U Studio Publishing Greeting Cards, UK - August 2013 – Capture Wisconsin 2014 Calendar - December 2013 – National Wildlife Federation Magazine - April/May 2014 – Yellowstone Park Foundation "Capturing Wonderland" Honorable Mention - August 2014 – Capture Wisconsin II Book - August 2014 – Wisconsin Lawyer Magazine - May 2015 (cover & article) – U Studio Publishing Calendar, UK – April 2016

Field Observations Often misunderstood elements of photography: Proper Exposure Direction of Light Light Metering Shooting Modes

Proper Exposure There are three key factors in obtaining proper image exposure: ISO – sensitivity to light Aperture – how much light allowed in Shutter Speed – how long light is exposed These same factors also play a role in: Overall image quality How much your subject is in focus (depth of field) Stopping action

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Essentially the ISO setting determines how sensitive your digital image sensor is to light. The lower the number, say ISO 200, the less sensitive the sensor become to light. To capture an image more light is needed. The higher the number, say ISO 3200, the more sensitive the sensor becomes to light. Less light is needed to capture an image.

ISO Considerations Overall, image quality is better at lower ISO settings versus higher ISO settings. With higher ISO settings “noise” is often present. Image noise deteriorates image quality.

Aperture or f/stop Aperture or f/stop settings control how much light is allowed through your lens at any given time. Think of aperture or f/stop settings like a set of window blinds being left open a little or a lot. A small aperture is identified by a large f/stop number, say f/22. A larger aperture is identified by a small f/stop number, say f/2.8 In addition to controlling the amount of light, f/stop settings also impacts depth of field.

The Power of Aperture

Shutter Speed Shutter speed controls how long light is exposed to your cameras sensor. How long a shutter is open also impacts if action is stopped or not.

Shutter Speed Results The image on the left is an example of a slow shutter speed. The result is a “blurred” action creating a silky smooth look to the water. The image on the right shows the result of a fast shutter speed which has stopped the action of the water.

The Power of Light The direction and intensity of light plays a major role in obtaining the results you desire. Often people think bright sunny days are the best days to take photos. Partly cloudy or slightly overcast days are often preferred. In the example above you can see the lighting on the left is harsh and direct, produces hard shadows and over exposed areas. The image on the right is indirect which provides much more even lighting and rich consistent colors.

The Power of Light Different intensity of light, different time of day (angle of light), make a difference in your results. June Noon September 2pm

The Power of Light In many situations natural filtered light contributes to some of the best results. Whether you are photographing landscapes, wildlife, or taking portraits the right kind of light is key.

The Power of Light The more you understand light and how to expose for it, the more it becomes your friend as you create artful images. Outside of understanding exposure, understanding light, its angles, and its intensity is what I view as key factors in creating above average images.

Light Metering Your camera is designed to measure, or meter light. Some cameras will provide metering options in effort to help achieve proper exposure. Center Weighted – Light is weighted at the center and averaged throughout the entire scene. Spot – A very specific area is metered. Generally 2-3% of the scene. Partial – Still fairly specific area yet larger than Spot metering, usually 8-9% of the scene. Evaluative - The entire scene is measured and considered. A good general use setting.

Shooting Modes To help you handle a variety of shooting situations, many cameras will have several shooting modes that can increase desired results. Program (P) – Camera selects both shutter speed and aperture setting based on lighting conditions. Shutter Priority (Tv) – You select the desired shutter speed. Camera will determine the aperture setting based on lighting conditions. Aperture Priority (Av) – You select the desired aperture setting. Camera will determine the shutter speed based on lighting conditions. Manual (M) – You select both shutter speed and aperture settings. Bulb (B) – You select the aperture setting. The shutter remains open for as long as you depress the shutter button.

Composition – Rule of Thirds The Rule of Thirds is a good guide in creating images that draw your eye to your subject.

Tools In The Toolbox DSLR – Digital Single Lens Reflex. Interchangeable lenses with a variety of focal lengths. Full Frame vs. Crop Sensor – Full frame is the same size as a 35mm negative. Crop sensor off “crop factor” which can be helpful in sports and wildlife. Lenses – Varied focal length or zoom lenses provide flexibility. Fixed focal length or prime lenses off the most clarity and speed. Tripod – The best stabilization there is, provided you invest in something worthwhile. Camera Bag – Shoulder bag or backpack, the important thing is to protect your gear and make it portable.

Gear Combinations General Snapshots & Activities: Compact cameras can serve this category well. Make sure to look for optical zoom power. If a DSLR is chosen, a wide range “all in one” zoom might be a good choice. Portraits & Weddings: Having focal length options between 18mm and 300mm can be a great choice. Lenses that can handle lower light situations are expensive but can be more effective can convenient. Landscapes & Nature: Focal lengths as wide as 10mm and up to 300mm can provide many composition options. Having a macro lens or lens with macro ability will help with those close-ups of flowers and bugs. Wildlife & Sports: It seems like you can never have enough focal power, especially with wildlife. A minimum of 300mm and up to 800mm is often ideal. Crop sensor camera can add that extra focal length you desire.

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