Digital Photography Technology

What makes a good or above average photographer?  It is not the one who takes the same type of photograph all the time or one that tries to emulate another photographer or style of photography. It is the one who is original, unique, and comes up with a different photograph all the time. It is not easy, but it can be done with a little thought.

Every one sees differently. Some look ahead only, others look up, down, to the side, walking and standing still. Some see nothing and others find no end of subjects to take a picture of. Let two photographers walk a given area, but not together. One will find subjects to photograph, and the other will find nothing. It happens all the time. You have to train your eyes to see what some one else does not see.

Stand at the end of a nature trail, and listen to those telling what they saw and didn’t see. Most just do no look. They walk straight ahead, never stopping to look around, and if a deer walked right in front of them, they might see it, maybe..

There are many ways most photographs can be taken. To be different, change the angle, lens, location, lighting, and the photo will take on a new perspective. How many photographers do you see take every picture the same way? Bring the camera to eye level and snap. Most are too lazy to do it different. Getting down on the ground, climb a tree or rock, or stand in the middle of a stream, even in a hot air balloon, or underwater.

Lighting is one way make a photograph different due to the many light sources available. Sunlight is the most common light used, but it is constantly changing from sunrise to sunset in intensity and color. Moon light, which is still sunlight, only reflected off the moon, artificial light, such as floods lights, strobes, and even a flashlight or candle. Lasers, black light, fireplace, and infrared are other types of light sources. These can all be used to make a unique photograph.

Back lighting of a subject can product some very effective results. Photographing a person with the light behind will be a silhouette. When the camera lens is looking at the sun, or other bright object and depending upon the lens that is being used, a star effect will be seen. The diaphragm will give the best results when stopped down. When the sun is behind the subject or certain types of clouds, there will always be some spectacular results. Any of the types of light can be used, but it takes an idea and some experimentation for some worth while results.

When different lenses are used, expect different results. A wide angle lens will compress everything in to a small area. A certain amount of distortion will occur, especially when taking a picture of a building. Always keep the horizon across the center of the lens. The 50mm standard lens is still one of the best lenses available. It is light weight, fast, f1.2, and sharper than most other lenses, simple to use, and at a very reasonable price. Its field of vision is about the same as what a photographer can see. Most modern photographers wont consider using this lens, thinking it is old and obsolete. They do not know what they are missing. Telephoto lenses can help select a subject from all debris that is around it. There is a place for all lenses, and with some imagination, do something different that will make your photos stand out.

Look for unique color patterns and combinations. Everyone always enjoys bright colors and they will grab the attention of the judges. Any colors work, even white and black, or shades of gray. Different patterns are every where. Clothing, shadows, buildings and others structures, water, snow, sand, vegetation, where ever you look, there are patterns. Make use of them.

Close up of anything interesting that you normally do not see easily or at all. This can be a variety of critters running around, the inside of a flower blossom, tiny parts, such as the inside of a mechanical watch, or a small diamond. These all make interesting photos. It just takes an idea to get started.

Spend a day taking pictures of clouds. Keep watch and you will see the many different shapes and colors. They can then be used as back grounds or replacing bad looking clouds in an otherwise good photograph.

Night time can produce some very unique pictures. There is always light at night, some just imagine it is dark. The moon is always a major source of light. Star light, various types of artificial light, reflection off low clouds and water, and painting with light using a flashlight. The best lens to use is the 50mm standard lens, f1.2. A good tripod is required and a camera with time exposure capability. Increasing your ASA will help. Keep records of what you do so you can compensate if some adjustment is required. For brightly late street scenes, let the camera do the work. For other darker shots, trial and error is the only way. It will not take long and you will have an idea what exposure is required. Do not worry about people in the picture. If the exposure is long, they will not even show up. Star  trails are interesting, and a long exposure of vehicles on an expressway shows just streaks of light of the moving cars. Read all the magazines for ideas. Try anything after the sun goes down. You might be surprised.

Fire works are also interesting. This also requires a tripod and cable release. Use wide angle lens as you do not have time to try and move the camera. Set the lens at f16 to f22 and ASA to 100, as they re extremely bright. Set your camera to a 3 to 4 second exposure, either automatic or manual. Take plenty of shots, as they will not all turn out.

A way to get unusual color patterns is to use a camera and zoom lens on a tripod. Focus on an area of colored lights and set the camera on time exposure. Start with the lens out to full telephoto. Start the exposure and slowly bring the lens in to wide angle and then back again. You can also move the camera from a horizontal to vertical position and do the same procedure again on the same file. Look at what you took and if you like what you see, do the same but with different variations.

Try some of the above ideas and improve your photography. Take more pictures, try something new. There are always pictures waiting to be taken. The award winner is waiting for you.