BUYING THE CAMERA

            It is a fact that Photography is an interesting and thrilling hobby. It is possible to make Photography a means of earning. There are professionals , hobbyists , photo  enthusiasts  who all accept that Photography is an art form. The main prerequisite of becoming a photographer is that he must be an artist. He uses his improvisation capacity to record exemplary images. Here improvisation means  looking at things with an artistic eye.

            It is indeed not an easy task to select a camera as there many make and model of Cameras in the market. Selecting exercise starts from the input given by friends or from the publicity columns of news paper or periodicals.

            Before buying one must understand that the notion -only expensive Cameras will take brilliant photos and less expensive ones take poor- is not true. The quality of pictures depends on ones creative thinking and ability to compose the objects in the scene better on viewing through the view finder or LCD screen. The following points are recommended for consideration before venturing in buying a Camera. No doubt, it is difficult to select if a Camera from a host of Models and makes with high sounding specification and free offering which come with the Camera.

            A fitting decision can be arrived at after considering the following points:

I]  The subject interested the buyer want to capture:

            A] Close up photography. Say, of insects, small flowers, finer or intricate part of any subject etc.,

            B] Nature photography

            C] Water falls

            D] Lakes Rivers or Oceans and related subjects

            E] Sceneries

            F] Sports

            G] High Speed Photography: ie freezing the images of moving objects

            H] Portraits

            I] Family photographs

            J] Social Functions

            K] Random shots

            L] Aiming to become professional Photographer

            M] Advertising& Publicity Photography

            N] For  Learning the art of Photography.

            O] Garden

            P] Children

            Q] People

            R] Festivals

            S] Abstract objects

            T] Travel Photography.

            U] Wild Life Photography

            The above list gives an idea of type of  Photography one is interested though there may persons who are interested in more than one.

            A simple ‘aim and shoot’ cameras may be good for photographing sceneries, family shoots , random shots etc. But there are certain areas where one need cameras with special controls and special lens and other gadgets.

            Therefore the buyer has to take extra care while selecting the model

II]  The size and weight of the Camera is important from the handling point of view.

III] Check and learn all the controls of the Camera and decide to buy only they are easily understandable.

IV] Cost of the Camera is another point to be considered before buying.

V] Check whether the  Make and Model selected is popular and standard  and confirm the facility of after sales service

VI] Suggested to buy a simple Camera for just learning purpose if the buyer is contended with the performance of the Camera

VI] It is advisable to consult friends who are  photographers who may give valuable suggestions. Though the sales man at the counter may also give advice, it should not be forgotten that he is a business man first and photographer second.

VII] Camera is to be purchased from a reputed outlet.

Photo Capturing Opportunity-2

Photo Capturing Opportunities – 2

ON THE MOVE

            Camera will be one of ‘must-not-forget’ gadgets when we set out for a tour or picnic. To make the tour memorable, the photographer will carefully pack spare batteries, battery charger, extra memory cards, plastic bags to protect precision camera from dust and rain, tripod,  diary, a pencil etc.

            The photographer will occupy either front seat or a window seat to capture photos while on the move. It may be impractical to stop your car or cab every time to shooting images.

            Photographers are to acquire experience to shoot on the move. While sitting near the windows and shooting , care must be taken to avoid window frames finding its way inside picture area. The improvement can be achieved by studying photos of eminent Photographers.

            As all are aware, that there is no limit of subjects one can captured, when we are on the move. Photographers are to use their creative talent and get best.

            The most simple and common subjects such as highways and similar ones can be photographed in an interesting way, using our artistic mind. Pl see the illustrations. 6 and 7.

            An interesting subject while on the move is that our co- travelers jump out when the cab stops and it is humorous moment to see all try to photograph and the same angle in their own posture.

            When photos taken through the side windows, one can observe that near subjects appear blur where as the farther ones appear sharp. The blur of the near images indicates the photograph has been taken on the move. Also it is advisable to shoot in Auto mode and in bright light which will help in getting sharp images.

        

            When on flight is interesting to include a part of the aircraft to indicate the it was taken during flight

Photo Capturing Opportunity-1

PHOTO CAPTURING OPPORTUNITIES -1

            It is the common experience for all photo-enthusiastic and amateurs to look for photo capturing opportunities to make their hobby interesting. But many fail to identify such opportunities and come to realize that their attempts result in stagnation of stereo type of images and uninteresting, whether they take photo in a function, or on tour or at home etc. and this leads to monotony and frustration. Finally, this situation may lead to diminishing interest in the art of photography.

            Usually, the photo-enthus have a wrong notion that people must only pose for the photograph whether they stand in front of a beautiful scene or in front of a  monument or in a museum etc. They don’t realize that people enjoy by looking at the scene or monument or item in a museum will give life to the photos captured which certainly eliminate monotony.

            The photo taking opportunity is abundant all around us and only thing is that the photographer must exploit them with his artistic ability and creative thinking.

            An attempt is made to highlight such opportunities which will make this hobby interesting.

Inside and around our home

            There are plenty of photo capturing opportunities inside and around our home where we live. Care must be taken that the image captured must be interesting, honoring certain basic rules and guide lines of photography. [ being dealt with in latter postings]. , however, the illustrations will help gain ideas in this direction.

            After locating the subject, either going near the subject of interest or using Zoom lens , one can capture the interesting images. The red circle indicates the area of interesting and the photograph at the right shows the beautiful images.

            There will be ample opportunity to take good photos from our house terrace and at our kitchen garden. 

Photo Appreciation Part II

PHOTO APPRECIATION - PART II

COMPOSITION:

Observation:

The Photograph in which all the objects are arranged in a graceful manner and gives a general feeling of ‘visual balance’, is considered as picture with good composition.

FROZEN IMAGE OF MOVING OBJECTS

Observation:

It is a technique to freeze the image of moving objects. Example explains this aspect.

BLURRED IMAGE OF STATIONARY OBJECTS

Observation:

The example explains the topic. This can happen with many reasons. This may be achieved  technically, accidentally or intentionally.

SUBJECT MATTER           

Oservation:

The collection of photos under this title is vast. Some of them have been illustrated .

ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY

Observation:

This is a topic which is interesting to Photographers who are interested in experimentation. Some Photographs are shown as example.

OCCASION

 

Observation:

Any important occasions or functions are recorded by appropriately capturing with the help of camera. Examples are given for study and appreciation

STORAGE OF IMAGES

Observation:

As is known to all, the images can be stored in many mediums, like in Computer ,Hard Discs, Cds , on line Albums etc.  Care to be taken from attack of virus. Hence, it is advisable to have back up copies.

STORAGE OF PHOTOGRAPHS.

In spite of advancement in the field of digital imaging , there is always problem storing Photographs. Normally ,such Photographs are stacked in Photo Albums. The suggestion is that all the negatives or photographs can be scanned and stored in cds which will space and easy for indexing.

Photo Appreciation

 It is a well-known fact that one who learns to appreciate an art form can practice the same with ease and enjoy. Photography, as an art form, is no exception for this rule. Therefore, it will be an advantage to learn to appreciate a photograph from the artistic, technical, and aesthetic view point.

            Keeping the above fact in mind a list of various angles and aspects has been given from where, a photograph can be appreciated:

1                    Light and Lighting

2                    Mood Portrayed

3                    Color

4                    Nature and Naturality

5                    Story behind the Photograph

6                    Composition

7                    Sharp and blurred image

8                    Frozen image of moving objects

9                    Blurred image of stationary object

10                Subject matter

11                Abstract Photography

12                Occasion

13                Storage of images

14                Storage of Photographs

15                Photographic equipment and maintenance

16                Indexing and retrieval method

17                Exif for study purpose

LIGHT AND LIGHTING

            The world is dark without light and this fact is known to everyone. So also, there is no photography without light either, and again the fact is that the meaning of the word ‘Photography’ means making sketch with the primary use of Light. Good Photographers study the theory of Light in depth and its probable effect on the final Photograph. Light makes the Photo look good and also creates mood and feeling on the person looking at the Photograph. The light can also enhance the effect of stories behind Photographs.

            There are two main types of Light. They are , 1] Natural Light 2] Artificial Light.

Natural Light is one that  originate from the Sun. Artificial  light is one that is created by means of Bulbs, Flames, Discharge Tubes etc.

            In Photography, only Natural light is used to capture subject on some occasions and only artificial light on some other occasions. But there are chances where both natural and artificial lights are used in combination to get stunning Photos.

            Since this posting is on appreciation of Photos from the Light and Lighting point of view , a detailed study is made separately on Light and Lighting in the subsequent insertions .

The following photographs are to be appreciated from the Lighting point of view.

Observation:

On observing the above two photos of cut vegetables, the effect of two different types of Light can be studied. Flash light has been used in the photograph on the left side whereas direct sun light from the window is used which gives sharp shadows.

Observation:

Left side photograph has been taken at night using flash. The same grill gate taken during early morning diffused day light.

MOOD PORTRAIED

One has to wait patiently to capture Photos portraying mood. For an example see the above  photos.

COLOR

Observation:

Top Left Photograph: In this Photograph ,Red Green Red Blue{RGB} are portraided.

Top Right Photographed: Though this photograph looks like Black & White, it is a color Photograph and can be seen by the mild color at the middle of the image and also the Cactus seen at the background.

Middle Photograph: Vivid back ground color [ Blue]of the vent pipe.

Bottom Left side Photograph: The beauty of the blower is enhanced by the yellow and red color found in the middle of the flower.

Bottom Right side photograph: The color found in the entire frame deserves appreciation

NATURE AND NATURALITY

Observation:

The left side photograph shows a natural scene whereas the photograph at the Rightside shows the child in her natural mood in enjoying her own photo.

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTOGRAPH

The Photographs shows the Land mark and the language in the appropriate signboards shows the state visited.

We shall see the remaining topics in the next post......