Starting a general Photography hints thread
In another thread, a thought came up to create a new forum area for photography and I expressed the thought there probably isn't enough interest. In light of finding out if this is the case I am starting this thread. The purpose of my post is to give some pointers from the more experienced. I hope to see Nico join in here on this thread.
Pointer #1 - Black is getting boring. Just my opinion, but black backgrounds have become cliche, lately. And the lighting is usually underexposed. I suggest trying more natural backgrounds or colors complimentary to the subject color. (I'm betting you're going to ask for examples, and I have them, just not this second.)
Pointer #2 - Don't zoom in close unless you KNOW your camera can focus that close. I really like to see detail in images and some close-ups lately have been soft. Perhaps bracing the camera on something (like a tripod?) would help? Use the flash if it helps with hand shake.
Pointer #3 - On the subject of blur. Blur is mostly caused by movement (unless covered by pointer #2). So movement can come from subject movement, or camera movement. Subject movement can be covered quite quickly, get the air movement stopped! Camera movement movement is usually due to slow shutter speed, palsy (sorry) or shaking hands. Get a tripod.
Pointer #4 - Exposure. I see a lot of underexposed images lately. I think this may be due to the old days of slides where we tended to underexpose a 1/3 stop to saturate colors. Modern digital cameras don't need (or want) this tendency. Trust your meter and view the image on a good, color controlled monitor. This may also be due to the desire to use black backgrounds all the time. Black backgrounds tend to saturate the colors more, but understate the exposure. If the subject really wants or deserves black, then overexpose a bit (I'd opt for 1/2 to 2/3 EV)
Hope this has been some help. The reaction from this thread may determine if we need or want a seperate forum for photography. (I suspect not.)
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