Macro Shots : A new challenge

Today I got a Macro Lens and started using it...

Now what I found:

- Difficulty in getting right Depth-of-Field
- Shake is making the shot worse..

Dept of field is a powerful tool when taking macro images, and it’s a technique we need to understand in order to work true macro magic. We will generally be using very shallow depth of field settings when getting up close to the subjects, and the closer we get, the shallower depth of field becomes.

At times this can be frustrating. For Example, we think we have captured a great image of a flower in full bloom, but then find that parts of the image are too soft. One way of getting around this is to stand a little further back and use more zoom, but be prepared to pay the penalty in terms of Camera Shake...

A much better option is to adjust the aperture setting manually. Selecting a smaller aperture, such as f/16 or even f/32, will increase the depth of field and ensure that the subject stays sharp. Larger aperture settings, such as f/2.8, will provide sharp focus area that can be measured with millimeters.

However, as soon as the aperture gets smaller, shutter speeds start to get much longer in order to compensate for the reduced amount of lighting coming through the lens. At settings of ISO 100 and f/16, shutter speed will be roughly 1/60secs or even slower, which can be a bad news if we are taking a hand-held shot because the risk of camera shake increases considerably.

We can still take the shot by using a tripod. If a tripod is unavailable, steadying the camera against a wall, fence or even a camera bag will make things much less shaky.

Autofoucs saves a great deal of time and hassle in norma shooting modes, but it’s often a good idea to use manual when shooting up close.

Basic things about Architecture Photography

As a photographer, architecture offers many different challenges, especially for the new photographer. Technically, buildings can be very demanding to photograph, but the key in solving this and attaining good images is understanding image distortion and finding the best time to capture the building at its most glamorous moment.

Image distortion: When we look at a standard building, we see lines running horizontal and vertical. These lines often appear distorted and will make your image look warped. Image distortion occurs when we choose the wrong point to take our picture or use the wrong equipment.

With most SLR cameras a certain amount of image distortion will occur. Shooting directly in front of the building will limit your options but will limit the amount of distortion in your image.

View cameras are ideal cameras for architectural photography. They minimise distortion and allow you to shoot from any angle. If you are serious about architectural photography, an investment in a View Camera is something to consider.

Your lens may also make your image look distorted. A wide-angle lens will make the front of the building look massive compared to the rear.

If you are photographing a tall building, don’t shoot too near to the base. This will make the base of the building look too large compared to the top. Find a high advantage point, if possible, to take your picture.

Different light brings out different moods in a building. Just as with all other types of photography, studio photography being the exception, the time of day can make a big difference to an image. A building that looks plain and uninteresting during the day can be transformed by lighting at night. Also look out for photos that tell a story such as an office block with a single light on.

Side lighting will create long shadows along the front of the building adding mood to your image. Back lit buildings are extremely difficult to photograph and are only effective as a photograph when captured as a silhouette.

Most buildings are best captured at night and if possible shoot when there is detail left in the sky. You don’t need the most costly camera gear on the market to get great building pictures at night - bring plenty of film and a good sturdy tripod.

Great care should be taken when photographing the interior as elements within the interior may be distracting to the final image result. Remove any object that may interfere with your image.

- Give Old Buildings Some Space
- Even a Bit of Space Helps : If you're not capturing an entire village or farm, it still makes sense to think about the space around your subject. Space and proper framing enhance your main subject...

- Step Back and Use a Telephoto Lens :

- Back up from an work of architecture and use a telephoto lens to compress the perspective. This often brings out an interesting pattern.

- Include the Fence

- Watch the Shadows

- Watch the Weather : What's the best weather for photographing buildings? The sunlight adds punch to the fire hydrant and makes urban life seem more appealing. However, if you were trying to show people details or wall-designs in the buildings, a high overcast day would have been much better.

- Staircases can be very interesting :-)

- Lead the Eye by Leading the Person : If your composition includes a visible footpath into the scene, it should naturally draw the viewer.

- Add Natural Frames

But like all types of photography - practice makes perfect.

Photofunia Magic (PHOTO EDITING)

Its not exactly related to photography but found interesting...

I have created above image by using the picture used below. This has been done with three simple clicks... Check http://www.photofunia.com/