Metering

In Choosing the Appropriate Shooting Mode - Part 2, I mentioned about "metering".  Metering is the process by which the camera measures the exposure.

Wonder World of Photography

Pundakit, Zambales, Philippines

A friend recently handed me a 2010 edition of L1fe, a printed imaging solutions catalogue of Canon Philippines.  The catalog contains a section that provides basic digital camera information that beginners should know.  I would like to share in this blog a portion of the catalog that listed the most  popular types of photography together with tips from Canon in capturing each type.  This is to give you a general idea that photographers has a  wide spectrum of choices when it comes to specialization and different techniques apply for different types.

Choosing the Appropriate Shooting Mode - Part 3

Manual Shooting Mode

 I took this photo using Manual shooting mode.  

 Other shooting modes could not provide my 

desired exposure.

You have learned that shooting in creative or semi-automatic mode gives you a certain degree of control over the result of your photo.  One of the most popular semi-automatic modes among digital camera owners,  beginners especially, is  the Program (P) mode.  P-mode is similar to AUTO mode but it allows you to override the automatic exposure settings determined by your camera.  For more advanced digital camera users, Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority modes are more often used.

UNLEASHED - Digital Photographer Philippines 4th Anniversary Party

July 3, 2010 (Saturday)
Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street

11:00am.....Registration
12nn-6pm.....Classes
7:00pm......Live Judging
8:00pm onwards......Party

Choosing the Appropriate Shooting Mode - Part 2

Creative/Semi-automatic Shooting Modes

"The Jeepney" 

Baguio City, Philippines

The first part introduces you to the different shooting modes available in digital cameras, where the most simple and basic mode is the AUTO.  In this mode, the camera does automatically all the necessary settings needed to properly capture the subject.  By analyzing  the light condition, the camera automatically adjusts the

Exposure

Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

In order to capture an image in a digital camera, first and foremost, we need light to reach the image sensor.  Image sensor was discussed here.  The amount of light needed ideally depends on the intention of the photographer.  If the photographer wants a bright photo, then the camera must allow more light to reach the image sensor. Conversely, less light is needed to produce dark photo.

Choosing the Appropriate Shooting Mode - Part 1

M, A, S, P or Auto?

In this world of competition and innovativeness, digital camera manufacturers have produced a wide variety of shooting modes with the pitch of providing users more options to control their camera.  For beginners, this is where the agony starts.  

Graphic Expo and Photo Video Expo (PVX) - A Back-to-Back Events

The 15th Graphic Expo 2010 and Photo Video Expo (PVX) is scheduled on June 17-19, 2010 at the SMX Convention Cente, Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines.

ISO Sensitivity Value

There are basically three camera settings that determines how bright or dark your photo will be:

1. Shutter Speed
2. Aperture
3. ISO Sensitivity Value

Let me first expound on #3, the ISO Sensitivity or ISO Speed or simply referred to as "ISO" in the photography world.  I will neither elaborate why it was called ISO nor explain its technical details, but will rather stress on its function.

Camera Settings for Image Quality

The very first camera setting  you have to check after purchasing your camera is the "Language" as well as the "Date and Time".  Make sure they are correct, otherwise adjust accordingly.  In many cameras, the first time the camera is switched on, the "Language" screen appears on the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen.  Once set, the "Date and Time" adjustment setting appears.  If you are not sure how to set these items on your

Before Using Your Camera

Every User's Manual bears a section or chapter entitled "Before Using Your Camera".  This contains the essential information about your camera and also provides warnings and precautions as to the camera's use and handling.  It is a MUST that you read this section immediately.

RTFM!

Before I go over with some photography jargons,  let me share with you the first and most important tip if you really want to get serious with photography.  This is the classic RTFM or Read That Freaking Manual.  I do not have the empirical data to prove this, but it is my belief that more than half of camera users never bother to read the User's Manual.  It is not uncommon for people to ignore a button or a dial on their camera simply

It's NOT the Camera, It's YOU!

Most people are made to believe that merely having a top-of-the-line, advanced, sophisticated, feature-rich camera would create appealing photographs.  Surely, these types of camera would help, but only if the user knows and understands the basic principles of digital photography.  I have seen many impressive pictures that