The Anatomy of a lens

It's well worth taking a bit of time to find your way around your lenses and brushing up your knowledge of all key features. Lenses enable us to isolate a subject from its surroundings and create a sense of frame wide aspects of a scene (wide angle lens) or to isolate smaller sections within it (telephoto lens), thereby presenting the world in new ways.


Filter thread
Every lens has a thread of a given diameter at the ed of the lens barrel that lets you attach screw-in filters, such as a polariser or UV.

Distance scale
This is a scale on the lens barrel in meters (and feet) that indicates the distance between the subject and the camera as well as the depth of field at a given aperture.

AF/MF switch
This switch enables you to select either Auto Focusing mode (AF) or Manual Focusing mode (MF). Some lenses have the additional feature that allows manual focusing override while in AF mode.

Zoom ring
This ring enables you to alter the focal length of the lens by rotating the ring on the lens barrel, which causes the optical elements (individually lenses) within the lens to move accordingly.

Lens Hood
Supplied with some lenses but an optional extra for others, the lens hood's role is to prevent light striking the font of the lens, which can degrade image quality as a result of flare.

Focus ring
This enables you to manually focus the lens. Focusing is performed automatically on most lenses but a focusing ring allows you to override thus when necessary.

Aperture ring
This is usually positioned close to the lens mount, and allows you to set the aperture manually on the lens. Not present on most modern lenses apart from Nikon's.

Lens Mount
This allows the lens to be mounted to a compatible camera with fully automatic coupling . Independent brand lenses can be bought with an appropriate lens mount for your camera make.

Using the light

While many people enjoy hill on bright , sunny days with the blue sky and settled weather, these are rarely the conditions tat favour memorable photographs. Most often, the dramatic lighting and atmospheric conditions that make outstanding images are just before of just after the mountain storms and as with all landscape photography it's the extremes of the day that favour the photographer- early morning, late afternoon, dawn or dusk, stormy weather, winter snows and spring rain showers.

Being in the mountains in these conditions requires some skill and experience in navigation ,safety and mountain travel but the rewards are plentiful. Save the landscape photography for the beginning and end of the day to avoid dull, lifeless, washed out views. Watch the weather and anticipate favourable, dramatic lighting. Aim to reach your summit later in the day to catch better light. Don't be put off by bad weather- it could be the best thing for your photography and if doesn't work out you've still had a good day walking besides your camera.

Compact digital cameras

Also called digicams, this encompasses most digital cameras. They are characterized by great ease in operation and easy focusing; this design allows for limited motion picture capability. They tend to have significantly smaller zooms than bridge and DSLR cameras. They have an extended depth of field. This allows objects at a larger range of depths to be in focus, which accounts for much of their ease of use. They excel in landscape photography and casual use. They typically save pictures in only the JPEG file format. All but the cheapest models have a built-in flash, although its guide number tends to be very low, perhaps just 6 or 8.

The term digital still camera (DSC) most commonly refers to the class of live-preview digital cameras, cameras that use an electronic screen as the principal means of framing and previewing before taking the photograph. All use either a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a CMOS image sensor to sense the light intensities across the focal plane.

Many modern live-preview cameras have a movie mode, and a growing number of camcorders can take still photographs. However, even a low-end live-preview camera can take better still pictures than a mid-range video camera, and mid-range live-preview cameras have much lower video quality than low-end video cameras; that is, products are not generally optimized for both still and video photography, due to their different requirements.

Among live-preview cameras, most have a rear liquid crystal display for both preview and reviewing photographs. Transfers to a computer are commonly carried out using the USB mass storage device class (so that the camera appears as a drive) or using the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) and its derivatives; in addition, Firewire is sometimes supported.

The live-preview cameras are typically divided into compact (and subcompact) and bridge cameras.

Capture a moment

The pictures that really speak volumes are when pets are captured in action.Be ready to catch the action as its happens and switch to Continuous shooting mode to help capture that split-second movement. Manual focus helps if you camera struggles to keep up with too much movement. If you're not confident, focus manually and then use autofocus. Try keeping the eyes as the sharpest point, then switch your lens to manual focus where it will lock, leaving you free to shoot. Remember , if you see it in the viewfinder, you've missed it.

Why choose a wide angle?

Lenses with a shorter focal length in the range of 17mm-40mm provide a broader view and are used to tell a story and/or a bigger scene with a foreground and background.They create sense of expansiveness and openness in a image by increasing apparent distance between objects in the scene. They come into their own when working in a confined space.


Close focus
Due to the optical characteristics of wide angle lenses they're capable of close-focusing.


Include he surrounding landscape
Making a conscious decision to include the fragrant context of their environment gives the viewer a sense of scale. It also adds depth to the resulting images and informs the viewer of the environment.

Shoot from above
Shoot overhead, it engages the viewer to look into the image.

Unusual perspective
Wide angle lenses can distort perspective more than any other type of lens. Though it's is not necessarily appealing to everyone , it can leas to exciting images and great deal of creativity.

Nikon D300 Key Features

* 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
* Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
* ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
* 14-bit A/D conversion
* Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
* Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
* Shutter life 150,000 exposures
* New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
* Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
* Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
* Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
* Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
* Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
* Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
* Compact Flash UDMA support
* 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
* Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
* HDMI HD video output
* 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
* Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
* New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
* Buttons sealed against moisture

Tips on Still Life, Table Top and Product Photography.

1. DOF is very important in case of still life, table top and product photography.use small apertures (larger F- numbers0 for greater DOF. but wide apertures (small F numbers) may be used for creative use of DOF.

2. Always use a tripod for sharer images and avoid camera shake.

3. Don't divide the frame by the intersecting horizontal and vertical lines. To avoid this problem use cove type of arrangement for intersecting-line-less foreground and background. But this arrangement is not a must in all situations.

4. If you are using photos-floods or bulb for lighting, you should use 80B filter(in colour photography) for neutralising the orange cast over the resultant images.

5. use lights in such a way so that the character of the product or subject is not suppresed.

6. Try to create stories with the objects where ever possible.

7. Compensate for reciprocity-failure in case of long-time exposure.

8. You don't always require sophisticated lens and other gears. Do try with a normal /standard lens and you may also try close-up filters for some close up shots.

9. You don't always require valuable objects to shoot still life or table top images. Just try with same very commonly available household objects.

10. If possible , use a slide film and cross process it. You will find some amazing results. You may also try an Infra red film.


To be continue on the part 2

What is Photojournalism


This refers to images that tell a story, such as those seen in news media and periodicals. It may include documentary, advertising, spot news, sports, contemporary life, human interest, humor, and the portrayal of our contemporary way of life.

Here it is the story-telling aspect of an image that takes precedence in judging. The title is read before showing the image in order to aid the viewers and the judge to interpret the story to be conveyed. Good titles should add to the story and not be a distraction. Obvious manipulation of the subject by computer or other techniques is not acceptable.

Here are a few rules of thumb: (i) the image should present an instantly recognizable story; (ii) it should be of interest to the average viewer; (iii) it must show good technique (focus, exposure, etc.); and (iv) composition should be appropriate for the subject matter.- http://www.pacamera.com/categyDef.html

Nikon D40x

Nikon's brand new 10 megapixel digital SLR offers high resolution in a beginner-friendly package.

The Nikon D40x is neither an upgrade for the 6-megapixel D40 model, nor a replacement for the D80.Instead, it sits slightly uncomfortably between the two models, further expanding Nikon's range of budget and enthusiast SLRs. Essentially it's a D80 sensor in a D40 body. A curious road for Nikon to have gone down and confusing choice for the first-time buyer of a DLSR.

Examine the D40x and the only obvious difference between it and the D40 is the increased sensor resolution. The camera's design , controls and functions appear to be identical to Nikon's entry-level model in ever other respect. There's a substantial price difference of Rm500 for that extra resolution so the D40x has a lot to prove. And we mustn't forget that one of the Nikon 40x's chief rivals, the Canon EOS 400D , is now selling for around RM 100 less than the D40x.


Picture Quality

So let's start with the picture quality, since the sensor's resolution will probably be one of the main reasons for anyone choosing the D40X improvement. Well, the definition of the JPEGs from the D40X is definitely as good as anything we've seen from any 10 megapixel DLSR on the market, though the chromatic aberration that's sometimes shown by the 18-85mm kit lens, towards the edges of the frame , is a reminder that this is a camera that definitely been built down to a price. So, yes the pictures do have mode definition , but it's unlikely to be very obvious in prints of A4 size or smaller.

The Nikon D40X manages to see off the Canon 400D on the definition front, but that's mainly because the Canon's JPEGs on the oddly "soft"

Go for more creative shot

The best conditions for capturing the full-colour of summer wild flowers are overcast days with light cloud cover and not a breath of wind. These conditions provide flattering, shadowless lighting and get round the horrible problem of high-contrast and bleached-out colours when the lights harsh. But get creative and you can turn a sunny June day to your advantage. Why not get low and make a rich blue sky a real feature of your picture , as in this shot of poppies photographed up close at an angle from underneath using a standard short zoom. here are four more creative ideas for eye-catching pictures.


1 Blurred poppies

Turn your camera into an Impressionist's brush by photographing at very slow shutter speeds- in this case 1/4 second at f/32 (ISO 100) using a 300mm lens. Move your camera quickly as you press the shutter button to create motion blur. Repeat until you capture something you like.

2 Daisy "chain"

Photographing natural subjects in a formal arrangement, like these daises , offers a refreshing take on a wild subject. Ensure the front of your lens is parallel to the subject and stop down to at least f/16 to ensure all parts of the flowers are pin-sharp througout. Check your histogram to ensure whites aren't blown.

3 Urban flowerscape

Habitat can be a useful compositional tool when photographing the natural world, and fitting a short lens to show the wider context can transform a flower picture. Until recently, wild flower meadows were unusual in an urban setting, so it made sense to include the tower blocks prominently for juxtaposition.

4 bugle spikes

A good trick when photographing a group of flowers is ti make one focal point. Select the nearest or most prominent flower and focus on this using a long lens with the aperture at the widest setting. This will mean your selected flower appears sharp while the rest are rendered out of focus

Top botanical photo tips

1. Pick your time

Put your alarm cock on and get up early. There's often less of breeze early in the morning and the sun won't have wilted your subject.

2. Shady business

There's far too much dynamic range in an image of a flower when it's taken in direct sunlight. Shade your flower for a much more pleasing shot.

3. Stand firm

Turn down the ISO setting on your camera and be sure use a tripod for blur-free with less grain and sharper details.

4. Up close

If you're tempted by botanical photography then buy a special macro lens for you camera and get up close and personal with plants.

5. Selectively focus

Use depth of field to isolate details in your shot. The entire photo doesn't have to be pin-sharp. Try moving your camera for creative results as well.

6. Background checks

Try to blur the background of your shot or isolate the details of your subject by suing piece of card with a complementary colour behind your flower.

Nikon unveils full-frame D3 digital SLR

Nikon Corporation has finally unveiled professional DLSR camera featuring a full-frame sensor, known as the D3. The camera is equipped with 12.1 CMOS sensor. The sensor has an area of 36 x 23.9mm - about the same as a frame of 35mm film . It is still possible to use DX format lenses with the Nikon , but if you do so automatically set itself to the "DX crop" mode, reducing sensor resolution to account for the smaller image circle of a DX lens. This ensure backward compatibility for Nikon DSLR owners who have accumulates a lot of DX-formate lenses over the past 8 years.

When the camera reverts to its DX format mode, the resolution is reduced to 5.1 Mp which is also known as " High speed DX crop" mode. The Nikon D3 can shoot full-resolution images at an impressive nine frame per second for 20 RAW or 64 Jpeg Normal photos. At its 5.1 Mp " DX crop" mode, you can shoot this to ten frames per son (with auto exposure limitation ) or even to an incredible 11 frames per second (with further limitation to auto focus as well). The cropped area of the image is automatically, masked out in the viewfinder when using "DX crop" mode.

The Nikon D3 combines modern CMOS sensor technology, a new image processor dubbed " EXPEED" , a large light gathering sensor area for the resolution, and a large pixel micron size . This should give the D3 camera relatively low noise at higher sensitivities. which is Nikon 's only limitation from its line-up of existing DSLR's.Base on the maximum ISO sensitivity of 6400 (default) in the D3 , it looks like Nikon is ready to deliver on that promise. most DSLR's max out at ISO 3200 pr perhaps ISO 6400 - but with the Nikon D3 you can manage ISO sensitivities to a staggeringly ISO 25,600!. its remain to be seen whether these high ISO speed of the Nikon D3 are capable of low noise images for now.

The Nikon D3 also has a "live view" function - letting you preview the frame to be captured in LCD display rather than having to hold the viewfinder to your eye. Its LCD scree n , by the way , should be easy on the eye with a diagonal of three inches and 920,000 pixels resolution, coupled with 170-degree wide viewing angle. Nikon's live view functionality has two operating modes. In "handheld" mode, auto focus is allowed by dropping the mirror brieftly to allow light to reach them camera's TTL phase detection auto focus module-the downside being an interruption to the live view while focusing is happening. In "Tripod" mode the camera uses contrast detection auto focus from the image sensor , allowing for autofocus to occur without interruption to the live view- and usefully , also allowing for the AF point to be set anywhere in the image area.

The D3 has dual Compact Flash slots with the ability to copy files in - camera, write to both cards simultaneously or consecutively , or eve place RAW and JPEG files on separate cards. An HDMI connection allows for the Nikon D3 to connected directly to a high definition display.Other features are dust and water proofing measures, a magnesium alloy body , tempered glass over the LCD display and a shutter mechanism rated to last to 300,000 releases.

Top architectural photo tips

1. Timing is everything

Experiment with light. Few subjects alter so radically with the changing og light as buildings. Any large structure can take on a totally new character depending on the time of the day it's photographed.


2. Change your point of view.

Don't go for the obvious angle. Take a long look at your subject and size up its "face". Only set a tripod when you've found the shot.


3. Isolate small details

A building or a structure can project character through small items such as decoration , art, or fittings. Keep your eyes peeled for unusual items that make up a building character.


4. Check your copyright

Some installations - such as the lights on the Eiffel Tower - are copyrighted. Check wheter photography inside a private building is allowed.


5.Side lighting is best.

photographing building that are backlit is hard to do well. Likewise , head-on lighting is brutal and reduces form. try photograph with sidelighting for best result.


6. Explore the darker side

Try a few shots for different style of photo. Most buildings look fabulous at dusk when they're lit but still some detail in the sky.

5 Steps to perfect light
use these camera settings and filters to get great results

Metering

Most cameras offer three main metering modes: Multi segment , Center-weighted and Spot. Spot metering is the most accurate as it enables you to take a light reading from a small circular area in the center of the frame. Multi segment meter mode is very good and produces pleasing results in most cases. A center wighted meter can be useful for evenly lit subjects or for close up details.

ND filter

The simple Neutral Density filter can be used to prolong exposure times without sacrificing depth of field and works by holding the light back. It comes in varied strength and can be combined with other filters: a two-stop ND used with a polariser will increase exposure time by four stops.The ideal exposure for creating movement in waves is around one second: this filter helps get you there.

ND Grad Filter

Neutral Density Graduated filters are coloured grey over half of the filter and graduate to clear. By holding the filter over the sky in scene, the exposure time will be the same as the darker land. To determine which strength filter to use take a meter reading from the foreground then one from the sky. If the land reads one second at f/22 and the sky reads 1/8 second at f22, use three stop grad to bridge the gap.

Sunsets

Sunsets picture are irresistible but shooting straight into the sun can result flare on the lens and reduce image contrast dramatically. You can overcome this by waiting for the sun to drop closer to the horizon, or to be slightly obscured by a cloud. Make sure your lends and filters are dirt and dust free and as light levels drop keep taking meter reading from the foreground and sky.

White Balance

As the sun goes down the colour temperature of the light changes from warm to cool, adding a blue cast to your shots.By using a cloudy WB setting, you can achieve a warming effect smiliar to using an 81B series warm -up filter. You might want to enhance the cast, in which case you can choose the Tungsten setting. If you shoot RAW these effects can be added at the RAW conversion stage later.