A wedding is undoubtedly one of the most precious moments in a person's life. Capturing it on film to be stored forever is even more important. Today, brides and grooms have so any options to choose from when it comes to choosing the kind of photography that they want for the most important day of their lives.
Here is a guide in achieving the wedding photography of a couple's dreams:
1. Choosing the right photographer
In order to select a wedding photographer, a couple must first decide on the picture style that they want.
Portrait photographers are perfectly capable to take both formal and casual pictures, but he will most likely concentrate on the formal ones.
Photojournalists take shots that are candid and not planned. This kind of photographer usually has experience in journalism photography.
Hobbyist photographers are those who are often a friend or a relative of the couple, and would likely offer his services for free or a very low price. It is hard to tell the kind of pictures that they will produce, and there is a risk that the pictures may not be as good as a professional's.
2. Getting the perfect camera
Wedding photographers usually use two basic camera types: the 35mm and the medium format. The 35mm has the tendency to produce pictures that are a little grainy, but the only person who may notice the difference are the photographers themselves.
3. Color or black and white?
Color is usually used in wedding photos, but those who want a more artistic feel may go for the black and white film. Black and white photos lasts longer than color ones, though color films capture the details of the event more appropriately. One option would be to take the pictures in color first, then have copies made in black and white.
4, Personality of the photographer
Most couples want a photographer who can take great pictures but who is also friendly and sociable. Set an interview with the prospective photographer, and make sure to ask effective questions. Also, make sure to ask for references, and take a look at his previous work.
All these tips can help couples in getting those perfect pictures on their special day. Make sure that these pictures can be shown proudly to families and friends, and can be passed down to future generations.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Digital Photography Basics on How To Use Depth Of Field To Your Advantage
There is a certain way that experienced photographers take such stunning pictures, portraits and photographs where the subject being shot is focused in a clear and perfect manner while the background is sort of a blur.
The following are the steps to take those amazing picture-perfect shots.
The technical
First things first, it is best that the camera being used has a plate for imaging that is large. Also, a lens that is considered fast should also be used. “Fast” in photography language means a lens that has an aperture that is larger than f2.8.
When the aperture of a camera is large, the image or picture that will be produced has a depth of field that is shallow. In photography language, this basically means that the area that is behind as well as front of the subject being taken is a blur.
As much as possible, the shoulder and the head of the subject should fill the whole frame. Also, if the subject is a person, don't forget to focus on the subject’s eyes.
The technique
Practice really does make perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect job done only once. It takes perseverance as well as patience. When shooting pictures, try to take a series of shots using a lens that has a wide opening and a stop on at least one or two.
Focus on various areas such as the ear, nose, hair using varying apertures for such. When the pictures come out, you then have many different options to choose from.
To be able to create a depth of field that is shallow, the best thing you should do is use a long lens – preferably a telephoto – and have it set on the zoom that at its maximum. Then, try to stand as close to the subject as possible.
However, for subjects that are in motion, for example a car. The camera must then be moved the same way the subject is moving. Or simply put, the subject must be followed. The best film to be used for such a shot are ISO 400 films. Also, don't forget to set the camera at an ISO setting that is similarly fast.
The body of the camera, especially when taking such moving picture shots, must be steady. Make sure to focus on the subject as you see it through the lens of the viewfinder. Using such a technique ensures that the subject being focused on is clear and crisp while the background is a beautiful blur. Such a picture helps highlight the movement being done by the subject therefore making it seemingly jump from the picture.
Photo effects
Believe it or not, there is also an easy and stress free way to create a similar photo effect without doing the techniques mentioned. This has become possible through the magic of software. Photoshop has a “blur” function, which blurs the picture’s background in a uniform manner independently as well as authentically the way an actual photograph may be done by a technically-savvy photographer. The software blur is and looks artificial while the real blur is more organic in feel.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the technology of software is advancing so that there is a CS2 version of Photoshop that enables anyone to create a blur that is considered as “smart.” This function takes into consideration the picture’s depth of field. This basically means that the function applies a lot of blurring effects to the pixels that appears more distant and applies a lot less blurring to the pixels that appear nearer. Believe it or not, such a function is adjustable that anyone could achieve any effect desired.
All in all, depth of field is a fairly easy concept to understand especially to those serious in learning the art and craft of photography. All it takes is a lot of patience, perseverance and a heart that is willing to learn as well as a mind that is open to making mistakes and gradually correcting them along the way towards creating a picture perfect shot.
Did you enjoy this article? Interested in Dominating Digital Photography? Well now you can by reading this Digital Photography Tutorial...what are you waiting for?
The following are the steps to take those amazing picture-perfect shots.
The technical
First things first, it is best that the camera being used has a plate for imaging that is large. Also, a lens that is considered fast should also be used. “Fast” in photography language means a lens that has an aperture that is larger than f2.8.
When the aperture of a camera is large, the image or picture that will be produced has a depth of field that is shallow. In photography language, this basically means that the area that is behind as well as front of the subject being taken is a blur.
As much as possible, the shoulder and the head of the subject should fill the whole frame. Also, if the subject is a person, don't forget to focus on the subject’s eyes.
The technique
Practice really does make perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect job done only once. It takes perseverance as well as patience. When shooting pictures, try to take a series of shots using a lens that has a wide opening and a stop on at least one or two.
Focus on various areas such as the ear, nose, hair using varying apertures for such. When the pictures come out, you then have many different options to choose from.
To be able to create a depth of field that is shallow, the best thing you should do is use a long lens – preferably a telephoto – and have it set on the zoom that at its maximum. Then, try to stand as close to the subject as possible.
However, for subjects that are in motion, for example a car. The camera must then be moved the same way the subject is moving. Or simply put, the subject must be followed. The best film to be used for such a shot are ISO 400 films. Also, don't forget to set the camera at an ISO setting that is similarly fast.
The body of the camera, especially when taking such moving picture shots, must be steady. Make sure to focus on the subject as you see it through the lens of the viewfinder. Using such a technique ensures that the subject being focused on is clear and crisp while the background is a beautiful blur. Such a picture helps highlight the movement being done by the subject therefore making it seemingly jump from the picture.
Photo effects
Believe it or not, there is also an easy and stress free way to create a similar photo effect without doing the techniques mentioned. This has become possible through the magic of software. Photoshop has a “blur” function, which blurs the picture’s background in a uniform manner independently as well as authentically the way an actual photograph may be done by a technically-savvy photographer. The software blur is and looks artificial while the real blur is more organic in feel.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the technology of software is advancing so that there is a CS2 version of Photoshop that enables anyone to create a blur that is considered as “smart.” This function takes into consideration the picture’s depth of field. This basically means that the function applies a lot of blurring effects to the pixels that appears more distant and applies a lot less blurring to the pixels that appear nearer. Believe it or not, such a function is adjustable that anyone could achieve any effect desired.
All in all, depth of field is a fairly easy concept to understand especially to those serious in learning the art and craft of photography. All it takes is a lot of patience, perseverance and a heart that is willing to learn as well as a mind that is open to making mistakes and gradually correcting them along the way towards creating a picture perfect shot.
Did you enjoy this article? Interested in Dominating Digital Photography? Well now you can by reading this Digital Photography Tutorial...what are you waiting for?
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