Better Photography

10 eassentials you must carry while on your travels

2012-04-27T01:01:00.001-07:00

packing for a trip can be a dilemma. you are travelling to for the first time, and you wish to take as many pictures as you can but in the excitement and sometimes in the fear of missing out on opportuity, you pack in every single gear you own. in the end, you use onlu one or two items, and slap your forehead in dismay for carrying the extras.

any experience traveller or travel photographer will tell you that the key is to KISS-keep it simple, smarty-and travel light. if you invest in the right type and amount of gear and you know exactly what kind of trip it is going to be, you will never go wrong. here is a list of the ten things you must remember to take with you:

design albums like a pro

2012-04-17T21:33:00.001-07:00

How are Beatles albums like mobile-first web design?

When I’m meeting with clients and collaborators to discuss building websites, I like to make analogies. As the representative “tech geek” in most of these meetings, I find them the best way to convey the meaning of esoteric technical concepts, even if they’re sometimes rather strained. (I make car analogies a lot, for some reason.)
The other day I was explaining my two favorite (and overlapping) current trends in web design: Responsive Web Design and Mobile First. (How convenient that A Book Apart has books on both topics. I mention A Book Apart a lot in meetings, too.)

Suddenly in the meeting it occurred to me that mobile-first web design has an analogy with the production of most of the Beatles’ albums. In the early and mid-1960s, popular music was released primarily in mono format. Most of the market for these albums was listening to them on small mono turntables, not expensive stereo equipment. (And apparently at the time mono equipment could not properly play back stereo records.)
When the time would come for the Beatles to prepare the final mixes of their albums, the band members would join George Martin in the studio and carefully perfect the mono mixes. Then the boys would all head to the pub and leave George Martin alone to hastily assemble the stereo mixes as an afterthought. (And, frankly, it shows.) But somewhere along the way (in 1968, specifically) stereo had caught on enough that the last few albums (Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road and Let It Be) were mixed in stereo first.
The web is kind of like those Beatles albums. Up until now, websites were designed for “mono”: a computer screen. Eventually enough people started using the web “in stereo” (on mobile devices) that mobile versions of websites became necessary, but they were a hasty afterthought. But we are presently arriving at a time when a lot of people are doing a lot, if not most, of their web browsing on mobile devices, of a variety of shapes and sizes and capabilities. It’s starting to make sense not just to consider mobile versions, but to start with the mobile design.
Fortunately, we’re also at the point (to, as usual, strain the analogy) where the mono equipment can play back stereo records. There’s no need to design two separate websites, one for mobile and one for desktop. Responsive web design (via the magic of CSS3 media queries) lets us build one site that works on any screen.
But why mobile first? I see two main benefits, stemming from one main factor: the small screen size. By targeting the smallest screens first, you 1) focus on what’s most important, and 2) can more easily see what’s not important… or, at least, less important.
Mobile first fits well with the model of best-practices web design I like to promote. The decisions you make to create the best mobile experience will generally create the best experience, period. Granted, the needs of a visitor on their way to your office and checking your site on their smartphone may well differ from those of the visitor casually browsing your site on their iPad in bed, or from the customer placing an order from their office PC, but it’s easy enough to enhance the experience for users of those larger displays after the core needs of the mobile user have been addressed.
It’s an exciting time to be a web designer. Things are really starting to… come together.
(Come on, you knew I had to end with a Beatles reference.)

DESIGN ALBUMS LIKE A PRO

2012-04-11T22:20:00.001-07:00

Uploader Comments ( designlikeapro )

Hi Nicki
What will be the best file format to save transparency with maximum resolution. I want to print an image without the background..my image is in multiple colors and I wanted to know which format will support best-transparency+colors. Thank you.
johnbuhril 5 months ago
I will make a tutorial about this! It's a great topic. I currently use two options: a high resolution PNG file or an EPS with a clipping path. A TIFF can also be used for alpha channel transparency. The png is the easiest method to ensure transparency but is used more extensively on the web.
designlikeapro in reply to johnbuhril 5 months ago
That's awesome you're on Facebook. I'm on Facebook as well.
ShamonjTV1 1 year ago
Cool! I'll see you there!
designlikeapro in reply to ShamonjTV1 1 year ago

I really enjoy your tutorials and I don't know if you do any of this but I am an architecture student and portfolios are very important for college transfers and to show what you have done. I was wondering if you had any tutorial information about portfolio set up and master pages in that respect.
Thanks.
aguaminte77 1 year ago
Yes!! Great idea. I've been reDESIGN ALBUMS LIKE A PROvamping my portfolio and can definitely show you how I set it up. There are lots of different ways to set up a portfolio, but simple and large enough to showcase your photos, designs, etc. is key. I'll add this to the list of upcoming episodes and look for a shout out to you for suggesting it.
designlikeapro in reply to aguaminte77 1 year ago

see all

All Comments (9)

Add a channel now to post a comment!

your voice is so quiet compared to the music that it hurts my ears when I go to another video cause I have it turned up and the music is loud... just saying
great work though! =] lol
SamusWins 1 year ago
Awesome! Special items are in the works for Facebook users to enjoy a different side of Design Like a Pro while learning from the tutorials posted here on Youtube.
designlikeapro in reply to 7Nubi (Show the comment) 1 year ago

A CURIOUS MIXED BAG

2012-04-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

The fujifilm fine pix s2000HD is fuji's first superzoom camera with HD video capabilities. shridhar kunte puts this compact SLR-mimic under the scanner.

With a 10-megapixel resolution and 15x zoom, the s2000HD can capture HD videos in a true widescreen (1280 x 720 picrld), 16:9 aspect ratio. but its unique feature is a new signal processor that converts data in-camera into HDTV signal output compatible with 1080i (interlaced) for still images and 720p (progressive) for movies. this allows the user to realise the full benefits of their home theatre system.

                   Featires
   the s2000HD;s powerful 15x optical zoom lens offers a 27.6-414mm zoom range. though the zoom range is wide,the aperture setting has limitations-the maximum aperture is f/3.5 at the wide end, while the minimum aperture is f/10.8 at the telephoto end.
                          placed behind the lens is the 1/2.3-inch CCD, which moves to achieve image stabilization when switched on. in normal conditions, the camera offers ISO sensitivity from 100-1600;but at 5 megapixels, one can explore ISO 3200-6400.
   The built- in flash has to be raised manuallu-there is no auto pop-up even in full auto mode.

GE presents its Fewest range of compacts

2012-04-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

General imaging (GE) has introduced nine basic compacts at this yea's PMA. the X3 and waterproof G3 WP both feature 12.2-megapizel sensor and 2.7-inch LCD. the formeradditionallly comes with 12x optical zoom (33-396mm equivalent) and image stabilisation.
nrxt in line are the E1255W, the E1250TW and the image stabilised E1276W-all of which sport 28mm lenses, 12.2-megapixel sensors and 3-inch lcds. out of these three cameras, the E1250TW's LCD features a touch screen.
the A950,A1050, A1035 and A1250 come wih 9.1, 10.1, 10.1 and 12.2-megapixel sensors respectively and 2.5-inch LCDs. these are also packed with frarures such as pan-caprure panorama (panorama stitching function), auto scene detection, slink, smile and face detection, scene recognition and red-eye removal.

canon tilt-l series lenses

2012-04-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

canon's two new l series lenses-TS-E 24mm f/3.5l ll and the TS-E 17mm f/4k-are specialty lenses for landscape and architectural photography and are compatible with all canon EOS SLRs. the TS-E 14mm f/3.5l ll3 the successor of the TS-E 24MM F/3.5L LAUCHED IN 1991, features improved operability with low distortion, consistent image quality throughout the image and reduced chromatic aberration when shooting at ultra-wide angles. the TS-E 17mm f/4l is the world's shortest focal length tilt-shift lens with full-frame 35mm coverage.
A uniqur feature in both lenses is canon's new TS revolving system, which allows tilting and shifting lens movements to be adjusted in parallel or at right angles to each ather, with detents at 45-degree intervals.

sigma announces three new zoom lemses

2012-04-02T00:19:00.000-07:00

Sigma Ammoumces

sigma has announced three zoom lenses-the 10-20mm f/3.5 EXDC HSM ultra wide-amgle zoom, the 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DCOS HSM standard zoom, and the 50-200mm f/5-5.6 DC HSM lens has minimum focus distance of 24cm (9.4 instances) throughout the zoom, range. it is designed for cameras with APS-C/DX Sensors, and will be abailable in mounts for sigma, canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax DSLRs, the 18-50mmf/2.8-4.5 DCOS HSM standard zoom lens feature a new optical stabilisation unit, which will work on Sony and pentax bodies with in-body stabilisation systems, and sigma's hypersonic motor for fast and silent autofocus. it also boasts a larger maximum aperture than zoom kit lenses supplied with most DSLRs.
with an intermal-focusing design that comes with a non-ritationg front element, the 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM telezoom lens has been built for cameras with APS-C/DX sized sensors only.

new additions and minor surprises at PMA'09

2012-04-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

This year's photo maketing association annual show (PMA) was held at the las vegas congention center, USA between 3-4 march. the mega event promised to be fairly unique and challenging for rxhibitors, considering the success of photokina'08 in germany six monthes ago and also the global economic crisis.
PMA 2009 saw remarkable lens laumches from sigma, pentax and panasonic, and introductions to new HD- video, zoom and bridge models like sony DSC-HX1. however, there were no major DSLR launches, clearly because of the current worldwide financial climate that is not in favour of expensive cameras. the compact camera market also saw additions to already-existent but successful lines-mainly in fujifilm finrpix, casio and samsung.

Olympus E-3 Goes to space to Raise awareness

2012-03-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

After Nikon and hasselblad, olympus has now been chosen by NASA to take their cameras into space. to commemorate its 90th anniversary this october, olympus has desiged the 'olyppus space project' for the purrpose of photographing the earth with the olympus E-3high-end DSLR, and raising awareness to protect it. japan aerospace exploration agency (JAXA) ASTRONAUT dR kOICHI WAKATA WILL BE TAKING IMAGES

Samsung wb100 and wb550

2012-03-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

Samsung camera

the newest 24mm ultra wide- angle compacts from samsung sport a 3-inch AMOLED screen-the largest ever on a digital camera till date. an AMOLED screen consumes less power and offers a higher contrast ratio of 10,000:1, for easier viewing outdoors and even in direct sunlight. it produces darker black levels, more vibrant colors and has a brighter display. while the wb100 comes with 5x zoom, the wb550 sports 10x optical zoom, additionally. both cameras come with 12 megapixels, high-definition video recording, cptical and digital image stabilisation, smart auto feature, smile shot, blink detection, smile shot, blink detection, beauty shot and full manual shooting modes.

Indians shine shine at sony workd photography awards

2012-03-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

Mumbai-based photographer amit madheshiya has won the top prize in the arts and entertainment (professional) category, at this year's sony world photography awards. amit was one of the six indian photographers who were nominaterd along with 180photorphers from 43 countries. the other indian nominees included sharad haksar (commercial advertising-professional), faizan khan (natural history-amateur), ronny sen (portraiture-amateur) and somenath mukhopadhyay (music-amateur). they were all awarded runner-up spots in therir respective categories.
the global affair that is the sony world photography awaards recceived entries of 60,000 photographers from 139 countries. the awardees will be felicitared at the sony world photography awards ceremony in cannes on 16 april 2009.
meanwhile, prof farhat basir khan and two of his students pranab kumar aich and neal kartik from new delhi,s jamia milia islamia institute have been vhosen to represent eurasia to compet for the student focus award. they will be competing in a final face-off in cannes against five other universities: university of johannesburg, south africa (africa/middle east); university of sydney, new south wales (australia); la camber university(Europe); art institute of fort lauderdale, USA (north america and universidad autonama de ciudad Juarez, mexico (south america),
for more information about these awards, visit www.worldphotographywards.org

Lumix G vario HD 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 ASOH Mega ols

2012-03-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

With a 28-280mm focal length range, this micro four thirds super zoom lens has been designed to accompany the pma-release Panasonic lumix dmc-gh1. designed specifically for video as well as photo use, this lens has a new silent focusing system for continuous AF during movie recording. it also contains fou spherical and two ed glass elements, and the aperture uses seven rounded blades.

canon tilt-shift L series lenses

2012-03-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

canon's tow new l series lenries lenses-ts-24mm f/3.5l ll and ts-e f/4l-are specialty lenses for landscape and architectural photography and are compatible with all canon EOS SLRs. the TS-E 24mm f/3.5l ll, the successor features improved operability with low distortion, consistent image quality throughut the image and reduced chromatic aberration when shooting at ultra-wide angles. the ts-e 17mm f/4l is the world's shortest focal length tilt- lens with jull- frame 35mm coverage.

A unique feature in both lenses is canon's new TS revolving system, which allows

Role of photograph?

2012-03-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

i thank BP for helping me compile some questions that were to be asked in an interview meeting for the assessment of a CSIR staff photographer, in delhi. one of the questions was "what is the role of a photograph?" i would like to share the answer with you, which came to me as a result of reading columns like 'burnt to grain' that appear in your magazine:
                                     A photograph links a photographer to a viewer. it is considered a success if o photographer conveys his/her message to the viewer convincingly. if the message does not get across, the photographer will think that the viewer is not yhat knowledgeable and tries to defend whatever he/she thought to be correct-and many times, it is imposed in to the viewer.
                                      At times, image titles take over that job. i recall what my guru C rajagopal often said, a mother cooks food not for herself but for the entire family. here too, a photograph is not just for a photographer alone, but for the viewer as well. depending on their own experience, without denting the meaning of the photographer, the viewer is directed in a different direction of their own understanding; thus enriching the role of the photograph.
After the interview, walked around delhi and shot a few photographs. i was looking for a rose of a particular colour that chacha nehru loved: but i failed. in frustration, i shot this picture without giving any attention to the basics of photography. so when a former colleague recognised the photograph as having been shot in theenmurthy bhavan, i was amazed that he guessed it right in spite of all the flaws in the photograph, it kindled my friendd's menory and probably took him back to nehru's time. a seemingly unpretending photogaph of a rose has done a great job and fulfilled my belief on the role of a photograph.
M R Padmaraju, via email

OLYMPUS E-3 GOES TO SPACE TO RAISE AWRENESS

2012-03-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

After Nikon and hasselblad, Olympus has now been chosen by NASA to take their cameras into space. to commemorate its 90th nonliterary this October, Olympus has designed the 'Olympus space project' for the purpose of photographing the earth with the Olympus e-3 high-end DSLR, and raising awareness to protect it.
japan aerospace exploration agency (laxa) astronaut Dr Koichi wakata will be taking images of the earth with the e-3, throughout the three-month mission that began in februaryu 2009. he will be carrying out this mission from the Kibo, the Japanese experimental module within the ISS ( international space station).

Olympus unveils its brand new e-620 dslr

2012-03-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

Olympus has announced the e-620, which is the upgraded version of the e-520. with a 12.3-megapixel resolution, image stabilization bani a 2.7-inch tilt-and- swivel LCD, this camera comes packed with features such as shadow adjustment technology, art filters, multiple exposure mode and a choice of four aspect ratios.

a range of optional accessories are also offered with the camera, including a vertical grip and an underwater housing. the e-620 also has the ability to adjust with body movement and remove blurs caused camera shake (with any lens attached).it boasts of a compact, lightweight body too, is currently the world's second smallest DSLR with in-body image stabilization. this camera will be available in the market from may 2009 onward.

The Decisive moment and the 50mm

2012-03-18T00:12:00.001-07:00

"the decisive moment, it is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event its proper expression." said henri Cartier-bresson. in coining the term,the legendary lens man meant to describe his perception and method of photography for the benefit of students when you think about it, 'the decisive moment' is also the factor that distinguishes the most memorable journalistic pictures in the world. almost all of these photography have been shot with basic cameras and lenses. in fact, Cartier-bresson prided himself one not using fancy equipment for his work.
a constant companion of the great master of the decisive moment was the 50mm lens. this fast, fixed focal length prime was responsible for most of his best work. sometimes, he would also work with also work wit a 35mm and a 90mm lens. on an average, he would spend about six hours. he almost always used just a single leica body to get his shots. rum our has it that he would sometimes cover the window of the rangefinder with a black tape so that he was not distracted by the image in it.

using the humble 50mm (in fact, one of the most inexpensive of lenses available today) is the key to capturing the decisive moment. you can make it act like a modest telephoto oran unpretentious wide, depending entierly on the perspective you use...much like our eyes. indeed, the angle of view of the 50mm is similar to the angle oj view of human vision. this is the reason why it is called a'normal' lens.
For those of you who are serious about street or travel photography, i recommend you purchase a normal lens (35mm for DSLRs,50mmfor 35mm film), set it to its hyperfocal distance and concentrate on getting the decisive moment. you may enjoy the freedom so much that may end up switching to it permanently.