What you see here is a plain old flower. The petals may be out of focus and you see some raindrops, and somehow by chance you see that insect right smack-dab in the middle of the shot, and now you want to take a close up picture of the said insect, but your camera lens just can’t focus hard enough to do that. But not to fear! Even with a kit lens you can take a shot up close like:
By using a nifty little trick called: The Reverse Camera Lens trick (Which is for those of us who can’t afford a zoom lens)

First, you need to keep a few things in mind:

1. You can either use one lens or two lens. Two lenses produces better results in my own opinion. You need to keep both lens held tightly together (using a magical thing I like to call: Duct tape)
2. The focus needs to be set on manual, since digital pert of the lens will not be registering in this little trick (as you can see, it will be exposed, so the hollow portion of the lens will be showing, while the concave portion of the lens will be facing your SLR.
3. Keep on eye on the settings. You aren’t on any automatic settings, so you’ll need to keep changing settings for this to work. Just remember: You’re saving money with this stuff, it’s supposed to be harder.
4. Flash is a no-no. Keep a bright light with you, or use natural light. Flash will either overexpose your picture or might scare the living daylight out of the organism you’re trying to take a picture of.
5.  A tripod is invaluable. You don’t have three hands so having one of these will improve on your stability.
6.  If you didn’t already know, you really are reversing your lens (unscrew it, and hold it to your camera and manually focus everything)

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

• Undertaking a Project 365 allows you to challenge yourself to the set theme, or simply giving yourself a deadline for pictures.
• It allows you to remember what happens.
• It’ll give you a lot of practice  with handling your camera, and you can track your yearlong progress with your device.
• It’s a long term goal.

So here are some tips to get you started:

• Bring your camera everywhere

• Set a theme for your project and let them vary.

• Tell a story

• Don’t stop. Ever.

  Here is an amazing example of a simple Project 365 to undertake. And never forget: Have fun with it.

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

Taking shots during a party that you were invited to is probably one of the hardest challenged that you will ever go though while enjoying this art we call photography. When you go to a party, you run the risk of getting drunk, getting things lost, or even just not even taking any pictures at all, but we aren’t going to talk about that kind of stuff. We could save those tops for later, but the thing about taking shots during a party is: It’s hard.

When you’re at a party, everyone’s moving, everyone’s talking. Some people may not want their pictures taken, while others may just hog the camera all night, but it’s your job to allocate necessary effort into taking those pictures that will shape your memory for the rest of your life. When you’re at a party, what do you think of when you hold your camera? Some people think that they aren’t gonna appear in their pictures if they just hold their camera all night. Others just allow their camera to fly around freely while their friends just go trigger happy on their SLR’s. What do you do? I for one, don’t usually take my camera out to parties, since I run the risk of actually losing this baby, but when I see a friend hold their SLR all locked and loaded aimed at potential picture material, I only have a few words of advice to give them:

When you take pictures, always take more than one

since it’s a living, breathing thing, it’s subject to change at any given moment of time. Those posed pictured may seem perfect on your viewfinder, but when you open them up on your computer and it’s all blurry, you’ll be a tad bit annoyed.

Make sure the lighting in the area is good, or your settings are preset to work well in your conditions

seeing dark blurry pictures get’s tiring after a while. Thinking ahead and just going for pictures with preset settings helps a bit, but having an external flashbulb helps so much more. More lighting usually enables you to capture pictures are a faster setting, just so that you can avoid those sloppy blurred images.

Don’t be afraid to let a friend take your picture

Going to a party without any pictured of yourself? You wanna be included there. This one’s sort of common sense.

Make sure that you’re strapped up

You don’t want to drop your camera, or risk it being trampled during that dubstep track. Make sure that you have a firm grip on your camera and allow the lanyard to stay on your neck. If you’re using a point and shoot, allow the wristwrap to go where it belongs.

Don’t be afraid to take spontaneous shots

Nothing in life is planned, unless you’re that sort of boring person. When you take pictures, don’t always let everyone pose. The best pictures are taken without poses and in real time. But of course, this doesn’t mean always take stolen shots of everyone, you can ask people to take shots, or ask people to take your shots, but always remember: If you post that picture of that girl with a huge derp face, you will be asked the next day to take it down (granted that she knows you) Capture life in the moment, and just enjoy it.

I just got back from an amazing 19th birthday party of my friend, and we had absolutely no alcoholic beverages, but what made the party fun was the company that I had. We played countless party rounds of Taboo, Charades, and Warioware. It’s amazing how fun parties can be, even without the alcohol. Laughing 6 hours straight, that’s the life! Always remember: Parties are always funner with friends. Make some during the party, you’ll never know!

P.S. That’s me and my friends, take a guess who I am!

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

For people like me, those who have undergone a long period of inactivity from their cameras, it’s sort of hard to get back into photography. You end up looking at pretty pictures thinking “I could have done that” or you see one of the thousands of HDR or “High Dynamic Ranging imaging” photos and instantly regard them as overrated to the photography community and think “how can I ever be as good as them?” you tend to feel under the weather on your skills and you just automatically dismiss any opportunity to try again. But when you do try again, you notice that your friend has a better picture on your camera than you have. What should you do?

1. You could always try to take more shots in an attempt to up-one your friend. But you don’t learn any different tricks here.
2. You could just ask other people’s perspectives on your shots, because criticism is always good.
3. You could just scoff it off and just continue taking pictures for the fun of it.

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

Don’t count on it.

Today, we’ll bring out a definition that I have been longing to post about, namely: Aperture.

Dictionary.com says:

ap⋅er⋅ture
/ˈæpərtʃər/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ap-er-cher] Show IPA
–noun
1. an opening, as a hole, slit, crack, gap, etc.
2. Also called aperture stop. Optics. an opening, usually circular, that limits the quantity of light that can enter an optical instrument.

In reality, aperture is more like your eye, where the pupil dilates according to how much light you “see”. However, in a camera, it isn’t an involuntary function (Unless you’re on auto), this means, you can control how much light comes and goes. How? Through your lenses.

Now, let’s take a look at our lenses first. Each lens has a different aperture (Usually the set lens aperture kind of sucks…) Which makes each and every lens special! Now, if we take a look at the lens, let’s adjust the aperture wheel.

Did you see that? The small “Pupil” adjusted, right? That is the small thing that controls the aperture.

So, now that you know, I’ll just go and find out how exactly to change the aperture on my camera… I’m a bit clueless right now.

Hardy har har.

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

Well, that’s what happens when you get overexposed pictures. (This is a worst case scenario, so don’t expect to get a full white screen…and never expect to get…The Beatles… in it as well)

In reality, exposure is what you need to worry about in pictures. most pictures undergo special treatment to avoid overexposure, but some just seem to love exposure as it compliments everything. (And in reality, overexposed pictures are more… bumpy than that white screen.)

So, in this post, we will talk about weather, and your camera.

WEATHER AND YOUR CAMERA

From skylightweb.com:

These familiar occurrences of nature, such as; rain fog, wind and sunshine, always add a special touch to any scene. And make no mistake; the non-photographer will always welcome such low-budget special effects.

So, here’s a detailed list shortened:

Rain-Mysterious/Romantic/Unique
Sunny-Cheery
Low light-Dreary/scary
Fog-Mysterious with a dash of sadness
Night-Tense/scary/beauty
Snow-Fun
Winds-Jolty
Underwater-Cool (Yes)

So, that’s my very own detailed list on what weather (In photos) makes me feel.

So, if you’re looking to add emotion to your photography, weather is a think to keep your eyes out for.

Here’s one example. Just copy and paste the other links.. for some reason, they aren’t working..

Rain-

Sun-

Low light-

I miss home :(

Fog-

From a P&S (Mine)

Night-

Snow-

Windy-

Underwater-
<img src=”http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/524677648_8632ce9f8d_m.jpg” alt=”" />

**Note:Only the fog picture is mine

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

Seriously though, even after all these years, photography isn’t perfect. For example:

• Weather affects battery life. We should never forget this fact.
• Lighting affects automatic shutter speed.
• Direct flash can cause color loss. It’s best to bounce the flash, but I’ll get into that later.
• You (your hands) can affect the stillness of a picture. I mean, you don’t want your hands shaking all the time. This is the number 1 cause of blurry pictures.
• Your camera cannot control what it sees (That’d be really great though)

So yeah, we got that covered, some basics on why photography isn’t perfect. So, here are some tips that would help you in the long run:

• When it’s cold, bring extra batteries. Cold temperature robs batteries of their battery life. That is another reason why my NDS dies quickly when I go to the snow.
• Make sure you’re on manual in low light. Usually, this presents the best quality, unlike automatic, which is most likely give you a really weird exposure… Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it isn’t. Go ahead and try your luck. Just make sure to bring along a tripod.
• Direct flash. It sucks. Buy an external flash bulb, and let the light bounce off an object onto your focus. We need indirect light here, because you’ll be losing precious color without it.
• Your hands… Only on shutter speeds above 25. If it’s any lower, use breathing techniques, or use your tripod.
• Your camera can’t control what it sees. You can’t rob a bank with it, so quit trying.

So, those are a few basic tips on your camera.

Oh and do me a favor, If you’re gonna try to rob a bank, don’t call me.

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

DSLR stands for Digital-Single Lens Reflex. Due to a special mechanical mirror and (usually) a pentaprism system, a DSLR allows you to view a picture from the camera as your eye would perceive it. Yes, it’s as accurate as you can get in terms of getting what you see. [I would explain how to mechanical mirror and pentaprism system works, but it’s highly confusing, so I suggest you read up on it on other websites. If you need any help, though, just ask me.] All of this would mean that the camera can capture the perfect blend of purple, orange and pink of the sky during the sunset, or the yellow of the rearing head of your friend’s zit. If you’re observant enough, you’d notice that this is not always the case with regular compact digital cameras. There’s always something that’s not accurate in the picture. DSLRs capture real life, mood and emotion unlike any other.

Another thing that makes the DSLR so special is its inherent ability to use interchangeable lenses. You have a smorgasbord of lenses to choose from, like macro lenses, telephoto lenses, wide-angle lenses and prime lenses, which offer no special function therefore making them standard (an example of these are the set lenses which are included in a standard DSLR package), but giving slightly better quality of photos. There are many other special effects lenses available, but I won’t dwell on that for now.

credits:  (counter-clockwise, from top left.) Fly on Daisy by Duncan, Concert Photography by Todd Owyoung, Red Bridge by El Fotopakismo and Catch Me If You Can by Lekke

It’s pretty hard to explain how different everything is, especially if you haven’t seen a lot of pictures taken by DSLRs. But typically, these pictures summarize everything about the four lens groups that I’ve mentioned.

The macro lens are for extreme close-ups. If you click the picture and see its blown-up version, you can see everything, down to the very last detail, which is the pollen on the bee’s body. Pretty cool, huh?

The telephoto lens, on the other hand, are for magnification of distant objects. Perfect use for concerts, as demonstrated in the picture. That picture was taken from the pit, and if you’ve been to any concert, getting a decent picture of the drummer will be no easy feat–and a good one at that. :)

The wide-angle lens has shorter than average focal lenses which therefore allow you to fit in more of a particular scene than regular lens. Because of this, wide-angle lens are usually perfect for landscapes.

The prime lens are the standard lenses (an example of this are the set lenses included per DSLR package) and they are fixed-focal length lenses (as opposed to being zoom lenses). Their simple design allows them superior optical quality in relation to the other lenses.

DSLR resolutions range from 6 MP up to more or less 20 MP.

They have a tough build, making them fit for harsh conditions and poor weather. Most DSLRs have their buttons sealed against small particles.

DSLRs are generally classified as entry-level, midrange and high-end levels. However, some companies may manufacture other cameras in different levels (such as enthusiast or prosumer levels).

Popular examples of DSLRs are: Canon’s EOS series, Sony’s α (alpha) series, Nikon’s DX series, Olympus’ E series and Pentax’s *ist series. Their price ranges from expensive to very, very expensive. Besides the camera body, you also have to take care of it (maintenance), buy memory cards, flash accessories, lenses and filters etc. which terminally means that a DSLR is an investment, a huge investment, which is why it is highly advisable to consider everything before buying a DSLR. Follow Karl’s NCGVF tips. :)

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

Speaking of, I’m back with the high-end / advanced digital cameras. I think that some people have to know that this type of camera exists, because others shoot directly to DSLRs without consideration of what they want, or more importantly, what they need — and in the long run, can they really afford it? (I don’t have anything against shooting to DSLRs though, both have their pros and cons, and some people feel like they are more than ready to take the big leap,  if you have the money, then why the hell not?) But still.

*Drum roll, please.*

The High-End Digital Cameras!

Also known as prosumer or bridge cameras, they are designed for those whose skill levels lie between a professional and a regular consumer. (If you’d ask me, they’re targeted for people who are trying to transition to Digital SLRs but without the proper knowledge or skill level.)

I would like to think of them as a good union of the good sides of the compact digicams and the DSLRs. It has many of the usual advantages of an SLR camera—numerous exposure and focus modes, versatile flash set-ups (meaning that you can attach accessory flashguns and the like), and medium-to-large aperture lenses—a multitude of manual controls but with more enhanced automatic settings. They are usually smaller in size and lighter in weight, which makes them more portable compared to a DSLR, which in addition to its hefty body, also has lenses which you also have to carry all the time. (As you can see, there’s also a stark similarity in its physical appearance with the DSLR. So if you’re in it for the ego power, then surely this has got pogi points.) Basically, you can do more with a prosumer digital camera than you can with a basic digital camera with almost the same image quality as that of a DSLR’s.

High-end digital cameras, however, have fixed lenses as opposed to the interchangeable lenses of a DSLR—one of the latter’s top features. They also lack the mirrors, larger sensors and reflex systems which characterize any DSLR.

Compared to the compact digital camera, it has better light-catching ability due to the premium optical glasses crafted by its manufacturer. They usually have resolutions that start from 5MP and…well, we just know it starts there.

Some examples of prosumer digital cameras lines are: Canon’s Powershot G line and Fujifilm’s Finepix S series. Their price ranges from moderately expensive to highly expensive.

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera

In choosing your “dream” camera, you have to keep these in mind:

1. Necessity: WHY Do you need a camera? Are you just gonna buy it to brag it? Or do you want to capture the true essence or reality, the mood, the aura of every single aspect of life, and post it up on Flickr, making everyone else with a boring old digital camera green with envy? We all know that holding one of these babies makes you feel HIGH &MIGHTY (I know it makes me) but do you really need it?
2. Cost: How much money have you set aside to actually buy this contraption? Is it worth it? Can you still afford dinner right after buying this?
3. Guarantee: Is it a sturdy camera? Will it last long? Does the guarantee cover meteor damage?
4. Value: How will you treasure your mechanical child? Will you leave him on the shelf for the dust bunnies to devour? Or will you give TLC (Tender Loving Care) and keep him with you 24/7?
5. Favoritism: Which brand do you like?

So, there you have it, your NCGVF‘s of choosing a camera. (Yes, I know it’s not very catchy)

Here are some added Do’s and dont’s:

DO

• Buy new lenses, they help a lot in professional photography.
• Choose carefully amongst the cameras, and make sure to research before buying anything.
• Make sure you aren’t getting ripped off.
• Not give into peer pressure. (If you’re still awake, you’d notice this should be under Don’t. I’m not an idiot.)
• Pursue this career with livelihood.
• Make sense in what you are buying.
• READ THE MANUAL [exclamation mark][exclamation mark][exclamation mark][one][one][eleventy one]

DON’T

• Be careless.
• Play guessing games on buying these things.
• Buy a camera to impress your girlfriend/boyfriend (It’ll turn out HORRIBLE)
• Be heartless to your cold-unfeeling mechanical son.
• Live a lie.
• Go hunting for ghosts… Or maybe this is a do, if you’re a paranormal investigator, then do. If you aren’t, then don’t.
• Don’t go swimming with this camera, unless you have an underwater cover.
• Drop
• Blend
• Don’t- Seriously, I could come up with a MILLION dumb suggestions, and you’ll never get the point. Just don’t do whatever you think is bad.

Author’s note:

I suggest Canon as a starting brand, except it may be a bit too expensive… But don’t take my word for it.

[Reading Rainbow reference... Hardy har har]

© 2009 Digital SLR Camera