Dog Portrait

PortraitA simple shot:
35mm
Aperture wide open at 1.4
ISO 250
shutter speed 1/125

The dog is napping on the bed. To keep the camera steady I set it on a book.  The biggest challenge was waiting for the moment when the sun came around to the right spot through the window; and of course: trusting the subject would remain still! I chose to blow the shot out – no Photoshopping.

Take Better Photos

Not everything in photography has to be expensive.  And the reverse is true – even the best equipment won’t give you excellent photos.

Don’t succumb to the idea: “I’ll fix it in Photoshop”.  Capture the best image – bring it into Photoshop when you’re ready to enhance the photo, or correct a blemish.

It’s about lighting.  The camera sees the light you allow.  If your camera has manual settings you can begin grabbing great shots in a variety of lighting situations.  There are 3 main areas to learn – ISO, aperture and shutter speed.

To begin – play with the ISO.  Set your camera still.  If you have a tripod great – if you have a timer or trigger even better.  Despite how still your hand is even pushing the button will jiggle the camera.  Remove that element.  Begin setting your camera at a low ISO 100 (typically for outdoors).  Take a shot – increase to the next available ISO and continue your testing.  This exercise will open up to you how your camera is processing at these ISOs.

It’s a simple beginning, with you controlling the camera!  Have fun.