The Shutterbug Society; Activity #3: Ask and Answer

[ed1nburgh.livejournal.com]

Activity: Ask and Answer
Points: 10 points participatioon
Dates: NOW until Thursday, July 1 at 22:00 PDT.

Details: Since this is a photography club and we have members of all skill levels, for this activity, you're going to have the opportunity to ask or answer photography questions you've always wondered!

FOR QUESTIONS: Be sure that it is a question of substance. Asking, "What's a camera?" will not get you points, but asking something of more substance, such as "What is the rule of thirds?" or "What's the difference between digital cameras and film cameras," will count towards points. If you are only planning on asking questions, you must ask THREE questions to get participation points.

FOR ANSWERS: If you know the answer to a question you see, feel free to respond! In order to get participation points, you must answer one question with at least five, complete sentences. It is encouraged that you post an example of what you're talking about, to make your answer totally clear.

Of course, feel free to go beyond the minimum! You may ask more than three questions or answer more than one, or any combination thereof.

If you have any questions for me, please respond to the thread below!

Shoot things, legally! Join The Shutterbug Society today!

Comments

[ed1nburgh.livejournal.com]

Questions about the activity here!

[raenbow.livejournal.com]

should I be signing stuff with my name//house? D: D:

[buriedgold.livejournal.com]

Polaroid photo manipulation.

Seen it in "shortbus" but don't really understand how it works.

Anyone?

xD

alyshia//ravenclaw

[marchenland.livejournal.com]

What do you mean? Can you provide a link to an example?

[trickery.livejournal.com]

What are the best techniques for nighttime shots?

Elisabeth/Slytherin

[wingsofcaffeine.livejournal.com]

Long exposure time is one of the biggest tricks to goo nighttime shots. In low light conditions, you need to have a longer exposure time. The best way to accomplish this is usually by increasing your shutter speed, which gives the film a longer exposure time to the light. Usually, doing this requires use of a tripod (or extremely steady hands) to prevent the image from being blurry.

Of course, if you have a point and click camera that can't play around with settings much, a good flash is a good idea, but flashes only have a limited range. It's better if you can tweak your camera's settings for a longer exposure time. For film shooters, using film with a higher ISO is helpful, too.

Lena//Ravenclaw

[end1essly.livejournal.com]

Um, what is the rule of thirds? XD

Olga//Puff

[gringotts.livejournal.com]

It's a guideline for composition in paintings, photography etc. basically to really make your photos pop and to learn how to place things off-center without there being awkward/unwanted negative space. It's a great, great rule to follow if you want to spice up your photography a little bit and get away from the standard having the subject focused in the middle thing~

Basically you just visualize a graph similar to this (http://photoinf.com/Golden_Mean/Michael_Fodor/Photo_School_-_Rule_of_Thirds/ruleofthirds.jpg) over your composition and make sure that the subject is placed along the lines or intersections!

Some good examples (with the graph on the photo!)
- one (http://z.about.com/d/photography/1/0/g/-/-/-/rainbow.jpg)
- two (http://photohub.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/rule-of-thirds.jpg)
- three (http://www.secondpicture.com/tutorials/photography/rule_of_thirds.jpg)
- four (http://thinkdan.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/eagle.jpg)

It can be frustrating at first and AS ALWAYS with rules, there are exceptions. Just experiment!

Nadine//Claw

[wingsofcaffeine.livejournal.com]

What is the difference between an f-stop and aperture?

Lena//Ravenclaw

[gringotts.livejournal.com]

F-stops and aperture are KIND OF talking about the same thing! The aperture is measured in f-stops so.. the more stops, the smaller the opening. So the aperture is the diameter of the opening but the f-stop is the aperture divided by the focal length, that's the reason for the numbers. IF THAT MAKES SENSE.

Nadine//Claw

[wingsofcaffeine.livejournal.com]

When shooting on film, what is the difference between the different film speeds?

Lena//Ravenclaw

[gringotts.livejournal.com]

The film speed is referencing to the film's sensitivity to light. If you were shooting in low light conditions at a concert or outdoors. So if I was to photograph an outdoor party with a film camera and it was 10pm, I'd want to be using a film that has a higher ISO, anything over 400. The downside is that the higher the ISo, the more grain.

Nadine//Claw

[wingsofcaffeine.livejournal.com]

What is the difference between a "point and shoot" and an SLR camera?

Lena//Ravenclaw

[gringotts.livejournal.com]

A few thousand dollars ;) Kidding.

A point and shoot is like driving an automatic car. An SLR is like driving a manual car. With the point and shoot, there isn't much you can do settings wise, its exactly what the name suggests - a point and shoot. Some point and shoots have macro settings etc. so you can get great close ups, and SOME of the higher end point and shoots (such as the Canon Powershots) have complete manual capabilities like an SLR where you can set your shutterspeed, aperture etc.

An SLR gives you complete control over how you want to set your photo up. There are automatic settings like on a point and shoot, but there are additiona settings on top of that. Full manual where you control everything, there is a setting where you set the aperture and the camera sets the shutterspeed and vice versa etc.

Nadine//Claw

[clzair.livejournal.com]

Are digital cameras better at taking certain kinds of pictures than film cameras, or is the difference all in the editing capabilities?

Claire//Hufflepuff

[gringotts.livejournal.com]

Film and digital cameras are used for more or less the same purpose but they're completely different. It's like comparing a painting and a photo, they both capture images but they're so different!

With digital camera you have a higher chance of getting a better result since you can see what you're doing and there are fewwer variables to control.

Film has a different look to it completely, it's harder to manage and if you don't print the photos yourself then more often than not, photo labs don't do too great of a job D:

Neither one is better at anything than the other, they can easily achieve the same results etc. and when it comes to editing, that really boils down to how talented the person is at retouching. I mean, you can edit film photos the same way you edit digital because yuo can simply scan negatives into the computer using a fancy schmancy negative scanner.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to preference and the person. It doesn't matter what medium you use nor what camera - it's all about the artist/photographer, not the equipment!

Nadine//Claw

[end1essly.livejournal.com]

Yo Kaitlin!

How do you get that fancy schmancy infared prettiness on your photos? This is more of me being curious than anything, lol :)

Olga//Puff

[ed1nburgh.livejournal.com]

Hey!

Digital infrared photography is quite the process, lol. In a nutshell, you need a DSLR (a point and shoot doesn't have the capabilities needed for infrared photography), an infrared filter for your lens, and a camera that can take a custom white balance.

Essentially, you put on the filter (which is a dark, dark opaque reddish filter) and "measure" the white balance of something green, which sets green as white. Then, you take the filter off, compose your shot, and then put the filter back on. It requires a really long shutter speed, which is how you get whooshy cloudes (like this (http://kalbaxecnailla.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d1hvtsw)) or smooth water (like this (http://kalbaxecnailla.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d10zo56)) because you have to get enough light into the camera.

Then there are a lot of digital processes you have to do, because after you actually TAKE the photo, it's going to come out looking really drab and stupid, so you have to do a bunch of Photoshop magic to get it to look white and full.

If you're REALLY curious, here is a tutorial I wrote about it: HERE (http://kalbaxecnailla.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d112h6j)

Kaitlin | Ravenclaw

[clzair.livejournal.com]

What exactly is different about a Polaroid camera from just a regular film camera?

Claire//Hufflepuff

[clzair.livejournal.com]

Is it possible to get a digital camera image in film form and develop it the same way you would develop a roll of film?

Claire//Hufflepuff

[marchenland.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's called "film recording." A professional lab may have a film recorder, and prices run $10 per image. I don't think it's something most people have access to, as I suspect (based on those prices) that the equipment must be VERY expensive.

- Madelyn / Slytherin

[katelynelaine.livejournal.com]

When was the polaroid camera invented?

Katey//Hufflepuff//1

[los-york.livejournal.com]

The Polaroid camera was invented in 1947. Edwin Herbert Land, who invented the Polaroid camera, was an American inventor and industrialist born in Bridgeport, Conn. He became interested in polarized light and invented a material to eliminate glare in 1932. This is now known by the trademark Polaroid. In 1937, he established the Polaroid Corp. to manufacture sunglasses, camera filters, and headlights. He developed a process for three-dimensional pictures in 1941, invented the polaroid camera in 1947 and introduced instant color photographs in 1963. Only Thomas Edison was granted more patents for new inventions than Edwin Land.

Here's an old article when it was first invented: Link Here (http://blog.modernmechanix.com/mags/PopularScience/4-1947/polaroid.jpg)

Olivia//Gryffindor

[katelynelaine.livejournal.com]

Which has better resolution, digital or film cameras?

Katey//Hufflepuff//2

[marchenland.livejournal.com]

It depends on the film. Old disc cameras, for example, had really low resolution, and polaroid film has low resolution as well. Large format film, of course, has higher resolution -- pixel count -- than 35mm. And currently, you will get higher resolution on a film 35mm in an optimal setup with a good lens and no lens shake -- about 20 million pixels - than on any digital camera you could buy. (I think there are some digital cameras getting there, but we're talking about $60,000 cameras, nothing you or I are likely to ever even lay eyes on.)

However, a less quality lens, a hand-held shot, a point-and-shoot, lo light, etc can mean a good image may have 12 million and a poor may only have 1 million "good" pixels. And pixel isn't really the right word for film, so think of it more as "spot of image".

Also, most people can only see about 9million pixels in a 100% print, so unless an image is blown up a lot, a 10mp digital will give you as good a 4x6 print as a top of the line 35mm would, all other things (such as abiliy of the photographer, quality of lens, light, etc) being the same.

- Madelyn / Slytherin

[katelynelaine.livejournal.com]

Which has more accurate colors, digital or film cameras?

Katey//Hufflepuff//3

[marchenland.livejournal.com]

I think color accuracy in film cameras depends on the film and the processing.

Some "toy" cameras let in light which can effect the color.

In digital cameras, a lot of cameras have chromatic aberrations, which will often be noted in online reviews of them.

I don't think there's really much to compare here. Sorry. :(

- Madelyn / Slytherin

[katshakespeare.livejournal.com]

Anyone have any tips or tricks for taking photos of people?

Sarah//Gryffindor

[marchenland.livejournal.com]

For portraits, I've gotten the best "casual" and traditional portraits with a 100mm macro lens that just makes people look good. It's long enough that I can step away from a group and still get fantastic full-face shots of people, without being right in their faces and making them nervous. I can focus on one person and wait until they aren't talking (no one looks good with their mouth open) and get a great shot of them listening to someone else - one of those most engaging expressions we have.

There's so much to it, though -- can you describe what kinds of shots you're trying to take (portraits, snaps, group shots, etc.) and what challenges you're having?

- Madelyn / Slytherin

[singlemomsummer.livejournal.com]

Is it possible to take good quality pictures with a point and shoot?

Summer//Hufflepuff

[ed1nburgh.livejournal.com]

Of course it is! Some of my favourite photos that I took are from a crappy little point-and-shoot I had back in the day before I started getting serious.

Of course, a point and shoot does have its drawbacks; you do have a lot less control than you do with a DSLR, but it REALLY depends on the camera you get. The point-and-shoot I just bought my mum, for example, has full aperture, ISO and shutter speed control. Definitely not as good as a DSLR, but DEFINITELY better than a lot of point and shoots.

Really, it comes down to knowing your camera and knowing the rules of photography. If you hand a seasoned photographer a point and shoot, they'll still be able to get quality photos out of it, because when it comes down to it, it's the photographer, not the camera. Yeah, there are certain things you can't do with a point and shoot at all (for example, I primarily work in Digital Infrared Photography these days, and that's impossible on a point and shoot), but in general, ESPECIALLY with today's technology, you can get very quality photos.

What I'd suggest is pick up some photo books or look at websites. Learn about composition and then read the manual for your camera several times. Learn to love it, get close to it, sleep with it under your pillow, you get the idea. Learn deeply about aperture, ISO, and other functions that your camera might have. You'd be surprised what difference this can make in your photos.

What you might notice is less range in your photos; I mean that sometimes, the exposure or the colours won't be as strong. This is because the size of the sensor in a point and shoot (the thing that measures exposure) isn't very large, so you might notice that your whites might be TOO white (blown-out) or your shadows might be compressed and lose detail. This is something that is the major problem with point and shoots, but there are ways to get around it.

tl;dr you TOTALLY can, just learn about your camera!

[singlemomsummer.livejournal.com]

Does anyone have any tips on how to take good makeup pictures with a basic digital camera? (Nikon coolpix S220)

Summer//Hufflepuff

[ed1nburgh.livejournal.com]

1) If your camera has a Macro mode, use it. The macro mode with allow you to get closer to your face, so you can focus more on the makeup.

2) LIGHT. Light is absolutely essential to makeup photography, especially if you're using a point-and-shoot. Lighting your face up close with a spot-type light will help the camera focus on the details and will make the makeup look brighter.

3) If your camera can change ISO settings, take it off Auto and bring it down to the lowest ISO possible. This will make your skin look smoother instead of grainy.

4) Sometimes, the "auto" White Balance will make the photo look very red, especially under incandescent lights. Try using an indoor setting or incandescent setting (they'll probably look like a little house, or like a lightbulb) to make the photo a little cooler and the colours more true.

[singlemomsummer.livejournal.com]

What is the main difference between Nikon and Canon SLRs? Do you have a preference, and what would you recommend to a beginner?

[marchenland.livejournal.com]

I think it's all about preference. They run the same-ish in price, have similar glass available at similar prices, and produce about the same quality of photos.

*I* picked the Canon because when I held them both and tried them out, it felt more natural in my hand. Most of my friends who shoot one or the other say pretty much the same thing.

So, if you're ready for an SLR, go to a good store and ask them to let you try them both out.

- Madelyn / Slytherin

PS: Ooh, you're local to me, right? Go to Pictureline. Seriously. That place rocks. No I don't work there. (I live near it though.)

[katshakespeare.livejournal.com]

If you use any kind of photo software, what do you use and do you know of any tutorials?

I just bought Aperture 3 and have yet to play with it.

Sarah//Gryffindor

[gringotts.livejournal.com]

I try to set up my shots so I don't have to edit much, but since I'm a portrait photographer, well.... portraits and retouching come hand in hand. For MAJOR jobs (such as schools, dance classes etc.) I barely do any editing, especially if they're young. I'll touch up their skin a little if they have LARGE blemishes and I'll fix any err... well, cameltoe's if they are in leotards LOL THAT FELT SO WRONG TO TYPE XD

If it's for a standard shoot, it depends on what kind it is. If it's a fashion shoot, generally A LOT of editing goes into it. If it's a wedding... I tend to try to avoid editing as much as possible.

At the end of the day it's always good to pretend like you can't edit the photo and try to capture it as close to what you want as possible.

Nadine//Claw

[gringotts.livejournal.com]

Not sure about film since I only shoot digital, but for large batches of photographs like schools etc. like I mentioned above, I generally take 10 shots per child in different poses etc. and I'll only end up using 1.

For normal photoshoots, I can take anywhere up to 500+ photos and end up with 10-30 decent photos that I am really pleased with. I take A LOT of photos because I like to cover all bases being the insane perfectionist that I am.

Nadine//Claw

[ed1nburgh.livejournal.com]

I only shoot digital, but I go to school for film (movies, not photographs) so I've had to learn the difference a lot. There are a few major differences:

1) Latitude. Film has better latitude than digital, meaning that you can capture a better exposure than you can with most digital cameras (this doesn't go for full-frame sensor monsters, but, that's a different story). So, say you're shooting a scene with a dark foreground and a bright background; you have a better chance of getting a proper exposure with film than with digital.

2) Colour. Colour is usually MUCH stronger on film than on digital, though with editing and camera settings (on my camera, I can boost things like sharpness and saturation easily), you can achieve a "film" type look on a digital camera. It also depends on the camera you're using.

3) Ease of use. Digital is just far easier. The reason I've never shot film is because well, in the digital age, it's inconvenient. I like having my photos in files rather than photos, editing them however I want, not having to pay for film, not having to develop, etc.

There are drawbacks to digital, but there are also drawbacks to film. I prefer digital, but I know there are people who definitely prefer the look of film, but really, I think they're pretty comparable.

[peyton07.livejournal.com]

How do you take good pictures at concerts when all the lights are flashing and going crazy?

Peyton/Ravenclaw

[raenbow.livejournal.com]

The secret to this is all about speed. It doesn't matter whether you have a dslr, an slr, or even a point and shoot, though techniques can vary depending on which type of camera you have.

If you're using a (modern) point and shoot, there will probably be a setting called "backlight". Try that, and if that doesn't help the situation, try the "fireworks", "beach & snow" options, as these are all set for ~odd lighting situations.

If you have a dslr, you'll have greater control over your speed and aperture settings (though if your point and shoot is good then you can use these methods too!). Because you have plenty of light, the aperture needs to be low. No more than 2, if possible. Because your subjects are moving fast, the shutter speed needs to be quick. 1/60 of a second can often work well, depending on the circumstances. A balance needs to be found between keeping the aperture low enough so the lens isn't overwhelmed with light, and keeping the shutter speed fast enough to avoid blurry subjects, but not so fast that no light gets in at all.

Does that make sense?

[peyton07.livejournal.com]

What are the benefits of developing your own film?

Peyton/Ravenclaw

[laurenpuppetpal.livejournal.com]

Personally speaking, I think that the main benefit of developing your own film is the experience. I find it a really fun process to go through and you get a real sense of achievement when you finish. For me, there is a financial benefit in that it doesn't cost me anything because I can do it at college. However, there will be the cost of chemicals for you if you do it yourself at home, aswell as the cost of building a darkroom or buying a "pop-up" darkroom or just a darkbag. Of course, if you are developing your own film I am guessing that you would have the capability of making your own prints also. If you develop your own prints you can make them just the way you want them, whereas if you go and get them printed at a lab they come out the way they make them and that's not always too good. You can also experiment with chemicals, exposures, different papers, different sizes and all kinds of things in the darkroom that can be very entertaining and give you some very interesting prints to look at. If you're into that kind of thing anyway.
I hope this was worth reading. Heh.

Lauren//Hufflepuff.

[peyton07.livejournal.com]

How do I take clear pictures on a digital camera on a super sunny day at the beach? They always tend to be washed out for me.

Peyton/Ravenclaw

[ed1nburgh.livejournal.com]

First off, what type of camera are you using, and can I see an example of a photo? That'll help me answer better.

The problem you're probably having is over-exposure. The beach is a great place for this to happen, because you have the bright sun, the bright side, the sunlight glinting off the water... yeah, there is a lot of light and it's all going to mess up your photo. Especially if you're using a smaller point-and-shoot with a small sensor, it'll get overloaded and everything will end up washed out.

What I'd do is make sure that you take your camera OFF the auto setting. Put the ISO as low as possible so you're not getting extra light sensitivity, and if you can, increase the aperture (if your camera can do this). This will also reduce the amount of light coming into the camera.

A lot of time, point-and-shoots in auto mode will get washed out at a sunny day when there's a lot of the light coming in and a light of "bright" parts in the frame.