1. Camera equipment has evolved amazingly since we were teenagers.

·         First we had the trusty Brownie outdoors – point and shoot; indoors screw on the flash attachment, point and shoot.

·         Then we had the more recent manual cameras with a  built in flash in which the camera gave you the option of having you do the settings or letting the camera do the setting.

·         Today the digital cameras are as sophisticated as you want to spend – and you don’t have to buy film!

  1. Taking a photo is about two things – composition and controlling the light.  Today we are talking about the technique controlling the light in a digital camera.
  2. First a few basics:

·         Cameras run on electricity so always have your battery charged and even have a spare if you like to take lots of images

·         Digitals are more susceptible to dust than film-based cameras so keep them stored in a proper case or a lint free bag.

·         The “card” that stores the images is not inexhaustible.  Frequently download the images to your computer or CD and then delete them from the card.  Better yet reformat the card to give it a really good electronic cleaning.

 

  1. THAT SAID LET’S TAKE A PICTURE – NO WAIT, LET’S SET UP THE CAMERA FIRST; HERE IT GETS A LITTLE COMPLICATED BUT WORTHWHILE

·         Even if you are just staring out, set the camera’s pixel setting or image size to about 3 megapixels.  Why? There is a lot of subjectivity here but 3 MP gives you excellent detail in the photo even when you enlarge it to 12 X 18.  Setting it higher simply consumes space on you card.  If you disagree with me, please feel free to set it to whatever you want.     

·          HOW DO I SET THE MEGAPIXELS?  Turn on your camera, leave it in the picture taking mode, press the menu button, find the Image size and set it to 3 MP.  Can each of you do that?  OK

·          Also if you are just staring out – let the camera do the work – set it to automatic and let it figure out the best light collecting setting and you concentrate on composition.  The automatic setting will give you good images for most NORMAL situations, these are:  little motion, good natural light.  If it’s a little dark AND THE SUBJECT IS WITHIN 15 FEET (5-6 PACES) THEN THE AUTOMATIC FLASH WILL HANDLE IT.

·         HOW DO YOU SET IT AUTO?

a.      Olympus – dial on top allows you to set it to auto

b.      Sony – does it with software; turn on camera, push menu button, select auto and you are ready to go

 

5.      WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL CONDITIONS BUT KEEP IT SIMPLE!

·         The camera can do it for many special situations, for instance:

o        Action                 the icon is:               sports figure

o        Close ups                                           a head

o        Landscapes                                        mountains

o        Night scenes                                       moon

o        Snow                                                   snow flake

o        Sunrise/sunset                                   rising sun

o        Etc.

 

                        If you want to get more control over your images use one of these settings instead of the Auto.  With these settings YOU are telling the camera how to control the light.  For instance, in an action scene set the camera to sports.  The camera then sets the shutter to a highest speed consistent with the light available.

                       

If you are taking a shot of a landscape then set it to that setting.  The camera will set the lens to the smallest opening consistent with the light available to provide the greatest depth of field – that is both near and far images will be in focus.

 

If you are taking a portrait shot dial it in.  The camera will then open the lens as much as it can in order to reduce depth of field - that is the subject will be in focus and the background will be out of focus.

 

THESE ARE THE BASICS.  The camera is capable of so much more and it’s all in the manual that came with it.  ALWAYS carry it with you.

 

Walt Braun