Flash Photography Tips
How to Get the Best Out of Your Flash
By Jo Plumridge, About.com Contributing Writer
Whether you're using a compact camera with a built in flash, a DSLR's integrated pop-up flash, or a dedicated speedlight on your DSLR camera, there are tips that you can use to make sure your flash photography is as good as it can be.
Remember, flash isn't always necessary! Learning about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO will enable you to take shots using natural light far more effectively.
Now read on for my top flash photography tips.
Recharging and batteries. Using a flash of any kind can really drain the batteries, so it's always a good idea to carry spares and to keep them fully charged. Different flashes take a different amount of time to recharge. This is called the recycle time. It's dependent on several factors -- such as, how good the batteries are and how much of the flash was discharged in the previous shot (for instance, if you are only shooting at a quarter power, the flash will recycle far more quickly). It's useful to know how quickly your flash recharges so that you'll know how quickly you can take another photograph.
Reflective surfaces. It sounds simple, but avoiding reflective surfaces when using flash can sometimes be a challenge! It needs to be done because, if you shoot the flash into anything reflective, you'll end up with a big blob of light on the image where the flash has reflected back to the camera. So avoid the obvious culprits such as mirrors! People wearing glasses can be a real challenge with a flash but, if you ask them to push the glasses down their nose a little bit, and to tilt them downwards, there will no longer be a direct surface for the flash to reflect into. (This is presuming that they won't take them off in the first place!)
Falloff. Compact camera flashes and pop-up flashes on DSLRs suffer from "falloff," which is where the flash is strongest in the middle of the image, but falls off as it gets to the corners. In addition, many flashes get weaker the farther away they are from the camera. (This occurs because of the flash's guide number, which relates to the number of feet or meters that it can cover). The solution is to always try to keep people in the center of the image and to photograph groups in a straight line, so as to keep the light as even as possible over all subjects.
Use ambient light. Sometimes you need flash, and there's no choice about it! But, if there's any ambient light available, try to use that in conjunction with the flash to add depth and warmth to an image and to cut down on harsh shadows. Position your subject in whatever ambient light there is, and then use the flash to add extra light.
Bounce. Unfortunately, this only applies if you are using an independent speedlight on your DSLR. One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a flashgun is the ability to bounce your flash. This means that you can move away from harsh direct flash, and angle your flashgun so that the light is "bounced" onto the subject. This is usually done by angling the flashgun head so that it hits the ceiling and the light is then directed down onto the subject.
MY THOUGHTS
There was a time i wanted those sophisticated cameras. I've changed my minds. I just want to take a picture of whatever. If it turns out right, I'd be happy. If it doesn't, then I'll take another picture if I can. I guess I can be classified as a non-enthusiast.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
WHITE iPHONE THICKER THAN BLACK MODEL?
White iPhone Thicker Than Black Model...Or Is It?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide May 1, 2011
http://cellphones.about.com/b/2011/05/01/white-iphone-thicker-than-black-model-or-is-it.htm?nl=1
The long-awaited white version of the iPhone 4 made its debut last week. And, right out of the gate, eagle-eyed observers noted that the phone was slightly thicker than its ultra-slim sibling.
The added thickness -- .2mm, according to TiPb, an iPhone, iPad, and iPod blog -- is barely noticeable. But when the two phones are held side by side, as in this picture posted on CNET.com, the ever-so-slight difference is clear.
But not apparently to Phil Shiller, Apple's Senior Vice President of Product Marketing. He responded to a tweet sent his way by a reader of 9to5Mac.com, asking for confirmation of the size discrepancy between the two phones. Shiller's response, sent via a private direct message that has since been made public, reads, "It is not thicker, don't believe all the junk that you read."
Despite Shiller's response, the difference in size between the two phones seems clear. At least to this untrained eye.
MY THOUGHTS
It does look a little thicker.
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide May 1, 2011
http://cellphones.about.com/b/2011/05/01/white-iphone-thicker-than-black-model-or-is-it.htm?nl=1
The long-awaited white version of the iPhone 4 made its debut last week. And, right out of the gate, eagle-eyed observers noted that the phone was slightly thicker than its ultra-slim sibling.
The added thickness -- .2mm, according to TiPb, an iPhone, iPad, and iPod blog -- is barely noticeable. But when the two phones are held side by side, as in this picture posted on CNET.com, the ever-so-slight difference is clear.
But not apparently to Phil Shiller, Apple's Senior Vice President of Product Marketing. He responded to a tweet sent his way by a reader of 9to5Mac.com, asking for confirmation of the size discrepancy between the two phones. Shiller's response, sent via a private direct message that has since been made public, reads, "It is not thicker, don't believe all the junk that you read."
Despite Shiller's response, the difference in size between the two phones seems clear. At least to this untrained eye.
MY THOUGHTS
It does look a little thicker.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Wide-Angle Conversion Lenses
Troubleshoot Wide-Angle Conversion Lenses
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
With some cameras, usually fixed-lens or DSLR models, you have the option of adding conversion lenses to give your camera's lens additional wide-angle or telephoto capabilities. The conversion lens attaches over the top of the existing lens. Use these tips to troubleshoot any problems you may be having with wide-angle conversion lenses.
Be certain the wide-angle conversion lens is made for your camera. Because the lens housing for each model of camera is different, conversion lenses must be made to fit particular models. If the conversion lens doesn't fit the original lens perfectly, you may have problems achieving the results you want.
With some types of conversion lenses, especially those labeled as "fish eye" lenses, you may need to change the settings on your camera to properly compensate for the extreme wide-angle look of a fish eye lens. If such settings are required for your camera, the user guide included with the conversion lens should mention it. You also may want to check the camera's user guide for tips on which menu settings you should use with a wide-angle conversion lens.
If you're having problems using the viewfinder to accurately frame your photos with the wide-angle conversion lens attached, try using the LCD to frame all of the photos. A wide-angle conversion lens may distort how the viewfinder works.
Don't try zooming in on a subject with the wide-angle conversion lens attached. The camera probably won't be able to correctly frame the photo or focus on the subject if both the zoom lens and conversion lens are in use. Some cameras disable the optical zoom with a wide-angle conversion lens attached; just be sure you don't activate the digital zoom feature, either.
The camera's flash also might not work properly with a wide-angle conversion lens attached. If you're having problems with achieving proper exposure from the flash with the conversion lens attached, try turning off the flash. Some cameras will disable the flash entirely when you're using a wide-angle conversion lens.
Because of the way the conversion lens attaches to the original lens, you may see a ghosting effect if shooting a scene with a bright light nearby. There is no way to avoid this effect, other than removing the wide-angle conversion lens
Finally, be sure to clean the original lens before attaching the wide-angle conversion lens. If the original lens is dirty, it won't matter how clean the conversion lens is.
MY THOUGHTS
Wide angle pictures would look like these:
photos from digital-photography-school.com
By Kyle Schurman, About.com Guide
With some cameras, usually fixed-lens or DSLR models, you have the option of adding conversion lenses to give your camera's lens additional wide-angle or telephoto capabilities. The conversion lens attaches over the top of the existing lens. Use these tips to troubleshoot any problems you may be having with wide-angle conversion lenses.
Be certain the wide-angle conversion lens is made for your camera. Because the lens housing for each model of camera is different, conversion lenses must be made to fit particular models. If the conversion lens doesn't fit the original lens perfectly, you may have problems achieving the results you want.
With some types of conversion lenses, especially those labeled as "fish eye" lenses, you may need to change the settings on your camera to properly compensate for the extreme wide-angle look of a fish eye lens. If such settings are required for your camera, the user guide included with the conversion lens should mention it. You also may want to check the camera's user guide for tips on which menu settings you should use with a wide-angle conversion lens.
If you're having problems using the viewfinder to accurately frame your photos with the wide-angle conversion lens attached, try using the LCD to frame all of the photos. A wide-angle conversion lens may distort how the viewfinder works.
Don't try zooming in on a subject with the wide-angle conversion lens attached. The camera probably won't be able to correctly frame the photo or focus on the subject if both the zoom lens and conversion lens are in use. Some cameras disable the optical zoom with a wide-angle conversion lens attached; just be sure you don't activate the digital zoom feature, either.
The camera's flash also might not work properly with a wide-angle conversion lens attached. If you're having problems with achieving proper exposure from the flash with the conversion lens attached, try turning off the flash. Some cameras will disable the flash entirely when you're using a wide-angle conversion lens.
Because of the way the conversion lens attaches to the original lens, you may see a ghosting effect if shooting a scene with a bright light nearby. There is no way to avoid this effect, other than removing the wide-angle conversion lens
Finally, be sure to clean the original lens before attaching the wide-angle conversion lens. If the original lens is dirty, it won't matter how clean the conversion lens is.
MY THOUGHTS
Wide angle pictures would look like these:
photos from digital-photography-school.com
Saturday, April 23, 2011
HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF OLD CELL PHONES?
HOW DO YOU DISPOSE OF OLD CELL PHONES?
Your discarded cell phone could be poisoning people and water
By John Moe Marketplace Tech Report, Friday, April 22, 2011
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/04/22/tech-report-your-discarded-cell/?refid=0
There's always some new gadget coming around the bend, tempting you to buy it. But what becomes of the old gadget? If you're not careful, it could be causing some real problems.
This Earth Day, we take a look at the risks that go along with recycling your personal electronics. It's something that comes up every time you buy, for instance, a new phone. You can shove the old one in a drawer, which takes up space. You can also choose to simply throw it in the garbage and let it be taken to a landfill. Hopefully, you'll avoid that option because you know that harmful chemicals could escape a broken phone and find their way to the water table.
There are other options but you have to be careful. It's not uncommon to see drop boxes that are marked as recycling stations for used electronics.
But according to our guest, Sarah Westervelt of Basel Action Network, many of the phones dropped in those boxes are sold off to unethical companies in the developing world. There, the phones are stripped down for the precious metals and other ingredients that are inside. This is done without much safety precaution for the workers (often children). The leftover chemicals from this process are then often just dumped into whatever body of water is nearby.
Westervelt says to look for the "E-Stewards" signage on the facility to see if the recycling organization is operating in an ethical capacity. You can also go to e-stewards.org for assistance.
Also in this program, the New York Public Library needs your help figuring out what some very old menus say. Check them out here and get to work!
MY THOUGHTS
This issue of disposing old cell phones and batteries should really be a concern. I've seen these dropboxes in the malls. It's time to find out what they do with these old gadgets.
Your discarded cell phone could be poisoning people and water
By John Moe Marketplace Tech Report, Friday, April 22, 2011
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/04/22/tech-report-your-discarded-cell/?refid=0
There's always some new gadget coming around the bend, tempting you to buy it. But what becomes of the old gadget? If you're not careful, it could be causing some real problems.
This Earth Day, we take a look at the risks that go along with recycling your personal electronics. It's something that comes up every time you buy, for instance, a new phone. You can shove the old one in a drawer, which takes up space. You can also choose to simply throw it in the garbage and let it be taken to a landfill. Hopefully, you'll avoid that option because you know that harmful chemicals could escape a broken phone and find their way to the water table.
There are other options but you have to be careful. It's not uncommon to see drop boxes that are marked as recycling stations for used electronics.
But according to our guest, Sarah Westervelt of Basel Action Network, many of the phones dropped in those boxes are sold off to unethical companies in the developing world. There, the phones are stripped down for the precious metals and other ingredients that are inside. This is done without much safety precaution for the workers (often children). The leftover chemicals from this process are then often just dumped into whatever body of water is nearby.
Westervelt says to look for the "E-Stewards" signage on the facility to see if the recycling organization is operating in an ethical capacity. You can also go to e-stewards.org for assistance.
Also in this program, the New York Public Library needs your help figuring out what some very old menus say. Check them out here and get to work!
MY THOUGHTS
This issue of disposing old cell phones and batteries should really be a concern. I've seen these dropboxes in the malls. It's time to find out what they do with these old gadgets.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Landline Vs. Cell phone
Land line Vs. Cell phone
http://www.valleynewslive.com/story/14495711/landlines-vs-cellphones-422
Posted: Apr 22, 2011 5:39 PM TST Updated: Apr 22, 2011 7:41 PM TST
Having a land-line is a thing of the past. Many have cut the cord for a cell phone.
A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics shows more than 30% of North Dakotans use their cell phone as their primary phone number now. But, Valley News Live did some digging, and this trend could be dangerous during times when you need it the most.
Dan Willers grew up with a landline, but doesn't miss having one anymore. Like most of us, he has cut the cord... and it's helped cut costs as well.
"It's one of those things, you got your keys, wallet, cellphone you're on your way!" Willers says.
But in the event of an emergency, it could rob you time of when help comes. Byron Seiber with Red River Regional Dispatch tells us, "The cellphone gives us location by triangulating three tower sites, giving us a general idea of where you're at."
Unlike landlines, cellphone don't have"enhanced 911," meaning dispatchers won't be able to locate exactly where you are.
"If you're on the 2nd or 3rd floor, that doesn't help first responders. They're not going to know which apartment to go to," Seiber explains.
Seiber says it has been a growing trend. Out of all the 911 calls received in 2010, nearly 72% were made from cell phones.
Without the enhanced 911, it has prompted dispatchers to change the way they ask questions when there's an emergency. in year's passed, it's used to be "911, what's your emergency, based on your information, what's the address of your emergency."
But despite the facts, some still think having a cell phone at hand, can save you.
Willers points out, "Since you're not home anyway, you wouldn't have a land line during a car accident."
MY THOUGHTS
I belong to the 30%. I have lived with a landline for years and survived. Even landlines at the office don't get that much attention anymore. Except probably the local lines.
http://www.valleynewslive.com/story/14495711/landlines-vs-cellphones-422
Posted: Apr 22, 2011 5:39 PM TST Updated: Apr 22, 2011 7:41 PM TST
Having a land-line is a thing of the past. Many have cut the cord for a cell phone.
A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics shows more than 30% of North Dakotans use their cell phone as their primary phone number now. But, Valley News Live did some digging, and this trend could be dangerous during times when you need it the most.
Dan Willers grew up with a landline, but doesn't miss having one anymore. Like most of us, he has cut the cord... and it's helped cut costs as well.
"It's one of those things, you got your keys, wallet, cellphone you're on your way!" Willers says.
But in the event of an emergency, it could rob you time of when help comes. Byron Seiber with Red River Regional Dispatch tells us, "The cellphone gives us location by triangulating three tower sites, giving us a general idea of where you're at."
Unlike landlines, cellphone don't have"enhanced 911," meaning dispatchers won't be able to locate exactly where you are.
"If you're on the 2nd or 3rd floor, that doesn't help first responders. They're not going to know which apartment to go to," Seiber explains.
Seiber says it has been a growing trend. Out of all the 911 calls received in 2010, nearly 72% were made from cell phones.
Without the enhanced 911, it has prompted dispatchers to change the way they ask questions when there's an emergency. in year's passed, it's used to be "911, what's your emergency, based on your information, what's the address of your emergency."
But despite the facts, some still think having a cell phone at hand, can save you.
Willers points out, "Since you're not home anyway, you wouldn't have a land line during a car accident."
MY THOUGHTS
I belong to the 30%. I have lived with a landline for years and survived. Even landlines at the office don't get that much attention anymore. Except probably the local lines.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
APPLE SUES SAMSUNG
Apple Sues Samsung Over Galaxy Phones, Tablet
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 19, 2011
Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets have impressed reviewers and consumers alike, but a new lawsuit alleges that these devices infringe upon patents owned by Apple. The lawsuit, filed last week by Apple, claims that Samsung's mobile devices are "blatant" copies of Apple's iPhone and iPad.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California, accuses Samsung of copying the look and product design of the iPhone and iPad when creating the Android-based Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets.
The Wall Street Journal, which was the first to report on the lawsuit, quotes the 38-page filing as saying: "Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple's technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products."
Photo © T-Mobile
MY THOUGHTS
WDYT?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 19, 2011
Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets have impressed reviewers and consumers alike, but a new lawsuit alleges that these devices infringe upon patents owned by Apple. The lawsuit, filed last week by Apple, claims that Samsung's mobile devices are "blatant" copies of Apple's iPhone and iPad.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California, accuses Samsung of copying the look and product design of the iPhone and iPad when creating the Android-based Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets.
The Wall Street Journal, which was the first to report on the lawsuit, quotes the 38-page filing as saying: "Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple's technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products."
Photo © T-Mobile
MY THOUGHTS
WDYT?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
WHITE iPhone 4
White iPhone 4 Coming Soon?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 17, 2011
www.about.com
When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone 4 last year, he showed off a white version of the phone. Now, almost a year later, that white iPhone 4 may finally be about to hit the market. Numerous reports this week suggest that the white iPhone 4 will be available later this month.
When the iPhone 4 was released in June 2010, it was available in a black model only. At the time, Apple said the white version was delayed due to a manufacturing issue. At the time, it was expected that the delay would only last a few months -- but now, 10 months later, the white iPhone 4 remains unavailable.
But not for long, if these new reports prove true. Bloomberg reports that Apple will begin selling the white iPhone in "the next few weeks." That information is attributed to three unnamed sources with knowledge of the company's plans.
9to5Mac also is now reporting that the white iPhone has shown up in Apple's inventory and will be released "very soon."
Stay tuned.
MY THOUGHTS
Haven't we seen the white iPhone 4 already? Or was that casing?
By Liane Cassavoy, About.com Guide April 17, 2011
www.about.com
When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone 4 last year, he showed off a white version of the phone. Now, almost a year later, that white iPhone 4 may finally be about to hit the market. Numerous reports this week suggest that the white iPhone 4 will be available later this month.
When the iPhone 4 was released in June 2010, it was available in a black model only. At the time, Apple said the white version was delayed due to a manufacturing issue. At the time, it was expected that the delay would only last a few months -- but now, 10 months later, the white iPhone 4 remains unavailable.
But not for long, if these new reports prove true. Bloomberg reports that Apple will begin selling the white iPhone in "the next few weeks." That information is attributed to three unnamed sources with knowledge of the company's plans.
9to5Mac also is now reporting that the white iPhone has shown up in Apple's inventory and will be released "very soon."
Stay tuned.
MY THOUGHTS
Haven't we seen the white iPhone 4 already? Or was that casing?
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