I use this technique, as do most photographers I’m sure, but it can make the subject of your photograph blurry as the auto-focus is focused on a slightly further back point. It makes sense when you think about it but it’s still useful when you have a long depth of field. Anyway, here’s the explanation why it’s not good for portraits and other close-camera work.
Tag Archives: Photography
The Job of a Photo Journalist
Mark Hancock, as a photo journalist, is exposed to situations that many of us never see. A police warrant roundup is one such occurance and he describes it well.
He has several things to say in his accompanying post about what PJs do:
Before I continue, PJs mostly cover tax dollars at work. When we cover wrecks, fires and such, we focus on what the police and firefighters are doing. This is why we are there. We also cover the people affected by the event to get them help from the community. Lastly, we cover the people who may have caused the commotion in the first place (hostage takers, etc…).
The beauty of Winter Photography
One day last week on my way to work, the local area was shrouded in a deep mist. The sun tried to shine through but all that could be seen was a glowing ball in the eastern sky. I was late so I couldn’t stop, but this essay on winter photography brings back some of those memories.
So be brave, dress warmly, get out there and shoot, the world of winter photography awaits you!
Chittagong Ship-Breaking Yards
Here’s yet another excellent essay by Michael Reichmann. He was allowed into the Chittagong Ship-Breaking Yards in Bangladesh, a visit routinely denied to other photographers and he captured some moving and powerful photos. Go look, and read his essay on the journey.
Digital Darkroom Forum – Imaging Techniques>Emulating (B&W, IR, filters, etc.) threads
Here’s a forum on photo.net I’m going to keep an eye on. Looks like it’s updated and posted to on a regular basis so hopefully there’ll be a few nice nuggets of info there!
Canon have a great site dedicated to the “The Art of Photography”. It has general photography information beyond Canon blurb so I’ll be reading it!
Li-ion Batteries, care and maintenance
I have a number of batteries including Li-ion batteries for my Sony F717. The Sony batteries have been in continuous use since the summer of 2003 so their lifespan isn’t quite what it used to be. This page suggests that Li-ion batteries, “should be continually topped up! Unlike NiCads you should not let Li-ions run flat as this will effect the life of the battery. Always top them up whenever possible.”
I’m charging mine now just in case!
Photography roundup
Ken says you should shoot jpeg while Petteri Sulonen says shoot raw! I can only shoot jpeg at the moment but when I do upgrade I’ll be sure to give my opinion 🙂
Ken also has an extensive Canon 20D vs Nikon D70 test. Considering he’s a huge Nikon fan it’s reasonably balanced! You may find his Canon 20D review useful too. Apparently Nikon lenses can be used on Canon bodies! You need to buy an adaptor though.
And finally, he has a great write-up on batteries. I have several sets of NIMH batteries at home that are getting a bit long in the tooth and not performing as well. He suggests that, you can easily rejuvenate them by running them through a full discharge-charge cycle a couple of times.
From Better Digital Photography..
Bracketing and How To Use it Correctly
Here’s a good tutorial and explanation describing exposure bracketing. If you’re really careful it’s just about possible to take multiple shots without a tripod!
PhotoJournalism: How professional digital work flows
A very lengthy article that I must read yet, but if going by Mark’s previous efforts it’ll be an enlightening look at how PJs prepare their work for publication.
The Digital Journalist January 2005
Here’s the latest Digital Journalist online magazine. Includes a special report about the tsunami, lots of photos from China and other stuff.
