Showing posts with label Tools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tools. Show all posts

Photography Trends And Tools For 2012

The photography world is in a constant state of evolution and flux. As the technology available to both professional and amateur photographers is changing every year, there has never been a period that is so exciting for those people who are passionate about this art as what is being experienced today. Keeping abreast of the latest trends and tools coming from Asia is an interesting topic. As it is no longer a uni-polar world, today's culture is influenced as much by the East as it is from the West.

One of the most interesting developments over the last twelve months has been the growth in the use of the iPad as a cool tool for photographers. Although this 'must have' Apple gadget will never replace such software as Photoshop and Elements, its ability to be used to edit images when on the go is a real attraction. What's more, it offers the option to quickly upload and share images and video in an easy-to-carry package.

HDR is a concept that has gained a lot of ground during the last few years, it has become a format that is being experimented with in a big way by photographers throughout Asia. Though the basic idea behind High Dynamic Range photography may be obvious, up until fairly recently it has been hard to get it right with digital technology. HDR involves taking a number of photographs at different exposures which when combined create a single image that captures that entire dynamic range of a particular scene.

Every year technology improves; this is one of the great boons of this modern age. Photographers now have the option of using super-zoom lenses. The trend for ultra detailed snapshots can be seen in many of today's best portfolios. Some of the results that have come about as a result of using super-zoom lenses are truly staggering.

Digital infrared may not yet be a format that is used widely, but it is a style that is certainly gaining ground. Experimenting with this medium can produce extremely dynamic images that capture sights and scenes in ways that have not been possible before.

On a final note, the love affair for black and white remains as strong as ever. There are legions of Asian photography professionals who practice their art using only black and white images. Thanks to the inherent affordability of today's digital cameras, there is a new demographic group who are now producing the most spectacular photographs using this most enigmatic and traditional format.

You can find more information about the latest trends in Asian photography and learn how to create HDR photos at http://www.photokore.com/ now.


Original article

With The Right Tools Anyone Can Be A Photographer

I have been involved in photography a long-time. My first camera, well, if it was on eBay, would be classified an antique by now (Kodak Brownie Hawkeye) that used real film (a rare and expensive commodity today) and I moved on from there. I have been through several revolutions in photographic technology from film to digital and I have to admit that the satisfaction of seeing my images immediately and uploading them to my PC for editing outweighs the satisfaction I once derived from my motorized color SLR bodies (I actually shot with three camera bodies at the time, two automatic and motorized for color work and one standard film-advance equipped with black-and-white film for backup or for the particular publication I was taking photos for.

Today, though, the camera technology available is far more satisfying as it allows you to not only see your image immediately after you have taken it on an LCD screen on the rear, but, you can also upload it to your laptop or desktop for instant editing.

You don't have to spend a huge amount for a digital camera today. I have seen and used "point-and-shoot" (standard consumer) cameras that have viewfinders that you can use to frame your image and shoot. These cameras have also allowed me to "edit on the fly" framing the exact image I want as most of them also offer both mechanical and optical zoom features that make closeup photography a snap. The key to this is the image stabilization ability of the camera system, such as Canon's autostablizer. I have used it in Canon "point-and-shoot" models, as well as in expensive EOS systems with 300mm zoom lenses. It takes the shake out of an image, leaving it rock solid and, in most cases, eliminates the need for a tripod.

Yes, I still carry a tripod - just in case - because long photo sessions can get tiring on an aging back that has seen its share of abuse. But, there is now even a solution for that with Canon's SX. It is a 24mm wide angle system with an incredible 34X optical zoom. At that focal length a tiny shake shows up as a major blur, but not with autostabilization. It takes lots of drudgery out of photography and let's you concentrate on the image.

To me, it doesn't matter whether I am shooting with a US $2,000 Pentax or Canon or Nikon dSLR system - don't get me wrong I love dSLRs, they're just overkill right now for me - or with a $199 or $299 Canon or Sony "point-and-shoot." What matters is that I am now the real master of the image; the camera doesn't control me, nor does the film or even the lighting as editing software on a laptop can clean up and bright many images, if the original image is there. If it seems like I am still excited by photography even after a lifetime of photo work, you're right, I am and today's tools are just incredible.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for ecommUS


Original article