Is it the Camera or the Photographer? Part Two

In my previous post, I introduced the concept of not needing to go out and buy an SLR and ten lenses (an exaggeration, perhaps), without taking the time to determine if you actually need one. After all, SLRs and their kits are heavy, unwieldy, and depending on where you travel, not even allowed. So, here are a few more examples for you to consider:



This is one of my favorite shots of all time. The level of detail would have been very difficult to capture in an ordinary camera. I had to play with multiple settings simultaneously, in order for this one to work. In general, interior shots such as these benefit from a wide-angle lens, and a camera with a manual setting.



I took this picture at sunrise with a regular camera. I don't know what it would have looked like with all my gear, but I was traveling from city and city and wasn't able to take more than a compact. I think this looks fine. Had it been one hour later, I would have needed a polarizing filter, and Photoshop for post-processing - not to mention a way to shoot in RAW. (More later)
Finally, an example of my favorite type of photography:



Getting this level of detail in low light and with this precision requires a fast macro lens and a good camera body. I can't do any macro shots with my compact. If there were ever a case for good camera equipment, this would be it.

So, to summarize, if you're shooting objects in the near distance in good (not too sunny) weather without any marked precision requirements, a compact camera (in the $250 range) will do.

Otherwise, go out and look at some SLRs so you can control your environment. If nothing else, you'll be able to shoot in RAW, my favorite format (with a few exceptions). What does that mean? I"ll cover that tomorrow. :)

Is it the Camera or the Photographer? Part One

As the magazine salesman said in Office Space, "That all depends". Sure, he was about to blackmail Peter and Samir because of something they'd said about money laundering, but the quote still applies here. :)

In other words, if you already own a camera of some sorts (and most of us do, what with camera phones, and point-and-shoots), then stick with it in the short term. My previous post outlined ways by which you can identify your strengths. Different types of photography require (or don't) specialized equipment:

I have many examples from my personal portfolio. I'll go through three at a time, until I've covered all of the topics.



This picture was taken before dark, and while I was standing still. What's also important is that my camera at the time could only handle 3 megapixels. You definitely don't need anything special for this shot.



Although this picture was taken in the middle of the day, I didn't need any special equipment because I was in the shade and used an angle that avoided harsh shadows and highlights. Nothing special for this shot is needed, either.



For this picture, I wish I'd had an SLR. Nighttime photography is very difficult with a camera phone or a simple camera, because nighttime is a less than ideal condition. This means that the camera is more sensitive to movement. You can also see a very harsh contrast between the lights and the darkness. If I'd used/owned a digital SLR, I would have been able to adjust my ISO - and I would used a tripod. Then, my picture would have been incredible. If you like nighttime photography, I'd strongly recommend an SLR.

More tomorrow!

What's Your Niche?

If you're considering photography as a serious hobby, then you should know that the majority of us are not good at every aspect of it. I'm a great example. I cannot take pictures of people if my life depended on it. I was once asked to take pictures at a gathering, and here's one fine example of my work:


The people in this picture and kind and wonderful. Sadly, I clearly lack the ability to capture emotion and meaning. I'm comfortable with this revelation. In fact, I've told several people that I will happily refer them to a someone specialized, such as James of James Woo Photography. Fortunately, this group never asked me to take another picture again.

So, how do you find your niche? My suggestion is to shoot early and often, with the equipment you have. It's important not to buy anything new, until you've determined your strengths. Some suggestions: flowers, action, nighttime, architecture, landscapes, interiors (such as your home), consumer products, even produce. You won't know what you can do until you try.

The beauty of digital cameras is that as long as your memory card holds up, you can have as many learning experiences as you'd like. That's right - there are no mistakes in this world, just learning experiences. I have some hilariously awful pictures at home where I THOUGHT I was a good architectural photographer, but was sadly proven wrong. I would show you, but I think I've embarrassed myself enough today.

What's my niche? Macro photography first, interiors second (particularly ceilings), and abstracts third. Anything else I do is for my own entertainment.

In summary, finding your niche is important, because based on your findings, you'll need to determine whether or not the camera you have is going to help you produce quality work. But that's a discussion for another day. :)

How it All Got Started

Just a picture, right? Not to me.

When I took this picture (and several others in my Carmel and Big Sur set), I was with my Dad, snapping pictures, and not really thinking much of it.

On the same trip, I took this picture:



... and I realized that I loved capturing beautiful memories.

Not knowing much about technique, I signed up for some basic classes. Digital camera in tow, I learned about aspects of photography which interested me.

This blog is a story of my constant quest to satisfy my love for nature, beauty, and creativity - in my view. You won't see any pictures of people in this blog, but you'll learn about what inspires me in my world, and how I've grown in the process.