Tip: Why do I need a larger memory card? Typically the manufacturer only supplies a starter card which doesn't offer comfortable capacity for a trip, special occasion etc. Don't get caught short. Special moments happen only once and you don't want to be stuck with no memory left! Usually it's good to go with a 1GB or a 2 GB card. High resolution photos take up plenty of space and before you know on a smaller memory card, you will run out of it.
Tip: Have you ever returned from a trip thinking you had taken some great shots? But, upon review of your prints you were disappointed to discover that some of them, especially those shot indoors or at night or in other dark places, came out blurry, looking like someone was shaking the camera when you took the picture? That is a very common problem called ”Camera Shake” and every year it destroys millions of photos that could have been wonderful. ”Camera Shake” is caused when there isn’t enough light for the camera to set a fast shutter speed. Your camera’s shutter opens and has to stay open for up to several seconds for enough light to hit the film to make an image. The problem: most people cannot hold a camera perfectly still for more than a small fraction of a second. The blurry image you see is caused by the camera moving while the shutter is open, and it happens to everyone. To avoid ”Camera Shake” and get a clear sharp picture in low light, the camera must be attached to something so it will not move at all. That is where a tripod comes in. Mount the camera to the tripod and it will not move. Also, use the camera’s self-timer or a cable release so that you are not touching the camera when the picture is taken. Do this, and you will eliminate ”Camera Shake” and get the great clear pictures you were expecting.
Tip: In Photography Wide-angle lenses provide large depth of field, making it simple to have foreground and background in focus. Because they take in such wide areas (angles of view), they are excellent for working in tight spaces, such as building interiors, or close-up group pictures. Most wide angles tend to show distortion, just like when you look into a curved mirror, particularly when a subject is photographed close-up. They are extremely handy when you don’t have time to focus accurately or compose properly, because they take in the whole scene and most of it will be in focus. No photojournalist would be without one. They are also ideal for landscapes, taking in large areas of ground and sky, and travel photography.
Tip: People who shoot wildlife or surfing competitions use long lenses to bring that distant person or animal up close for a good look. Telephoto lenses let you see the details of something far off. Telephoto lenses flatten perspective. They make different elements in the picture look closer together than they really are. You've seen this in movies where the hero seems to be walking down an incredibly crowded street with people squeezed right up next to him. You get this effect by standing well back and shooting with a long telephoto lens. The magnification of a telephoto can be used for dramatic effect. For example, you may want to shoot a twilight shot that includes the full moon in the background. The moon will appear larger and closer if you shoot with a long lens. You can also zoom in on objects that aren't so far away. While a telephoto lens usually will not focus close enough to be a true macro lens (used for very detailed close-ups), it will often enable you to take interesting close-ups or details. At close range, the shallow depth of field of a telephoto will also help the item stand out from its background. On even normal-sized subjects, you can minimize distracting backgrounds using depth of field. If possible, move your subject away from the background and adjust your focus to soften the background but keep the subject sharp. Manipulating perspective is a useful creative tool. If you want to associate two things that are separated, move back and shoot them with your telephoto. This will make them appear closer together. To be creative, you need to know your equipment, what it can do, and what it can't. The telephoto lens is one of your most creative tools. By learning its characteristics and visual effects, you can use this tool to increase the impact of your videos and/ or pictures.
Tip: Macro shots have a variety of uses. They add variety, information and interest. Productions about hobbies or collections cry out for macro shots showing the details of coins, stamps or figurines. Imagine interviewing a coin collector. Visualize the collector talking about a coin, turning it over in his hand then laying it on the table in front of him. This would set up a macro shot of the coin. Footage of old photographs is another opportunity for the use of macro techniques. Historical productions benefit from closeups of old photographs or documents. They not only convey information but also relieve the visual monotony of a talking head. A macro lens is a superb tool and will also work very well as a general purpose lens of the same focal length. Taking close-up pictures of very small things is called ”macro photography.” For macro photography you will need a macro lens.
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