Photography help anyone?

[ade]

This is on the back of the thread Olly started -

http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108906

and got us thinking...

Nearly all of us have a camera and many are pretty sophisticated - even your standard camera phone has an impressive array of features.

But how many of us actually stop and think about what we are photographing rather than just "point and click"?

How many of us even know the basics - simple things like composition, exposure, understanding how light affects an image etc...

One thing we noticed when putting the 2009 calendar together was how many impressive photographs were taken of member cars, but at the same time we also noticed how many "good" shots could have been "superb" if certain basic techniques had been followed.

So this poll is to ask whether you'd like Olly (and perhaps myself) to write a thread or even an article on understanding the basics of photography. Any thread will include step by step basics, photographs to explain specifics and even perhaps a monthly photo challenge (similar to the pic challenge).

The benefits are obvious - you take better stronger images (both of your car and other subjects), gives us the potential for a bigger array of images for future PNG calendars, promotional material submitted by you but more importantly allows you to get more enjoyment from your camera and save what would have been a frustratingly missed photo opportunity!

Feel free to post suggestions on what you'd like help with as well...

Ade

[Welsh Dan]

I'd be more than happy to see such a thing.

[Simon 1867]

Excellent idea I think. It would be great to get better pictures of memebers cars with impresive backgrounds from around the country. Go for it ade and olly. Im sure it will be a hit.:thumb:

[Spudly]

As replied in other thread, spot on idea i for one would love to read through such how-to`s/articles.

Both yourself and olly`s pictures are always spot on and i for one would love hints and tips on how to make my own photography anywhere near as good!

My photos usually come from a 3.2 meg camera phone, but i intend to get myself a decent camera for next year but i will be lost on how to use it properly other than to point and press if you get me, so i vote yes please if you guys dont mind doing it for us all:thumb:



Btw, i always vote burgo as per the unwritten forum rules but ive voted properly for once lol

[CoolTiger]

id love something like this as some might know ive just got a new camera first decent one no clue how to use it lol gonna start reading the manual but tips would help alot !

[Asa-James]

YES!! i've been trying, and picking up basic tips here and there, but a decent thread would be muchos appreciated

[dhdev (Oli)]

I love taking pics and always try to make an effort when I do, but I'll admit I know faff all. So help and advice would be brilliant. Might even spur me on to get that DSLR I keep promising myself! :D

[CoolTiger]

would be handy to know what all the modes mean i just take a pic with all of them and then see which is best lol

[Fridge]

Sounds good. Bit different, but interesting. I really should become a paid up member of this club, It's not just cars and cruises you know.:thumb:

[Stuart]

I fear all other modes on my DSLR other than Auto... help me please :D

[Smurf-Xx]

Sounds great to me. what does iso mean? my camera has options iso100 iso200 iso400?

[Jack]

ISO is the film speed; higher speed = greater sensitivity to light and thus requires a shorter exposure.

For example, a 400ISO film would be better at shooting moving targets (e.g. sport) as you can get away with a quick exposure, whilst a 100ISO film would be better at shooting landscapes on a sunny day where there's little movement (as you can get away with a longer exposure)

Usually you also find that higher film speeds have bigger silver halide grains, so a 400ISO speed film will look grainier than a 100ISO speed film when enlarged. Have a look at some (decent) digital camera review sitesfor an example, as most of them compare grain at different settings.

[Smurf-Xx]

ok cheers Razorjack :thumb:

[Riggy]

yeah id be quite interested to read it aswell, and just as spud this will be the first time in ages that i havent voted burgo lol

[Stuart]

Would be good to have it in utter morons terms too :D
and with examples of the same "shot" but on different settings to see what the actual difference is. I've read the camera manuals and all these settings make no sense etc so seeing proper examples would be nice.

[MyNovaSr]

I'm fantastic at taking photos, I got the latest camera.

5mp on my Nokia ;)

Does the trick, it also has a flash :eek:

[Nova_Tek]

Deffo would find it an interesting read. Also recently purchased a new Camera too with a mode where you can customise parameters. Although I have had a good read of the manual and stuff, it would be real nice to see some examples of what each feature does with images.

Id be able to make some good use of the camera and lovely landscapes and sceney around where I am.

Look forward to reading it :thumb:

[Welsh Dan]

Seeing as the uptake seems to be so positive, I'll suggest that we have a dedicated photography section.

[Nova_Tek]

Seeing as the uptake seems to be so positive, I'll suggest that we have a dedicated photography section.

+1 rep for you man.

Think this photo section and photo info thread will be a brill addition. Yeah PNG is a car forum but theres nowt wrong with those interested developing new skills and learning. Plus everyone will get to appreciate the Nova's even more.

:thumb:

[Smurf-Xx]

Seeing as the uptake seems to be so positive, I'll suggest that we have a dedicated photography section.

Sounds good, a section for members own pics of cars and just random photography. Also Help and info on becoming a good photographer :thumb:

[Jack]

I'm easy either way tbh, as most people seem up for it I'll lend my support.

I would like to know a bit more about portrait photography though... but I guess thats a bit off topic for a car forum...

[CoolTiger]

ISO is the film speed; higher speed = greater sensitivity to light and thus requires a shorter exposure.

For example, a 400ISO film would be better at shooting moving targets (e.g. sport) as you can get away with a quick exposure, whilst a 100ISO film would be better at shooting landscapes on a sunny day where there's little movement (as you can get away with a longer exposure)

Usually you also find that higher film speeds have bigger silver halide grains, so a 400ISO speed film will look grainier than a 100ISO speed film when enlarged. Have a look at some (decent) digital camera review sitesfor an example, as most of them compare grain at different settings.


so for my rally pictures i should of had 400iso shutterspeed 1/???? manual focus (which i didnt)

[trackdaynova]

Not necessarily ISO400 by any stretch.

Think what RJ was trying to put across is that the higher the ISO number, the more light gets lets into the lens within the same amount of time.

Therefore a photo taken on ISO400, 1/50th @ f/4 will be brighter than a photo taken with the same shutter speed (1/50th) and same aperature (aka f stop) (f/4) with ISO100.

That said, as RJ has already said, the higher the ISO the more 'noise' the photo has, which is the graininess if you will, which makes images look pap.

[CoolTiger]

so what setting would take a good day racing shot and night racing shot ?

[Welsh Dan]

How long is a peice of string to be honest. I'd start by shooting in Aperture Priority mode, and for the night shots have the aperture as far open as possible (smallest F number) at ISO100 then see what a few shots turn out like, if they're the right brightness but a bit blurred then up the sensitivity and the camera will automatically make the shutter speed faster for you to take the extra sensitivity into account.

[CoolTiger]

how do you up the sensitivity

[trackdaynova]

Depends what equipment you are using?

[Welsh Dan]

I don't know off hand, I'd have to ask dad/read the manual/look in the menu.

[CoolTiger]

reading manual now
:)

[trackdaynova]

What camera are you using? lol

[CoolTiger]

c-7070

[Jack]

Think what RJ was trying to put across is that the higher the ISO number, the more light gets lets into the lens within the same amount of time.
I would have worded that as the less light is needed, as just changing the film speed doesn't mean more light gets into the lens, just that you don't need as much light

[ade]

guys n gals - rather than answer specific questions on terms and so on - lets gauge interest (which based on feedback so far is very positive) and then we'll put something together.

In the meantime list the kind of help you need.

Stu - theres no reason why portrait photography couldnt be covered.

I signed up to a canon dedicted magazine called photoplus which is excellent and explains so many different techniques - Ive learnt absolutely stacks just from using their guides. The drag strip shots I took at PV this year for example are knows as "panning" and were my 1st attempt just following a simple step by step process.

So - list the kinds of things you'd like to know more on and we'll break it down...

The idea is we cover a topic then give everyone a challenge and perhaps score it. No prizes - just cudos and personal gain.

heres some starters -
Basic image composition (when to take pics, what to look for, composition, rule of thirds)
Basic camera teminology (ISO, F stop, Apeature, Shutter speed, focal lengths, burst mode)
Basic camera set up (auto/manual focus, meter readings, white balance, shutter speeds)
Light and how it affects images (include flash, fill flash, freeze action etc)
How to take a picture (your stance, holding a camera, tripods and supports)
Different techniques (panning, zoom burst, low light/light trails, stars, the moon, fireworks, landscapes, portrait, macro, set pieces) and what you need/need to look out for
Black and white photography
Different settings to use (eg shutter and apeature and ISO settings for shots like fireworks, the moon, sports, portraits, landscape etc)
Basic photoshop techniques (sharpening, image scaling, levels, curves, burn, dodge, shadows and highlights).

You get the idea...

[Jack]

Jack - theres no reason why portrait photography couldnt be covered.
Cheers :p

[trackdaynova]

Personally think you're going way too far in depth, but I'll keep that to myself

[ade]

lol - perhaps - but theres lots in thre that can be seriously simplified with a couple of example images and a bullet list explaining it.

Most stuff will be simply experimentation

[trackdaynova]

I think rather than having a whole host of information, and multiple threads... I feel that PNGers will benefit more from them posting a question about how to get a certain shot, or "why is this happening"

It's a bit like either having a 490page user manual to read, or asking a mate.

You'd sooner ask a mate as its quicker, and you'll tend to remember it

[Benn]

Good idea, but as olz said it really needs to be a ask and tell set you. As there ca be so many "If and want ifs" peeps needs to be able to ask and get an answer they can read while playing/using the camera.

[ade]

good plan!

[Welsh Dan]

This is why I feel a photography section would benefit. I learned most of (the little) I know by asking direct questions, but the reference material does have its place aswell.

[Nova_Tek]

3,2,1.. Go! Whens it gonna start then? Is this gonna be a members only or open to everyone on PNG?

[craig green]

I voted Yes to some pointers or coaching.

I like to think my photo's are OK esp considering my camera is basic. I havent a clue how to operate it to its potential, the instruction bible is so boring. But I do consider the frame, light & what-not.

Heres a pic I took today to liven this page up (+ I never tire of looking at my car)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/turbocraig/Nova%20GSi/work_in_progress033.jpg

[trackdaynova]

3,2,1.. Go! Whens it gonna start then? Is this gonna be a members only or open to everyone on PNG?Members only, of course

[ade]

Start wise - just need to check a few things with the rest of the admin team. I think by the feedback we can say it's a go-er.

Any forum though will be in the club section.

Its a perk of being a member and is a benefit to the club in terms of the potential boost in decent images our members will produce when at PNG events.

[Nova_Tek]

Members only, of course

Understandable of course. No biggy, Gonna be a member soon :D