Photography Know-How
Photo of the Week: "Rush Hour Traffic" by Bob Crum. Central Avenue rush hour traffic on a late Friday afternoon. I shot a similar photo a week earlier. However, the cloudless sky lacked drama creating a boring image. Light is a key element. A cloudless, blue sky exhibits a light of a particular color characteristic. That light didn’t suit a feeling that I wanted to impart in the image I envisioned. In this image, the cloudy sky not only helps me create an overall ‘mood’, it also adds a dimension. The particulars: lens set at 16mm, manual mode, f/11, 1/200 sec, ISO 1250. F/11 for depth of field, 1/200 sec because I was shooting hand held. ISO was set to ‘automatic’ to allow it to float for proper exposure given that the shutter speed and aperture were fixed values. Exposure compensation adjusted in post processing. Comments or questions? bob@fillmoregazette.com
Photo of the Week: "Rush Hour Traffic" by Bob Crum. Central Avenue rush hour traffic on a late Friday afternoon. I shot a similar photo a week earlier. However, the cloudless sky lacked drama creating a boring image. Light is a key element. A cloudless, blue sky exhibits a light of a particular color characteristic. That light didn’t suit a feeling that I wanted to impart in the image I envisioned. In this image, the cloudy sky not only helps me create an overall ‘mood’, it also adds a dimension. The particulars: lens set at 16mm, manual mode, f/11, 1/200 sec, ISO 1250. F/11 for depth of field, 1/200 sec because I was shooting hand held. ISO was set to ‘automatic’ to allow it to float for proper exposure given that the shutter speed and aperture were fixed values. Exposure compensation adjusted in post processing. Comments or questions? bob@fillmoregazette.com
By Bob Crum — Wednesday, February 8th, 2017
The Camera!

You know, the device that consists of a computer with a lens for producing photographs. A must have!

But if you're shooting photos with anything less than a $45,000.00 100MP Hasselblad H5D-200c camera you'll never get great photos! So move along...nothing here to help you. (grin)

A frequent comment: You must have a great camera. Of course, I respond, and because I have a really great oven, all my pies are the best in the world! Whether photos or pies, quality ingredients and a little know-how are far more important than the device.

Last week I emphasized the importance of “composition”. If the “composition” (photo) is compelling, the exposure correct and the subject is in focus you have just incorporated the necessary quality ingredients for a great photo. Kudos!

Obviously a camera and lens are essential for photography. But it doesn't have to be an expensive dSLR camera with a detachable lens. Many good photos are shot with a respectable point-and-shoot camera. Some cell phones have respectable cameras. But Fillmore residents beware: Phonetography is prohibited by ordinance 17, section 2.5, paragraph 9. Tourists are exempted. Just kidding.

It's often said that the best camera is the one that you have with you when you need it. Sort of. Like most things, you get what you pay for. Low cost consumer cameras lack quality sensors which are the heart of a digital camera. Accurate colors suffer in low cost point-and-shoot cameras and the lenses lack quality for the most part. But will aunt Martha notice any lens distortion in the photos of Jimmy's birthday party?

If your goal is to produce technically good images, there are quantifiable advantages to having better cameras. But that doesn't mean limiting out a credit card. Review your goals and needs then decide. Some delightful photos have been shot on inexpensive cameras but it's not the rule. If you're thinking about a new camera, plan for the future. As your photography experience and knowledge increase, you will want a camera that responds to your dictates. It's very frustrating to see the potential for a magnificent photo and discover that the camera is incapable of adequately capturing it. I know the feeling!

Which is why every time I think about the $45,000.00 100MP Hasselblad H5D-200c camera, I drool. And buy lotto tickets.

No matter the kind of photography, it all starts with a camera. Or... ahem... a cell phone. Next week I'll tell you what I have and why.

Happy shooting.

Write me at bob@fillmoregazette.com and tell me your thoughts.

Name the column contest is over. For now, I decided on plain ole Photography Know-How, with a subtitle describing the column topic. But I'll still treat all of you who participated in the “name the column” contest to a scoop of Baskin Robbins ice cream Friday night, Feb 10, 7 PM at the B/R store.