The Popular Polarizing Filter

Last week we briefly discussed the types of filters used for digital camera lenses. The most commonly used filter is the polarizing filter and it's extremely important for landscape photographers. In simplest terms, they reduce the amount of reflected light passing through the sensor, while also increasing color saturation. Ever wonder why your pictures of blue skies aren't nearly as rich and beautiful? It's because you're not taking advantage of this nifty piece of equipment.

The intensity of the effect can be changed by rotating the filter –no more than 180 degrees is needed. The effect can also be changed depending on the direction the camera is pointed. It will be strongest when the camera is pointed in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the sun's incoming light. A polarizer used in conjunction with wide-angle lenses can create an unrealistic sky that visibly darkens, so use caution.

There are both linear and circularpolarizing filters. What's the difference? A circular can be used when the camera's metering and autofocus are being used. A linear cannot and because most photographers will want to use metering and autofocus, it's recommended to use a circular polarizing filter.  

An Overview of Lens Filters

A few weeks ago we spent a lot of time delving into the world of digital camera lenses. Lens filters are just one of several accessories for lenses that can improve upon your photographs. Lens filters attach directly to the lens, coming in two varieties: screw-on and front filters. Some front filters can fit on just about any lens diameter, making them a bit more flexible, but this is not always the case. Filter holder kits can make attaching the filter easier. Like the name implies, screw-on filters directly attach and provide an air-tight seal. The only disadvantage is that each filter will only work with a specific lens size.

The most commonly used filters are polarizing, UV/haze, neutral density, graduated neutral density, and warming/cooling filters (also known as color filters). While you can be creative and use them as you wish, they all have primary uses.

• Linear and circular polarizers are used to reduce glare and improve saturation. They are very important for landscape photography, giving a richer color to sky and land.
• Neutral density filters are used to extend exposure time by reducing the amount of light reaching the camera's sensor. They are typically used to smooth water movement, achieve shallow depth of field in bright light, and making moving objects less apparent.
• Graduated neutral density filters are a bit different. They limit the amount of light across an image in a smooth geometric pattern. They are often used in landscape where there is a linear blend from dark to light.
• UV filters are used to protect the camera lens, rather than create an effect. But they do reduce haze and improve contrast by minimizing UV light.
• Cool and warm filters change the white balance. They can be used to correct unrealistic color cast or add one. 

Composition Techniques for Better Photographs

Photo by  Reportergimmi

Last week we started with the basics of composing a photograph. But there is more to it then just framing your subject. You're not trying to just take a picture. You're attempting to tell a story. Here are some great tips to get you started on the right path.

Think about colors and tones. If you remember from a few months back, photography lighting equipment is crucial and can really impact a photograph. Light produces both color contrast and tonal contrast. Color is the hue you see, like blue, red, green, etc. Tone refers to brightness –how light or dark the color is. We often associate colors and tones with specific moods and emotions. Red typically evokes passion, while an orange sunrise shows intensity and heat. Darker tones obviously bring about “darker” emotions and light tones are more uplifting.

Color and tone go hand in hand with lines. By lines I mean any boundary created by two contrasting colors. Our brain automatically follows lines without us really knowing. Use lines to guide the audience's eyes. But be sure not to mistakenly place lines that could distract the focus of the image.  

Check back next week when discuss filters for digital camera lenses. 

Tips for Composing a Shot

Even with all the best equipment and digital camera lenses in the world, anyone can still take a terrible photograph. While there are no “rules” per say for taking a photograph, there are basic guidelines that can help beginners improve their technique. It's all about composing the photo, so let's go over some basics:

• Hopefully you already know about the rule of thirds. For whatever reason we've all grown up with the idea to center the subject, which usually makes for the most boring photographs. Instead, put the focus somewhere else in the frame and don't discount other elements in the shot. By viewing the picture as a 3x3 grid, you can avoid placing the focal image in the center.

• Think about viewpoint and angles. Before you set the shot, think about your audience and how they will view the photo. Taking the picture at eye-level as opposed to the bottom right will give a completely different perspective. What do you want to show?

• Backgrounds are equally as important as the focal point on the picture. A terrible background can distract the viewer and ruin the shot. If you can move around it or move your subject, go for it. Of course you can edit later on the computer, but aim for a perfect shot each time.

• Finally, think about depth. Depth will make your photo look more realistic. Try to take a picture where there are objects and/or elements at different distances.    

Caring for Digital Camera Lenses

With all this talk about digital camera lenses, we cannot forget that such expensive equipment deserves expert care. Lenses that are well cared for will not only continue to take higher quality shots, they can last for years. Start by using a microfiber lens cloth to remove dirt and dust from the lens itself. Use gentle strokes working towards the outside of the lens. Stuck on dirt will require cleaning solutions, but only use those dedicated for lens cleaning. Household cleaners can easily damage it. While cleaning is important, there is such a thing as over-cleaning. Too much cleaning can scratch the glass and remove essential surface coatings.

Scratches are the worst thing that can happen to your lens. You can't really repair them yourself --just take precautions to prevent them such as using a filter. While many filters can add cool effects to your photographs, they can double as a protective layer along with your lens cap. Water is another mortal enemy of the lens. Water can not only damage the electronic circuits in the lens, it can get inside the internal lens and dry, leaving water spots you cannot get rid of. When shooting out in the rain or snow, use a rain hood to protect your camera.

To protect the lenses when not in use, it's imperative to utilize lens bags and cases or camera bags with plenty of cushioning. Sturdy, well-made bags will prevent shocks and damage. Consider using a few silica gel packets in the bag to protect your equipment from collecting moisture.  

Teleconverter Lenses

We've gone over zoom and telephoto lenses in the past and today I'd like to focus on a lens of a similar fashion, the teleconverter lens --sometimes also known as an extender or multiplier. They can multiply the focal length of a lens by 1.4 to 2 times. But like any piece of equipment, there are pros and cons to choosing a teleconverter over a zoom or telephoto lens.

The obvious, and most important, pro is increased focal length. A 1.4x converter will give you an extra 40%, while a 2x converter gives you 100% more focal length. When you're not so close to your subject, it will come out much clearer with the converter. Teleconverters are also much lighter. A telephoto lens is awesome, but have you held one in your hand? They add quite a bit of weight to your lens bag. Lastly, they can actually come in handy if you don't have a macro lens and want –and can— get in closer to your subject.

One major disadvantage is light. When you use a teleconverter lens, less light gets in and your max aperture will be decreased. The more you multiply the focal length, the more the aperture decreases. So it might be better to choose a 1.4x than a 2x converter. Just like with any lens that increases focal length, you have to worry about camera shake. You can solve the problem by increasing shutter speed and using a tripod. Converters also slow down camera focus speed, especially in lower lighting. Switch to manual mode to help. And finally, the image quality will be reduced so opt for higher quality converters to keep image quality up.  

The Standards of Standard Lenses

Over the past few weeks we've spent a great deal of time talking about the different digital camera lenses. But what about the standard lens? What could you possibly do with something that seems so...standard? A lot actually! A standard lens falls in between a wide-angle and a telephoto. It will make pictures look just as they do with your own eyes, no exaggerations and distance between objects look normal.

So what can you do with a standard lens, or rather why would you want to use it? For starters, your photographs look natural. It's as simple as that. Using other lenses can draw your attention to particular parts of the photo while forgetting the rest. With a standard, your eyes are drawn to exactly what's in the frame. Standard lenses are also wonderful at letting in more light, especially if you go for more expensive ones. They have larger apertures which can nicely blur backgrounds, work in low light without flash, and improve image quality because you use a lower ISO. But you don't even need to spend a great deal of money to still enjoy these features, meaning you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Standard lenses are very versatile and they're perfect when you have room to play around with your shot. You can use them for full-length portraits, street photography, landscapes, group photos, and more. And let's not forget they are much lighter than their counterparts, making them ideal for travel.