I Can Photograph That: Part 2 | What Does This Do?

Hello again: Now that I've shared a little bit about purchasing a new camera I can begin to explain how to use the darn thing! If you are like my father, technology and all  those fancy buttons can be intimidating and down-right confusing. You may be left scratching your head saying, "what does AV mean" or "what the heck is a bulb setting? can't I just turn it on and go?" Well the answer is yes; you can simply turn the camera on auto and hope for the best or you can learn what your technology is all about. 

Now I'm not saying don't use the auto function, but it is beneficial do know what your camera is doing on auto. So below I will list some basic camera lingo that your buttons may say or  the camera's manual will talk about.

If you recently have purchased a camera or own one you may be wondering what all those buttons or options mean. I can't explain every single camera on the market but I will let you know some universal definitions and what some of the letters/numbers mean. 

Standard cameras usually have these settings: Auto, M (Manual), Tv, Av, & P. 

AV- Aperture Value/Priority. This setting lets your camera know how much light is coming into your lens. An aperture is the diameter of the opening in a lens; think of it like an eye, the more open the more light, etc. Every lens has a different aperture range, and on point n' shoots you can adjust it to the settings without interchanging lenses. You choose the aperture in this setting and the camera will find the correct shutter speed for each exposure. 

TV- Shutter Value/Priority. This setting lets you control the shutter speed in the camera (basically meaning how long your shutter stays open per shot). The shutter is what enables you to capture motion. It allows light to pass through for a certain amount of time (blink your eye, that is a form of a shutter). Speeds can range and vary depending on which camera you are using. You choose the shutter speed in this setting and the camera will find the correct aperture for each exposure. 

M- Manuel mode. This setting lets the user have complete control of the camera's aperture and shutter speeds. 

A(AUTO)- Auto mode. Your camera has control and you are basically the robot. All you need to do is point, your camera will automatically translate your scene into (hopefully) the correct settings. To be honest, I would recommend to stay away from Auto because using it is usually only a 50/50 chance of getting the correct image.

P- Program. It's like auto on crack ;) - The camera still chooses the aperture and shutter speeds but you are allowed to have control over other options such as ISO.

Here are some other terms you may see on your camera or come across while exploring:

Autofocus- Your focusing distance is set automatically. Usually a camera will show you where it is actually focusing, either by a red square or on point n shoots will show with a box over the focus point. 

B- Bulb. This is a shutter speed which means the shutter will stay open for however long the shutter release is pressed. Usually used for night exposures or to show motion. 

C-41- This is the current process for developing negative film (film cameras only). 

Composition- The arrangement of subject matter (how you take the photo). 

Crop- When cropping you are selecting what you want in the frame of your camera. You can crop while editing your images if necessary. 

Dedicated Flash- Flash is a light source, or a strobe and comes in many different powers and sizes. A dedicated flash will sync up with your camera's settings and coordinate with correct exposures. 

Exposure- Amount of light that enters your lens. 

F Number or F/Stop- These numbers are usually show like: f/1.4 or f/22 and can vary from camera to camera. It is what your aperture is set at. 

Highlights- The brightest part of your scene. Some cameras will show you the highlights on an image taken. Very important to make sure your highlights are never too high!

ISO- Film speed (digital or film cameras). In general, the most popular film speed or ISO is 400. 

Macro- Close up photography. Great when you want to show detail. 

There are many more buttons, logos and options that cameras have...so if you are trying to figure out what that button means please leave a comment below. Old or new cameras!

I Can Photograph That: Part 1 | Choosing A Camera

Many bloggers either own a camera or are in the market for one. Cell phones are great don't get me wrong, but a DSLR or Point N' Shoot does so much more; you have more control and can deliver better quality images. To be well rounded, having a cell & a real camera can take your blog from moderate to amazing!

As a photographer I get asked this question ALL THE TIME! "What kind of camera should I get?" Now I don't necessarily have the right answer for that question but I can say (no matter what kind of camera you are looking for) do enough research before you buy; read online, check out forums, ask friends, ask dealers, use the cameras (try out) if possible, ask about sales and warranties, ask about accessories...the whole nine yards! 

Before you dive into the swing of things or even take a look at a camera ask yourself these questions:*
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1. What do you need the camera for? (Examples: Product, Lifestyle, Daily Life, Personal,  Street Photography, etc)
2. What is your budget?
3. What conditions will you be shooting in (Indoor, outdoor, in water, low light,etc)?
4. Will you just use the auto function or are you willing to go for pro(meaning learn more)?
5. Any experience?
6. What features do you want? (zoom, image stabilization, touch screen, interchangeable lenses, etc)?
*helpful hint: when shopping for the camera, ask the dealer his opinions. have him help you compare cameras.

Here are some things to consider:

Megapixels - I mean, what are they even for? I just want a camera! Well to be honest, maybe 10 years ago the word megapixel would have been a major concern when buying a digital camera but nowadays most cameras are well equipped with over 6 megapixels. If you are worried about megapixels, the main worry should be when printing. If you are printing larger than normal size (over 8x10) make sure your camera has over 10 megapixels. For online use, blogging and personal life all cameras that are on the market right now will have enough pixels to suit your needs.

Accessories - If you haven't owned a camera before be aware of what you need! Most cameras have accessories which can be as simple as a bag. Keep that in mind when shopping on a budget. I highly recommend a sturdy case for your camera. Other accessories include: flash equipment (lighting), other lenses, memory cards, tripod/stands, backgrounds, straps, spare batteries, amongst other things. A memory card of course is always needed & I recommend no less than 4GB.

DSRL or PointNShoot - Keep in mind when shopping, what type of camera you want to lug around. DSLRs are larger and heavier and require more accessories (lenses, flashes, etc). They usually are body only, or with a simple beginner kit, which means a bag, lens, some cleaning accessories, maybe an extra battery, a memory card...anyway kits vary. The kit lens is great to learn on, but I recommend researching at least two other lenses you can buy in the future (depending on what you are shooting). Point N' Shoots are great because of how portable they are. Some can even go in your front pocket!

DSLRs are of course, more cash(mostly).

Zoom - You may see the words "optical and digital zoom." These are important. Stay away from fancy high digital zoom. That only means it is enlarging the pixels in your shot; yes it does make your subject closer/bigger but also more pixelated (like if were looking at a mosaic piece or too close to your television). Optical zoom is key, 3x or larger is what most modern cameras have.

Like I said above, read reviews and ask questions. It is very important you don't miss anything especially since most of the nice digital cameras are in the hundred(s) dollar range. Personally, I would check online forums and photography sites before asking an employee at a store. Sometimes that employee is just an employee. If there is a local camera shop in town, go visit and have them pick out a few cameras, ask if you can touch them, and use them around the store. Check out their features, is it comfortable to hold, and you can even see some accessories right there instead of waiting.

Once you like a camera or a few, compare. Ask the pros and cons. And then most important, find the best price. Rather it be online or at a store, there is usually a good deal somewhere. Don't be afraid to buy used, just be careful. My first DSLR was used.

Are you in the market for a camera? Do you have any questions? Leave a comment below!