rowanberry
In dancing she delights
Alliance: House of Feanor
Last Visited: 07 Feb 2010
Joined: 10 Apr 2002
Posts: 15973
Location: Living in a yellow submarine
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Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 10:21 am |
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May I join you?
I'm far from a professional photographer, mostly doing just snapshots. My favourite subjects are nature and scenery, though; especially, I like photographing flowers.
For the last four years, I've hardly used any other camera than my Pentax Optio 550 digital; I also own a Mamiya 1000 film camera and three different lenses (which I should dig up and check the settings), and if I post any old photos, they were probably taken with that one.
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Tethairwen
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Fingolfin
Last Visited: 12 Sep 2009
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 2885
Location: Minnesota
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Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 11:51 am |
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Hullo, rowanberry, and welcome. 
Gil - I agree... it's not your monitor. I had another second shot that got the horizon right, but the duck's eye completely disappeared, so I put up this one instead. When I can see the screen properly, I can usually get it right by taking several shots at different exposures, but in this case, it still was a bit off.
I've also noticed trouble with indoor pictures, or ones taken in a shady place, like the paths I was on in the park the other day. I can get the exposure right by trial and error, but the pictures always seem to show up all splotchy when viewed full size.
Example.
Is there any way to fix this? At first I thought it was because I had the camera in the vivid colour mode, but it does it in the sepia and b&w modes as well. I get it on most of my indoor pictures in particular... I hate using the flash on my camera, because even with red-eye reduction, I still end up with nasty red glare, and also in this mode, I can't take multiple rapid shots, which is another way I manage to get a few decent pictures. It's probably not the most professional thing ever, but it's what seems to work best with my camera and my limited experience. 
Teth
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LadyEdana
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Earendil
Last Visited: 20 Jan 2008
Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Posts: 1515
Location: Utah
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Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 12:45 pm |
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Welcome
Rowan
, Snapshots they may be, but I remember your Ireland trip pics, they were gorgeous. I'll try to add you.....
Teth
I agree, I hate using flash. To me it washes out the picure too much and changes the colors. It never looks right.
I haven't done too many black animals, but I've recently gotten some of my in-laws' dog, she's black, haven't looked at them yet though.
Background is always an issue with me, My horse pics I rarely like for art because the stable doesn't have any really good background places.
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Gilaglar
Ranger of the North
Alliance: Grey Havens
Last Visited: 14 Nov 2009
Joined: 21 Oct 2000
Posts: 3904
Location: London
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Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 12:51 pm |
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I think, from a quick look at your example on my phone screen, that it's chroma noise. Try turning your ISO settings down a couple of stops.
Hi Rowan! 
Redeye is always a problem with compacts, because the flash is so close to the lens.
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Tethairwen
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Fingolfin
Last Visited: 12 Sep 2009
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 2885
Location: Minnesota
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Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 1:51 pm |
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Gil - buah! Thanks... I've not tested it out yet, but I checked the setting, which I'd thought I'd left on auto, and it was on high, lol. I'll see next time I use it whether that fixed the problem.
LadyE - I've found the same problem, especially before I left home, when taking indoor pictures... our house wasn't completely finished inside, and you had to make sure you didn't get construction in the background.
Teth
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skyfiery
Mariner
Alliance: Gondor
Last Visited: 17 Jul 2009
Joined: 03 May 2002
Posts: 5153
Location: At the edge of twilight
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Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 5:42 pm |
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Welcome in,
Rowan
. Would we in this guild have the luck of seeing your Ireland pictures, seeing how LadyE says they're really good?
Teth:
I'll agree with Gil on the noise. The higher the ISO goes, the more picture quality is compromised. Unless you're doing night shot.
Just yesterday, I was out in the basketball court with my boss's Canon E20D with a 18 - 200mm lens, chasing kids because I needed to take pictures for their yearbook. I forgot about the ISO and left it at 1000. Pictures turned out white. 
Sky
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LadyEdana
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Earendil
Last Visited: 20 Jan 2008
Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Posts: 1515
Location: Utah
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 7:52 am |
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Construction is a big problem here... you will have 2 of the 3 main routes to any particular spot under construction at one point, half of downtown is under construction.... so if you can get some where to take pics it's most likely under construction itself. Luckily for the moment the canyons are relatively free of it, except at the mouth where they are building a new housing development.
Ok my waterscapes
Old:
Dark Falls
- This one was on my old point and shoot which I no longer own.
Camera: NIKON COOLPIX L4
Shutter Speed: 20/10 second
F Number: F/2.8
Focal Length: 6 mm
ISO Speed: 50
Date: early Jan. Evening
New:
Cascade
Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Shutter Speed: 1/640 second
F Number: F/5.6
Focal Length: 28 mm
ISO Speed: 1600
Date Picture Taken: May 14, 2007, 4:54:44 PM
These were taken at the same water fall in the Cottonwood Canyons near Salt Lake City, Utah.
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SmogsFlame
Shield Bearer
Alliance: Rohan
Last Visited: 24 Apr 2008
Joined: 11 Sep 2006
Posts: 213
Location: One step closer to the edge, and I'm about to break!
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 12:45 pm |
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I have a question, which anyone can answer. Do you prefer to use the auto zoom/focuss or do you prefer to do your adjustments manually? I personally prefer to do things manually and was wondering about the rest of you.
Another thing if I may. Does anybody here keep a photography journal? I've thought many times about how much I should do one but thus far I have been to lazy.
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Tethairwen
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Fingolfin
Last Visited: 12 Sep 2009
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 2885
Location: Minnesota
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 1:47 am |
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I most definitely prefer to do things manually. With my camera, there are some things I can't adjust, such as focus while getting a macro shot (though sticking your finger in the frame while focusing can do the trick), but I play with anything that is adjustable (probably the reason my ISO setting was wrong), and I don't think I've ever used the purely automatic mode.
As far as a photography journal, I haven't got one as such... but I do have a photobucket that has most of the decent pictures I've taken in the last 4 months or so. I have thought about it though, just have too many other things going on, and haven't the time for one more.
Teth
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Gilaglar
Ranger of the North
Alliance: Grey Havens
Last Visited: 14 Nov 2009
Joined: 21 Oct 2000
Posts: 3904
Location: London
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 2:26 am |
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I think it very much depends on the situation. I'd say that 90% of the time I leave the autofocus on for convenience. But there are some situations when manual focussing can make life easier. Shooting in the dark often confuses autofocus systems for example. Also, when setting a
hyperfocal distance
, manual is the only option (so long as your lens has distance markings on it).
I used to keep a basic journal, but now that digital cameras record all your exposure settings, date and time data I've not really felt the need. All I have to do now is remember where I was!
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skyfiery
Mariner
Alliance: Gondor
Last Visited: 17 Jul 2009
Joined: 03 May 2002
Posts: 5153
Location: At the edge of twilight
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 6:28 am |
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I agree with Gil. 90% of the time I set the focus to autofocus, because it's more convenient. My job as a photographer requires me to take a lot of shots extremely quickly (I do class/school/staff/organization photos for schools and yearbooks; events; places of attraction etc.) and so much of the time, I have absolutely no time to deal with the manual aspects.
I still have plenty to learn in that area...
Sky
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LadyEdana
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Earendil
Last Visited: 20 Jan 2008
Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Posts: 1515
Location: Utah
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 6:52 am |
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I used to use autofocus and It might help sometimes with the horses, but I've been trying to learn how to do everything manually so it more of MY composition. Although, until my wrist heals I may be switching back to auto so I can actually hold the camera. That is if I can get the motivation to pull it out. I'm hoping to be inspired tomorrow. I'm going downtown, and may visit the aquarium before a moot tomorrow.
Photo journal? No I'm too lazy and unmotivated.
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Gilaglar
Ranger of the North
Alliance: Grey Havens
Last Visited: 14 Nov 2009
Joined: 21 Oct 2000
Posts: 3904
Location: London
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 7:44 am |
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Well, my first camera (if you don't count the old 110 'point and hope' thing I had until age 12) was a Practika SLR with no automated features. When I started with it, it would take me ages to compose the frame, set the aperture, check the depth of field, adjust the shutter speed to ensure correct exposure, focus the lens, check the exposure hadn't changed (like a cloud passing in front of the sun) then finally releasing the shutter.
I had that camera until I was 18, and I foolishly traded it in for a Samsung compact that I could take to the pub. 
I learned the hard way, so I figure I've earned the right to use auto focus and semi-automatic exposure.
I've had a wee play with my new digital compact. It's got some rather funky creative options that I'm going to have fun with, and it handles beautifully. My only criticism so far is the SD card that Canon package with it; it's a measly 32 Mb, and with a 10 megapixel camera, that means you can get a whopping 6 frames of storage! 
Oh well, I suppose it's better than the thing arriving with no card at all, and I've got 2 2Gb cards for it now.
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wild-card
Petitioner to the Council
Alliance: None
Last Visited: 04 Jun 2007
Joined: 30 Apr 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Wherever I may be
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 7:57 am |
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I don't think anyone should practice either just manual, or auto focus. Like sky and gil have said, 90% of the time, people would use auto cos it's a convenience and faster. It cuts out a lot of the time, and you don't have to argue with yourself by asking whether it's in focus or not. The camera will take care of it for you.
On the other hand, relying too much on auto focus will not always give you the best results, such as in a really fast moving subject, where it's sometimes best to focus on one spot and wait for the subject to reach there; for macro shots, or ever night shots.
So, with regards to whether to use manual, or auto focus, best answer would be: depending on situation.
Personally though, i tend to auto focus most of the time. To the point of 99% auto, 1% manual. No digital SLR. Heh.
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Gilaglar
Ranger of the North
Alliance: Grey Havens
Last Visited: 14 Nov 2009
Joined: 21 Oct 2000
Posts: 3904
Location: London
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 5:53 am |
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I've been playing with my new camera...
Here's a picture I took last night waiting for a train in Edinburgh:
Waverly Station
Settings
The sepia toning was done 'in camera'. I've not photoshopped this at all. You probably can't see it very well at this size, but it's quite grainy at ISO 800. I'm a bit miffed that the camera records the ISO setting when it takes the picture, but it doesn't export it in the exif data. 
Here's one of me taken this afternoon:
Me looking unshaven and haggard
Settings
At low ISOs, the clarity is rather good, as one would expect. There's still a bit of noise in the dark background though, which is a little annoying.
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skyfiery
Mariner
Alliance: Gondor
Last Visited: 17 Jul 2009
Joined: 03 May 2002
Posts: 5153
Location: At the edge of twilight
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 6:40 am |
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That's a very interesting and deep shade of sepia you have, Gil. The sepia I've worked with both on my compact camera, and my mobile's camera, are of lighter shades. Though, the ISO-wise, if I don't focus too much on the picture, the graininess can be passed off as a "part of the picture," like the graininess of old film.
Sky
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Rodia
Ringbearer
Alliance: The Shire
Last Visited: 07 Feb 2010
Joined: 13 Mar 2000
Posts: 15625
Location: a bad place.
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 6:54 am |
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I use autofocus unless I'm taking a macro. Unfortunately, the shoddy little lens that came with my Rebel has been less than cooperative lately. It doesn't always want to focus on its own.
I usually use manual settings, but sometimes I just can't be bothered. And I know the pain of forgetting to change the ISO... It happened to me more than once.
I keep a journal!! One photo a day for 2007, and probably beyond:P. You can find it here:
Rodia's 365
and I also have a
set on Flickr for it
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Last edited by Rodia on Sun May 20, 2007 12:27 am; edited 1 time in total |
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LadyEdana
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Earendil
Last Visited: 20 Jan 2008
Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Posts: 1515
Location: Utah
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 5:19 pm |
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It doesn't sound like the new camera is getting that good of a start
Gil
. Grainy at low ISO isn't a good thing.
Sky
, The Sepia on mine is like the black and white it just depends how dark my picture is to how dark the sepia is.... faster shutter, and lower ISO will make it darker.
Well we had the Moot today (rather poor turn out ) But I met a military photographer that just got back from Iraq. And a bunch of us went to the aviary afterwards and despite the hand I got some good pictures. Mostly black and white/sepia, but had to get some color of the peacock, and a few others.
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rowanberry
In dancing she delights
Alliance: House of Feanor
Last Visited: 07 Feb 2010
Joined: 10 Apr 2002
Posts: 15973
Location: Living in a yellow submarine
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Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 11:35 am |
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Thanks, guys.
Sky (and others), you can see some of my landscapes from Ireland
here
And, here's some kind of a waterscape from me, taken last Friday:
River Aurajoki
Turku, Finland
Taken with Pentax Optio 550
I'll have to dig up some older photos and put them online...
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Rodia
Ringbearer
Alliance: The Shire
Last Visited: 07 Feb 2010
Joined: 13 Mar 2000
Posts: 15625
Location: a bad place.
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Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 11:41 am |
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I found an artificial pond today but the photos I took of it are a bit bland. I did manage to catch some cool swans though...
Swans
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PhotographyWave
Petitioner to the Council
Alliance: None
Last Visited: 15 Nov 2007
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
Posts: 13
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Posted: Sun May 20, 2007 2:09 pm |
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This Week's Theme
Light
- Show us the light in your life. Play with studio/room lighting, or show the light play of the natural world.
We are considering in the near future combining themes for added challenge. Let us know what you think of that.
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Gilaglar
Ranger of the North
Alliance: Grey Havens
Last Visited: 14 Nov 2009
Joined: 21 Oct 2000
Posts: 3904
Location: London
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 6:28 am |
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I am going to try and take some new material for this thread one day, I promise!
In the mean time, here's an old one of light:
Light
Settings
Taken at a big band concert in Dunfermline.
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LadyEdana
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Earendil
Last Visited: 20 Jan 2008
Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Posts: 1515
Location: Utah
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 7:01 am |
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I like the lighting at that concert. Concerts often have some of the most creative lighting.
Old:
Contemplation
Taken while my husband was playing the piano. I was playing with the piano lamp, it was the only light source.
Camera: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Shutter Speed: 1/125 second
F Number: F/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 1600
Date Picture Taken: Apr 11, 2007, 8:12:34 PM
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Tethairwen
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Fingolfin
Last Visited: 12 Sep 2009
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 2885
Location: Minnesota
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 4:24 pm |
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Lights from seventh floor.
Moorhead, MN USA.
Canon PowerShot SD600
Shutter speed: 2 seconds
Aperture: F/4.9
Focal length: 17mm
Late night at work this past winter, looking down from the seventh floor balcony at the lights along the street. Only the second time I'd played with the long shutter speed, and this was the best of this particular batch.
The other time I'd messed with shutter speed was when I got some decent pictures of fireworks on the 4th of July two years ago now. I seem to have lost them though, and I need to get them from Dad... I know I sent the best ones to him, at least, and a plague on faulty backup discs. I still have about three dozen to sort through, and I'm hoping I'll find the whole set there.
As far as more recent pictures go, I like this one from a couple of weeks ago, when I was coming back from the library for late-night study and walked past the city hall. Times like this, I wish I had a tripod, but I made do with a random statue... hence the odd tilt (though I do think it's interesting).
City hall at night.
Leeds, England.
Canon PowerShot SD600
Shutter speed: 1 second
Aperture: F/2.8
Focal length: 6mm
PhotographyWave said:
We are considering in the near future combining themes for added challenge. Let us know what you think of that.
I like it... but would it be in addition to the week's theme, or would it
be
the week's theme? I think I'd prefer to have it be in addition to the main theme, sort of a bonus, but that's just my opinion.
Teth
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Last edited by Tethairwen on Wed May 23, 2007 2:06 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Calma
CRAZY CAT LADY
Alliance: -None-
Last Visited: 08 Feb 2010
Joined: 13 Feb 2001
Posts: 12482
Location: Up the road, across the street, down the lane, and around the bend
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 5:19 pm |
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 Hello...
Just stopping by to say I have been following this guild since the onset.
I must say all of the pictures have been great.
I enjoy this art form very much.
I just want to say...
Keep up the good work and thanks for allowing me to slip in here and look at all the photos.
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The Ambassador wonders what Logic has to do with MoST?
CAT LOVERS GUILD
elrin, StarShadow, BigMama, where are you?
Thinking of you, Tyg...
Mariners!!
THANK YOU!!!
85 Wins 77 Losses 
HAITI...
Roger and Laura
old toby
Jason
Go-Go-Jeffy-Jeffy-Go-Go!
ROCK ON!!!
Thank you.. 
"I don't believe what I just saw!"
~Jack Buck~ |
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skyfiery
Mariner
Alliance: Gondor
Last Visited: 17 Jul 2009
Joined: 03 May 2002
Posts: 5153
Location: At the edge of twilight
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 5:30 pm |
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Light
Panasonic DMC-LZ1 (belonging to wild-card)
Location: Punggol Park, Singapore
Settings: blue filter/white balanced turned down to -3
Teth:
Do remember to put the location of your picture along with the other information. Many of us aren't from the same country/state as others are. Thankee.
Hello,
Calma!
Missed seeing you around! Glad you're enjoying all our pictures!
Sky
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LadyEdana
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Earendil
Last Visited: 20 Jan 2008
Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Posts: 1515
Location: Utah
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 8:10 pm |
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Teth
Those are some pretty cool shots. I want to play with shutter speed and motion, but it's gonna have to wait till I have my studio room back. I have something fairly specific in mind. I'd share the image I got the idea from but it was mature content so no go for that. I'll just have to hurry and get my own version done.
As far as the double theme, we could do it in addition to the regular, just have to see what everyone else thinks. We could combine previously done themes to try and get a new twist on them.
Welcome
Calma
. You are free to participate if you like.
Sky
, I've liked that picture since I first saw it. I love playing with filters, it's great fun.
Sorry Everyone if I've been a bit "off" and/or quite. I've been having some chemical issues and can disappear when that happens. Luckily I have some good people that like to pull me back.
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Tethairwen
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Fingolfin
Last Visited: 12 Sep 2009
Joined: 13 Apr 2005
Posts: 2885
Location: Minnesota
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 2:10 am |
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Sky - oops! Locations are edited in now.
LadyE - thanks, I don't get the opportunity to play much with shutter speed, since I'm not usually out after dark and don't have a studio of any sort. But I take the opportunities I do get... usually they don't turn out though. And I hope things get better for you. 
Teth
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Gilaglar
Ranger of the North
Alliance: Grey Havens
Last Visited: 14 Nov 2009
Joined: 21 Oct 2000
Posts: 3904
Location: London
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 5:35 am |
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My new camera has a built-in
Neutral Density Filter
, which allows you to open up the shutter speed for longer exposures in bright daylight. I might try and play with it while I'm in Italy over the weekend to see how it turns out.
Sky - I do like that picture of the water. It's quite unusual, and the artificial tint really adds to that feeling. It makes me think of a book cover for a murder mystery where sinister things have happened by a lake.
P.S. - The Wikipedia article I linked to above just surprised me completely. If you read down near the bottom, there's a table of ND filters and their f stop values. Aparently you can get an ND filter that blocks out a whopping 20 f-stops. What does that mean? Well, in realistic terms, imagine a scene that you would expose at f/32 for 1/4000 s. That's pretty much minimum aperture and fastest shutter speed for a modern DSLR with a prime lens. With a 20 f-stop ND filter on, you'd have to open up the aperture to f/2,
and
drop the shutter speed all the way down to 1 s to achieve the same exposure. 
I really can't see what the applications would be, other than maybe allowing slow exposures of a nuclear detonation or something. 
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LadyEdana
Ranger of the North
Alliance: House of Earendil
Last Visited: 20 Jan 2008
Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Posts: 1515
Location: Utah
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 8:48 am |
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Teth
You can play with shutter speed in the day too. Water is a really good subject for that. I'll have to show you some of the one's I took when I first got my camera and was learning to control the shutter on my own.
Unfortunately I will not be able to do my experiment.... My studio equipement was in my car which was stolen last night.... I have my camera (thank god), but I do not have my tripod, which would be essential.
Gil
, Thanks for that link and the information. I shall have to see if I can pick up some.
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