Article 1: Click Images Not Pics

Around 50% posts on Facebook are photo updates and most of them are random clicks. I urge all my readers to follow these four points and click images not pics.

Point 1. Right Setup:

Photography is all about capturing moments on digital frames. All those moments are around us all the time... you should invest sometime setting up things for the desired frame. 

Scenario 1. You have made a new dish for dinner and want to share it with friends. Make sure to decorate your plate well, put props like spoons and forks next to the plate, remove unwanted things from the frame etc. Click here for more examples.

Scenario 2. You want to click images of your kid when he/she is doing some activity. Take a moment, think about props like colorful toys or clothing and add them to the frame. Most important things is to have his/her attention. Make sure to engage them so that he/she smiles and looks right at the camera lens. Click here for more examples.

Case Study 10: HDR Photography

HDR image (high dynamic range) is made up of three exposures merged into one. Take one underexposed shot, one normal shot and one overexposed shot. Then use 'Photomatix' tool to merge them together.

Case Study 9: Taking Brighter Shots

These days I keep aperture settings handy if things are not moving much. It gives me variety of options. One of them is: Making shot brighter...

Case Study 8: Continuous Shooting Example

In 2010, I got an opportunity to volunteer in one of the events organized by Vibha (It's a non-profit organization dedicated to creating brighter futures for underprivileged children). It was a walk/run event and I wanted to capture all actions at the scene especially when participants are starting to run from the starting line. Never wanted to loose that moment.

Challenge 1: How to capture Moving Subjects in Low Light?

I am starting this new topic with the title CHALLENGE where I will be discussing the issues I faced multiple times while photographing and still looking for the answers... So it is your time to educate me if you have a solution... I am open for comments.

I always faced big challenges while capturing ongoing action in a stadium. Two big obstacles:
1. Objects are constantly moving... so the shutter speed should be fastest to freeze the action but it will not allow enough light to get in.
2. Light is anyway low... since they are far.. can't use the flash.                                                                      

FAQ 3: Comparisons between Nikon's 'Consumer DSLR' Models?

People ask me this question a lot: What is the difference between entry level (D3000, D3100), upper entry level (D5000, D5100) and mid-range (D7000, D90) Nikon models?

Here is my answer in four main points... (Keeping in mind that people would like to have bird's-eye view rather than going into the technicalities.

FAQ 2: What to buy? 'Point-n-shoot' vs. DSLR

It really depends upon your preferences:

1. Are you looking for a compact one which can fit in your pocket or purse? Easy to hold, carry and use... Go for Compact size 'point-n-shoot'... DSLRs are mostly bulky. 

2. Are you looking for an awesome zoom? There are big zoom 'point-n-shoot' cameras in the market which gives you enough zoom that a DSLR provides. But DSLR's clarity is of no match. If you need great zoom and are not very particular about the quality and controls then go for big zoom 'point-n-shoot'. To get all zoom levels in DSLR... you have to buy multiple lenses which will be expensive.

Case Study 7: White Balance - Fluorescent

Spot the difference?

I am not asking you to play a game and spot 10 differences between these two pictures :)

This is an example of White Balancing... As you can figure out, I was in Fort Worth Stock Yards at 6:24 PM to be very precise. I am talking about DUSK time after Sunset when there is little bit light in the sky and it is still blue.

Case Study 6: Light Trails with a Firecracker

This is the longest 'shutter speed' shot I have taken till date... I took this one in Manual Mode with set shutter speed and aperture.

Exif data: Shutter Speed: 8 Sec | Aperture: f/11 | ISO: 200 | Focal Length: 28mm