Photography

History of My Photography

I started with my first photography when I am 10 years old. With my Father’s SLR Nikon FM with 50mm Lens film camera. My Dad allowed me to take in-charge for family outing and during travelling. Since then, I have interested in photography. Operate a fully manual base SLR camera is not easy. From loading a film into camera to photo shooting with full of challenges. Every single mistake could result unnecessary film destroy, film over exposures and image blurring.

My 2nd camera is a fully auto Olympus Trip AF60 35mm film camera. It brings me more hassle free and easy operated compare to previous Nikon SLR. With just a single button press will do. New technology camera meant you have a better quality images generated. But there is still have its own limitation such as no zooming lens, weak flash light and without the felling of manual maneuver.

My 3rd camera is a multifunction Canon Powershot A70 digital camera that I bought in year 2004. This camera served me well till now. Nor thought it has some minor problem, but still can bring me good images with its Auto and Manual functionality. This camera has highly rated by photographer.

Basic Concept of Photography

Photography is part erudition. And it is the process and art of creating still pictures. People always proverb, “A photo can bring a thousand of words”. Nor matter you use it for fun, for professional usage or for hobby, understand your camera functionality, ability and weaknesses are important. Spend a little while to flip through the user guide, playing around with your camera to experience the results.

The Goal, Objective and Technique

Cambodian Kid

When snapping a picture, have you ever ask yourself what is the goal and objective of shooting this picture? What expected result you wish to achieved? Will it worthy for viewing? I have made a few points that you should know during your photographic session. This is purely based on my own photographic experience to share with:-

a.) The best human targeting, Children and Old Man – I will always choosing a children as my primary target as children’s have naturally delivery it own reaction, happiness, emotionally. Because most of the time you will snap in a close distance. So, be sure switching to “Portrait Mode” and make an auto focusing for a great shoot.

b.) Landscape, Panorama – Shooting a perfect landscaping is not easy. Sometimes due to the geographical and topographical can causing poor shooting result. Choose and focusing a good position and adjust to “Landscape Mode” for a best shoot.

Guilin - China

c.) Moving Object, Fast; Slow; Still – Shooting for a fast moving object is difficulty if your camera does not have a high ISO speed. Switch to “Fast mode” for any moving object. While shooting for a slow or still object, preferred using a “Auto Mode” if surrounding lighting condition is insufficient.

d.) Macro, Flower/Closed Object – Making a close object shooting require a camera with “Macro” function. Without this function will result your image blur and loosing focus. Be sure know your camera “Macro” distance to make a great shoot.

Zhao Qing - China

e.) Night Scene, Building and Street Light – Every digital camera has come with this function for users convenience. But most of the digital camera comes with the low shooter speed. Which meant users has to hold as steady as possible to make a night shoot. I’m personally recommended using a standard tripod or a mini tripod and you are not recommended switching your “Flash Light On” for a building or street shooting. For some users might be thinking using a “Fast Mode” for night shoot, this is not a bad idea but not recommended. There is another option for a good night shoot which you must using “Manual Mode”, delayed the capturing speed, let the camera capturing enough exposure for a better images.

f.) Indoor Shooting, Florescent Light; Spot Light – Making a good quality indoor shooting not easy. I am suggesting using a “Night Mode” with “Flash Light On”. Night Mode function will base on surrounding lighting condition to capture the objects, meant the “Delaying on shooting” will reduce. If you are shooting in a spot light condition, strongly advice a permanent “Flash Light On”. Safe to use in “Fast Mode”, “Portrait Mode” and “Auto Mode”.

The Legend Water Chalets - Port Dickson, Malaysia

g.) Manual Mode, – Most of the digital camera does come with “Manual Mode”. But how many of them are really using it or never been use before. People will always saying troublesome, wasting of time, inconvenience etc. How many of them know Manual Mode can bring great shooting results if compare to Auto or Pre Defined Mode? By adjusting Shutter Speed, Aperture, Exposure, ISO Speed and Flash Light Output correctly to get a quality shooting result, you will never experience before and you will never believed your low end digital camera can work like a SLR camera.

h.) Auto Mode – I will never use an “Auto Mode” for snapping if it does not required to do so. Sometimes, an Auto Mode can bring you a great shooting experience but sometimes it can’t. I still preferred a Manual Mode or Pre Defined function as for my shooting.

i.) Drive Mode, Continuous; Timer – This is another camera build-in functionality. Before making a “Continuous” shooting, make a proper focusing to an object and hit the shooting button. Same method goes to “Timer”. In additional, a proper timing to be set before the shooting.

j.) Others – If you realized most of the camera come with various effects such as “Vivid, Neutral, Low Sharpening, Sepia, Black & White”. Make use of them to your photo for a great different viewing art.

Remarks:- If your camera does not come with the above functions, be sure knowing your camera ability, make full use of what you have now.

Developing Your Photos

Have you ever think about develop out your best photos for save keep or to show off your friends during their visit to your house? Make your choice and develop your photos.

I will said hardly can find a good printing shop for developing photos. I have personally gone through and have learned the mistake I made from the past. A good photo development technology can bring a good quality photos. My best choice also goes to Fujifilm printing technology.

Conclusion

Always notice your surrounding environment and make a correct camera setting. Enjoy and experience the moment and the fun of photo shooting. I hope you will gain some knowledge from this article.

In Appreciation

Back in year 2004, I was appointed by my friend to be a Photographer of a Youth Camp event. Since I have this opportunity, I take this chance to develop my photographing skill. At last, I won myself a title of “Good Photographer”. In year 2006 the organizer again appointed me as a Photographer of Youth Camp event. Of course I didn’t receive any cent from the organizer for photo shooting. I do it for charity. In year 2007, I was again invited to be a Photographer for 100 tables Chinese New Year dinner event. Below is my appreciation award from Youth Camp.

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