Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers

the new edition of this practical guide, master photographer Ellen Anon and digital-imaging expert Tim Grey show you how to capture the beauty of nature by shooting the best possible photos from the start—and then getting the most out of your images at your desktop. You’ll fing eye-opening techniques, workflow ideas, and terrific Photoshop tools, plis a host of valuable tips and stunning examples from some of the most esteemed professional nature photographers working today, including Michael Reichmann, John Shaw, Darrel Gulin, and Joe McDonald.

* Capture clouds, mooms, and other elements to composite later
* Wield new Photoshop CS3 tools such as Smart Filters, Quick Selection, and Refine Edges
* Master the revamped Adobe Bridge and Adobe Camera Raw
* Adjust color and exposure to fine-tune detail and capture mood
* Build montages, multiple exposures, and composites
* Prepare and sharpen your images for print on the Web

DOWNLOAD HERE

Jon Tarrant “Understanding Digital Cameras: Getting the Best Image from Capture to ஒஉட்புட்"

This key resource for all photographers will help you get the very best from todays sophisticated digital cameras.
In this book you will learn essential photographic techniques, before moving on to specific genres: people, nature, action shots and working in the studio. Detailed captions throughout explain which camera and lens was used for each shot and highlight key factors in getting the right exposure, lighting and composition. There is an essential troubleshooting guide to printing errors such as smudges, lines and colour casts. Discover how to produce fine art prints and optimize images for the Web. Plus key technical information on digital and optical quality and colour management.

DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE 1
MIRROR SITE 2

Nature Photography: Insider Secrets from the Worlds Top Digital Photography Professionals by Chris Weston

Publisher: Focal Press | Number Of Pages: 288 | Publication Date: 2008-09-02 | ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0240810163 | PDF | 39 Mb
Have you ever wondered what it is that professional photographers do day in and day out that enables them to take consistently compelling images? Or thought that unravelling the insider secrets of the professionals could inspire you? Nature Photography: Insider Secrets from the Worlds Top Digital Photography Professionals takes a contemporary and innovative approach to revealing the day-to-day habits of the worlds most successful wildlife, landscape and macro photographers, divulging the core skills and techniques through which they excel.

DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE 1
MIRROR SITE 2

Creative Black and White Photography: Advanced Camera and Darkroom Techniques

Creative Black-and-White Photography guides photographers at all levels in producing the aesthetically advanced, carefully crafted images they’ve always dreamed of making. In his sequel to Mastering Black-and-White Photography, photographer Bernhard J Suess again makes complex technical and aesthetic problems easy to understand and master. He addresses intricate questions of film exposure and development control, camera filters, creative use of print contrast, dodging and burning, bleaching, and digital imaging. Discussing the many choices he makes in his own photography and why, Suess illustrates the decisions essential to successful black-and-white images.


DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE

On Photography by Susan Sontag

One of the most highly regarded books of its kind, On Photography first appeared in 1977 and is described by its author as “a progress of essays about the meaning and career of photographs.” It begins with the famous “In Plato’s Cave” essay, then offers five other prose meditations on this topic, and concludes with a fascinating and far-reaching “Brief Anthology of Quotations.”

"A brilliant analysis of the profound changes photographic images have made in our way of looking at the world and at ourselves over the last 140 years."—Washington Post Book World

"Every page of On Photography raises important and exciting questions about its subject and raises them in the best way."—The New York Times Book Review

"On Photography is to my mind the most original and illuminating study of the subject."—Calvin Trillin, The New Yorker

DOWNLOAD HERE

Digital Camera Magazine - Flowers Showcase Complete Photography Guide

Digital Camera Magazine - Flowers Showcase
Complete Photography Guide

English
PDF
16 Pages

DOWNLOAD HERE

Nikon D60 Digital Field Guide

Nikon D60 Digital Field Guide
author: J. Dennis Thomas
publisher: Wiley
iSBN: 0470383127 maker: Team DDU
pages: 252 Pages packager: Team DDU
edition: July 8, 2008 supplier : Team DDU
language: ENGLISH
format: PDF
rls date: 11/15/08 size: 15.4 MB


As an introductory level digital SLR, the Nikon D60 offers one-
button simplicity using the Auto function or countless options
using the more complex manual controls. Nikon D60 Digital Field
Guide is filled with everything you need to know to capture amazing
photographs using your Nikon 60. Starting with a Quick Tour, which
will help you use your Nikon D60 straight out of the box, this book
will help you graduate from using the Auto function in every
situation to using the more complex manual controls with
confidence.
This full-color portable guide walks you through the essential
controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D60 digital SLR
using step-by-step instructions and full-color images of each menu
screen. This robust guide not only shows you how to adjust white
balance, autofocus, exposure, and choose lenses, it also teaches
you when and why you should adjust each of these key settings.
Additionally, the Nikon D60 Digital Field Guide goes beyond camera
settings to offer you a refresher guide to the principles of
digital photography, covering the essentials of lighting,
composition, and exposure. Filled with amazing examples of actual
Nikon D60 photography6, this book also presents a variety of tips
and tricks to capturing portraits, candids, sports, travel, macro
photography, and much more.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan Peterson

160 pages
Revised edition (August 1, 2004)
English
ISBN-10: 0817463003
ISBN-13: 978-0817463007


For serious amateur photographers who already shoot perfectly focused, accurately exposed images but want to be more creative with a camera, here’s the book to consult. More than seventy techniques, both popular and less-familiar approaches, are covered in detail, including advanced exposure, bounced flash and candlelight, infrared, multiple images, soft-focus effects, unusual vantage points, zooming, and other carefully chosen ways to enhance photographs. The A-Z format make sit easy for readers to find a specific technique, and each one is explained in jargon-free language. Top Tips for each technique help readers achieve superb results, even on the first attempt.


DOWNLOAD HERE

Digital Photography and Imaging

Digital Photography and Imaging
Coriolis Group Books; 1st edition | ISBN: 1588802639 | 328 pages | December 11, 2001 | PDF | 29 Mb

Professional photographer tricks are shared to develop professional images immediately! Digital Photography and Imaging provides a thorough understanding of everything one needs to know about how digital cameras and scanners work together to produce outstanding images. This book educates on the special requirements and advantages of digital imaging compared to conventional photography; as well as, takes one beyond point-and-click as it explains how to create well-designed slide shows, ways to edit for creating professional or fun shots, how to output images with various devices and ways of sharing, and how to use digital cameras and scanners to develop Web images.

DOWNLOAD HERE

CANON DSLR: The Ultimate Photographer's Guide

Christopher Grey, "CANON DSLR: The Ultimate Photographer's Guide"
Focal Press | ISBN:0240520408 | August 27, 2007 | 320 pages | PDF | 60MB

"Now, heres a professional photographer who is also a professional writer...I AM impressed and think the sales potential is astronomical!" -Shan Canfield, photographer and photography educator --Shan Canfield, photographer and photography educator.

DOWNLOAD HERE

WLTF Magazine - Issue 01

Issue 01 | PDF | 6 MB | English + ALL | RS

WLTF is aimed purely at art photography and ideas that are about or deals in some way with sexual desire without being purely pornographic. Every issue is dedicated to images only, and all of the work is edited in juxtaposition as opposed to linear editing by author.

WLTF is primarily about desire & sexual desire. The magazine features mainly images of sexy people and their fantasies, photographed by sexy people and their fetishes.




DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE

The Photographic Eye: Learning to See with a Camera

Hardcover: 228 pages
Publisher: Sterling; Revised edition (June 30, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871922835
ISBN-13: 978-087192283

This book takes you from a know-nothing beginning, through Lines, Shapes, Negative/Positive Space, the grid, etc. It lays an excellent groundwork with lots of examples to get you started with the right way of taking pictures. The assigments are a good way to put the knowledge learned in the book to practical use. No expensive cameras needed.


DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE

Professional techniques for the wedding photographer

AMPHOTO (1985) | PDF | 142 pages | English | 7.0mb(rar)

Professional techniques for the wedding photographer/by George Schaub (Author)
Description:
This book covers all the main topics of wedding photography for the beginner. Not too much detail on camera settings; the focus is more on things you want to be aware when photographing the different parts of the wedding from before the wedding until after the reception. Pictures are great as examples and text is easy to read and understand

DOWNLOAD HERE

Photographic Lighting : Essential Skills, 4th Edition by John Child & Mark Galer

Practical coverage of all the esential skills needed to shed light on photographic lighting techniques in any environment. Photographic Lighting: Essential Skills offers practical coverage of everything you need to know to understand the characteristics of light and the foundations of photographic lighting, including: film, filters, exposure, compensation, zone system, array of creative techniques. Students and committed amateurs will find sound technical knowledge with inspiring projects. Developing professionals in need of a refresher or a reference need look no further. The authors use terminology that is easy to understand and explain techniques in a clearly written, no nonsense manner. Photographic Lighting: Essential Skills ensures all the fundamentals of lighting are learned and applied to help improve the use of light in photography and encourage visual expression.


DOWNLOAD HERE

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Expert Technique

Whether you're a new photographer or an experienced pro, this book will guide you through the labyrinth of options and choices you face from the moment you see a photo opportunity to the time you share your final results. And it will help you minimize the time needed to fix your mistakes along the way.

Through step-by-step procedures based on years of experience, professional photographer Ken Milburn describes a complete workflow sequence that begins with essential equipment and preparation, takes you through detailed editing techniques, and ends with your finished images looking the way you want, ready to be shown to the world.


DOWNLOAD HERE

Digital Nature Photography: The Art and the Science

John Gerlach has earned his living as a professional nature photographer since 1980.
His photographs have been published in every major national magazine that uses nature photographs including NATIONAL WILDLIFE, SIERRA, NATURAL HISTORY, PETERSEN'S PHOTOGRAPHIC, RANGER RICK, BIRDER'S WORLD, MICHIGAN NATURAL RESOURCES, and AUDUBON. His nature photos are showcased in calendars produced by Hallmark, Kodak, Sierra Club, Argus, Browntrout, Abbeville Press, and many others. His photos can be found in books published by the National Geographic Society, Reader's Digest, Time-Life, Smithsonian, Eastman Kodak, Abbeville Press, Stewart Tabori & Chang, Northword Press as well as hundreds of scientific textbooks in use in colleges and universities throughout the world.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Click - The No Nonsense Guide to Digital Cameras

Light on idle chat and heavy on practical advice, this No Nonsense guide will get you from point A to point Z with instruction that's short and sweet, clear and concise. Inside, you'll find enough useful information and helpful pointers to transform you into a first-rate digital camera user in no time.
This is an ideal book for novices, but there is an assumption that the reader knows something about using computer programs. Users who want to take the occasional photograph, or who want to restore some old prints, should find this is all they need. Those with aspirations to becoming expert will find the book a very good introduction. There are plenty of useful Web sites mentioned, and the glossary is a useful aid. I find most impressive the way in which so much information has been packed into such a small space without the text seeming to be terse, or resorting to technical jargon.


DOWNLOAD HERE

Digital Sports Photography

Digital Sports Photography
Course Technology PTR; 1 edition | ISBN: 1592006485 | 256 pages | April 1, 2005 | PDF | 41 Mb

Take a unique look at the special techniques involved in shooting sports photographs digitally as you get a glimpse into the author's own journey toward becoming a successful sports photographer. You'll also get a wealth of information from some of the best sports shooters and editors working today in the industry. Cover important issues, including color management, camera setup, and equipment options and get insiders' tips on what a photo editor looks for in determining what makes a great image. Discover the techniques and methods unique to shooting photographs for baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and tennis. Whether you're covering the Olympics for Sports Illustrated or a local youth soccer game, "Digital Sports Photography" will give you the help and guidance you need to make your photos stand out.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Digital Food Photography by Lou Manna

Digital Food Photography by Lou Manna (Author)
Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (August 1, 2005) | ISBN-10: 1592008208 | CHM | 5 Mb | 312 pages

Great food always elicits strong reactions-the smell of freshly baked bread, the taste of a perfectly prepared steak. The job of a food photographer is to elicit that same mouth-watering reaction, but without the benefit of scent or taste. A well-shot photograph can send crowds flocking to a new restaurant or boost the sales of a culinary magazine. Capturing the perfect image requires a trained eye, finesse, and photographic skill. Digital Food Photography gives you the ingredients to cook up your own recipe for success-with professional lighting techniques, composition, food and prop styling, retouching, and tricks of the trade. You\'ll learn how digital photography combines teamwork, creativity, and technology, and how to make money creating delectable works of photographic art.

DOWNLOAD HERE

The Art of Digital Photography

John Hedgecoe “The Art of Digital Photography"
DK ADULT | 2006-10-02 | ISBN: 0756623545 | 288 pages | PDF | 84,9 MB

Easy-to-understand, and packed with both technical instructions and creative ideas, celebrated author and photographer John Hedgecoe walks you through the world of digital photography and shares his considerable expertise on this ever-changing medium.


DOWNLOAD HERE

Black & White Photography

Even though the photography world seems to be going completely digital, film will probably not die out any time too soon, and the last to die will more than likely be black and white film. For those who wish to learn this art form, Henry Horenstein's BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY: A BASIC MANUAL is an excellent resource.
This book is sued by many instructors as a textbook. It contains excellent information about the basics of photography including camera, lens, shutter and exposure and the developing process. Throughout the book there are many compositional techniques as well as the use of filters to enhance photographs. Though this is a manual for black and white photographers, those interested in color photography will find the boo helpful since understanding eth techniques involved in black and white photography help detect important nuances in color photography that can truly enhance a photograph

DOWNLOAD HERE
PASSWORD: Phyxsius

Exhibiting Photography

This book originated in workshops taught initially at the University of Westminster and subsequently at Photofusion and the City Lit. The aim of the workshops was to empower students by opening up the processes and practices of exhibiting. What the workshops taught me was that, although students are increasingly working towards a career aim of exhibiting their work, they too frequently leave college with inadequate exhibition experience or the knowledge to be ready to start showing their work professionally.

DOWNLOAD HERE

American Photo January-February 2009

Publisher: Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc.
Language: English
Number of Pages: 120
PDF: 26 MB

American Photo - is the premier showcase for outstanding photography. A reflection of contemporary culture through the camera's lens, it inspires professionals and sophisticated amateurs alike with its coverage of art, fashion, journalism, celebrity, sports, politics and advertising.

For professional and aspiring photographers, American Photo highlights equipment, developments, and industry news. Each issue includes profiles of photographers, reviews of photography books and exhibits, in-camera news, and technical updates.Explores the creative aspects of photography and the persons behind the work for professional, advanced, and newly aspiring photographers. Reviews exhibits and books; examines the working methods of the professionals.


DOWNLOAD HERE

Pinhole Photography From Historic Technique to Digital Application by Eric Renner

Table Of Contents:
Ch. 1 Pinhole's History in the Exploration of Science and Ideology 1
Ch. 2 Pinhole's History in the Exploration of Art 31
Ch. 3 Pinhole's Revival 69
Ch. 4 The Body as Camera, the Room as Camera Obscura 99
Ch. 5 The Basic How-To of Pinhole Photography 127
Ch. 6 The Advanced How-To of Pinhole Photography 153
Ch. 7 Alternative Apertures: Zone Plates and Slits 197
Ch. 8 Digital Imaging with Pinholes, Zone Plates, and Alternatives 213
Ch. 9 The Changing Pinhole Image 225
Resources 243
Index 253

ISBN: 0240810473
ISBN-13: 9780240810478
Format: Paperback, 272pp
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology Books
Pub. Date: November 2008
Edition Number: 4


DOWNLOAD HERE

Nikon Camera Control Pro 2.4.0

Take Control of Your Photography—Remotely: Using the included USB or Firewire cable and/or optional WiFi adapters for select models, Nikon Camera Control Pro enables you to capture unique images no matter what the subject.
*
Picture Control Utility: In certain Nikon digital SLRs such as the D3, D700, D300 and D90 customized image adjustment, including tone compensation curve data, can be saved to tailor the camera’s behavior to the photographer’s vision, improving efficiency when using multiple cameras at the same time.
*
LiveView support: Live previews direct from the camera are supported on the D3, D700, D300 and D90 when this feature is enabled. See what you are about to shoot!
*
Compatible with WiFi operation: In addition to supporting USB cable connections, Camera Control Pro offers compatibility with the optional wireless transmitter models WT-2a, WT-3a and WT-4a. When attached to a digital SLR, the WT-2a, WT-3a and WT-4a enable remote shooting and setting via a wireless LAN over WiFi.
*
Improved graphic user interface: A simulated (camera) LCD panel on the computer screen performs the same function as the camera’s viewfinder display which has been modified to be consistent with those used in the latest cameras for smoother operation.
*
Compatible with Nikon's Image Authentication Function: Image data can be transferred and stored without affecting the authentication function.


DOWNLOAD HERE

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography

You have a digital camera, now what? Thanks to memory sticks, docking stations, computers, image editing software, and printers, using your new digital camera can be frustrating and intimidating. With Absolute Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography, you'll learn everything you need to know to take great digital pictures and share them with friends or family.

Author Joseph Ciaglia, a teacher and award-winning landscape photographer, first gives you a quick start guide to using a digital camera so you can read a few step-by-step pages and then go from picture to print in moments. He then uses everyday, easy-to-understand language to explain exposure, focus, lighting, file formats, file storage and organization, how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements and iPhoto to edit and improve images, printers, specialty photo papers, and how to get your photos on the Web and in email messages. After reading this book, even the most digitally challenged shutterbug will be able to produce high-quality digital photographs!


DOWNLOAD HERE

Quick Snap Guide to Digital SLR Photography

If you're a serious photographer, you know that no other camera offers as much sophistication and versatility as the digital SLR. The drawback to this sophistication comes in the form of tedious and lengthy user manuals that can make it difficult to find the essential information you need to get started. Quick Snap Guide to Digital SLR Photography provides you with a concise introduction to the most important features of your dSLR camera. Each topic is covered in two- or four-page spreads with plenty of illustrations and images, making it easy to follow along. Eliminating the frustration of timeconsuming user manuals, this book is the ideal guide for any new dSLR owner who wants to start taking great pictures right away.


DOWNLOAD HERE

New Nude Magazine Premiere Issue

New Nude magazine - Issue #1
In The New Nude No 1 readers will find the latest craze for Nude Yoga; the breathtaking Red Bikini Ballet; follow Petter Hegre to a lost island paradise in Philippinextoica; French lensman Didier Carré reveals his obsession to show all that's normally kept hidden; edgy photos from New York's legendary Master of Transgression Richard Kern; Mister Dahmane's iconic exposes; a look back at nudity through the ages in The Body Stripped Bare and lots more.


DOWNLOAD PART 1
DOWNLOAD PART 2
DOWNLOAD PART 3

Nature Photography and Photoshop

Nature Photography and Photoshop
In PDF

DOWNLOAD HERE

Elements of Photography

"The kinds of topics that are addressed in this book are happening in a highly animated way among photography educators. The idea of visual literacy--photographers needing both technical and conceptual skills, being informed about their subject matter through interdisciplinary research, and using all of the tools available to make work--that is a distinctive driving concern for all of us engaged in this education."--Dennie Eagleson Associate Professor of Photography, Antioch College

DOWNLOAD HERE

50 Digital Camera Techniques

Author : Gregory Georges, Larry Berman and Chris Maher | Published by Wiley Publishing Inc. | Publication date : March 2003 | ISBN : 076452500X | PDF Format, 340 pages | English | Original File Size : 13404 KB | Compressed File Size : 12175 KB

Overview :
Make the most of your digital camera! Whether you have just purchased your first digital camera or you are an old hand at digital photography, you will see your pictures improve almost instantly when you start using the tricks these professional photographers provide. Experiment with hot tips on lighting, filters, concepts, shooting techniques, and much more, with step-by-step instructions, lavish color illustrations, and the in-depth discussions that help you make each technique your own.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Nude Photography the Art and the Craft

Follow practical advice from nude photography experts and learn to create picture-perfect results every time with this master class in photographing the human form. Everything's covered, from working successfully with amateur and professional models to getting great results in your own home or outdoors. Find tips on setting up a shoot, lighting effects, and post-production techniques, so you can turn a good picture into a really great one. Get inspired by a stunning Photographer's Gallery featuring the work of an international panel of photographers, from Andreas Bitesnich and Sylvie Blum, to Allan Jenkins and Almond Chu.

256 pages
DK Publishing (October 15, 2007)
English
ISBN-10: 0756631769
ISBN-13: 978-0756631765


DOWNLOAD HERE

Tommy Hafalla Photo Stream

One of my favorite SLR Photographers...

Tommy Hafalla Collection

View more presentations from yelle. (tags: design to)

TeenMinutes Magazine Issue 21

TEENMINUTES is about model, fashion, beauty and photography for girl between age 16 year to 25 year.
This magazine talks about modelling industry and cover interviews of photographers, models, and various personalities of advertising & film Industry.
This Magazine is from Indonesia and covers beautiful young girls of Indonesia and Asia !

DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE

TeenMinutes Magazine Issue 19

TEENMINUTES is about model, fashion, beauty and photography for girl between age 16 year to 25 year.
This magazine talks about modelling industry and cover interviews of photographers, models, and various personalities of advertising & film Industry.
This Magazine is from Indonesia and covers beautiful young girls of Indonesia and Asia !

DOWNLOAD HERE

Popular Photography Feb. 2009

Shoot pictures like a professional photographer! Popular Photography & Imaging magazine helps you improve your technique and creativity with illustrated, detailed articles. Every issue of Popular Photography & Imaging brings you expert tips from the pros, detailed product reviews, step-by-step guidance and much more. Popular Photography & Imaging is like having your own photo instructor!

DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE 1
MIRROR SITE 2

Underwater Photography - January & February 2009

70 pages PDF
7.3MB


DOWNLOAD HERE

Photographic - Digital Photography Guide 2009

Photo Graphic Tips and Techniques 2009


DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE

Exposure Jan. 2009

Exposure is a regional photography magazine based in Southeast Asia. Community-generated contents, this magazine relies on your contribution. It is you, fellow photographers, who could carry its existence through.



DOWNLOAD HERE

Langford's Advance Photography

A comprehensive guide to digital and film photography for the serious amateur, student or training professional. Fully updated to cover new digital technologies, workflow and methods from image manipulation to colour management and archiving. The ONLY comprehensive guide to photography at an advanced level.


DOWNLOAD HERE

Better Available Light

This classic book on available light photography is back, thoroughly updated for digital photography and, for the first time, is packed with stunning, full color images throughout. Creating great images under less-than-ideal lighting conditions is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, experiences in photography

DOWNLOAD HERE
MIRROR SITE

Master Lighting Guide

Time-tested lighting strategies that will improve the quality of a portrait are detailed in this book for beginning photographers. Terminology used by industry pros is explained, the equipment needed to create professional results is outlined, and the unique role that each element of the lighting setup plays in the studio is explored. Photographers learn how color, direction, form, and contrast affect the final portrait. The concise text, photo examples, and lighting diagrams enable photographers to easily achieve traditional lighting styles that have been the basis of good portraiture since the advent of the art.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Lighting the Nude

Available for the first time in paperback, the top-selling Lighting the Nude reveals the lighting secrets of the top photographers working today. It showcases more than 400 images of the nude, in a wide variety of styles. Each photograph is accompanied by detailed lighting diagrams and an explanation of what makes the shot work. Both beginners in this branch of photography and seasoned pros will find plenty of inspiring lighting ideas and practical guidance. Lighting the Nude is an essential reference for every studio photographer's bookshelf.



DOWNLOAD HERE

Basic Critical Theory for Photographers

Critical theory is an integral part of the art of photography. Students of photography will be provided with an understanding of critical theory in order to evaluate, comment on and appreciate the work of others, as well as to ensure they get the best out of their own work.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Digital Boudoir Photography - John G. Blair

A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Fabulous Images of Any Woman

DOWNLOAD HERE

MIRROR:
Part 1
Part 2

Photography BB Feb. 09

Photograpy BB Magazine Issue 13 Feb. 09



DOWNLOAD NOW

High Pass Sharpening

Photoshop Video Tutorial - High Pass Sharpening from Yanik Chauvin on Vimeo.

Photoshop and Textures Video Tutorial

Finding your Sweet Spot - Kev Lewis

A quick way to improve the pictures you get from your digital camera.

Every camera lens, with an adjustable aperture, has one aperture setting that will give you the maximum sharpness and detail. This is referred to as the lens' "Sweet Spot", and it is very easy to determine which aperture it is.

Please note that image sharpness has nothing to do with Depth of Field (DoF) other than the aperture selected will give you a specific DoF.

As you change the Aperture setting from large numbers (f22) to small (f2.8) more light is allowed through the lens, how long it will strike the sensor or film for is defined by the shutter speed. I know it's the opposite of what you would think. The lower the number the bigger the Aperture and consequently more light is allowed through the lens. More light requires a faster shutter speed to avoid overexposure. That's why lenses with bigger openings are referred to as "Fast Lenses".

Here is how to find your lens' sweet spot:

If you are a geek, like me, you would set your camera up on a tripod and shoot a static subject, which is placed normal to the optical axis of the lens. Using mirror lockup if possible to minimise vibration, take images at the full range of apertures available on the lens, analyse each frame to look for the image with the most detail i.e sharpness and this is your lens' "Sweet Spot".

If, on the other hand, you just want a quick way to check it:

Pick a bright sunny day and choose a test subject with lots of detail and color. I would use a something with a lot of texture in it, like a brick wall. It will need to be in full sun or use flash as you need to be able to take a series of images using all the apertures available on the lens WITHOUT allowing variables, like camera shake, to affect the results. Use a tripod if possible, mirror lockup and cable release or self timer to avoid this problem.

Using Av or manual mode set your lens to the largest aperture (smallest number) and take a picture. Change the aperture (and shutter speed) and repeat the photograph until you have images taken at each aperture.

Download the image files to your computer and compare each of them at 100% magnification. The pictures will be similar but they will have subtle differences.

What you are looking for is the image with the most detail, NOT the most Depth of Field because obviously that will change from aperture to aperture. Look at the edges of things in the image this will be the area where the difference is most apparent.

One image will be sharper than the rest and typically, it will be 2-3 f-stops from wide open i.e. if the lens is an f4 lens then the sweet spot will be somewhere around f8-f11. Unusually, doing this test on a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens I found the sweet spot was about f11 i.e. 4 stops down from wide open. This is probably down to the optical design favouring a smaller aperture for macro work.

So now you know the Sweet Spot for one of your lens, each lens will differ so it is worth checking them all.

Does this mean that you MUST shoot at this best Aperture? Nope it doesn't, before you take a photograph you need to decide what is important and what is appropriate for each photograph. Some images will require a big DoF so you would stop the lens down more but not too much or the image will suffer from diffraction softening (another kettle of fish to be aware of lol), or the ambient light may mean shooting with the lens wide open to get a reasonable shutter speed.

You just need to be aware that the further away from the sweet spot you go the less sharpness will be in the image, so it is always a compromise between DoF and sharpness.

Popular Photography Magazine Jan 09

Popular Photography Magazine Jan 2009
34mb pdf

DOWNLOAD NOW

Street Photography for the purist - Chris Weeks

Street Photography for the purist

DOWNLOAD NOW

Shutterbug Magazine March 09

Shutterbug Magazine March 09
PDF 25mb

DOWNLOAD NOW

Popular Photography and Imaging March 09

Popular Photography and Imaging Magazine March 09
129 Pages PDF
43.9MB

DOWNLOAD NOW

Nature Photography - John Shaw

Nature Photography Field Guide


DOWNLOAD NOW

Digital Photography Pocket Guide

The Digital Photography Pocket Guide gives you the tools and the knowledge to take the kind of pictures you've always wanted. Consider it your quick-reference photo mentor that explains each of the camera's components, shows you what they do, then helps you choose the right settings to accomplish your goal. When you want to ask an expert, "How can I get that picture?", simply pull this handy guide out of your camera bag, backpack, or back pocket, and you'll find the answer quickly.

DOWNLOAD NOW