5 megapixels is enough to make a good 8x10 prints.
To work out maximum size of print for my camera go to dpreview.com
Chip size - smaller get shorter depth of field and print size.
For shallow depth of field on any camera (any lens): use wide aperture and long focal length (extend zoom to maximum) and compose shot.
Tripods are invaluable for long exposures and stillness. Small flexible tripods for easier portage and can be attached or stuck in unusual places and at strange angles.
Lens - never touch a lens. Use a bulb, from the chemist, to blow dust off. Buy a UV filter to put over the
lens to protect it.
Environment - humidity and sea air are very bad for electronic cameras. Keep camera in ziplock bag. Clean cameras that have been used near sea. In a humid environment, take camera in bag out of room and leave it in the bag until condensation fills the bag.
One over shutter formula -
1/200s is the longest handheld shutter speed I can use with a lens with a range of 17-200mm (well, that explains a lot). May still make successful shots at 1/50-1/8s.
Suggested testing process for limits of my camera (and me): sunny day. Choose Av setting (auto aperture) and take photos at long, middle and sort aperture. Repeat with tripod. Examine closely on computer.
Viewfinder and composition -
I might not see everything that ends up in the shot.
suggested testing process: set up camera with tripod. Tape sheet of paper to wall with 1234 on edges. Adjust composition until only half of number of visible in viewfinder. Examine on screen - how does it differ from this precise composition.
Using Photoshop
Destroys pixels, that is it reduces quality the more you edit. Don't use it as a fix it, but minor corrections.
The image makes the meaning, not the process of Photoshopping. If one uses Photoshop one needs to do it with intention and with seamless effect (unlike me!).
Digital photography turns the world into a grid of pixels - units sensitive to RBG - and in subtle changes in tone, guesses are made. Where the change in tone is abrupt the guess can be too soft - photoshop is useful for Sharpening these edges.
JPEG or RAW
A form of file compression that takes areas of colour and removes what it decides is unnecessary for a smaller file. This represents a loss of information. Shoot in RAW rather than JPEG.
Using Adobe Bridge to make Collections:
Set-up shot and only take a few images or take lots of shots according to some idea and choose later. This can generate a lot of images!
In Adobe Bridge, I can take images and put them in a set.
Use Labels to rate the 'best*' images amongst the many and then filter, using Sort, to select the high ratings. Labels an be edited for my needs.
Click folder with plus sign.
Give collection a name.
Select images and drag over new folder.
* What's 'best'? Best represents the idea? Best composition, light, focus etc
Changing White Balance, Exposure etc
Old Rigid Way of Working with Film
Expose film - process the film - sleeve the film-contact sheet of film-choose a negative to enlarge-make a series of test strips to determine best exposure of print-make print
Digital Equivalent
Expose film - process film if its in RAW-sleeve film-make contact sheet (Bridge)-Use Photoshop to choose images-Use photoshop to manipulate images
In Bridge, Right click on any image. opens in RAW.
Global edit - effects entire shot.
Click ? Tool (fourth icon) takes readings. 0=black, 250=white (no detail), white skin ought to be about 168-175.
Use Auto White Balance on camera.
Dialogue box allows me to choose white balance eg shade as well as other sliders to recover detail.
Photoshop Exercise: Layer Masks
Take 3 photos of myself with a tripod and a timer. Everything in the composition is still, except me.
Open all three images in separate windows in Photoshop
Select one image, click the Move tool, hold down shift key and drop onto of other image (automatically aligns and resizes).
Create mask - Click on Layer menu, Click Layer mask and hide all (black) or show all (white).
Make sure you're on the right layer.
Click on brush tool. Paint on image to reveal additional self. Can adjust opacity, size of tool to remove (black)/add (white) fine detail.
Repeat and add the second image.
Save as .psd to keep layers for further adjustment, Save as JPEG to flatten image and choose a resolution.
The point: can combine images with subtle differences, such as bluer sky or greener grass.
Here is the rough result:
Re-Copying
Web images can be very small for blogging and presentations. Instead use photograph books and use mobile phone to take photos of the photos.
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