Download - PhotoComment July 2009
Editor’s Comment 4
Readers Comments 4We want to hear from [email protected]
Scoop 6All about what is happeningin the photographic world locally and internationally
Professional Portfolio 8Emil Wessels
Technique 14Improve Your Camera Phone Photography
Review 16 - Sony Alpha 380 D-SLR - Rapid Studio Album Software
Final Comment 21
JULY 2009
Whilst all care and attention is employed to ensure the legitimacy, accuracy and correctness of the information, data, texts, images, ideas, photographs and opinions expressed herein, PHOTOCOMMENT cannot be held responsible or liable in any way whatsoever for the content as it appears herein. Similarly, PHOTOCOMMENT makes no express or implied warranty or representation as to the proprietorship or intellectual property inherent in the images and photographs published herein and which it has commissioned for use from external sources on good faith dealing. Accordingly, PHOTOCOMMENT is hereby indemnified, defended and held harmless against all claims, liability, damages, costs and expenses in regard thereto.
photocomment © 2009
International and local Intellectual Property and Copyright laws protect all material (text, images, photographs, graphics, software and icons) used herein. You are only permitted to download, copy or print this on-line publication or any features there from for personal, instructional and non-commercial use.
Cover Photo by: Emil Wessels Model: Jenni
Founder: Tristan Hall
Editor: Wilhelmus Moller
Design & Layout: Greg Wrench
Contact: [email protected]
Editor’s Comment 4
Readers Comments 4We want to hear from [email protected]
Scoop 6All about what is happeningin the photographic world locally and internationally
Professional Portfolio 8Emil Wessels
Technique 14Improve Your Camera Phone Photography
Review 16 - Sony Alpha 380 D-SLR - Rapid Studio Album Software
Final Comment 21
JULY 2009
Whilst all care and attention is employed to ensure the legitimacy, accuracy and correctness of the information, data, texts, images, ideas, photographs and opinions expressed herein, PHOTOCOMMENT cannot be held responsible or liable in any way whatsoever for the content as it appears herein. Similarly, PHOTOCOMMENT makes no express or implied warranty or representation as to the proprietorship or intellectual property inherent in the images and photographs published herein and which it has commissioned for use from external sources on good faith dealing. Accordingly, PHOTOCOMMENT is hereby indemnified, defended and held harmless against all claims, liability, damages, costs and expenses in regard thereto.
photocomment © 2009
International and local Intellectual Property and Copyright laws protect all material (text, images, photographs, graphics, software and icons) used herein. You are only permitted to download, copy or print this on-line publication or any features there from for personal, instructional and non-commercial use.
Cover Photo by: Emil Wessels Model: Jenni
Founder: Tristan Hall
Editor: Wilhelmus Moller
Design & Layout: Greg Wrench
Contact: [email protected]
t is said that smell is our most direct link to Ithe past and with that those in the know mean
to say our distant, ancient past. For most of us
living right now, sight is the sense that
immediately informs us of our present situation
and, through printed or projected imagery, our
past also.
In PhotoComment this month we investigate
cellphone imagery and the remarkable results that
Editor’s Comment
Readers CommentsWe welcome feedback about what you think of
PhotoComment Magazine. Your stories,
experiences, questions, inspirations, are all welcome
and can be sent to [email protected]
enter “Letters” as the subject. Each month we will
publish some of your feedback.
Win Stand a chance to win by contributing to our
Readers Letters section.Camera Stabilising Bag
sponsored by Tandem Focus
Distributors
TANDEM
can be obtained when one is not limited by your
equipment or imagination. Rob Wood guides us
through the pitfalls of photographing with a
cellphone camera and we also review the Sony
Alpha 380.
Sit back, relax, read our magazine and ponder
the virtues of God’s most amazing creations -
your sight and creativity.
Ed.
s some of you may have noticed, from the A1st July 2009 PhotoComment's online
edition, published at www.mymag.co.za is free.
We wish to thank all of those who have supported
us since we launched earlier this year and have
arranged with My Mag to refund the balance of
your subscriptions. Should there be an delays in
this process and you have not received your
refund by August 1st, please notify us by email to
Announcement
ongratulations Cto our founder
Tristan Hall and his
wife Candice on the
birth of their their
son Clarke on
25 June 2009.
Congratulations
t is said that smell is our most direct link to Ithe past and with that those in the know mean
to say our distant, ancient past. For most of us
living right now, sight is the sense that
immediately informs us of our present situation
and, through printed or projected imagery, our
past also.
In PhotoComment this month we investigate
cellphone imagery and the remarkable results that
Editor’s Comment
Readers CommentsWe welcome feedback about what you think of
PhotoComment Magazine. Your stories,
experiences, questions, inspirations, are all welcome
and can be sent to [email protected]
enter “Letters” as the subject. Each month we will
publish some of your feedback.
Win Stand a chance to win by contributing to our
Readers Letters section.Camera Stabilising Bag
sponsored by Tandem Focus
Distributors
TANDEM
can be obtained when one is not limited by your
equipment or imagination. Rob Wood guides us
through the pitfalls of photographing with a
cellphone camera and we also review the Sony
Alpha 380.
Sit back, relax, read our magazine and ponder
the virtues of God’s most amazing creations -
your sight and creativity.
Ed.
s some of you may have noticed, from the A1st July 2009 PhotoComment's online
edition, published at www.mymag.co.za is free.
We wish to thank all of those who have supported
us since we launched earlier this year and have
arranged with My Mag to refund the balance of
your subscriptions. Should there be an delays in
this process and you have not received your
refund by August 1st, please notify us by email to
Announcement
ongratulations Cto our founder
Tristan Hall and his
wife Candice on the
birth of their their
son Clarke on
25 June 2009.
Congratulations
Kodak Axes KodaChrome For generations it has been
used to capture everything
from family memories to
world-changing events.
But now Kodachrome
itself, Kodak’s oldest
camera film, is about to
become history.
The company has decided
to axe Kodachrome as
photographers switch to digital cameras.
The first commercially successful colour film, which has been
in production for 74 years, accounts for only 1 per cent of the
company’s sales of still-picture films.
There is only one laboratory in the world still producing it.
Its heyday came in the Fifties and Sixties when it was
favoured by still and motion-picture photographers for its rich
tones and vibrant colours.
Many professional photographers feel this richness is missing
from modern digital images.
In 1963, Abraham Zapruder used Kodachrome to film
President Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas.
The film was even immortalised in the 1973 song
Kodachrome by Paul Simon. The lyrics read: ‘They give us
those nice bright colours. They give us the greens of summers.
Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day.’
Kodak estimates stocks of Kodachrome will run out this
autumn. It is still sold by some British retailers, including
Boots.
'The majority of today's photographers have voiced their
preference to capture images with newer technology - both
film and digital,' said president of Kodak, Mary Jane Hellyar.
'Kodachrome is particularly difficult (to retire) because it
really has become kind of an icon,' she added.
Miss Hellyar insisted that despite the demise of the famous
film, Kodak would continue to produce camera film 'as far
into the future as possible'. She pointed out that many
professional photographers still refuse to go digital.
Hasselblad Debuts CFV-39 Digital BackThe new Hasselblad CFV-39 digital back, custom built to match the design and functionality of
Hasselblad V cameras, turns every V camera into an easy-to-use digital workhorse.
The 39-megapixel back, with a sensor twice the size of premier DSLRs, features two capture modes and
a new digital lens correction technology for Carl Zeiss lenses, powered by Mac- and Windows-
compatible Phocus image processing software.
“Quickly and easily, the Hasselblad CFV-39 can transform a V System film camera into a high-
performance digital camera,” says product manager Peter Stig. “Just snap on a charged battery, insert a
CF card, add the back, and you’re ready to shoot.”
“The Hasselblad CFV-39 brings an ultra-high level of integration, flexibility, and image quality to the
professional photographer who needs the best for mobile and studio shooting,” says Peter Stig.
New Olympus E-P1A new era of digital imaging begins today with the launch of
the Olympus E-P1. The world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel
interchangeable lens system camera blends the high-quality
still images of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) with High
Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording
and In-Camera Creativity within an ultra-portable body. The
easy-to-use E-P1 expands your creative horizons and its
diverse multimedia features offer something for everyone.
Built for today’s visual generation who lead active lives online
and offline, the E-P1 will make you rethink what you can do
with a camera.
Sony World Photography AwardsAs one of the largest photographic events existing today, the
Sony World Photography Awards (SWPA), reach far beyond an
awards programme for the still image. The SWPA is a
convergence of festival events, focused photographic agendas,
exhibitions, awards schemes, student programmes and an
industry-led gala evening ceremony which marks the pinnacle
of the week-long event held in April 2009.
From fine art to applied photography in fashion, advertising and
sport to humanistic and documentary photography of people,
social, cultural and current affairs to the environmental image of
landscape, wildlife and ecology, there are few subjects or genres
left undiscovered. The celebration of the still image - its roots,
conception, adaptation and continuous evolution - is a constant
parallel, unifying all categories of the Sony World Photography
Awards.
The Sony World Photography Awards are entirely international,
welcoming amateur and professional photographers from across
the globe to submit their photographs into a highly competitive
awards programme.
Professional Competition
As an entering professional photographer, you will be judged by
the World Photographic Academy in the hopes of being
recognized by leading industry figures and taking the stage in
Cannes to receive one of the 12 prestigious category awards
and, the most coveted prize, L’iris d’Or, given to The Sony
World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year, with the
recipient taking, amongst other things, prize money of $25,000.
Amateur Competition
As an amateur photographer, you also have the opportunity to
be judged by the World Photographic Academy in the hopes of
taking the stage in Cannes to receive one of the most sought
after prizes in the competition: The SonY World Photography
Awards Amateur Photographer of the Year.
Deadline for submissions: December 4th, 2009
For more information on this competition visit
http://www.photocompetitions.com/2009/sony-world-
photography-awards-2/
PENTAX Optio W80HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio W80
digital compact camera. In addition to its outstanding waterproof, dustproof and coldproof capabilities — which allow for up
to two hours of continuous underwater
photography at a depth down to five
meters — the new Optio W80 offers
outstanding shockproof performance
to withstand a fall from a height of
one meter
Nokia unveils new flagship Nseries devicesOn 16 July 2009 Nokia unveiled the latest from its coveted Nseries range,
the Nokia N97 and the Nokia N86 8MP. Both devices incorporate leading
Nseries technology including high-speed connectivity, the latest version
of Nokia Maps and a large onboard memory, 32GB & 8GB respectively,
for storing music and photographs. The highly anticipated Nokia N97,
known as the world's most advanced
mobile computer, is set to transform the way people connect to the Internet and to each other.
When Nokia set out to make the best mobile imaging device, it combined wide-angle Carl
Zeiss optics and an 8 megapixel sensor, resulting in performance comparable to a stand-alone
digital camera. The Nokia N86 8MP is designed to excel in both bright and low light
conditions and is optimized for both video and still imaging. Its high-speed connectivity
ensures easy and convenient sharing.
Kodak Axes KodaChrome For generations it has been
used to capture everything
from family memories to
world-changing events.
But now Kodachrome
itself, Kodak’s oldest
camera film, is about to
become history.
The company has decided
to axe Kodachrome as
photographers switch to digital cameras.
The first commercially successful colour film, which has been
in production for 74 years, accounts for only 1 per cent of the
company’s sales of still-picture films.
There is only one laboratory in the world still producing it.
Its heyday came in the Fifties and Sixties when it was
favoured by still and motion-picture photographers for its rich
tones and vibrant colours.
Many professional photographers feel this richness is missing
from modern digital images.
In 1963, Abraham Zapruder used Kodachrome to film
President Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas.
The film was even immortalised in the 1973 song
Kodachrome by Paul Simon. The lyrics read: ‘They give us
those nice bright colours. They give us the greens of summers.
Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day.’
Kodak estimates stocks of Kodachrome will run out this
autumn. It is still sold by some British retailers, including
Boots.
'The majority of today's photographers have voiced their
preference to capture images with newer technology - both
film and digital,' said president of Kodak, Mary Jane Hellyar.
'Kodachrome is particularly difficult (to retire) because it
really has become kind of an icon,' she added.
Miss Hellyar insisted that despite the demise of the famous
film, Kodak would continue to produce camera film 'as far
into the future as possible'. She pointed out that many
professional photographers still refuse to go digital.
Hasselblad Debuts CFV-39 Digital BackThe new Hasselblad CFV-39 digital back, custom built to match the design and functionality of
Hasselblad V cameras, turns every V camera into an easy-to-use digital workhorse.
The 39-megapixel back, with a sensor twice the size of premier DSLRs, features two capture modes and
a new digital lens correction technology for Carl Zeiss lenses, powered by Mac- and Windows-
compatible Phocus image processing software.
“Quickly and easily, the Hasselblad CFV-39 can transform a V System film camera into a high-
performance digital camera,” says product manager Peter Stig. “Just snap on a charged battery, insert a
CF card, add the back, and you’re ready to shoot.”
“The Hasselblad CFV-39 brings an ultra-high level of integration, flexibility, and image quality to the
professional photographer who needs the best for mobile and studio shooting,” says Peter Stig.
New Olympus E-P1A new era of digital imaging begins today with the launch of
the Olympus E-P1. The world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel
interchangeable lens system camera blends the high-quality
still images of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) with High
Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording
and In-Camera Creativity within an ultra-portable body. The
easy-to-use E-P1 expands your creative horizons and its
diverse multimedia features offer something for everyone.
Built for today’s visual generation who lead active lives online
and offline, the E-P1 will make you rethink what you can do
with a camera.
Sony World Photography AwardsAs one of the largest photographic events existing today, the
Sony World Photography Awards (SWPA), reach far beyond an
awards programme for the still image. The SWPA is a
convergence of festival events, focused photographic agendas,
exhibitions, awards schemes, student programmes and an
industry-led gala evening ceremony which marks the pinnacle
of the week-long event held in April 2009.
From fine art to applied photography in fashion, advertising and
sport to humanistic and documentary photography of people,
social, cultural and current affairs to the environmental image of
landscape, wildlife and ecology, there are few subjects or genres
left undiscovered. The celebration of the still image - its roots,
conception, adaptation and continuous evolution - is a constant
parallel, unifying all categories of the Sony World Photography
Awards.
The Sony World Photography Awards are entirely international,
welcoming amateur and professional photographers from across
the globe to submit their photographs into a highly competitive
awards programme.
Professional Competition
As an entering professional photographer, you will be judged by
the World Photographic Academy in the hopes of being
recognized by leading industry figures and taking the stage in
Cannes to receive one of the 12 prestigious category awards
and, the most coveted prize, L’iris d’Or, given to The Sony
World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year, with the
recipient taking, amongst other things, prize money of $25,000.
Amateur Competition
As an amateur photographer, you also have the opportunity to
be judged by the World Photographic Academy in the hopes of
taking the stage in Cannes to receive one of the most sought
after prizes in the competition: The SonY World Photography
Awards Amateur Photographer of the Year.
Deadline for submissions: December 4th, 2009
For more information on this competition visit
http://www.photocompetitions.com/2009/sony-world-
photography-awards-2/
PENTAX Optio W80HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio W80
digital compact camera. In addition to its outstanding waterproof, dustproof and coldproof capabilities — which allow for up
to two hours of continuous underwater
photography at a depth down to five
meters — the new Optio W80 offers
outstanding shockproof performance
to withstand a fall from a height of
one meter
Nokia unveils new flagship Nseries devicesOn 16 July 2009 Nokia unveiled the latest from its coveted Nseries range,
the Nokia N97 and the Nokia N86 8MP. Both devices incorporate leading
Nseries technology including high-speed connectivity, the latest version
of Nokia Maps and a large onboard memory, 32GB & 8GB respectively,
for storing music and photographs. The highly anticipated Nokia N97,
known as the world's most advanced
mobile computer, is set to transform the way people connect to the Internet and to each other.
When Nokia set out to make the best mobile imaging device, it combined wide-angle Carl
Zeiss optics and an 8 megapixel sensor, resulting in performance comparable to a stand-alone
digital camera. The Nokia N86 8MP is designed to excel in both bright and low light
conditions and is optimized for both video and still imaging. Its high-speed connectivity
ensures easy and convenient sharing.
hen Emil Wessels watched his first print come to life Win a friend's darkroom many years ago he was
hooked. The thrill of knowing he had created something drove
him to take more pictures and do it better than before. Emil
will tell you how many different people and things have
influenced his photography, but it is Gordon Riddick who
influenced him most in his youth. Emil recounts how Gordon
gave him the guidance and recognition he needed at a time
when his talent was still being developed. He now tries to do
the same for up and coming photographers by helping them
better understand the craft and giving them the recognition
they require to believe in themselves. He says, 'If you spend
time with people who are better than you, you can get
inspiration to become better, whereas if you spend time with
people who have not reached the same level as you you need
to give them the inspiration to become better. When you give
someone recognition, you open their boundaries.'
After winning a gold medal for the first image he submitted to
a Camera Club competition, Emil has earned a wealth of
experience having worked as a photographer in the Airforce,
as a press photographer for Die Beeld and as the Chief
photographer for the SABC for 15 years, as well as having
worked in the South African film industry. He now has a
studio in Linden and lectures at the University of
Johannesburg.
Talent doesn't always come naturally, but can be developed
through hard work. Emil refers to himself as 'poetic without a
command for written language' and as 'an artist without brush
skills.' He has made up for this by developing his photography
to the point of excellence. He says that you have to be visually
literate. Remember shots you have seen and use them as a
guide for taking new shots. He warns not to just copy other
shots verbatim, this way you will not learn and improve your
own skills, but rather use them as a spring board for your own
ideas. Make it become your own. Sometimes you need to sit
back and look at how to inspire yourself. Some people decide
before hand on the photograph they want to take and go out
and take it. While this is not a bad thing, Emil says that this
method means that you will miss many other opportunities for
a great photograph. Always be on the lookout for the next
hen Emil Wessels watched his first print come to life Win a friend's darkroom many years ago he was
hooked. The thrill of knowing he had created something drove
him to take more pictures and do it better than before. Emil
will tell you how many different people and things have
influenced his photography, but it is Gordon Riddick who
influenced him most in his youth. Emil recounts how Gordon
gave him the guidance and recognition he needed at a time
when his talent was still being developed. He now tries to do
the same for up and coming photographers by helping them
better understand the craft and giving them the recognition
they require to believe in themselves. He says, 'If you spend
time with people who are better than you, you can get
inspiration to become better, whereas if you spend time with
people who have not reached the same level as you you need
to give them the inspiration to become better. When you give
someone recognition, you open their boundaries.'
After winning a gold medal for the first image he submitted to
a Camera Club competition, Emil has earned a wealth of
experience having worked as a photographer in the Airforce,
as a press photographer for Die Beeld and as the Chief
photographer for the SABC for 15 years, as well as having
worked in the South African film industry. He now has a
studio in Linden and lectures at the University of
Johannesburg.
Talent doesn't always come naturally, but can be developed
through hard work. Emil refers to himself as 'poetic without a
command for written language' and as 'an artist without brush
skills.' He has made up for this by developing his photography
to the point of excellence. He says that you have to be visually
literate. Remember shots you have seen and use them as a
guide for taking new shots. He warns not to just copy other
shots verbatim, this way you will not learn and improve your
own skills, but rather use them as a spring board for your own
ideas. Make it become your own. Sometimes you need to sit
back and look at how to inspire yourself. Some people decide
before hand on the photograph they want to take and go out
and take it. While this is not a bad thing, Emil says that this
method means that you will miss many other opportunities for
a great photograph. Always be on the lookout for the next
shot. One way of finding opportunities is to choose a theme
for the day and take photographs of that theme. He does this
often with amazing results. He says 'When you go out to take
photographs know where you are going and what to expect so
that you can prepare yourself to see those opportunities.' He
reminds us not to go looking for shots of a forest when you are
in the desert.
Having started out using a Chinon and upgrading to a Minolta
system, he now uses Nikon equipment. He will tell you that
now, more than ever before, it does not matter what camera
you are using, as long there is a good piece of glass in front of
it. It is the lens that determines the quality of the captured
image. He points out that you can give two people exactly the
same equipment, put them in the same location with the same
lighting, the same subject and one of them will take a good
photograph and the other won't. Taking photographs needs to
become instinctive. He recalls the old days, not to long ago,
where you had a roll of film with 36 exposures on which to get
your shot and produce a good result, unlike today where you
can shoot hundreds of photographs and still only produce a
mediocre result.
shot. One way of finding opportunities is to choose a theme
for the day and take photographs of that theme. He does this
often with amazing results. He says 'When you go out to take
photographs know where you are going and what to expect so
that you can prepare yourself to see those opportunities.' He
reminds us not to go looking for shots of a forest when you are
in the desert.
Having started out using a Chinon and upgrading to a Minolta
system, he now uses Nikon equipment. He will tell you that
now, more than ever before, it does not matter what camera
you are using, as long there is a good piece of glass in front of
it. It is the lens that determines the quality of the captured
image. He points out that you can give two people exactly the
same equipment, put them in the same location with the same
lighting, the same subject and one of them will take a good
photograph and the other won't. Taking photographs needs to
become instinctive. He recalls the old days, not to long ago,
where you had a roll of film with 36 exposures on which to get
your shot and produce a good result, unlike today where you
can shoot hundreds of photographs and still only produce a
mediocre result.
Emil enjoys photgraphing any subject but admits that he
enjoys photographing people most of all. He also enjoys
photographing what he refers to as intimate landscapes. A
landscape that covers an area of only a few metres. As a lover
of history Emil emphasizes the importance of taking
photographs of the people around us. A family's history used
to be kept in writing by the patriarch and passed on from
generation to generation. Now it is easy to keep a visual
history. He advises that we should take pictures of our family,
and take pictures of ourselves with our family, so that we can
look back and remember that moment in time.
[o]
Emil enjoys photgraphing any subject but admits that he
enjoys photographing people most of all. He also enjoys
photographing what he refers to as intimate landscapes. A
landscape that covers an area of only a few metres. As a lover
of history Emil emphasizes the importance of taking
photographs of the people around us. A family's history used
to be kept in writing by the patriarch and passed on from
generation to generation. Now it is easy to keep a visual
history. He advises that we should take pictures of our family,
and take pictures of ourselves with our family, so that we can
look back and remember that moment in time.
[o]
s any camera phone photographer will tell you, talent Abeats equipment almost every time in photography. A
talented photographer can produce a stunning image with a
pinhole camera given enough time, whereas many amateurs
struggle to produce even average photographs using top of the
line camera gear. These days, there is a growing movement of
camera phone photographers who are out to show that talent
combined with a camera phone can produce some incredible
photos. Given some of the images they come up with, we are
certainly not going to argue.
In fact, the stunning examples of camera phone photography
that we have seen led us to investigate how camera phones can
be used to produce such incredible images. And so, here is our
online guide to camera phone photography!
Camera Phone Photography GuideThere are a lot of things you can do to start getting the most
out of your camera phone in terms of the best possible
photography. Some of the more obvious things you can do
include:
• Maximise the camera resolution – many recent
camera phones come with the option to increase or decrease
the resolution of the camera. If you plan to be taking a lot of
artistic shots then it’s obvious that you are going to have to
jack the resolution up as high as possible for most scenarios.
• Be Aware of Light – Many camera phones deal with low
light quite poorly. In general, if you can get a well lit subject
then you are going to get better results with your camera
phone.
• Alter the white balance – likewise, the white balance
of shots on many camera phones can also be adjusted. Play
around with this setting to achieve the effect that you want.
You may even need to adjust this depending on the type of
shots you are trying to take so get used to using one of the few
controls that you have over the image making process on a
camera phone.
• Don’t be shy about taking a lot of shots – now,
you have to realise that you are simply not going to have the
options available to you that many people who shoot on SLRs
or DSLRs will. One easy way to make up for that is to start
taking as many shots as possible. This simply increases the
chances of snagging a good one.
• Get Close – The majority of camera phones don’t have
great zoom lenses. In almost all cases the zoom is digital
rather than optical meaning the image chip simply takes a part
of the large and makes that part larger – that leads to poorer
quality. It is much better to get up close to the subject than to
use the zoom on a camera phone.
Closing ThoughtsIf you are determined to show what great images can be taken
with a camera phone, then you have set yourself quite a
challenge, but certainly an achievable one. One key that is
repeated in all of the guides is that planning is paramount. If
you can control and plan for as much of the photography
process as possible, then you offset many of the drawbacks in
shooting with less adaptable equipment such as a camera
phone. But as many camera phone photographers have shown,
the results can be well worth the effort.
s any camera phone photographer will tell you, talent Abeats equipment almost every time in photography. A
talented photographer can produce a stunning image with a
pinhole camera given enough time, whereas many amateurs
struggle to produce even average photographs using top of the
line camera gear. These days, there is a growing movement of
camera phone photographers who are out to show that talent
combined with a camera phone can produce some incredible
photos. Given some of the images they come up with, we are
certainly not going to argue.
In fact, the stunning examples of camera phone photography
that we have seen led us to investigate how camera phones can
be used to produce such incredible images. And so, here is our
online guide to camera phone photography!
Camera Phone Photography GuideThere are a lot of things you can do to start getting the most
out of your camera phone in terms of the best possible
photography. Some of the more obvious things you can do
include:
• Maximise the camera resolution – many recent
camera phones come with the option to increase or decrease
the resolution of the camera. If you plan to be taking a lot of
artistic shots then it’s obvious that you are going to have to
jack the resolution up as high as possible for most scenarios.
• Be Aware of Light – Many camera phones deal with low
light quite poorly. In general, if you can get a well lit subject
then you are going to get better results with your camera
phone.
• Alter the white balance – likewise, the white balance
of shots on many camera phones can also be adjusted. Play
around with this setting to achieve the effect that you want.
You may even need to adjust this depending on the type of
shots you are trying to take so get used to using one of the few
controls that you have over the image making process on a
camera phone.
• Don’t be shy about taking a lot of shots – now,
you have to realise that you are simply not going to have the
options available to you that many people who shoot on SLRs
or DSLRs will. One easy way to make up for that is to start
taking as many shots as possible. This simply increases the
chances of snagging a good one.
• Get Close – The majority of camera phones don’t have
great zoom lenses. In almost all cases the zoom is digital
rather than optical meaning the image chip simply takes a part
of the large and makes that part larger – that leads to poorer
quality. It is much better to get up close to the subject than to
use the zoom on a camera phone.
Closing ThoughtsIf you are determined to show what great images can be taken
with a camera phone, then you have set yourself quite a
challenge, but certainly an achievable one. One key that is
repeated in all of the guides is that planning is paramount. If
you can control and plan for as much of the photography
process as possible, then you offset many of the drawbacks in
shooting with less adaptable equipment such as a camera
phone. But as many camera phone photographers have shown,
the results can be well worth the effort.
The Alpha 380 features Live View. This is the ability to use
the LCD on the rear of the camera as a viewfinder. As you
would with a compact digital camera. The screen tilts as much
as 90 degrees when viewing from the top or 45 degrees when
viewing from the bottom. Unfortunately the LCD looks as
though it was attached as an after thought and in Live View
mode the image on the LCD is not great. Switching between
Live View and the Optical Viewfinder is by a switch on top of
the camera, and in Live View mode the optical viewfinder is
blocked. Don't try and use the LCD if you are focusing
manually, you can't be sure if it is in focus because the image
on the screen is not sharp. The camera does try to assist you in
deciding when the shot is in focus by means of the focus
points on the LCD turning green when the image is in focus.
There is the option to enlarge the centre of the display, but
doing this does not really help as the quality of the display gets
worse and you cannot see what you actually have framed
before you take the shot. I must say the quality of this screen
does not affect the quality of the captured image. The reason
for the poorer quality of the image on the Live View screen is
due to Sony using a second CCD for the Live View. This
means that in Live View mode you still get continuous auto
focus and that when you press the shutter button there is no
delay while the camera focuses, the shutter fires immediately,
you won't miss your shot. The Live View function and the
ability to tilt the screen will help you get some of those tricky
shots where you previously had to guess if you were getting
the shot you wanted.
Sonly Alpha 380 Review by: Greg Wrench
he first thing I noticed when I picked Tup the new Sony Alpha 380 was that it
didn't fit in my hand. Now my hands aren't
that big, but it still feels very small. I asked
my wife what she thought, her hands are
significantly smaller than mine, and without
any prompting she said the same thing, that
the grip was too small and therefore not easy
to hold. That being said, the general layout
of the Alpha 380 is good with almost all
buttons in easy reach. The only exception is
the menu button which is all on its own on
the left of the body. Sony wanted to produce
a Digital SLR that anyone could pick up and
take good photos. This they have achieved.
The new alpha range is very easy to use.
Informative help screens tell you what each
function on the camera does, making the sometimes daunting
task of switching from the 'Green' mode to one of the pre-set
scene modes, or taking the next step to the semi auto modes,
much simpler. This camera will inspire confidence, even in a
novice photographer.
The Alpha 380 features Live View. This is the ability to use
the LCD on the rear of the camera as a viewfinder. As you
would with a compact digital camera. The screen tilts as much
as 90 degrees when viewing from the top or 45 degrees when
viewing from the bottom. Unfortunately the LCD looks as
though it was attached as an after thought and in Live View
mode the image on the LCD is not great. Switching between
Live View and the Optical Viewfinder is by a switch on top of
the camera, and in Live View mode the optical viewfinder is
blocked. Don't try and use the LCD if you are focusing
manually, you can't be sure if it is in focus because the image
on the screen is not sharp. The camera does try to assist you in
deciding when the shot is in focus by means of the focus
points on the LCD turning green when the image is in focus.
There is the option to enlarge the centre of the display, but
doing this does not really help as the quality of the display gets
worse and you cannot see what you actually have framed
before you take the shot. I must say the quality of this screen
does not affect the quality of the captured image. The reason
for the poorer quality of the image on the Live View screen is
due to Sony using a second CCD for the Live View. This
means that in Live View mode you still get continuous auto
focus and that when you press the shutter button there is no
delay while the camera focuses, the shutter fires immediately,
you won't miss your shot. The Live View function and the
ability to tilt the screen will help you get some of those tricky
shots where you previously had to guess if you were getting
the shot you wanted.
Sonly Alpha 380 Review by: Greg Wrench
he first thing I noticed when I picked Tup the new Sony Alpha 380 was that it
didn't fit in my hand. Now my hands aren't
that big, but it still feels very small. I asked
my wife what she thought, her hands are
significantly smaller than mine, and without
any prompting she said the same thing, that
the grip was too small and therefore not easy
to hold. That being said, the general layout
of the Alpha 380 is good with almost all
buttons in easy reach. The only exception is
the menu button which is all on its own on
the left of the body. Sony wanted to produce
a Digital SLR that anyone could pick up and
take good photos. This they have achieved.
The new alpha range is very easy to use.
Informative help screens tell you what each
function on the camera does, making the sometimes daunting
task of switching from the 'Green' mode to one of the pre-set
scene modes, or taking the next step to the semi auto modes,
much simpler. This camera will inspire confidence, even in a
novice photographer.
Aperture PrioritySteadyshot Inside, Sony's in body image stabilistion, helps
take clear pictures when shooting hand held. As this is in the
body it works with any lense that is attached.
A 9 point auto focus system makes focusing fast and accurate.
A sensor on the optical viewfinder senses when you put the
camera to your eye and starts focusing immediatley while also
turning off the LCD to save battery. At 14.2 Mega Pixels you
you have enough pixels for any application. A newly enhanced
D-Range Optimiser helps with tricky lighting situations
ensuring correctly exposed images. The Alpha 380 can use
either the Sony Memory Stick or SD Cards which is great
news as the Memory Sticks can be quite pricey, and if you are
upgrading from a compact camera that uses SD cards you can
still use those same cards. It also features an HDMI output
which allows you to connect the camera to any HD ready TV.
In an Alpha first, when connected to a BRAVIA™ TV you can
control the slideshow and other camera playback functions
using your TV remote.
The Alpha 380 is designed to make the change over from a
digital compact to a digital SLR easy. This is a great camera
and will give anyone from a beginner to an experienced
photographer hours of pleasure shooting high quality images.
Program Mode Sunset Mode
Landscape Mode (Cropped)
Last month you would have seen an
Advertorial for photobooks by
Remember When and Rapid Studio.
This month we bring you a review of
the software and service by former
PhotoComment designer and new
mom Candice, is who better suited for
the job.
Candice's Feedback:
?I found that a basic graphic
software knowledge will assist you in
navigating this software better, though
it's by no means as complicated as
Photoshop or Corel Draw.
?There are exciting kid's album
options available due to the large
range of colours to choose from.
?Enjoyed the option of choosing a
Matt, Gloss or textured finish.
?A negative point in my experience
is that you need to have a stable,
highspeed internet connection when
uploading the album using the online
option.
?The support people were great and
once the album was uploaded they
delivered the album quickly to our
door.
?The overall finish of the photobook
was good with print quality better than
expected.
We selected images from a recent
wedding for this photobook and will
be posting some feedback from the
couple once we deliver it too them,
but from our experience Rapid Studio
is well worth a try.
Aperture PrioritySteadyshot Inside, Sony's in body image stabilistion, helps
take clear pictures when shooting hand held. As this is in the
body it works with any lense that is attached.
A 9 point auto focus system makes focusing fast and accurate.
A sensor on the optical viewfinder senses when you put the
camera to your eye and starts focusing immediatley while also
turning off the LCD to save battery. At 14.2 Mega Pixels you
you have enough pixels for any application. A newly enhanced
D-Range Optimiser helps with tricky lighting situations
ensuring correctly exposed images. The Alpha 380 can use
either the Sony Memory Stick or SD Cards which is great
news as the Memory Sticks can be quite pricey, and if you are
upgrading from a compact camera that uses SD cards you can
still use those same cards. It also features an HDMI output
which allows you to connect the camera to any HD ready TV.
In an Alpha first, when connected to a BRAVIA™ TV you can
control the slideshow and other camera playback functions
using your TV remote.
The Alpha 380 is designed to make the change over from a
digital compact to a digital SLR easy. This is a great camera
and will give anyone from a beginner to an experienced
photographer hours of pleasure shooting high quality images.
Program Mode Sunset Mode
Landscape Mode (Cropped)
Last month you would have seen an
Advertorial for photobooks by
Remember When and Rapid Studio.
This month we bring you a review of
the software and service by former
PhotoComment designer and new
mom Candice, is who better suited for
the job.
Candice's Feedback:
?I found that a basic graphic
software knowledge will assist you in
navigating this software better, though
it's by no means as complicated as
Photoshop or Corel Draw.
?There are exciting kid's album
options available due to the large
range of colours to choose from.
?Enjoyed the option of choosing a
Matt, Gloss or textured finish.
?A negative point in my experience
is that you need to have a stable,
highspeed internet connection when
uploading the album using the online
option.
?The support people were great and
once the album was uploaded they
delivered the album quickly to our
door.
?The overall finish of the photobook
was good with print quality better than
expected.
We selected images from a recent
wedding for this photobook and will
be posting some feedback from the
couple once we deliver it too them,
but from our experience Rapid Studio
is well worth a try.
Which will you use?
thOn June 25 2009 a life changing event took place as my first child was delivered through the marvels of modern medicine. Naturally I took a camera, - a DSLR – and, without passing out, shot a few pictures in theater. Much to everyone's surprise.
Recently I have raised several topics in this section of our magazine ranging from the motive behind why we take a picture, to what the possible future of the camera and ultimately photography could be as technology continues to evolve in this field. My experience with the birth of our son has given me a new perspective on some of the photographic tools we use.
As some of you may have possibly picked up in my previous articles, I cannot claim to be a great advocate for expensive compact cameras unless you have a very particular need for them. Having said this, of the hundred plus images taken of baby in his first week, approximately 80% were shot on my Sony Ericsson C902 cell phone, which features a 5mp camera. Apart from allowing me to MMS my family the pictures, it also allows me to publish those images directly to Blogger for others to see.
And once again I find myself asking what the best camera is to own? And once more the response comes 'the one you will use'.
I am left to wonder what future there is for the standard compact digital camera? For the application of sharing by web and making standard Jumbo size prints I am happy with my new cell phone camera’s quality. More quality? No problem bring out my DSLR. Cell phones that lack a great camera, like the Apple I-Phone, captured the pictures of US Airways flight 1549 landing on the Hudson River. These less than adequate cell phone cameras are becoming great tools for photographers, particularly with the growing number of applications available that incorporate photography.
A few weeks before getting my phone I had been considering purchasing a small compact camera to carry with me everywhere, now I am not so sure I need to. Constantly increasing in capability and popularity - Is tomorrow's point and shoot camera going to be found on your belt or in your pocket and handbag as 'The cell phone' with 10mp camera, and HD video, and MP3 player, and 500GB memory, and GPS, and SLR remote control, and Email, and digital Spirit Level, and Mobile TV, and 3G modem, and, and,
and... With any luck by then it will still function as a phone, but who cares if it takes great pictures.
We have recently been running a poll at www.photocomment.net asking what type of camera you use most and it took some time for cell phones to feature the 5% share they currently hold. That being said we would like to see your favourite cell phone pictures and stories. Send them to [email protected]
- More porfolios to inspire
- You could be featured next month submit comments, images or portfolio to [email protected]
Readers Portfolio
Prize
This is your chance to get your images published.
For each issue we (the editors assisted by a panel of
industry leading photographers) will choose a
reader's portfolio that inspires and celebrates the art
and craft of photography best for that month.
You stand a chance to win a prize from SONY, one
of our advertisers, should your portfolio be
published. Include a self-portrait accompanied with a
brief introduction of yourself, your style and your
philosophy.
Send us no more than 10 of your best images with
your contact details to [email protected]
enter “Readers Portfolio” as the subject. Make sure
the images are in JPEG format and no larger than
640x480 (or closest too), we will contact you for
larger files if needed. Needless to say that the
standard will be high and uncompromising so please
put your best foot forward.
1 x Laptop Sleeve
1 x SONY ALPHA Lens Book
1 x Memory Card Pouch
1 x Rain umbrella
All branded SONY ALPHA
Keith G
roenew
ald
Which will you use?
thOn June 25 2009 a life changing event took place as my first child was delivered through the marvels of modern medicine. Naturally I took a camera, - a DSLR – and, without passing out, shot a few pictures in theater. Much to everyone's surprise.
Recently I have raised several topics in this section of our magazine ranging from the motive behind why we take a picture, to what the possible future of the camera and ultimately photography could be as technology continues to evolve in this field. My experience with the birth of our son has given me a new perspective on some of the photographic tools we use.
As some of you may have possibly picked up in my previous articles, I cannot claim to be a great advocate for expensive compact cameras unless you have a very particular need for them. Having said this, of the hundred plus images taken of baby in his first week, approximately 80% were shot on my Sony Ericsson C902 cell phone, which features a 5mp camera. Apart from allowing me to MMS my family the pictures, it also allows me to publish those images directly to Blogger for others to see.
And once again I find myself asking what the best camera is to own? And once more the response comes 'the one you will use'.
I am left to wonder what future there is for the standard compact digital camera? For the application of sharing by web and making standard Jumbo size prints I am happy with my new cell phone camera’s quality. More quality? No problem bring out my DSLR. Cell phones that lack a great camera, like the Apple I-Phone, captured the pictures of US Airways flight 1549 landing on the Hudson River. These less than adequate cell phone cameras are becoming great tools for photographers, particularly with the growing number of applications available that incorporate photography.
A few weeks before getting my phone I had been considering purchasing a small compact camera to carry with me everywhere, now I am not so sure I need to. Constantly increasing in capability and popularity - Is tomorrow's point and shoot camera going to be found on your belt or in your pocket and handbag as 'The cell phone' with 10mp camera, and HD video, and MP3 player, and 500GB memory, and GPS, and SLR remote control, and Email, and digital Spirit Level, and Mobile TV, and 3G modem, and, and,
and... With any luck by then it will still function as a phone, but who cares if it takes great pictures.
We have recently been running a poll at www.photocomment.net asking what type of camera you use most and it took some time for cell phones to feature the 5% share they currently hold. That being said we would like to see your favourite cell phone pictures and stories. Send them to [email protected]
- More porfolios to inspire
- You could be featured next month submit comments, images or portfolio to [email protected]
Readers Portfolio
Prize
This is your chance to get your images published.
For each issue we (the editors assisted by a panel of
industry leading photographers) will choose a
reader's portfolio that inspires and celebrates the art
and craft of photography best for that month.
You stand a chance to win a prize from SONY, one
of our advertisers, should your portfolio be
published. Include a self-portrait accompanied with a
brief introduction of yourself, your style and your
philosophy.
Send us no more than 10 of your best images with
your contact details to [email protected]
enter “Readers Portfolio” as the subject. Make sure
the images are in JPEG format and no larger than
640x480 (or closest too), we will contact you for
larger files if needed. Needless to say that the
standard will be high and uncompromising so please
put your best foot forward.
1 x Laptop Sleeve
1 x SONY ALPHA Lens Book
1 x Memory Card Pouch
1 x Rain umbrella
All branded SONY ALPHA
Keith G
roenew
ald