SLR Learning Thread

[rrasco]

Since I finally picked up a DSLR, now I gotta learn how to use the thing. I figured we could have a thread where we critique photos and try to learn what we can do better as far as using the camera goes...since there is definitely a million different ways to take a picture. Of course, we should post LOTS of photos. Not only do we get to enjoy the photography, but hopefully we can learn from each others techniques, etc.

Feel free to post pictures of your own. If you did anything special in the photo, please include it. For example, if you used a specific type of lens and/or aperture to create an effect, etc. This is how we can learn from each other.

I will start, here are a few of my first shots. I am using a Canon EOS 450D with a 50mm lens. These photos have an aperture of 2.2-2.5 and the exposure ranges from 1/80-1/100. The 50mm will have to suffice until I pony up for a macro lens.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/29reef/IMG_0008_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/29reef/IMG_0034_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/29reef/IMG_0039_sm.jpg

[Regric25]

Looks like you are off to a great start! Tell me, what did you do to get still, clear pics of the fish and corals? Did you shut off the pumps? Did you use a tripod? That's what I normally do in addition to using a shutter remote. I use the remote so I don't have to touch the camera while snapping photos. That way the camera stays still as possible so the picture is clear as possible. Also, what ISO did you use?

[rrasco]

Nope, left everything running and I did not use a tripod or remote either. ISO is at 400. I think part of the key is the shutter speed, at 1/100 the exposure time is very low and the shutter fast, reducing blur. The lower the light, the slower the shutter speed needs to be meaning exposure time is increased which can result in blurry photos. Flash can help too, but I didn't shoot any of these with a flash.

Are you shooting on auto or manual? I have not even used auto mode yet, I have been playing with the shutter speed and aperture size.

[Regric25]

Cool that you are learning so much. I usually shoot in manual mode in RAW. Here are a couple of pics I took recently. I have a couple photo shoots this weekend ill post some more when I'm done processing.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n269/REGRIC252006/10-01-201126.jpg


http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n269/REGRIC252006/10-01-201118.jpg

[rrasco]

Sweet pics, what kind of lens are you using?

I played a little bit with the DOF and some other items on these pics. I can't wait to get a macro lens or something that will provide some more magnification.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/29reef/IMG_0109_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/29reef/IMG_0118_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/29reef/IMG_0133_sm.jpg

[Regric25]

Nice pics. I don't use a macro lens. I use the 18 - 55mm wide angle kit lens.

[rrasco]

Really? Does that have a close up lens for increased magnification? I can't get any close to my subjects than I already have in those photos.

Got a link?

[Regric25]

nope it sure does not... I have kinda perfected the art of faking macro shots with my kit lens LOL.

I turn off the pumps, put the camera on a tripod, use a shutter release remote, and take pics as close as I can with the lens in manual and ISO 100 or less. The reason I do all that is to be able to get the clearest possible shot with no blurr or grain. This way the image is as clear as I can make it. Then there is post processing where I can correct light balance, sharpen the image if needed and to get the close up macro look I crop it. <-- The key to a good macro style crop is high resolution. My camera is 10 mp.

Here is an example of a close crop (FAKE MACRO) of the exact chalace image above.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n269/REGRIC252006/closecrop.jpg

[Europhyllia]

Oh Thanks Rick for sharing your secrets :)

[rrasco]

I still don't get how you manage to get a full frame picture with a lengthy working distance. Are you doing all the enlarging via post-processing?

[Regric25]

The minimal focal length is about 9 inches at a maximum ratio of 1/3.2 from the subject. So I get 9 inches from the subject and then zoom in with the lens. I snap the picture then the resolution for this camers is 3,872 x 2,592 (at this size I can primt a poster sized image) at 10.2 mega pixels. So when I put the picture on the computer and plug it into my program I simply click zoom to 100% and crop it so it looks like a macro shot. The super close up picture in this thread is a crop from the full sized picture above it.

[rrasco]

I'll have to try my 28-135mm lens and see if I can get a closer frame. One thing I don't like doing is post-process-enlarging. I know how it works, just prefer not to do it. Yours looks awesome though, so I'll have to figure something out to step my game up.

[Regric25]

I'm not sure what you mean by "post-process-enlarging"... Nothing is being enlarged in the image. The image is in its true size. If you are able to view the WHOLE image that is saved at a resolution of 3,872 x 2,592 on your computer screen that is set at a resolution of lets say, 1920 x 1080 (HD) then the image is essentially shrunken to fit the screen... If you were to look at the image at the true resolution of 3,872 x 2,592 on a screen that is on 1920 x 1080 then you would not be able to see the whole picture at one time. You would have to scroll left to right up and down. It's a technique used by photographers when they find a picture within a picture or to improve composition.

Check it out. :)

http://layersmagazine.com/the-digital-camera-dont-crop-my-pictures.html

[rrasco]

I know how resolutions work. I've used this technique before, albeit for pictures I took with my Canon SD1100 IS, so maybe that's why my quality suffered. I'd rather my subject be magnified through the lens and get it in a resolution of ~3000. There is no doubting that you used that method and came out with a great picture, my experiences just differ.

[Regric25]

oh okay I was just posting wat I did and how I did it so others can try. Not saying you have to employ that method. Do you have a flickr account or photobucket account? I'd love to see some of your work! :D

[rrasco]

Indeed. Thanks for sharing.

[Mr Cob]

Rick those shots are so insane maing...

[Regric25]

Thanks Rob! How's the camcorder going? I saw your latest video of the black tang. It's nice bro! Getting the hang of it I can see. :D

@rrasco If you have an online photo account let me know. I would love to see it! Maybe we can go shooting together one weekend day.

[rrasco]

I have photobucket, nothing new with the SLR though. I mainly just upload to my server and link them from there. I may start using Flickr or install my own software and host it myself. Shooting with other people would be a plus, then we could really learn from each other.

What kind of camera do you have?

[txav8r]

I need to get rick to give me a few pointers. I got a new DSLR a while back

[Regric25]

Nikon D60. Fixing to upgrade to a Nikon D3100 though.

Anytime Jack! I'd be happy to learn ya LOL. I can come by sometime and I can show you. It's easier to show vs. tell or type. LOL

[rrasco]

I ordered some 'accessories' this week. First up, a set of extension tubes which are supposed to be in the poor-mans macro kit. I also got tripod since with macro any type of movement will show in the picture. Additionally, I also have an external flash, flash transmitter/receiver, and wireless shutter remote. I will have it all this weekend and then hopefully I can start pulling out some better macro shots.