White balance is a tricky subject to understand. Many labor under the impression that white balance controls only came into being with digital cameras, but this is not so. Film cameras also deal with the same issue, except the adjustments are done with the choice of film (e.g. with daylight or tungsten-balanced film), and with color correction lens filters instead of a button or dial on the camera. What white balancing does is it simply tells the camera CPU what is white and what isn't. For instance, pictures should show white objects as white, but the type of lighting on different subjects can make white look yellowish or bluish. In digital photography, this is corrected for different types of lighting by adjusting the camera's white balance.
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| Hong Kong cityscape taken with outdoor white balance. | Hong Kong cityscape taken with automatic white balance. (Notice how the camera inaccurately estimates the white balance, resulting in a blue tinge on the captured image.) |
Generally, white balance is already preset for normal daylight photography. If you plan on shooting indoors where your subjects will be illuminated by household bulbs or fluorescent lights, or if you aim to use flash or shoot in shade, refer to your camera's manual for instructions on changing the white balance to suit the type of lighting. If you have a mix of light sources, such as a room with fluorescent lights but with windows allowing in bright sunlight, be extra mindful of the white balance settings. Most advanced cameras allow for customized settings and fine-tuning, giving the photographer greater control over white balance.
7. Photography in motion
In any situation, the correct stance and camera holding technique are essential. Even if the lens is adjusted correctly with all the appropriate controls selected, a slight shift of your hands can render a blurry, unusable image. This becomes more crucial when you're shooting with natural light and in darkening conditions with longer shutter speeds. Always grip your camera in a firm manner, with the other hand supporting and adjusting any controls, and maintain a steady breathing pattern. If you're panting after a quick run to catch up with the subject, for example, take a few deep breaths before composing and snapping your shot.
One recommended stance to adopt is to hold your arms close, tucking elbows close to the body so the camera is braced, and to take shallow, long breaths. Try leaning against an available support, sitting or squatting down if possible, as these help to curb body movement like swaying. A simple rule of thumb is to have a shutter speed of at least 1/60th of a second when handholding without using a flash, for acceptable results. However, in general, the longer the focal length and lens used, the faster the shutter speed should be. A tripod is still the best method of avoiding camera shake, so keep it in the car or carry around a light model if available. The tripod becomes particularly useful when dealing with night photography and landscapes in the evenings.
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| A Disney night parade shot without a tripod. (Notice the blur image due to camera shake.) | A Disney night parade shot using tripod. (The captured image here is sharp, compared to the image on the left.) |
8. One picture, one color
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| Notice how an image can have a different effect when it is captured in normal, black and white, and sepia tones. |
If your camera doesn't offer these modes, the effect can be easily replicated with available software. If your image is in color, convert it to black and white. Then select and cover your image with a brownish tint. To make it even more old-fashioned-looking, try blurring the image a little.
9. When more is better than less
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| For cost-savings in the long run, try investing in an extra set of rechargeable batteries. |
Batteries and power are another main mood-killer. Always remember to charge up the battery and pack an extra set of fresh cells. This may mean buying an extra rechargeable battery, depending on the type used by your digicam. It always pays to keep a fresh pack in your camera bag just in case. Cameras that use common AA batteries are also a boon as replacements are usually readily available.
10: Practice makes perfect
It's an age-old adage but one that is particularly significant in photography. Nothing beats the experience of actually going out there and taking photos, and putting all the knowledge and tips learned to good use. Although the techniques may seem difficult to adopt at first, with time and effort, these will soon become second nature. As with many other sciences, the theory is more daunting than actual practice. One of the major advantages of a digital camera is minimum wastage as you practice, as unwanted images can be deleted at the click of a button.
Another important aspect is to get familiar with the functions and controls of your camera. As you practice and get used to these, the features will become second nature. You will find yourself almost automatically and quickly identifying the center of interest, locating it properly in the frame, composing for balance through the viewfinder, and taking an effective and well- composed picture that provides the emphasis you want--all without even thinking about it. The key word is practice. When you practice doing something right often enough, then you begin to do it right all the time without having to think about it.
Photography by Larry Loh and Reuben Lee
| Digital Photgraphy Tips 1-5 | Digital Photography Tips 6-10 |
