166
votes
11answers
22k views
Good examples of RAW's advantages over JPEG?
I'm curious to see some real examples of where simply capturing the same photo in RAW (and being processed by someone who can do it justice) has significantly improved the photo at the end of the ...
112
votes
33answers
5k views
What blogs should I be following if I am learning photography?
I am beginner and looking for sites/blogs.
103
votes
42answers
6k views
What are your easiest beginner tips?
Over time, I've found there are a handful of really simple things that anyone can do to take better pictures.
What are your favorites?
Understand the basics of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
...
103
votes
7answers
11k views
What are the best techniques for photographing overweight people?
I'm not the most lean person on the planet, and many pictures seem to really point this out. While I wish I was simply in better shape, it is simply not the case for me or unfortunately, many ...
96
votes
3answers
16k views
What do all those cryptic number and letter codes in a lens name mean?
Then looking at a lens name there is a lot of acronyms in the name describing it's features (often specific to the manufacturer).
Examples, Nikon:
Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm VR f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Nikon ...
82
votes
6answers
6k views
What is bokeh, exactly?
I understand that "bokeh" refers to out-of-focus areas of an image — but there is obviously more to it than that. What does the term mean exactly? How well is bokeh really understood? Is it purely ...
80
votes
6answers
9k views
What is the “exposure triangle”?
What is the exposure triangle? How do the "sides" affect my photographs?
78
votes
15answers
3k views
How can I better organise and file my photos?
At present I meticulously add metadata as EXIF tags to my photos using Microsoft Pro Photo Tools, which also lets me place them accurately on a map. The thing is I tend to leave photos in a folder ...
74
votes
4answers
3k views
What is “ISO” on a digital camera?
What is "ISO" in general, and how is the scale defined?
How does the ISO scale for film speed differ from ISO sensitivity as used in digital cameras?
Is lower ISO always better?
74
votes
11answers
3k views
How do I approach people for a natural look in street photography?
I am enjoying taking candid photos of people, but the subject is usually someone I know, or it is during some family/friend event, so after a while the people get used to the presence of the camera ...
68
votes
6answers
3k views
How and why do you use an image histogram?
I realize that an image histogram is a graphical display of an images tonal distribution (i.e. horizontal darks to lights, vertical pixel distribution), but how does one really use it and why? I mean, ...
65
votes
9answers
6k views
How do you photograph rain?
What are recommended settings for my Nikon Coolpix P1 to best portray rain?
Here's what I got. No retouching was applied.
The picture I took when the rain was heavy with the automatic settings:
...
61
votes
7answers
18k views
When do the differences between APS-C and full frame sensors matter, and why?
I'm trying to decide on a higher-end digital SLR, and I'm down to choosing between an APS-C model and a full-frame model.
I understand that the sensors are of different sizes, and as such have an ...
61
votes
16answers
5k views
Where can I find reviews of lenses?
Always check reviews when deciding to buy a lens. There are so many factors beyond what is written in the name.
Note that in general, comparing between mounts is not a good idea. (Even comparing ...
61
votes
1answer
5k views
In portrait photography, what is 'broad' lighting? What is 'short' lighting?
What are 'broad' and 'short' lighting when it comes to studio portraiture, and when should I use each?
60
votes
5answers
8k views
Do fluorescent lighting and shutter speed create a problem with color cast?
I took a bunch of photos at my son's martial arts club using a D90 with a 50mm F1.8. The club is lit with overhead fluorescent lighting, and I was getting some weird results where some shots are ...
57
votes
22answers
5k views
What kind of photography is still better done with film cameras?
Are there any kind of photography left today which digital cameras are still in the disadvantage to film cameras?
55
votes
9answers
11k views
How should I photograph falling snow?
We don't get much snow in the UK, so I don't have much experience photographing it, and when I tried photographing falling snow last year I found it very hard to capture the snowflakes in the air — ...
53
votes
12answers
5k views
What advantages does manual mode have over aperture priority mode?
I'm wondering what are the most compelling reasons to switch to manual mode on my DSLR. I mostly just use aperture priority mode so I have good control over the depth of field combined with an ...
53
votes
5answers
1k views
What is RAW, technically?
From a technical perspective, what exactly is RAW and how does it differ from JPG or bitmap images? I'm not asking about the pros/cons versus another format, but rather what constitutes RAW format, ...
52
votes
10answers
2k views
How can I get my portrait subjects to look natural and drop the cheesy smile?
I am surprised by how many people automatically put on a cheesy smile when I point a camera in their direction.
Please share any tips / techniques / links that might help me get better, more ...
51
votes
8answers
2k views
How much do lens lineups vary across DSLR platforms?
I was reading this question and recalled how often I hear the advice "choose your lenses and then choose the body that matches" in the context of deciding on a camera platform ...
50
votes
10answers
3k views
Are there any downsides to using a good-quality UV filter?
Are there any real downsides to using a UV filter?
I know that a poor quality UV filter can effect image quality ... but, assuming I use a good quality UV filter, will that actually be an issue? Is ...
49
votes
13answers
24k views
How do I set the proper exposure for nighttime moon photos?
All my attempts to get a good shot of the full moon with my DSLR result in an overexposed circle on a black background. I've used a tripod, remote shutter release, low ISO, and long exposure, but ...
49
votes
8answers
2k views
Is watermarking worth it?
I've recently become aware that one of my photos has been used by a national newspaper beyond its licensing terms (cc-by-sa-2.5, used without the required credit), and whilst I can pursue them for ...
48
votes
27answers
2k views
What is something you learned recently about your gear that you wish you discovered earlier?
I'm playing with my old XTi with a new travel lens, Tamron 18-270mm and I'm reading the instruction sheet for the Tamron and read a section about Manual focusing and got to the small print.
Even in ...
48
votes
20answers
3k views
Where to get community-based feedback on my photos online?
Where can I post my photos and get reviews, comments, and critiques from the community, in order to learn to become a better photographer?
Here is a list of places to get feedback. Please use answer ...
47
votes
17answers
2k views
What are the first few photography books someone should read?
The books that helped me most initially were the Bryan Peterson books and more recently the Joe McNally books.
Both of these working photographers give a lot of honest and helpful examples. These ...
47
votes
11answers
11k views
Is there a noticeable difference between 1.8 and 1.4 prime lens?
I have been shopping around for a prime lens for my Nikon d50. I noticed that the 1.8 is hundreds of dollars cheaper than the 1.4 AF-S. What will I gain for that cost difference? Is it really ...
46
votes
14answers
5k views
How does one focus for landscape photos in very dark conditions?
Tonight I tried my best to take some night landscapes in the darkest of dark conditions. Hoping for an epic composition of the Milky Way and a landmark.
Of course, none of my glass could auto focus ...
46
votes
8answers
7k views
Manual photography cheat sheet — where can I find one, or what should be on it?
I have been trying to shoot more in manual modes (both camera and flash). At this point, I understand all the concepts, but all the adjustments slow me down.
I'd like to have a "cheat sheet" with ...
45
votes
8answers
2k views
Why do some lenses cost 10 times as much when the specs are very close?
For example, a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens is about US$110, while another Canon 50mm f/1.2 lens is about 14 times as expensive, at about $1450. Is the 1.8 or 1.2 the main reason for the price difference?
...
45
votes
4answers
27k views
What is Rembrandt lighting, and when do I use It?
I often hear studio photographers talk about 'Rembrandt Lighting' when they're setting up lights and doing studio portrait photography. What is Rembrandt Lighting, and when do I use it?
45
votes
4answers
3k views
What is Ansel Adams' “Zone System”?
I've heard much of Ansel Adams' Zone system, but I've never quite understood it. What is it, how and where is it used, and is it still useful with modern (digital) cameras? Thanks!
44
votes
4answers
7k views
How do I generate high quality prints with an ink jet printer?
Creating high-quality photo prints using an ink jet printer is no trivial matter. Depending on the tonal range and color depth desired and the expected viewing platform, how you approach printing may ...
44
votes
14answers
2k views
When is black and white likely to enhance an image?
I recently had a play with converting some images to black and white to see how that changed the image. Some baby photos came out particularly well, while others I tried seemed less interesting when ...
44
votes
5answers
885 views
Is there development in the world of lenses?
Now, I'm not an expert, so if this post makes you laugh, you're welcome. Still, as far as I know there are basically two components that determine the potential quality of a camera's photos:
Sensor
...
44
votes
4answers
2k views
Why aren't all viewfinders 100%?
We often see that a manufacturer's high-end (D)SLR models offer a "100% viewfinder," which shows the entire exposed frame, and allows precise composition with regard to objects near the edge of the ...
43
votes
4answers
9k views
What is the best way to micro-adjust a lens?
I have a Canon 7D with a 50mm f/1.4 lens, and I think the auto-focus of the lens is off. How can I test and adjust this reliably?
Will this approach work with all of my lenses? If I had a different ...
41
votes
7answers
4k views
Why don't most cameras support PNG format?
I prefer PNG format to JPG, because JPG uses lossy compression.
When I capture a screen in my PC or scan a picture or document in my scanner, I always save them as PNG format.
If a camera could ...
40
votes
8answers
17k views
What is the 'Golden Ratio' and why is it better than the 'Rule of Thirds?'
Somebody recently told me that I will be able to compose more pleasing pictures if I use the Golden Ratio instead of the Rule of Thirds, and that the Rule of Thirds was an inferior way to compose ...
40
votes
5answers
2k views
How do I get started in Astrophotography?
I have a Canon 20D. I'd love to take some photos of the moon and stars.
How do I get started? I've search the web and the information is sparse and cryptic.
I'd like to know what equipment is the ...
39
votes
32answers
7k views
What are the best sites to share photo galleries with friends?
Which sites do you use for sharing photos with family and friends?
39
votes
24answers
3k views
What are good photography projects?
I am currently in the middle of a year long photo a day project, and am beginning to think about what I will do once this is done.
What types of photography projects have you done?
Please keep ...
39
votes
6answers
2k views
What are the key photography-related features from Photoshop that are missing in GIMP?
I am on a tight budget and chose to use GIMP for editing since it is free.
What important photographic post-processing features am I missing from Photoshop?
39
votes
4answers
13k views
Tips for landscape+stars photography?
I'm leaving for holidays tomorrow, and there's a good chance that I'll be able to be by night on a field with no artificial light around, and no moon in the sky.
I'd love to take some picture of the ...
39
votes
6answers
21k views
Can the sun damage the camera sensor? Under what conditions?
I want to experiment taking photos where the sun appears. I'm afraid of what might happen if I take one with a narrower angle (where sun would be bigger). Can the lens act as a magnifying glass and ...
39
votes
5answers
1k views
What should I look for in a monitor for photo processing?
What aspects should one keep in mind when choosing monitor for photo processing? What about color gamut, panel types, input types, requirements for video card, different gammas, refresh rate, angle of ...
38
votes
23answers
3k views
What's a good strategy for choosing which photos to keep?
Since moving from a 6 megapixel DSLR to a 12.5 megapixel micro-four-thirds, the much bigger file sizes (especially shooting RAW) mean that I can't be so open about keeping everything I shoot.
I only ...
38
votes
13answers
3k views
Why do it “in-camera” rather than in post-processing?
There's a very common attitude among photographers that the appearance of a photo (ex: exposure) should be created using the features of the camera (aperture, shutter, etc; does not include the ...
