A Few Gadgets

I have to say I love my gadgets and there are quite a few you can use with your PC or MAC if you are into photography.

Apart from software such as Adobe Photoshop there are some nice pieces of hardware you can use to edit or store your images.

A graphic pad is always useful and the ‘pen’ enables very detailed editing and refinements to be done. Another gadget I like is my memory card reader.

A memory card with all your images is placed in the reader which is then plugged into the computer. Using a reader like this enables images to be uploaded a lot faster than by the usual method of connecting your digital camera directly to the computer.

Andy Crozer is a Hull photographer specialising in weddings, portraits, head shots and commercial work

PC or MAC?

On first glance it may seem a strange question but of course a computer is essential for any professional or amateur photographer.

A computer allows us to store, display, manipulate and print our images. Of course the great thing about a computer is the software that allows us to work with our images in so many different ways. But is it important that you have a PC or a MAC?

I have to confess that I am a confirmed MAC lover. MACs were tailor-made for photographers and designers and allow you to do so much ‘straight out of the box.’ I use my MAC constantly and it makes my life as a Hull wedding photographer so much easier.

But that doesn’t mean you have to throw your PC out of the window and run down to the nearest Apple shop, a PC can produce great results with the right software though you may find yourself having to upgrade the graphics card.

But, I have to say, if you find yourself in the position of choosing between a MAC or PC – it should be Apple every time!

A Question Of Megapixels

I was asked an interesting question this week by someone who wanted to know how many megapixels they should be looking for when they purchase a new digital camera. Unfortunately, like many things, there isn’t really a straight-forward answer – it all depends on what you are going to be doing with your images.

The basic rule is that the more megapixels the larger your printed images can be. For example a 2mp (megapixel) camera will be sufficient for 6x4 inch prints but most of us will be looking for more from our digital camera.

You will be able to produce good A4 sized prints with a 3mp camera but for larger prints you will need at least 4mp. A low cost, low resolution camera will probably not be adequate if you are an interest in photography and displaying your images so I would recommend a digital camera with at least 4 megapixels.

(Andrew Crozier is a Hull Portrait Photographer)

Don’t Do That Shaky Thing

Camera shake is something that can happen all too easily but can, almost as easily, be rectified.

Camera shake is obviously caused by the camera moving when the photo is taken it can also be represented in your photographs if the shutter speed used is not fast enough. If a moving subject is moving too quickly to be captured by a slow shutter speed than the image will look blurred and ‘shaky’.

To prevent this use a shutter speed that is appropriate to the focal length. Working out which shutter speed to use is quite simple: if the focal length is 100mm than you should use a shutter speed of at least 1/100th second, if focal length is 200mm than use 1/200th second shutter speed etc.

Preventing camera shake is obviously important when I’m taking Yorkshire equestrianism photography for example but there are other ways of controlling the problem which we will discuss later in the week.

Battery Tips

There isn’t anything worse when photographing a social event than getting the perfect shot framed and ready to take...only to have your battery die on you. It happens!

Of course something that we should all do is to carry a spare set of batteries around with us. One thing to remember is that if you use rechargeable batteries make sure the spare set are kept charged.

Like people not all batteries are created equal. Avoid Carbon Zinc and Alkaline batteries. Though cheap neither type are appropriate for digital cameras.

The best disposable batteries for digital cameras are the powerful Nickel Zinc variety whilst those who use rechargeable batteries should be looking at either NiCad Cell or, preferably, NiMH Cell types.

Using A Monopod

There are sometimes shoots on which, for one reason or another, it is not possible or practical to use a tripod but often it is possible to use a monopod. They hold the camera in the same way as a tripod and don’t require any extra fittings.

As the name suggests they only have one leg and are consequently not as stable as a tripod. But, with a little practise, they can be used successfully.

The biggest plus-point in favour of monopods is their portability. They are very light and can be folded down to a very small size.

A monopod can be used successfully when photographing fast moving subjects with a long lens for example when taking equestrian photography.