My homie, Aperature!

I am, by no means, qualified to give any sort of advice on photography :P I have been asked quite often though for advice on photography, so here we are. Lesson 1 - Aperature

High aperature -f/0-f/4.5
Low aperature -f/5.6+

Aperature is the depth of field in an image. It can make an image really "POP", or make it look lousy. Aperature is also known as an f/stop, or f/number. A very high aperature allows a lot of light into the image due to the blades in the lens are largely open. At the same time, it throws a lot of the image out of focus, and blurs it. This could add an advantage to some pictures, while ruining others.

A small aperature diolates the blades, causing a loss of light, but giving the image more depth of field. Due to the loss of light, shutter speed and ISO must be compensated (Unless using a flash unit, or ringflash). Most clear images are shot at around f/11-f/13. I myself shoot at f/20. At these low aperature numbers, the images are crisp, clear, and in focus. Here are some examples to help. If you have any questions, ask away.


High aperature: f/3.5
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b296/Kaa22/leaf2.jpg

Low aperature: f/18
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b296/Kaa22/leaf-1.jpg

:bow: dude, your pictures are awesome. And you are more qualified to give advice on taking good pictures than most of us. :D I'm finally figuring out the macro on my camera and its cause I did research and asked you some questions. :gj:

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Originally Posted by Ladydragon

:bow: dude, your pictures are awesome. And you are more qualified to give advice on taking good pictures than most of us. :D I'm finally figuring out the macro on my camera and its cause I did research and asked you some questions. :gj:

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Spanks yo :oops:

DOF is fun! :banana:

I LOVE using large apertures, it does really make a subject pop as Andrew said.

I'll tack on another good example of a large aperture. I took this photo of some newspaper text at F2.8 using a 100mm macro lens. As you can see, you can really isolate something and add a nice bokeh (lens blur around your point of focus).

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10...z/_MG_3494.jpg

Great shots of that leaf btw to demonstrate the DOF!

okay, now your just showing off. :D no, seriously that is kewl. me thinks I need to invest in a new different camera, although I am pleased with the result of my current camera for what I want to do. :D

SWEET, Aperature was one of those things I still struggle with LOL. I try though. :oops:

Love the black backgrounds. I'm curious about the overall set up...lighting, background, etc. maybe that's another thread? :gj:

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

Love the black backgrounds. I'm curious about the overall set up...lighting, background, etc. maybe that's another thread? :gj:

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Haha I could do that! Gimme a couple days and I'll make a thread, with good suppliers ;)

one word though on products....CANON.....they're just downright sessy. :P

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

SWEET, Aperature was one of those things I still struggle with LOL. I try though. :oops:

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You'll get it eventually, yo :D It takes time :)

I always heard canon was awesome. Perhaps I'll get one for christmas. :)

I've been thinking about getting a canon camera. But figuring out the marco on my Kodak easyshare camera has me pleased with it for now. :P. I may still get a canon though.... looking forward to that new thread Andrew.

fun post!

Im getting the Canon Digital Rebel Xt at some point this week * in the mail as we speak* So itll be fun to play around and get some good new shots of stuff.

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Originally Posted by mooingtricycle

fun post!

Im getting the Canon Digital Rebel Xt at some point this week * in the mail as we speak* So itll be fun to play around and get some good new shots of stuff.

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They're fun camera's. You'll love it :D

Go Nikon! Whoooo!:8:

Very good read Andrew. I've been trying to play with aperature recently...but REALLY need a new tripod, and perhaps a remote to take pictures.... I've been using the timer thus far.

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Originally Posted by jknudson

Go Nikon! Whoooo!:8:

Very good read Andrew. I've been trying to play with aperature recently...but REALLY need a new tripod, and perhaps a remote to take pictures.... I've been using the timer thus far.

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Did your Nikon come with software that will allow you to link your camera up to your laptop? It should allow you to completely control your camera from your laptop or other computer, and use it like a remote, etc.

With Canon you get that. It's called the EOS utility. You hook the usb cord to the camera and you can change any and all settings, snap pictures, zoom in and out, etc. Its pretty neat.

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

Did your Nikon come with software that will allow you to link your camera up to your laptop? It should allow you to completely control your camera from your laptop or other computer, and use it like a remote, etc.

With Canon you get that. It's called the EOS utility. You hook the usb cord to the camera and you can change any and all settings, snap pictures, zoom in and out, etc. Its pretty neat.

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You know...I think it did...however, I don't see that being practical when out and about. But definitely good to know when I'm shooting at home! Maybe I should've read the manuals! Haha!

:gj:

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Originally Posted by jknudson

You know...I think it did...however, I don't see that being practical when out and about. But definitely good to know when I'm shooting at home! Maybe I should've read the manuals! Haha!

:gj:

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Its awesome when working in a studio....especially with really big Hots :D I'd rather let a nice sized cobra grab the camera over my arm any day :D :8:

Phottix has some pretty decent equipment, as does Sigma, when it comes to remotes, flashes, etc. I've heard a few people bash them, but in all honesty, they're really good. My Phottix battery grip runs entirely smooth, and lasts a good 3,000 shots or so before needing recharged...and I use a flash almost entirely.

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

Its awesome when working in a studio....especially with really big Hots :D I'd rather let a nice sized cobra grab the camera over my arm any day :D :8:

Phottix has some pretty decent equipment, as does Sigma, when it comes to remotes, flashes, etc. I've heard a few people bash them, but in all honesty, they're really good. My Phottix battery grip runs entirely smooth, and lasts a good 3,000 shots or so before needing recharged...and I use a flash almost entirely.

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Thanks for the info...I'll check it out!

I currently am using just an SB-400 Speedlight, and I really like it. Soon enough I'll pickup some other goodies...lenses, remotes and a ringlite flash. But what I have is good for the basics.

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

With Canon you get that. It's called the EOS utility. You hook the usb cord to the camera and you can change any and all settings, snap pictures, zoom in and out, etc. Its pretty neat.

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dude
im going to totally bug my mom about that tomorrow...
huh...

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Originally Posted by ChicaPiton519

dude
im going to totally bug my mom about that tomorrow...
huh...

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Lol it's awesome. If you have the XSi, I believe you get live feed on your computer too, so you can see everything you would looking through the viewfinder.

If you don't have the CD, but do have your USB cable, download it here chica :) -
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0707/07...eosutil202.asp

Thanks Andrew =]

ima go bug my mom now lol

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Originally Posted by TheMolenater2

I always heard canon was awesome. Perhaps I'll get one for christmas. :)

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I wouldn't just buy a brand because other people use that brand, you have to buy a camera that suits you,has features that you need, and does what you want the camera to do, and suits the photography that you prepose to do.

Most modern digital SLR'S are pretty good. Lens choice is also important. I have just finished a 2 year college course in photography, and believe me photography is expensive, just when you think you have got eveything you need, you end up having to buy something else lol!

True, Canon are good, and over the last few years have been ahead in certain areas of photography (ie-full frame digital SLRs) If you look at th togs at sports events, 8 out of 10 will be Canon users, the reason being the other brands such as Nikon were not as good at handling noise at higher ISO's as Canons. But the latest Nikon cams look great.

That said ..I have a Canon SLR and a couple of L lenses, for me i think this combo gives me results i am happy with.

Think carefully before you buy, as switching systems may be costly...

ps- if you get an SLR, try and get one with "spot metering"...it will give far more exposure control on small animals etc, and many other shooting situations.

regards Scott

sorry for waffling on

I need a new lens... lol

:) Not being picky but its "aperture" not aperature..;)

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Originally Posted by StuartH

:) Not being picky but its "aperture" not aperature..;)

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Good job I don't know how we could have made it through this post with out you!!!

Just kidding BTW don't get em in a wad.


OK back to the OP. This is a really good thread. I really like the information you have given me.

Can you make a thread about picking a lens?

I am not sure of the lens I want! I just got my Nikon D-SLR yesterday so I am still pretty dumb!