Proud Photography Blog

Photography is an addictive hobby. Most people start with a simple point and shoot camera and, as their involvement in the immense possibilities increases, they go for more sophisticated cameras and equipment. That’s great but what often catches people unaware is the cost of photographic equipment.

There are two things that go into making a good photograph - the talent of the photographer and the quality of the equipment used. While it’s true that a good photographer can get great results even with mediocre equipment and the even the best equipment can’t make a bad photographer good, the best results are combination of a good photographer and a great equipment. Read the rest of this entry »

Of all the seasons of the year, winter is probably the most difficult one for photographing. The main reason is the effect snow has on the light and the resulting exposure problems. Also the lack of shadows will result in loss of texture. But before going into the technical issues, the first thing is to make sure your camera is ready to work in cold conditions and is protected against the climate factors that cannot just ruin your photos but even damage your camera. Here are a few tips on how to make sure your equipment is ready to work in the cold.

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The thing about digital cameras is that they are so easy to use. Everything from the most basic point and shoot to the most advanced D-SLRs  have an “auto” function where the camera does everything except actually pushing the shutter button. But this is not always the best way to get great photos. In the end it’s not what the camera sees but what the photographer tells it to see that counts. So here are a few tips on getting great photos with your digital camera.
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One of the most photographed scenes in the world is the beach scene. The reason is that (a) the locale is beautiful by nature, (b) people are usually relaxed and having fun and are not “stiff” and (c) a combination of the first two reasons. This means that beach photography can be either landscape or portrait photography or a combination of both.
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Holiday season is camera buying time. They make great gifts and are available at prices to suit nearly any pocket. They are also easy gifts to decide on. For someone with an old film camera for taking family photos, a point and shoot digital will be highly appreciated. If someone already has a digital point and shoot, an entry level digital SLR will always be welcome. And a top of the line digital SLR, if you can afford it, would be a dream come true.
When shopping for a camera, remember that a high price tag and fancy features do not always translate into a good camera or one that is right for the user. Read the rest of this entry »

Discussing photography books is like walking on thin ice. What you may like and have found very useful may not be thought to be so by others whom you recommend it to and that’s when the ice cracks under you, you fall in and are left cold and wet. Having said that, here are some useful books to help you improve the quality of your photographs.  Even if some of the ideas are completely against what you already know and believe in, please don’t trash it straight away. Even the smallest tip that you can add on to your knowledge can make dramatic changes to the qualities of your photos. Read the rest of this entry »

You have bought the digital SLR you have been dreaming about. You’ve also spent money on a variety of lenses, extra memory cards, a camera bag and maybe a tripod. Perhaps some other accessories. Now you find out about filters. What do they do? Do you need them? And finally, can’t you get the same effects by using the right software? Here, in brief, are the answers to these very legitimate questions.

Firstly, a digital camera filter is a translucent or transparent glass that fits on the front of a lens. Obviously, having and extra layer of glass will protect your lens from scratches and damage and replacing a filter is cheaper than replacing a lens. They also change the qualities of the light that enters the lens and can it to modify the look of the photo and the colors of an image. Read the rest of this entry »

Why photograph insects? Because:
•    75% of living creatures on the planets fall into the insect category
•    They can often be fascinating subjects with great natural beauty
•    The “ugh” factor the insects inspire in most people prevents us from having a close up look at the real thing.
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Unless you are a news photographer, you don’t want to be around when disasters happen. But, natural or man made, they happen and there may be a time when you and your camera are present when something happens or arrive on the spot soon after the occurrence.  Taking photographs of a disaster, their aftermaths and the survivors is legitimate photography and don’t let anyone tell you other wise. You are adding to the historical record and helping to convey the impact of the tragedy to people in distant places. But there are some practical and ethical boundaries you need to be aware of.
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A lot of folks spend most of their money on a camera and then use what little is left over to buy whatever lens they can afford. This is a big mistake. It’s like being a great chef and cooking with the worst ingredients. Low quality or unsuitable lenses can ruin the photos taken from a great camera and top quality lenses can make even photos taken with no-so-great cameras look good.

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