Tribal Saxophone Awarded by Editor’s Choice on 500px

The knowledge of photography makes you experienced and not your time spent in this respective discipline. How many photos you have taken is not important but which of your photo has got recognition is utmost important. I don’t call myself as a photographer as I will be learner all my life. I am best at random photography and always keep my mind running towards thinking of new perspective when I am about to take a shot. Many a times, I have been asked for my favorite or the best photo amongst I have taken so far and that makes me speak nothing else but telling them, “my Next One”.

I personally believe that you don’t get any bragging right until and unless you have achieved any award for your work as it’s not merely recognition but an honor of appreciation of your hard-work. When I was off to take this photo, it was one of a routine hike of mine in the tribal area and was not so sure for taking any great portrait. All of a sudden I have seen this old man sitting on a stairs of a building with an intention to earn though his absolute skill of playing musical instrument looks like saxophone which inspired me to name it tribal saxophone. When I captured this photo I had no big plan for receiving great comments and appreciation on 500px and yet another gesture of clicking for my collection.

Taking picture is one of my hobbies and I have developed it as I age, without any vested interest. After seeing my pics one of my friends reckon me to join 500px.com as it’s the best place for photographers to get exposure to their work. I had a very thought to get to know other photographers and learn from them, I too joined the site and started posting my pictures there. I did post Tribal Saxophone there and I started to get comments from visitors about this portrait which made me feel great about my work. One day I have come to know that my photo has been selected by the editors and having been awarded by Editors Choice which was a great honor for me that made me share this capture through my blog here.

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An Overview to Aperture in Digital Photography

Basic understanding of Aperture :

Aperture is one of the most confusing aspects of photography for amateur photographers also some old time professionals. In truth, it does not have to be a confusing. The aperture is an adjustable opening inside the camera lens that works very similar the iris in your eye.

When the aperture opens wide (like your eye dilating), more light is allowed through the lens to expose the film. When the aperture is narrow (like your pupil in bright light), less light reaches the film. This works in conjunction with shutter speed and film speed to determine the total amount of light that reaches the film. Aperture size also affects depth of field.

How to measure an Aperture :

Aperture is measured using F-Stops. F-Stop numbers represent a fractional formula representation of the amount of light allowed to pass through the aperture. In simpler terms, F-Stop numbers get bigger as the aperture gets smaller, just like shutter speed numbers get bigger as the time the shutter is open gets smaller. Each increasing F-Stop number roughly represents a halving of the light reaching the film. As the aperture closes, more of a scene will come into focus as well.

Relation of F-Stop with Light and Depth of Field :
• Big F-Stop Number = More Light Needed = Larger Depth of Field
• Little F-Stop Number = Less Light Needed = Less Depth of Field

Many photography texts over the years have attempted to drill the idea of small aperture = large F-Stop into new photographers' brains. While this is important to know, I have seen far too many new photographers become discouraged trying to remember this inverse relationship in the field. If it is easier for you to remember the F-Stop relationship to light and depth of field then by all means, use the memory method that works best for you in the field. If you miss a shot because you are trying to remember the aperture to F-Stop mechanics then it is just a hindrance.

While there is actually a huge range of F-Stops (aperture sizes) possible, depending on your lens, there is a common ground middle range that most consumer lenses are capable of operating within.

Common F-Stop Values :
• f/4
• f/5.6
• f/8
• f/11
• f16
• f22
Learn to set Aperture :

Aperture is set on cameras by turning a specified dial on the camera body. In older, fully manual cameras, this is a dial on the camera lens that is marked with F-Stop numbers. In newer cameras the aperture is generally displayed on an LCD screen while the photographer turns a small wheel near the shutter release button to adjust the setting. The exact placement of the wheel will vary from camera to camera. On point and shoot cameras, there may not be a control to select specific aperture or F-Stops.

If your camera does not have a way to manually set the aperture you may need to understand your camera's pre-programmed modes to obtain the desired aperture. Many SLR cameras also have these pre-programmed modes as well as a few additional modes of fine control.

How Aperture Works in Preset Modes :

Almost all automatic cameras today have some sort of preset shooting modes. These are designed for specific situations such as action, landscapes, and portraits. If you know what these modes change about your camera settings you can use them to your advantage in many more situations than just the intended ones. We've covered a few modes that are heavily weighted to aperture but now let's find out how aperture works in more preset camera modes.

Aperture in Preset Camera Modes :


Macro :
Macro mode is an automatic setting mode where the camera is predisposed to use the large aperture to compensate for the DOF compression of close-up shooting. In this mode you cannot set the exact aperture you want but you can lessen your chances of an out of focus close up subject by using this mode.

Landscape :
Landscape mode is basically a large DOF mode. Landscape is programmed to give the smallest aperture (largest F-Stop) possible in order to ensure a large depth of field. This means that the shutter speed will be slower. If your camera does not allow Manual or Av mode and you want to shoot a subject where the background is in focus, try the Landscape setting.

Portrait :
Portrait mode uses a large aperture to create a small DOF. Portrait is programmed to have a shallow depth of field (large aperture/small F-Stop) and use a slow film speed in order to throw the background out of focus and obtain a very fine film grain. Use this setting anytime you want a blurry background.

Manual :
Manual setting is marked "M" on newer cameras and is, in effect, the only setting on manual cameras. Manual mode means that you are fully in charge of the settings of your camera. If you set the aperture/F-Stop while in M mode, you will need to make an adjustment to shutter speed yourself in order to maintain a correct exposure. Use your camera's light meter to ensure the values are in balance.

Aperture Priority :
The setting on your camera marked "Av" is called Aperture Priority mode. This means that if you use Av mode and set the aperture/F-Stop, the camera will adjust your shutter speed value to maintain a correct exposure.

Program :
Program mode is marked by a "P" on the few cameras that have this option. In program mode, your camera responds to some preset conditions you programmed through the menu. Generally, this mode allows you to set either the shutter speed or the aperture while the camera adjusts the other setting to maintain proper exposure.

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Wedding Photography: How to Capture the Couple's Big Day

Wedding Photography is a very specialized field, as capturing all aspects of a couple's big day can be a demanding task. Photographers who are up to the challenge, however, will be amply rewarded by the looks of joy on the couple's faces when they see the results. For those with an interest in professional photography, becoming a skilled wedding photography can also become quite the lucrative business.

If you're working with a couple that observes all of the traditions of the standard wedding ceremony then you'll have to wait until the service ends to set up photos with all of the members of the wedding party. Many of today's couples, however, do not believe in waiting until the ceremony begins to see each other, and if you're working with one of those couples then it's best to do all of the group photographs before the wedding. Lighting is crucial, and if you're working indoors you'll definitely need to provide additional light sources. Due to the quick nature of wedding photography, however, you need to have a lightweight light kit that is easy to move and runs off of batteries. This type of kit can be easy to find if you keep an eye out for local Camera Deals.

Once you've taken all of the necessary traditional group photos, which are often more about pleasing the couple's parents than the couple themselves, it's time to let your artistic side out. There's a big push in the wedding photography industry towards shooting weddings with a documentary feel, and most clients prefer this approach, even if they don't initially understand what it means. In order to provide the best mixture of wedding photographs, however, you should utilize a mixture of traditional, documentary and artistic approaches.

Don't be afraid to capture the fun side of your clients; some of the most memorable wedding photographs are of those that allowed the couple to truly express their joy at becoming married. A fun example that not many photographers have started to incorporate yet is to have the couple jump in the air while holding hands. This only works, however, if the couple is fun loving enough to really go with it.

For your artistic shots, consider capturing an image that focuses on the couple's shoes as they dance together for the first time, along with images that capture their wedding invitations, rings, the cake and other miscellaneous items from an unusual perspective. Brides will also love receiving a photograph that shows their dress and other wedding day apparel hanging up in a classy way before they put it on. If the groom is wearing non-traditional shoes, such as Converse, make sure that you get a close-up of him tying the laces.

It is important to capture the traditional moments, such as the couple's first dance, but you also want to focus your lens on moments that are unexpected, such as conversations between family members and moments in which people are laughing with great abandon. In order to stay quick on your feet at the reception you may need to leave your lighting kit behind, so make sure that you have a fully charged external flash ready to go. You should also consider working with a second shooter so that none of the big moments slip by.

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Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review

Canon renews full-frame lenses with 24-70mm F2.8 II and Stabilized wide-angle Primes :

Recently, Canon has released 3 different EF lenses, including an updated 24-70mm F2.8 II USM. The latest version features what is promised to be a more durable body, despite being a little smaller. In addition to this high-end full-frame standard zoom, there are completely redesigned semi-fast 24mm and 28mm F2.8 primes, both of which feature USM focus motors and image stabilization.

Eventually, the most interesting thing about these launches is the fact that Canon feels the need to update various full-frame lenses, almost as if something likely to test the quality of its existing versions was in the offing.

The wide-angle lenses update two of Canon's oldest primes: both the EF 28mm F2.8 and 24mm F2.8 date back to the late 1980s. The new variants add Canon's latest 4-stop IS and ring-type USM (complete with full-time manual focus), and look like they should be perfectly nice lenses. We're just not entirely sure who they're for; APS-C users have the 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM, and full frame users are more likely to be using the company's L series optics. It's also a little unusual to see stabilization added to lenses this wide but that's the decision Canon has made.

Class-leading performance, unrivalled flexibility – Canon launches three new lenses :

On 7th February 2012 in London, UK – Canon today adds to its world-famous EF lens series with the launch of three new lenses for photography professionals and enthusiasts. The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM professional zoom lens is an update to the popular EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, while the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM are according to Canon research as of February 2012, the world's first wide-angle prime lenses to feature optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology. All three provide the highest levels of performance for modern digital photographers, combining premium image quality with durable, user-friendly designs.

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: the ultra-high performance standard Zoom :

The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM features completely redesigned optics to provide outstanding clarity, image quality and durability. A compact design makes it ideal for carrying on every shoot, and a range of optical enhancements provide improved performance – capturing greater detail across the frame while reducing distortion throughout the entire zoom range, particularly at the maximum 70mm focal length.

With a redesigned optical system that includes two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements to minimize chromatic aberration and color blurring, the lens delivers consistently sharp, high-contrast images. Each lens element also features Canon's optimized Super Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare and ensure excellent color balance. Additionally, a fluorine coating minimizes the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that adhere to the front and rear of the lens, helping to maintain superior image quality.

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM also enables photographers to capture their subjects up close, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m at all focal lengths throughout the zoom range. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) works in combination with a high performance CPU and advanced AF algorithms to ensure accurate, silent and ultra responsive autofocus. For those who prefer to maintain full control in every shot, fulltime manual focusing allows photographers to precisely tweak or alter the focus of their shot at any time, even when AF is engaged.

Distinguished L-series Design :

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the latest lens from the elite L-series to offer Canon's high-grade and user-focused design enhancements. The mechanical structure of the lens has been improved to offer enhanced zoom durability and greater shake and shock resistance within the lens barrel. The size of the lens has also been reduced by 10mm compared to the previous model, providing enhanced portability and greater convenience in everyday use. A new Zoom Lock lever also enables photographers to lock the zoom position at the extreme wide end to prevent damage to the lens in transit, while a water and dustproof, waterproof constructions around the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring, focusing ring and zoom lock. Weatherproof when used with weatherproof EOS bodies enables users to continue shooting in harsh conditions.

Introducing the world's first wide-angle primes with IS :

Canon today also launches the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM – the world's first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature optical IS technology. Ideal for landscape and reportage, both lenses offer outstanding flexibility allowing photographers to shoot an even broader range of scenes and subjects – combining fast apertures with IS to enable sharp results when shooting handheld, even in low light conditions.

Offering an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS, both lenses are ideal for capturing more of the scene thanks to their wider focal lengths. Both feature a wide f/2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to explore shallow depth of field, or to shoot in lower-light conditions. Wide apertures and IS technology also make each lens ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects, while Canon's advanced IS technology is able to detect intentional panning movement and automatically switch from Normal IS mode to Panning IS mode – helping users to capture movement with greater accuracy.

Silent, high-speed AF performance is provided by the inclusion of a ring-type USM and additional features including optimized AF control. Full-time manual focusing also ensures adjustments can be made even when AF is engaged, while a minimum focusing distance of 0.20m (EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM) and 0.23m (EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM) allows photographers to get even closer to smaller or more detailed subjects.

Designed to Perform :

Both the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM feature redesigned optics to improve image quality and reduce the need for post-production. An aspherical glass molded (GMo) lens element is incorporated to correct aberration throughout the optical system, while Canon's optimized Super Spectra Coatings reduce ghosting and flare for stand-out image quality. Externally, both models also boast a number of design similarities with Canon's professional L-series lenses, with a similar coating on the barrel and a similar design on the focus ring. A distance scale is also included to assist with landscape photography, while the compact design makes these lenses an unobtrusive addition to any kit bag.

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