Digital Photography

Pixel Perfection: A Journey Through the Lens of Digital Wizardry

by

Owen Jones

Copyright

Published by Megan Publishing Services

Copyright Owen Jones 2024 ©

Hello and thank you for your interest in this book called ‘Digital Photography’.

I hope that you will embark on an exhilarating journey through the lens with “Digital Photography”. In this dynamic guide, the world of pixels and creativity converges to unravel the secrets of capturing and crafting stunning images. Whether you’re a novice seeking a solid foundation or an experienced snapper craving advanced insights, this book serves as your compass in the ever-evolving landscape of digital imaging.

Explore the nuances of composition, lighting, and post-processing as we demystify the art and science behind compelling photographs. From the basics of camera settings to the intricacies of advanced techniques, “Digital Photography” is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to turn moments into timeless visual stories.

Join us on this captivating exploration where technology meets artistry, pixels transform into narratives, and every click is an opportunity to create magic through the lens. Let the journey begin – where every image has a story, and every story is waiting to be told.

I hope that you will find it helpful, useful and profitable.

The information in this book on various aspects of digital cameras, taking photographs and related issues is organised into 25 chapters of about 500-600 words each.

I hope that it will interest those men and women who are interested in digital photography and setting scenes both indoors and out.

If you have any feedback, please leave it with the company you bought this book from.

Regards,

Owen Jones

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Believe not in anything simply because you have heard it,

Believe not in anything simply because it was spoken and rumoured by many,

Believe not in anything simply because it was found written in your religious texts,

Believe not in anything merely on the authority of teachers and elders,

Believe not in traditions because they have been handed down for generations,

But after observation and analysis, if anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, accept it and live up to it.

Gautama Buddha

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Great Spirit, whose voice is on the wind, hear me.

Let me grow in strength and knowledge.

Make me ever behold the red and purple sunset.

May my hands respect the things you have given me.

Teach me the secrets hidden under every leaf and stone, as you have taught people for ages past.

Let me use my strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy – myself.

Let me always come before you with clean hands and an open heart, that as my Earthly span fades like the sunset, my Spirit shall return to you without shame.

(Based on a traditional Sioux prayer)

———

“I do not seek to walk in the footsteps of the Wise People of old; I seek what they sought”.

Matsuo Basho

———

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go”.

Joshua 1:9

———

“Whatever misfortune befalls you [people], it is because of what your own hands have done-God forgives much-”

Quran 42:30

———

Myself when young did eagerly frequent

Doctor and Saint, and heard great Argument

About it and about; but oft-times

Came out, by the same Door as in I went.

Omar Khayyam

The Rubaiyat XXIX.

———

Six Interesting facts About Digital Photography

The following facts provide a glimpse into the fascinating history and technology behind digital photography, showcasing its evolution from its early beginnings to its current ubiquity in our daily lives.

1. The First Digital Photo: The first digital photo was taken in 1957 by Russell Kirsch, an American engineer. It was a 5 cm by 5 cm image of his son, and it took him three hours to scan the photo with a device called a “drum scanner.”

2. The Megapixel Myth: The number of megapixels isn’t the only factor in determining photo quality. While higher megapixels can offer more detail, other factors such as sensor size, lens quality, and image processing also significantly impact the final image.

3. JPEG Compression: The JPEG format, one of the most common for digital photos, was developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group in 1992. It uses lossy compression to reduce file size, which means some image quality is sacrificed to create smaller files.

4. The World’s First Digital Camera: The first true digital camera was created by Kodak engineer Steve Sasson in 1975. It weighed about 8 pounds and took 23 seconds to capture a digital image with a resolution of 0.01 megapixels.

5. The Rise of Smartphones: Today, smartphones are the most popular devices for taking digital photos. They have revolutionised photography, with advanced cameras and editing apps that make it easy for anyone to capture and share high-quality images.

6. Digital vs. Film: While digital photography has largely replaced film, some photographers still prefer the unique look of film. Film photography requires a slower, more deliberate approach, leading to a different creative process compared to the instant feedback of digital.

Table of Contents

1. Digital Or Print Photography?

2. Digital Photography

3. Mastering Mobile Photography: Unleashing The Power Of Smartphone Cameras

4. Photographic Lighting Tips

5. Artificial Lighting In Photography

6. How To Choose A Photographic College

7. Navigating Mirrorless Cameras: A Guide To Compact Powerhouses

8. A Career In Fashion Photography

9. Still Life Photography

10. Portrait Photography

11. Post-Processing Mastery: Leveraging Software For Stunning Results

12. Creating A Great Landscape Photograph

13. Beautiful Wedding Photographs

14. Candid Photography

15. Street Photography

16. Forensic Photography

17. Drone Photography: Elevating Perspectives From Above

18. How To Choose A Photographic Subject

19. How To Find Photographs Online

20. History Of Photography

21. The Rise Of Computational Photography: Exploring AI And Smart Imaging

22. Mastering Exposure and Creativity

23. Advanced Composition Techniques

24. Long Exposure Photography

25. The Art of HDR Photography

Contact Details

1. Digital Or Print Photography?

Not so long ago, there was only print photography for the masses. Everybody had a camera and a phone at home. Then, digital cameras came onto the market but they cheap ones were not much good and the god ones were very expensive. Nowadays, there is no choice again, because the average photographer cannot buy film, because it is not being made.

Some professional photographers have a fridge full of 35mm film, but that will run out one day. However, the ordinary snapper, just uses a digital phone and them uploads them onto a computer to be shared with friends and family. Given the choice of going back to film, he would not want to know.

Cheap digital photography is here to stay because the opposition has given up and died. That makes this article rather academic and more of a history lesson than a serious discussion, but I hope that you find it interesting anyway.

The Advantages of Digital Photography

Digital photography as practised by most people is fantastic. You can take hundreds of photos or thousands if you use a cheap flash card; upload them to your computer to sort through; manipulate or digitally enhance the best ones and then send them anywhere in the world free of charge by email. Then you simply erase the memory and start again.

Photos an also be viewed seconds after being taken so that more can be taken if the first attempts were not good enough. Storage on computer or disk bears negligible cost. I would be extremely surprised if any amateur mourns the passing of film as a medium of storage for images.

The Disadvantages of Digital Photography

There are no real disadvantages to the amateur enthusiast. It is true that people tend to just point and click without giving the composition of the picture much thought, but they probably would have done the same with film too.

It is possibly marginally easier to lose digital photos, but they can be stored on disk off line or even on cloud and accessed anywhere in the world. It is also far easier to search through thousands of digital photos than even dozens of print photos.

Having said all that, many professionals do miss their old film cameras.

The Advantages of Film Photography

There are no real advantages of film over digital for the amateur, unless you want to show Granny your holiday snaps and she doesn’t have a computer.

The Disadvantages of Film Photography

Film photography was expensive and cumbersome. Cameras were larger and more expensive because they had to carry film and transport it. Motor drives for rapid shooting was not cheap. Film had to be stored at a correct temperature and had a fixed shelf life. If it was not used in time, the colours were very unreliable.

The paper, once printed was subject to deterioration. Look at Granny’s old photos to see what I mean. Restoration and reprinting was expensive. It also took a week to get your photos back from the developer, if they didn’t get lost in the post.

I just cannot see any amateur wanting to go back to film, unless he enjoyed developing his own prints, which I must admit I found enjoyable for a while, until the novelty wore off.

2. Digital Photography

There is debate about whether one can learn talent and talent it what it takes to be a great artist, but none of us are born with technique and the more technique that an artist has at his or her disposal, the more chance he has of being able to express his talent.

More strings to the bow.

Techniques have to be learned. At one time artists had to learn the latest techniques of producing a colour – some were harder than others. A machine will do all that now, but one still has to learn how to look, observe and transfer those observations onto a medium.

For a photographer that used to be to film using a film camera and thence to paper, usually in magazines and newspapers, although that was done by the printer. The photographer’s job is to record what he sees or wants other people to see and digital technology makes this infinitely easier, especially for the amateur photographer.

Previously, one needed a dark room if one wanted to exercise total control over one’s work. This was impossible for most amateurs so they got what the automatic developers gave them. Nowadays, a photographer can manipulate or enhance the quality of his digital photos on his own computer with software that comes free with the camera or phone.

The amateur photographer has never had so much control over the quality of his pictures ever. He probably even has more control now over image quality than professionals did not so long ago. This has to be a good thing for the amateur, although professionals may have lost some work to the DIY snapper.

Old cameras using film photography needed different lenses to achieve special effects, but these have largely been replaced by in-build editing software and a zoom lens. Those lenses were not cheap either – often each one cost more than an amateur’s complete camera.

There were zoom, fish-eye, wide-angle lenses etc, which are all built into a good mobile phone or cheap digital camera now. You can also choose to have the standard colour digital image transformed into a sepia, black-and-white, or sketch image at the click of the mouse.

Digital photography will never replace true talented professionals, they have nothing to fear on that point, but it will empower ordinary people to take better photographs, even though most of them will hardly ever be seen more than a few times. One of the characteristics of digital photos is that they are uploaded to a computer and forgotten about.

In fact, although modern digital cameras take a lot of the donkey-work out of taking decent photos, they cannot turn an amateur into a professional and even make some people lazier. With the old cameras, the photographer had to think about the composition of the picture, the lighting etc, etc. If he got it wrong, he wouldn’t know for a week and the moment would have been lost.

Not only that, he still had to pay for developing mistakes and awful pictures. This forced people to think about what they were doing and to really try to get it right. Now taking 1,000 photos a day with a memory card in the hope of getting a good one by accident costs nothing but time and top end digital cameras like the Nikon Coolpix or the Canon Eos are no longer expensive.

3. Mastering Mobile Photography: Unleashing The Power Of Smartphone Cameras

In an era dominated by pocket-sized marvels, our smartphones have transcended mere communication devices to become powerful tools of visual expression. The evolution of mobile photography has ushered in a new era, allowing enthusiasts and professionals alike to capture breathtaking images with the convenience of a device that fits snugly in their pockets.

Gone are the days when mobile photography was synonymous with mediocre quality. Today, smartphones boast cutting-edge camera technology, offering features and capabilities that rival traditional cameras. To truly master mobile photography is to unlock the full potential of these miniature marvels.

Understanding Smartphone Camera Technology:

Modern smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems, including high-resolution sensors, multiple lenses, and sophisticated image processing capabilities. Understanding the intricacies of these components is the first step towards harnessing the true power of your smartphone camera.

Optimising Settings and Modes:

Mobile cameras come with a variety of shooting modes and settings that can significantly enhance your photography. From HDR (High Dynamic Range) to Portrait mode and Night mode, each setting serves a unique purpose. Mastering when and how to use these modes ensures that your smartphone camera performs optimally in various shooting conditions.

Composition and Framing Techniques:

While the camera technology in smartphones has advanced, the principles of composition and framing remain timeless. Explore the art of framing, leading lines, and the rule of thirds to create visually compelling and balanced photographs. Mobile photography is not just about the tool; it’s about the creative eye behind it.

Editing Apps and Techniques:

Post-processing plays a crucial role in elevating mobile photography to professional levels. Familiarise yourself with popular photo editing apps that allow you to fine-tune exposure, colour balance, and add creative effects. The ability to edit directly on your device opens up a realm of creative possibilities.

Embracing Prosumer Accessories:

To further enhance your mobile photography game, consider investing in prosumer accessories. External lenses, stabilisers, and smartphone gimbals can take your photography to new heights, providing a level of control and creativity that was once exclusive to traditional camera setups.

Challenges and Limitations:

While smartphones offer unparalleled convenience, it’s essential to acknowledge their limitations. Mobile cameras may struggle in low-light conditions, and digital zoom can compromise image quality. Understanding these challenges allows you to adapt your approach and make the most of your smartphone’s strengths.

Sharing and Community Engagement:

One of the distinctive features of mobile photography is the instant ability to share your creations with the world. Engage with photography communities on social media platforms, learn from fellow enthusiasts, and seek constructive feedback to continually refine your skills.

Mastering mobile photography is not just about the technical aspects of your smartphone camera; it’s about cultivating a creative mindset. By understanding the technology, optimising settings, embracing editing tools, and overcoming challenges, you unleash the true power of your smartphone camera. In a world where every moment is a potential masterpiece, your smartphone becomes more than a device – it becomes a gateway to a boundless realm of visual storytelling. So, pick up your smartphone, explore its capabilities, and embark on a journey to master the art of mobile photography. The power to capture extraordinary moments is already in the palm of your hand.

4. Photographic Lighting Tips

One of the most important skills that a photographer has to learn is lighting, which in turn can be broken down into two different lighting techniques: artificial and natural lighting. Artificial light can be studio lighting or even the use of extra lighting outside and the characteristics of natural light change at different times of the day.

Even those who prefer to work with natural light often use three-point lighting techniques. Watching experts at work can teach you some seriously simple lighting techniques. Make sure that you thoroughly understand the filters and special effects built into your digital camera. Often the manual will offer basic, but useful photography tips.

The type of lighting that you use will affect how the colours appear in your photographs. For example, the warmer the lighting, the redder the tint that the lighting will impart on the subject, especially the portrait of a person. This is an important consideration when choosing the time of day for an outdoor shoot. The heat of the early afternoon will give the most red.

Early morning pictures will tend to be cooler, colder, more clinical. Afternoon shots will be warmer, more golden and warmer colours have a greater emotional effect. However, colder lighting tends to give higher definition, cooler colours less definition. Experimenting with these factors is essential if you want to use natural external light to the greatest effect.

The next consideration is shadow. Shadows are strongest, that is give the most contrast, when the sun’s rays are strongest or most focused. Shadows are weakest when the sun’s rays are diffused like in the late afternoon or early evening. At midday, when the sun is overhead, there is relatively little shadow, which can make some subjects seem flat, especially if you need shadow to bring out the relief of the object.

For instance, craggy rocks or cliff faces will not look very craggy without shadow to bring out the relief. An hours time difference can have a huge effect on the outcome of a photograph, which is why a good photographer will take time to learn the local conditions of the sun and the way that it will be reflected onto the subject that he or she has in mind.

If the sunlight is strong, you may need to find some natural shade for either the camera, the subject or both. You usually have some choice regarding the position of the sun relative to yourself and the subject – whether it is behind you, behind to the right et cetera, and these are also important considerations, which can dramatically affect your photo.

Shooting in a forest can be tricky. For instance, there are always small gaps in the canopy, but the sun’s rays only penetrate to the ground when the sun is directly overhead, which makes eleven am to one p.m. just about the only shooting opportunity of every day. Knowing these simple tips can save a lot of frustration.

Outdoor, day time photography using only a natural light source is a fascinating topic, but one that has to be learned thoroughly. In a way, studio lighting is same-same, but there are so many factors outside your control when shooting outdoors. Make sue that you get a weather report from a reliable source and learn how to interpret the terminology of meteorology.

5. Artificial Lighting In Photography

Lighting is just about the best mood-enhancer that there is. Imagine having lunch with someone you fancied in a stables and then imagine having the same meal eight hours later with the romantic ‘artificial lighting’ of candles. The only thing that has changed, essentially, is the lighting – the time of day is not really relevant.

Artists have to learn to use lighting tips and techniques to put their subject matter ‘in the best light’ - quite literally. Lighting the subject before taking the photograph is one aspect and lighting the picture afterwards is another aspect of artificial lighting. The artist has more control if he or she uses artificial lighting, but then that comes with even more experience.

Indoor lighting usually consists of fluorescent tubes and tungsten bulbs. The latter is preferred by professionals when taking photographs of people, because the effect they have on colour is warmer, that is redder or even golden. Fluorescent tubes give off a cold blue light. Fire gives off another type of light because it moves, which casts shadows.

Taking photos, especially with an external flash, through glass is difficult, because the flash will be reflected back at the lens. Therefore, you will need to choose your camera angle carefully. If you are taking a photo of a portrait (behind glass or not) a full on shot is also of limited use. Try a camera angle from below the subject’s eyeline, so that you are shooting up into the face.

If you are photographing a face or portrait, it is often useful to have the source of light shine down on the face, while the camera is used from the same side as the artificial light source, but below the sitter’s face. This will produce contrast and shadow, but it is up to the skill of the photographer whether the shadows are used in a complimentary manner or not.

This means searching the face for the best angle to shoot the best plane from. You may decide that an up-shot from the right will give the best result, but try different types of light and even different filters or different settings on your digital camera. Minor changes can have big results when the final photograph is printed.

Using artificial lighting to the best is a skill of its own, but usually one which the photographer as to master himself too. On a film set, lighting would be the responsibility of the lighting engineer not the cameraman. Unfortunately, most high street studio budgets do not stretch that far, so you will have to learn to do it yourself.

It is most likely that you will gain immeasurably from a course on using natural light and artificial lighting, because if you are not shown the basics it could take a very long time for you to rediscover what other photographers knew decades ago. having said that, you are most likely to know your talents, equipment and local environment better than anyone else at least you will after a few lessons.