Photo Challenge Topic – May 2009
Using the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment makes all the difference in capturing a dynamic photo. For this challenge topic, we invited you to submit questions about using cameras, lenses, flash, or other equipment-related topics.
Thanks to everyone who posted a question or comment. Read answers provided by FONZ Photo Club members Mark Andersen and Karen Gerstner.
I like to take closeups of lots of things. Is it better to take a picture of an animal close up or farther away showing the rest of its habitat? I am going to a zoo pretty soon and I am hoping to get some good photos so I am just wondering. Thanks!
—Lynzee
Mark Andersen: There are several guidelines that can help a photographer to improve her composition, but there is no wrong way to take a picture. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
When it comes to animal photos the type of composition depends on your intent. With an environmental photo, you typically use a documentary style to show how the animal lives in its environment, or with its peers. You can catch animal behaviors and interactions when you zoom out. You can also take individual portraits much like you would for a person to try and document the individual animal’s distinct features or personality. You can also zoom in for closeups to frame patterns or interesting features like the stripes on a zebra.
You can make great images of animals in their environment or as closeups. My advice is to shoot both types of photos and enjoy your day at the zoo.
Karen Gerstner: I always prefer to shoot close up. Just as with human beings, much of the expression and detail of an animal is in its eyes and face. You want to always make sure that the eyes of the animal are in focus. That being said, if you want to get the animal and the habitat it’s always a good idea to remember the “rule of thirds”. Try not to put the animal in the middle of the picture—put it off to one side, leaving room for it to “wander” through the photograph. A quick Internet search of “rule of thirds” will give you lots of information.
I like to take very detailed closeups of animals, but most of the time, if I take a picture and zoom in, it turns out distorted and blurry. My question is: is it better if you want a good detailed and close-up picture to take it and zoom in, or zoom in and snap the picture from there?
—John
Mark Andersen: It is usually best to try and get the picture as best you can in camera. The better the image quality from the camera, the better your end results will be. So it is usually best to try and zoom in as close as you can with the camera rather than after you have taken the image. There are several culprits that can cause blurry photos when you are zooming in for detailed closeups. The closer you zoom in, the more you and the camera will notice the smallest movements of the camera. These small movements will result in blurry photos. This is commonly referred to as camera shake.
Here are some tips to reduce camera shake by trying to stabilize your camera when you take photos. If you are at the Zoo, try resting your camera on a ledge or railing to stabilize the camera. Just don't drop it into the enclosure! If you are not near a railing, don't try taking the photo while holding your camera at arm's length. Try tucking your elbows in to your chest and getting the camera as close as possible to your body so it becomes steadier. You can also try to set your camera on burst mode so that as you press the shutter it will take multiple photos. If you do a three- or four-shot burst of photos you will find that the later ones will have less camera shake and will result in better photos.
Some compact (point-and-shoot) cameras also have a feature to use digital zoom rather than optical zoom. What this means is the camera tries to digitally zoom into the photo for a closer picture. This feature typically gives distorted or blurry images as well. You will always get better results if you stick with optical zoom. You may also be running into the limits of your camera and if you can't zoom with your feet (i.e. get closer to your subject) then you may need to look at getting an upgrade.
Karen Gerstner: The more zoomed in you are, the more your image will shake. This is probably one of those situations where you want to get out your camera manual to check for several things. If your camera has it, be sure to set image stabilization to “on.” In addition, see if you can find a way to increase your shutter speed (above 1/250 second is a good place to start). You might also look to see if your camera has a sports or action mode. This mode increases the shutter speed, which should reduce blur.
I am looking for a new camera, but am not sure what to get. I like to get pictures down to the last hair. I take many macro pics and closeups. I am looking for a camera that focuses really well, and doesn’t distort the color. Also I would like it to take really good macro shots. It would be nice if it was in the $500 range. I was just wondering which type of camera you think would be the best for me?
—Adam
Karen Gerstner: It’s hard to recommend a camera for someone not knowing what you have right now. There are lots of great digital cameras on the market. Be sure to get one that has image stabilization. You will want to get a camera that has a good macro mode for those flower closeups. For the closeups of animals, you will need a long zoom. Buy the zoom based on the optical zoom (10x or more). Do not base your decision on how much digital zoom is available on the camera. Digital zoom usually results in unsatisfactory pictures. If possible, try the camera out in the store so that you know you are getting exactly what you want.
What type of lens would you recommend for the Zoo?
—Adam
Mark Andersen: When I take photos at the Zoo, I will usually bring several lenses with me. If I had to bring only one lens to the Zoo I would choose a medium telephoto zoom in the 70-200mm range. This is great zoom range that allows you to get environmental shots and also frame-filling images of the bigger animals.
Karen Gerstner: The longer the better. We typically use focal lengths between 200 and 400mm. A 70-200mm or 100-400mm zoom will get you through most situations. If you don’t want to carry a tripod with you, be sure the lens is image stabilized. Most lenses also come with a lens hood. Be sure to bring the hood with you on sunny days to cut the glare.
