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Welcome to the 682nd issue of SnapShot! Hello,
Lots of great things are happening at BetterPhoto! Check them out... First off, our July school session kicks off on July 9th. These interactive online courses are a terrific way to get pro insights and pro feedback on your work. See the schedule of 8-week classes and 2-week and 4-week courses. Next, we have the recent announcement of the inspiring May winners from our monthly contest. A big 'Congratulations' to everyone ... way to go! Third, we feature not one, but two, new how-to articles by top BetterPhoto instructors. See below for Peter Burian's expert thoughts ('Should You Buy a Camera Without a Low-Pass Filter?') and Lynne Eodice's eye-catching techniques ('Creative Photography with Blurred Motion'). Lastly, don't miss the Update note on the July contest theme, along with the continuing Q&A discussion on Camera Shake. That's it for this week. Enjoy the weekend, and have fun with your photography! Kerry Drager
Newsletter Editor
Updates From BetterPhoto...
A very effective way to convey motion is to allow a moving subject to be blurred. Read instructor Lynne Eodice's new BetterPhoto article... Read instructor Peter K. Burian's camera-buying tips in his new BetterPhoto article... This month's theme has been updated to: Photoshop Filters and Plug-ins. Have fun entering the BetterPhoto contest!
Photo Q&A...
Camera Shake (continued from last week) I seem to have problems with the clarity of photos. I can't always pull out a tripod or monopod. I am working on arm strength and holding the camera properly. Any other suggestions? - Heidi R. Geise
ANSWER 1: Heidi,
All of the responses above give excellent advice.
That said, keep in mind that it is easy to fall into the trap of ignoring tripod/monopod use -- in general, there is no better stabilization method available.
Even a lightweight tripod is generally better than no tripod, unless subject matter dictates hand holding.
I use (among other tripods) a Benro 'MeFoto' tripod that is wonderful and is extremely compact and lightweight. One of the legs actually detaches and converts to a monopod using the center column. - Greg McCroskery
ANSWER 2: Hi Heidi,
You might also try this: Chain Pod
www.siskinphoto.com/magazine/zpdf/chain_pod.pdf. This thing will fit into a film can. You can take it with you anywhere.
Thanks! - John Siskin, BetterPhoto Instructor. See his bio and list of online courses...
ANSWER 3: To John S. (and Heidi),
John, funny you posted this, as I was going to suggest the chain-pod concept, but felt it took to long to explain it. It's great that you have a PDF with instructions.
I saw this concept demonstrated at the Texas School of Photography in Kerrville, TX, about 15 yrs. ago. It is a very handy device, cheap, compact, and light weight It really helps, especially if you can use it while leaning against a tree or building.
Great suggestion John! - Greg McCroskery
ANSWER 4: Cool idea. I think I will try this. I adjusted the ISO this weekend and got better results. Now I just have to learn not to go too high. Thanks for all the help. - Heidi R. Geise
ANSWER 5: I originally saw the chain pod at Nikon School back in the '70s. Been using one since. They're great. Here's a link to more DIY stuff at my site: http://www.siskinphoto.com/cameraeqp.php. I hope you find something you can use.
Thanks. - John Siskin, BetterPhoto Instructor. See his bio and list of online courses...
ANSWER 6: Operator-related movement is most prevalent when pressing and releasing the shutter button.
A trick I learned a long time ago (from someone here at BP), is to set your shutter to burst mode. Shoot a burst of three or more frames. Then delete the first and last ones in the series. The ones in the middle will be sharpest.
Another tip is to sit on the ground and prop both elbows on your knees. It looks a little funny, but you can achieve great results with surprisingly slow shutter speeds from this position. - Bob Cammarata
Read the entire Q&A thread in the BetterPhoto.com Forum...
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