PictureCorrect.com: You Know You’re a Photographer When…

Being a photographer is more than just a hobby or a career choice—it’s life. Something you feel you literally could not live without. Every instant of your waking moment, you feel the dire need to pull your camera out and take a picture of the beauty of your surroundings. Sound familiar? I have compiled a list of eight ways you know when you’re a photographer.

Photo captured by Miss Zhang

1. You get upset when you don’t have your camera on you.

I feel as though every photographer knows this feeling. For instance, maybe you decide to go for a walk down to the beach and accidentally leave your camera sitting on the kitchen bench. When you go to take a picture, your heart drops. And the only reason you don’t know you’re missing your camera until you get to the beach is because you’re so used to it being in your hands; it’s almost second nature. Your body has adapted to your photography addiction, and it doesn’t recognize when something is drastically wrong. Am I right?

2. Lighting > Equipment

At some stage in a photographer’s life, there comes a point when having the best equipment just doesn’t cut it. You begin to realize that there’s more to a good photo than the equipment (although it’s still one of my many pleasures) You realize that the the lighting of the photograph is the important part. Unfortunately, there is (arguably) no tool that can give you perfect lighting other than taking a photo at the right time, at the right angle, and using the lighting of the situation to your advantage.

3. You can make crap look good.

Okay, so this one might be stretching it, if we’re taking the point literally. I mean, maybe you can turn a piece of dog poo into art, but that’s not entirely the point I’m trying to make. Basically, as a photographer, you see potential photographs that most people couldn’t imagine being a photograph. Maybe it’s a picture of a trash can or a brick wall—whatever it is, you begin to think outside the box; you begin to take pictures, and you develop a sense of what makes good photographs, regardless of what other people may think.

4. Your camera battery runs out before any other gadget.

Photographers are known best for having their cameras with them at all times. Regardless of the event, the camera will be glued to the photographer’s hand for that perfect moment to take a quick photo. However, this comes with negative repercussions. The camera batteries do not last a lifetime. Unfortunately, photographers must face the constant annoyance of having their camera battery die before their phone battery. For most “normal” people, this is simply unfathomable. For photographers, this is the harsh reality of being addicted to using a camera.

5. You think the sound of a camera shutter is pleasurable.

There is nothing I love more than the sound of a camera shutter. It’s like music to my ears, and I know many people who can relate. For some, the sound of birds is pleasurable; for others, it’s math equations (is that even a thing?). But for photographers, it’s the sound of the camera shutter—knowing that a high quality photograph will be a result of the shutter. Surely there are more of us out there?!

“Topcon Unirex Open” captured by Christer

6. You get annoyed at people who buy top-of-the-line cameras only to take selfies.

When you take photography seriously, just like any other form of art, nothing is worse than people who purchase the latest and the greatest cameras only to take photos of themselves. Okay, in some cases, it can be a justified purchase. Maybe you’re a model? But if you’re uploading it to Facebook for only your friends and family to see, then maybe you can understand why photographers get irritated. You see, photographers (in most cases) very rarely take photos of themselves. Instead, they’re exploring the beauty of the world around them too much to worry about themselves.

7. You are offended when someone makes a harsh comment about your camera.

“Your camera looks too big,” for example, is just unnecessary criticism. What do you want me to do about the size of my camera? Do you think I didn’t notice? People don’t seem to understand that if you insult the camera, then you might as well insult the camera owner. At least we then have a reason to get offended, right? I mean, how would you feel if someone came up to you and said you had a big nose? Is that more of a justified reason to act offended? If you’re a photographer, then the answer is no.

8. Traveling is more about photography than it is relaxing.

Finally, we have come to my favorite point of all: traveling. For most people, traveling is more about relaxing—building strong memories to last a lifetime. Photographers want much more than that. We want to be reminded of our traveling experiences with physical memories—photographs of our experiences. Why have a slice of cake when you can have the whole thing? That’s not to say that photographers don’t know how to relax, but we would rather capture the surroundings of the location than waste our time sleeping on the beach.

“The Photographer” captured by Mendhak

If you can relate to these, then maybe you’re more of a photographer than you thought! Hats off to you—let’s hope there are more of us out there.

About the Author:
Cole is a writer/photographer at ConsiderPhotography.

For Further Training:

iPhone Photo Academy is an in-depth online course that will show you how to take incredible iPhone photos. With the right knowledge an iPhone can be used to take photos that are so good that most people would never even believe that they were taken with a phone. It is currently 84% off for their New Year Sale which ends soon!

iPhone Photography Tricks (Click to See More Examples)

The best camera is the one that is always with you. But having the iPhone with you is only half of the equation. The other half is knowing how to use it to take outstanding photos.

Deal ending soon: The iPhone Photography Academy New Year Sale

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Photography, like any art or skill, thrives on consistency. The journey to becoming an adept photographer is paved with regular practice. Learn how PictureCorrect Insiders can help.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This post You Know You’re a Photographer When… appeared on PictureCorrect.

from PictureCorrect https://ift.tt/6Y7ZAsb
via IFTTT

Read More

PictureCorrect.com: Why Smartphones Have Multiple Cameras

In recent years, smartphones have evolved from simple communication devices to powerful tools capable of capturing stunning photographs. One of the most noticeable advancements in this evolution is the addition of multiple cameras and lenses to modern smartphones. But why do smartphones need so many cameras, and what benefits do they offer to users? Let’s explore the reasons behind this technological trend.

Related reminder: only a few days left for the iPhone Photo Academy New Year Sale

Photo captured by TheRegisti

Enhanced Versatility

The primary reason for multiple cameras and lenses is to provide enhanced versatility. Each camera lens serves a specific purpose, allowing users to take different types of photos without the need for bulky external equipment. For instance:

• Wide-Angle Lenses: Ideal for capturing landscapes or group photos, wide-angle lenses offer a broader field of view.
• Telephoto Lenses: These lenses bring distant subjects closer, making them perfect for zoomed-in shots without losing quality.
• Macro Lenses: For extreme close-ups of small objects, macro lenses allow users to capture intricate details.
• Depth Sensors: Depth cameras enhance portrait photography by creating a natural background blur (bokeh effect).

Each of these lenses adds a layer of functionality that would be challenging to achieve with a single lens.

Improved Image Quality

Smartphones with multiple cameras can combine data from different lenses to improve overall image quality. For example, during low-light conditions, some phones use data from both the primary and secondary cameras to create brighter, clearer images. This computational photography technique enhances details and reduces noise, delivering professional-grade photos straight from your pocket.

Advanced Features Through Computational Photography

Multiple cameras also enable advanced features like:

• Hybrid Zoom: Combining optical and digital zoom for better close-ups.
• Night Mode: Utilizing multiple lenses to gather more light and improve clarity in dark settings.
• Augmented Reality (AR): Depth-sensing cameras help create realistic AR experiences by accurately mapping the environment.

These features are possible because the phone’s software processes data from multiple cameras to create a single, optimized image.

Catering to Different User Needs

Smartphone manufacturers understand that users have diverse photography needs. By incorporating multiple cameras, they ensure that their devices appeal to a broader audience. Whether someone loves shooting expansive landscapes, creating dramatic portraits, or capturing tiny details, there’s a lens for every purpose.

Overcoming Physical Limitations

Unlike traditional cameras, smartphones are compact devices with limited space for large sensors and lenses. Adding multiple smaller cameras allows manufacturers to sidestep these physical constraints. Each lens is optimized for a specific function, compensating for the size limitations of smartphone hardware.

Future Implications

As smartphone technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative uses for multiple cameras. From enhanced AI-driven photography to real-time 3D scanning, the possibilities are endless. Multi-camera setups are not just a passing trend; they represent the future of mobile photography.

Conclusion

The addition of multiple cameras and lenses to smartphones has revolutionized how we capture and interact with the world around us. By offering versatility, improved image quality, and advanced features, these cameras empower users to explore their creativity like never before. The next time you snap a photo with your smartphone, take a moment to appreciate the technology behind those lenses — they’re doing a lot more than meets the eye.

For Further Training:

iPhone Photo Academy is an in-depth online course that will show you how to take incredible iPhone photos. With the right knowledge an iPhone can be used to take photos that are so good that most people would never even believe that they were taken with a phone. It is currently 84% off for their New Year Sale which ends soon!

iPhone Photography Tricks (Click to See More Examples)

The best camera is the one that is always with you. But having the iPhone with you is only half of the equation. The other half is knowing how to use it to take outstanding photos.

Deal ending soon: The iPhone Photography Academy New Year Sale

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Photography, like any art or skill, thrives on consistency. The journey to becoming an adept photographer is paved with regular practice. Learn how PictureCorrect Insiders can help.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This post Why Smartphones Have Multiple Cameras appeared on PictureCorrect.

from PictureCorrect https://ift.tt/nlBU0K9
via IFTTT

Read More

PictureCorrect.com: 365 Photo a Day Challenge: Start the Year Right

Related reminder: only a few days left for the iPhone Photo Academy New Year Sale

I like to think of myself as an avid photographer, but there are times when the creativity wanes and the inspiration dries up. The trigger finger stiffens from lack of use and generally, I start to suffer from photographer’s malaise. This is when auto-pilot needs to kick in and get me up and running again. How do I switch on the autopilot? With the 365 Photo Challenge–a photo a day for a whole year.

Photo by Luigi Estuye; ISO 400, f/4.0, 1/200s, 42mm.

A photo a day keeps the staleness away. Staleness and boredom with a hobby like photography is a killer. Before you know it, you’re advertising your gear on eBay. I have found a simple way to keep the pot boiling on the stove. All my students know this one. It is simple, and it’s most certainly not time-consuming.

There are two ways to approach this:

1. The simple photo a day challenge. By this I mean that you allocate yourself a few minutes a day to shoot one image that you like or even dislike, for that matter. Just shoot an image at some point during your day. Carrying your camera with you every day would help. Whatever you do, make sure that you take one photo every day. Even if it is the clock on the wall before you go to bed. Of course, it would help if you make your subjects different each day.
2. The best photo of the day challenge. This is a variation of the challenge and gives you more leeway, meaning that you shoot as many images as you want but that at the end of the day you will select the best one, the one with most meaning or just a random choice if they are all good.

Photo by Fauzan Ardhi; ISO 50, 1/160s.

In order to make this interesting, you can add a touch of variety by choosing a theme or using a common thread. I know of a photographer who took a small beach ball with him wherever he went, and this ball featured somewhere in every photograph. Choose something and add it as a common thread to all 365 days.

With the advent of Instagram, 500px, Flickr, and more you can really make this interesting and even generate regular interest in your images. Change your Facebook profile every day replacing it with your daily 365 Challenge shot. People will eagerly log in every day to see what photo you have loaded. Not only will this make you more enthusiastic but it will generate an interest in your images. The same goes for your blog. Upload a daily image and makes some comments on it. This way you can keep a record of the how, when, why and who of each image. This could actually turn into a form of photo journal in which you document your life over 365 days.

Photo by Evan Sanders; ISO 3200, f/2.8, 1/50-second exposure

This could be the beginning of a really fun experience. The bottom line is that you will keep your creativity, inspiration, and enthusiasm alive while at the same time learning and entertaining others. If you can find a way to make your photography fun and inspiring, it will never die. You will continually shoot photos throughout the year.

One more tip before we go. It’s great to sit down and write down ideas and thoughts about what you will do, what themes to shoot, and how you will display the images. But unless you get out there and just do it you will get nowhere. If you will run with the idea I can guarantee you that in 365 days’ time, you won’t believe the improvement and progress you’ve made as you learn photography.

Photo by Jehane; ISO 64, f/3.7, 1/85-second exposure

What the 365 photos show you is just how you have improved. They become your timeline of growth in creativity and skill.

About the Author:
Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography. He has produced 21 Steps to Perfect Photos, a program of learner-based training using outcomes based education.

For Further Training:

iPhone Photo Academy is an in-depth online course that will show you how to take incredible iPhone photos. With the right knowledge an iPhone can be used to take photos that are so good that most people would never even believe that they were taken with a phone. It is currently 84% off for their New Year Sale which ends soon!

iPhone Photography Tricks (Click to See More Examples)

The best camera is the one that is always with you. But having the iPhone with you is only half of the equation. The other half is knowing how to use it to take outstanding photos.

Ending soon: The iPhone Photography Academy New Year Sale

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Photography, like any art or skill, thrives on consistency. The journey to becoming an adept photographer is paved with regular practice. Learn how PictureCorrect Insiders can help.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This post 365 Photo a Day Challenge: Start the Year Right appeared on PictureCorrect.

from PictureCorrect https://ift.tt/iZn1cwf
via IFTTT

Read More