Guide to Film Photography

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Guide to Film Photography

Buying a Camera
Buying the right camera can be confusing. Think about what you want to do with the camera before you begin the search. Many people buy the wrong camera for their needs and become very disappointed in their selections. think before you buy!

What do you plan to shoot?
Where do you plan to take pictures?
What kind of pictures do you plan to take?
How much time do you want to spend setting up your picture?
What kind of subjects do you plan to shoot?
How much money do you want to spend?

Picking the Camera.
Take into account the many types of cameras available on the open mark when you go shopping. Not all cameras are the same thus find on that fits your needs.

Do some homework, check the internet and the different stores.
Check out the different models.
See what each camera can and can not do.
Does it feel right?
Will it work for you if your left handed?
Do you want a used or new camera?
Can you afford it?
How long of a guarantee does it have?
What kinds of lenses or filters are available?
How often do you realistically plan to use the camera?
Why pay thousands of dollars for a camera you will only use once or twice a year!

Check our chart to help you decide what you want.
Check out the web sites listed in Camera Manufacturers.

Decision Time:

Check out the different stores for the best prices.
Talk to the salesperson and get them to explain the main functions of the camera.
Ask specific questions about the camera. If you don't like the answers,, move on to another store.
Take a photography class ( Learn to use the camera correctly. Many great cameras are on shelves because the owner did not understand how to use it correctly).
Read the directions that come with the camera.

Film
Like cameras, the film you need will also depend on how you plan to use it. Remember that not all films are created equal. Some have better colors and better processing quality. . A great picture can be lost because you used the wrong film. Review the film chart and determine which type of film best fits your needs. Check out the film company's web page. More information can be found at

How to Choose the Right Camera Film - eHow.com

Filter
Filters enhance lighting or change environmental conditions. They can create dramatic interpretive and artist images. Most photographers like to keep on their camera a No. 1A skylight filter. Skylight filter block out the overcast bluishness or the effects of shade on a picture. Furthermore a 1A helps to protect the camera lens. More information can be found at: Camerafilters.com or Camera Filters by Ira Tifen

Lens
Point and shoot cameras have a built in lens. Some have a very simple lens, while others have a more complex telephoto system. The APS have an electronic system that you can chose the lens type. But the SLR cameras give you the choice of what type of lens you wish to put on the camera. That is perhaps its greatest advantage over the other types of cameras. Check the lens chart and select which lens you want to use. More information can be found at

Photographic lens - Wikipedia,

and

The Camera Lens

Flash
Point and shoot cameras have built in flashes. Push the button and up it pops. Remember they are very limited, so don't expect a great deal. They can cause red eye, darker than expected pictures and a washing away of colors.
Some SLRs also come with built in flashes, as well as hot shoe connectors for the flash. You can not in most instances use them both at the same time. Make sure the flash you buy will match your camera. Not all flashes will work with all cameras. More information can be found at How to Buy a Camera Flash - eHow.com and Consumer Guide: Camera Flashes Product Reviews

Types of Flashes

Manual Flash-The photographer determines the proper exposure by matching the speed of the film, the distance from the subject and the light output of the flash. There is usually a chart or wheel on the back that will help you determine the proper setting.
Automatic Flash-The proper amount of light is determined by the flash after you set the aperture using a calculator on the back. A light sensor will set the duration of the flash and thus insure the correct exposure.
Dedicated Flash-This flash uses the camera itself to determine the correct shutter speed, exposure and duration of the flash. It relies on the cameras' metering system, TTL (through the lens) to determine what is suitable. It is an automatic system which can enhance your pictures and ensure better photographs. Many come with manual modes so you can override the flash and set different settings. Some flash units can only be used with particular types of cameras (Nikon for Nikon, Canon for Canon etc.), while others have switches that will set the flash to your particular camera.

Lighting
Lighting can play a crucial roll in making a great picture and making a snapshot. Understanding the direction the light is coming from, the amount of light available and the softness as well as the harshness of the light can determine the quality of your work. Hot spots can happen if you take pictures in an area under a tree. People will squint if the light is in their eyes. Flares will happen if you point the camera in the wrong direction. So take into account the light around you when you are shooting. Decide what effects you want before hitting the shutter release. Wait if the light is not what you want. It can be worth it! More information can be found at:

Photographic Lighting or

Basic Photography Techniques - Lighting: Outdoor and Existing ...

Picture Problems: Ever wondered what is a flare? Or have you noticed the feared "red eyes" on your precious photo! These and other problems are discussed by clicking below!
Check out my chart on Problem Solving for many answers to common questions. Other tips can also be found in the Questions and Answers section!

Trade Secrets

Never shoot facing the sun.
Avoid shooting subjects with the sun in their face. (causes squinting)
Avoid shooting pictures with a mirror or glass as a backdrop, (causes a spot of light).
Check the picture completely before pressing the shutter release. Carefully scan the image from one side of the viewfinder to the other. Make sure everything is the way you want it before you push that shutter.
Avoid taking a picture where something is bright red. The viewer will see the red and miss the rest of your picture.
Shoot before 11 am and after 1 pm. Those times will give you the best shadows without glare.
Check what is behind the subject. You might have a pole sticking out of your subject's head.
Don't put your main subject directly in the center of the frame. ( This is called bulls eye) Try setting it to the right or left of center.
Be patient. Many a great picture took time to create.
In shooting low light, use a tripod, high speed film and set your exposure controls accordingly. (See Exposure controls in Resource)
Be sure you have plenty of film. Running out of film can be such a bummer.
Be sure you check and change your batteries regularly. Put your batteries in the camera correctly after they have been checked..
At first keep a running record of your pictures and compare the results with your records. Thus you know what you did wrong, ( Throw the terrible shots away).
Talk to professionals and advanced amateurs they can be a valuable source of information.
Read the manual, not all cameras, flashes and lenses are alike. Controls and capabilities can very from one unit to another. Furthermore practice with the camera before you shoot those pictures.
The best way to learn how to take pictures is by taking pictures!
Check the Photographic Tips page for further information

I Recommend the following books for beginners:
Photography for Dummies By Russell Hart -IDG books
The Complete Idiots Guide To Photography by Roger Woodston -Alpha Books a Division of Macmillian General Reference A Simon & Schuster Macillian Company.
Kodak's Guide to 35 mm Photography- A great source for charts that will help you understand what exposure adjustments you need to make on your camera.
John Hedgescoe's Complete Photography Course By John Hedgecoe A Fireside Book Published by Simon and Schuster Inc.
The Complete 35 mm Sourcebook by Michael Busselle Amphoto An Imprint of Watson-Guptill Publications/New York.
Some of the information in these web pages are from these books.

I Recommend the following web pages for beginners:
Taking Great Pictures
Kodak provides advice on photography. Learn the art of photography at Kodak.com., ... Top 10 tips for great pictures. Photographing people & animals
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=2/3/38&pq-locale=en_US
Photo Tips -- How To Take Photographs
photo tips, ideas, instruction, articles about travel photography ... 3. Ten Tips for Better Pictures ... Five Pro Tips for Travel Photography. Composition, color, lighting, depth, research...
http://www.photosecrets.com/tips.html
Photography About.com
From Peter Marshall, Your Guide to Photography

Created by Inspired Art Sandy Arroyo Photographic Artist
Thanks for the help of Berrie Smith of Berrie Smith Photography