Hubbard's Camera: 7/27/08

How To Read This Photo Primer

Welcome to the photo family. This primer is written for all those newcomers who want a reasonably quick grounding in the fundamental mechanics of digital photography. To read Hub's Photo Primer in the order that it was intended, please proceed from the oldest post to the most current. Here's the Table of Contents.

Along the way, you'll find photography tips, photography techniques and an ample dose of solid photo basics to help you feel confident behind the camera.

Two sister sites are shown in the right-hand column of this page that cover the basics of the new digital darkroom, Hub's iDarkrooom, and valuable beginning photo tips, Hub's Photography Tips. Please feel free to visit both sites and become part of the worldwide passionate photographic community. If you're in the need for some photographic inspiration, visit Hub's Visionary Photographers and be energized by the words, wisdom and creative images of today's luminary photographers.

"Hub's Camera" is a non-commercial, educational service of Hubbard Camera LLC.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Part 0 - Out of the Box

I've received several reader comments saying that this Photo Primer begins one article too late. Starting at the beginning should mean: bringing the camera home, setting it up and taking the first pictures.

So this article is being written out of sequence to ensure that this Primer covers the topics readers most want clarified. My friends at Pro Photo Supply in Portland were kind enough to lend me a new Nikon D60 for this article. I must admit after unpacking the box, it's easy to see how anyone just getting started could be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of materials included.

The contents of a Nikon D60 Camera box

The disadvantage of writing an article about setting up any camera for the first time comes from the fact that every DSLR is different, both by model and manufacturer. The good news is that DSLRs share many common features and their initial set ups are very similar. This discussion will cover the installation steps common to the majority of today's DSLRs.

A specific control, function or feature being described here may be located in a different spot on your camera. So, keep your manual handy to use as a cross reference. Our goal is to put together everything that comes in the box and take our first picture. The basic camera controls that you must know and be able to locate will be pointed out and described. Along the way, I'll provide some tips for handling the camera safely to ensure a long and healthy camera life.

Charge the camera battery while assembling the rest of the camera.

I recommend installing the battery charger first. While you are spending time assembling the rest of the camera and software, your battery can be charging. Depending on your specific camera, a full battery charge can be accomplished in 90 minutes to 3 hours. Most chargers are equipped with a "progress" light that will indicate when the battery is fully charged.

Think of the camera's body cap as an image quality insurance policy.

Now we can move on to the camera. The camera body is normally packaged with a "body cap" covering the internal mirror and sensor cavity. This is NOT disposable. The body cap is an essential part of the camera and should always be put in place any time the camera's lens is removed for any period of time.

A big No/No. Never take the lens off the camera for any period of time

without placing the body cap in position to protect the mirror and light sensor.

Keep your fingers, dirt, dust and moisture of any kind away from the lens opening of your camera. They are your enemies. From this point forward, the challenge is to keep contaminants from entering the body of your valuable camera. Any fingerprints on the sensitive mirror or dust that could fall on the light collecting sensor will result in a loss of picture quality or damage to the camera!

Twist the body cap off the camera in preparation for installing the included lens. The cap will twist off easily, but it will turn in one direction only.

Lens to body alignment "dots"

Your camera lens will have an attaching alignment dot somewhere near the base of the lens. This dot aligns with a similar dot on the camera's body as shown above. Align these two dots and twist the lens to lock it in place. The twist-to-lock rotation is usually about 90 degrees. You should hear or feel the lens "lock" into place. Depending on your camera, the twist will be either clockwise or counter-clockwise. (No, I don't know why.) Be certain the lens locked into position. There are several electrical connections being made between the camera and the lens. So the lens must be fully engaged with the camera's body.

Just like the camera's body cap, the "lens cap" that came with your lens should be in place any time you are not using the camera. If the lens is taken off the camera, the "rear" lens cap should also be attached. These caps are NOT accessories to be discarded. They have been included to protect your investment in the scratch prone, highly sensitive glass that makes up your lens.

Consider the glass in the camera's lens to be more sensitive and more expensive than the glass in a good pair of glasses. Because it is. Not only is lens glass susceptible to scratches and dust, but the delicate coatings on the glass are sensitive to moisture and contaminants in the environment.

The normal care you would give an expensive pair of glasses is not enough care for your camera lens. Use only photographic lens cleaning aids designed for camera lenses. Never touch the front or rear glass elements of your lens and avoid getting dust and dirt on either glass surface. The oil on your fingers can leave a lasting negative impression on lens coatings.

I strongly recommend purchasing a UV filter that will screw into the front of your lens to protect the camera's glass surface. (See Hub's article on protecting your camera's lens.)

Apparently the next installation is among the most difficult achievements you will make in your lifetime -- installing the camera strap. I've seen first time camera owners spend hours trying to install their camera strap or even bring the camera back to their local dealer for help. Why should this be so difficult?

There is a reason. Your camera will spend a good deal of its life slung over your shoulder. If the camera strap were to fail and the camera fall from four feet to the ground, you could expect a repair bill of $100 or more. So a safe and secure attachment for the camera strap is essential. Most camera straps attach in the same manner. Nikon includes a good diagram for threading the camera strap together. What I found missing was a close up picture of how the strap should look when it is correctly attached. So here it is (below).:

Camera strap successfully installed

Now let's adjust the camera to your eye. This is done using the viewfinder's diopter adjustment control (see picture below):

This control can usually be found next to the viewfinder and behind the rubber eye cup. Some cameras use a dial-type knob while others use a sliding control -- like on the Nikon D60 shown above. Using this control will allow you to match the focusing characteristics of the camera to those of your eye. Making this adjustment is a MUST! Sharp pictures start with a match between your eyes and the camera's focusing system. HERE is an article I wrote that will walk you through these important steps.

You literally can't take pictures without a data storage card. The camera will not function without a card installed.

The Nikon D60's SD data storage card and storage compartment

Depending on your camera, either a Compact Flash or SD card are most likely to be used in today's DSLRs. Some camera manufacturers include a card with the camera, but some don't. Don't leave the camera shop without, at least, one data card compatible with your camera model. Cards can only be inserted in one direction. That orientation is indicated by arrows located on the image storage card as shown above.

Looking at the battery charger, I see that it's not quite fully charged. So while we're waiting, let's take care of some housekeeping by installing the software that came with your camera.

Software included in the Nikon D60 box

Different cameras include different types of software. Common to all DSLRs is a basic software that allows you to download pictures directly from your camera to your computer. Now's a good time to install this basic software. Manufacturers normally accommodate both PCs and Macs. Find the software installation CD for your computer, and follow the install instructions. Most programs are virtually self installing and only require you to follow the on-screen prompts. This should only take a few minutes. (Refer to your camera manual for complete instructions.)

The connection between most DSLRs and the computer is accomplished using the USB cable that was included in the camera box.

Nikon's USB camera-to-computer cable

You should find a cable like the one shown above. The larger USB connector end will attach to your computer and the smaller end to the camera.

USB cable connected to the camera body

Don't do this now, but the picture above shows how the USB cable is to be connected to the camera to download stored pictures to your computer. I seldom use this connection. My computer is equipped with a "data card reader" that accepts all current data card types. I find this "off camera" method easier, quicker and doesn't require locating or attaching the camera's connector cable every time I'm ready to download my images. Both methods work fine. It's your choice. If you download directly from your camera, be sure to close the connector compartment's rubber cover tightly once you are finished, to prevent dirt and moisture entering this area of the camera.

I see my battery is fully charged now. So, it's time to install the battery.

Many camera manufacturers have found that the contoured camera grip makes a convenient place to store the battery -- like the Nikon D60 above. The battery will only insert when orientated and aligned properly. Your camera is now "alive" and ready to take pictures.

To take those first pictures, a few basic camera controls need to be explained.

The back of the D60 is shown above and is similar to most DSLRs. The central feature is a monitor display. This display provides you access to most of the camera's control features as well as a place to preview images you have taken. (Note: Some of today's DSLRs also provide a "live preview" feature. This relatively new convenience allows the photographer to see the image in real time BEFORE the picture is taken.)

The monitor is your window into the capabilities of your camera and a place you will spend a good deal of your time. Become familiar with the options and features that are presented and controlled from this digital display. On most cameras a large master control knob is located near this display and is your method for navigating and making menu selections.

Usually on the top of the camera you will find an exposure mode dial for setting shooting preferences.

The exposure control dial allows the photographer to "tell" the camera what preferences to use for shooting pictures. The dial above includes auto, program, shutter, aperture and manual priority shooting modes. This manufacturer has also included several icon settings for the beginning photographer when shooting in several typical photographic situations (e.g., portraits, landscapes, close ups, sports, etc.) The best or preferred exposure settings will forever become your greatest photographic challenge and are covered in various sections of this Primer.

Although I am not a fan of "auto" setting I do suggest that you set the camera to this mode when you take your first pictures -- just to check everything out.

The silver shutter release button can also be seen above. On most cameras, this button serves two functions. Lightly pushing the button halfway down activates the exposure and focusing systems. Pushing the button the rest of the way down takes the picture. So the normal procedure is to push the button halfway down to initiate the camera's systems and make your composition. Then push the button completely down to take the picture. The picture can then be previewed on the built-in monitor.

Oh, yes, one more minor point. Somewhere on the camera is an ON/OFF switch. In the case of the D60 shown above, the switch is located around the camera's trigger (or shutter release) button. You'll need to turn the camera on before taking pictures. Duh.

Let's turn our attention to the front of the camera before taking those first shots.

On most cameras you will find a switch on the lens that allows the lens to be used in either manual or automatic focus mode. When you take your first shots, set this control to Auto. You'll want to learn manual focus later. If your camera came with a "zoom" lens, a zoom ring. Turning this ring alters the focal length of the lens to bring you closer or farther away from your subject. Every lens will be equipped with a focus ring that will need to be adjusted whenever manual focus mode is selected.

Finally, in case you're taking those first pictures indoors at night, you'll probably need to use the camera's built in flash.

Most DSLRs incorporate a flash that automatically activates when there isn't enough available light to illuminate the subject. In most cases, when you push halfway down on the shutter release button to set the exposure and focus the camera, the flash will automatically "pop" up and begin charging when the light levels are too low. An indicator inside the viewfinder will alert you when the flash is charged and ready to shoot.

Yes, it's finally time. Go ahead and shoot a couple dozen pictures and download them to your computer. Check each picture to see if it's what you expected. If not, check all the steps above and re-read your manual. Nine times out of ten, it's operator error. If the pictures look good, you've begun your photographic journey.

Finally, after the camera box was opened, a lot of paperwork was set aside.

It's all important. Complete any warranty registration material. You spent a lot of money to buy your camera. Protect that investment by registering your camera.

Of course the most important paperwork and camera accessory is the manufacturer's manual. READ IT! Although the type may be small, the answer you are looking for is in this book. Your manual makes great bed time reading. When not in use, put the manual in your camera bag. You'll want it whenever you go shooting -- especially when you are just getting started.

I hope this article gets you off to a successful start in your new craft. Now you're ready to move on to Part 1 of this Primer.

Good luck.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Preface -- Purchasing Your First DSLR

This Primer for the Beginning DSLR User begins with some guidelines and considerations for purchasing your first Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera. Making the step up from traditional film cameras or "point-and-shoot" digital cameras to a more sophisticated and photographically flexible DSLR represents a sizeable financial investment. Taking the time to determine your own commitment to photography, understand the basics of the craft and research the current DSLR camera products will make you a wise shopper and enhance your photographic experience.

For the first-time DSLR camera buyer, the choices and options can be overwhelming. Here's a list of questions and considerations for making that big decision. A good camera store will ask the same questions to help determine which cameras are the best fit for their customers. Unfortunately, when shopping on the Internet or at mass merchandisers, little or no expert advice is available. So, answer the questions in this list, and take the list with you when you shop for that first DSLR.

But, First -------------------------------------

1. It is not the camera that makes the photographer. Any modern DSLR can take a good picture. It's the photographic knowledge, insights, time, patience and practice of each photographer that ultimately defines their personal style and the artistic merits of their photography.

2. All major DSLR camera manufacturers produce cameras that take excellent pictures. Whether it be Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, etc., each manufacturer is driven by customer demand and the ever-present pressure of competition. Consequently, you can be assured that each camera manufacturer offers a camera model presenting similar quality, capabilities and features within your budget range.

3. Be financially realistic. Making the decision to "move up" to DSLR photography carries considerable financial implications. This is true of almost any hobby or interest that we pursue in greater depth or take to the "next level". Photography can be expensive and, for newcomers, is rarely limited to just the purchase of a camera. I also caution first-time buyers that cheap usually signifies low quality. Over and above the initial cost of the DSLR camera body/kit lens, batteries, battery charger and memory card(s), typically the entry fee into DSLR photography will also include the following purchases during the first few months of ownership:

A tripod. (An adequately sturdy tripod will generally fall in the $80 to $200 range.)
Extra lenses. Most newcomers will buy a DSLR together with a lens (called a kit lens), but it's also common for DSLR owners to purchase a second or third lens to increase their photographic options (set aside $200 to $500 for each of these extra lenses).
UV filter(s) to protect the front glass (element) surface of each lens (a good quality UV filter will cost $30 to $50).
A camera bag -- for both convenience and protection reasons (expect to spend $50 and up for this important accessory).
(Optional) computer software to post process your images. Some digital imaging software can be found as freeware on the Internet. These programs are often a "good place to start." If you buy a commercial program like Photoshop Elements or Photoshop CS4, expect to spend $75 to $700.

There are hundreds of accessories you could and might purchase, but the list above identifies the items most often purchased at or near the time a DSLR is purchased.

The Checklist --------------------------------------

1. Determine whether photography will be a serious pursuit or possibly a passing fad in your life. If your interest falls into the "fad" category, save money and buy an inexpensive or even used camera. If you decide later that photography has become a serious passion, you can always move up to a more sophisticated DSLR camera.

2. Determine a budget for the new camera. This will automatically narrow your search and define a group of cameras to evaluate. As discussed above, be realistic and make sure the budget takes into account any accessories you will include with the initial camera purchase (such as camera bag, tripod, filters, extra lens, etc.).

3. Determine the type of photography that most interests you. This knowledge will help determine the features that you "MUST" have in your new camera as well as the accessory equipment you should consider purchasing (such as lenses, tripods, etc.). For example, the requirements of landscape photography are much different to those of portrait photography or macro photography. Know where you want to start your photographic experience.

4. NEVER buy a camera without first TRYING IT OUT! Don't be in a hurry. Go to your local camera shop and "handle" all the cameras in your established budget. Which one "feels" best and easiest FOR YOU to use? Remember, you have to live with this camera. It should "feel" comfortable in your hands and to your eye. There is a size and weight difference between what is comfortable for men and women. (Husbands and wives: Keep this in mind if you are considering buying your spouse a camera. In fact, a DSLR camera purchase is so personal that I suggest gifting the money, thus allowing the new photographer the freedom to select his or her own camera.) In addition, establishing a relationship with a good, reputable local camera shop and their staff will prove beneficial for as long as you are into photography.

5. Read the "Camera Review" section on photo forums and in photo magazines. This will provide you with some (usually expert) opinions regarding the technical merits of each camera you are considering.

6. Check out the Internet forums, go to local camera club meetings and ask friends who have the same photographic subject interest as you to see what equipment they are using. This research will probably spotlight two or three cameras in your price range.

7. Prioritize a list of camera features that you want on your new camera. Do you need aperture priority, external flash capability, depth of field preview, high rate of shots per second, water resistance, diopter adjustment to match your eyesight, etc.? Take this list with you when you go to the camera shop. If these terms are unfamiliar to you, seriously consider spending more time studying the fundamentals of photography. Internet sites like this blog are FREE and designed to give beginners this grounding in the basics of photography.

8. Don't get caught up in the megapixel race. This is especially true if you will seldom make pictures larger than 8"x10". Any camera from 6 megapixels and up can produce an exceptional 8"x10" enlargement. In reality, there is no noticeable quality difference between, say, a 10 megapixel camera and a 12 megapixel camera. It's certainly not necessary to purchase the camera with the most megapixels to create stunning pictures -- especially if the majority of your picture-making requirements fall within the typical picture size range of 4"x6" to 8"x10", or if your intent is only to share your photography online.

9. When you've narrowed down your choices to two or three, go to the manufacturers' websites and download the electronic version of each camera manual. Read through the manuals to ensure that all the features you require are present and that you understand how the camera is operated.

10. Remember: Once you purchase a camera, you are -- to a large degree -- "locked" into that particular manufacturer's camera line up. You can always buy up to more sophisticated or new models from that manufacturer. But, because each manufacturer has its own proprietary lens mount, you cannot use your lenses on another manufacturer's camera system. You will have to replace the camera and ALL of your lenses to make a manufacturer switch -- an expensive proposition.

11. Know your camera seller. Buy from a reputable dealer whom you trust, and who has a history of good customer support AFTER the sale. If you are fortunate to have a good camera shop in your area, support their business -- especially in the current economy. They will return the favor by becoming your trusted partner in photography. Nothing is more frustrating or demoralizing to a camera shop employee (and owner) than to spend hours answering customer questions and freely providing their expertise, only to have the customer go to a mass merchandiser or an Internet camera discounter to make the final purchase.

12. Once you've purchased a camera, save yourself months of pain and frustration. READ the manual. I am constantly amazed by the number of questions asked on forums that could be easily and quickly answered by reading the camera's manual. Take the time. Read the manual. Join a camera club. Sign up for a photography course at a local university or community college. Participate in a forum where you can share your pictures and receive constructive criticism. Do something that places you in a "hands on" learning environment. You'll not only learn the "ins and outs" of your camera, but you will meet others in your area who are either experts you can trust or fellow photographers at your same skill level. Misery and learning loves company.

You are about to enter one of the most enjoyable and artistically rewarding avocations on the planet. Maintain your sanity and your pocketbook. Make informed and educated equipment decisions.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Hub's Imagery, "By Popular Demand" Ordering Page

July 24, 2009

Welcome to Hub's Imagery ordering page. On this page you are able to order images that appeared in the Hub's Imagery, "By Popular Demand" catalog. Each picture from the catalog is shown below along with the price and a "Buy" button for completing your purchase.

This is a Limited Edition offering. This signed, 11 inch by 14 inch edition of prints from Tom Hubbard's "By Popular Demand" collection is limited to a total printing of 50 each.

Each image is personally printed by Tom Hubbard
All prints are processed using pigment inks on 100% cotton paper to maximize image permanency and to safeguard the collector's investment
Each print is safely secured for flat shipping and includes a white window matte
All prints arrive ready to be inserted into any standard 11 inch by 14 inch frame
Each print is signed by Tom and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

This entire collection of 21 prints is available as a complete "By Popular Demand" Portfolio.

All printmaking is done by Tom Hubbard
All prints are processed using pigment inks on 100% cotton paper to maximize image permanency and to safeguard the collector's investment
All prints are shipped together, insured and arrive in an attractive portfolio box for print protection and light-safe storage
Each print includes a custom-cut white window matte.
Each print is signed by Tom and includes a Certificate of Authenticity

Cost of the complete "By Popular Demand" Portfolio is $3,500 US (total individual print price is $4,525).

As mentioned in Hub's Imagery catalog, larger versions of these prints are also available (matted 16 inch by 20 inch). For more information on availability and pricing, please send an email request to Tom at hub@hubbardcamera.com.

Thank you for your continued support of Hub's educational blogs and your investment in his special photographic art work.

Note: The photographs displayed in the Hub's Imagery catalog includes the price at the time of publication. As indicated in the catalog, the price of these works changes as more prints are sold of each image. Please check the current pricing on this page, so you don't encounter any surprises.