There is great understanding about what parameters determine photo resolution. This link give a pretty good explanation of the myths and realities regarding this subject. When reading this article be sure to go to the referenced links to get the full picture. The Myth of DPI.
November 17, 2011
October 20, 2011
The Art of Photographic Lighting by Eib Eibelshaeuser – Rocky Nook, O’Reilly
This book is really more a reference encyclopedia than a textbook.
The author is clearly very knowledgeable about light theory, the history of light, and the different types of lights that are available. I suspect much of the basic information provided on the different construction of various light bulbs will neither be of interest nor much use to most photographers.
However, there are several valuable chapters such as “Light and Shade” and “Controlling Light” that are well worth reading. In addition the sections on hard and soft light, direct and indirect light are very useful.
I feel this is an excellent supplementary text for anyone learning photographic lighting. For schools teaching photography, I’d recommend they include this book in their libraries.
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October 18, 2011
May 24, 2011
THE SUNNY 16 RULE
A PRESCRIPTION FOR BETTER PHOTOGRAPHS
In photography, the Sunny 16 rule (also known as the Sunny f/16 rule) is a method of estimating correct daylight exposures without a light meter. Apart from the obvious advantage of independence from a light meter, the Sunny 16 rule can also aid in achieving correct exposure of difficult subjects. As the rule is based on incident light, rather than reflected light as with most camera light meters, very bright or very dark subjects are compensated for. The rule serves as a mnemonic for the camera settings obtained on a sunny day using the exposure value (EV) system.
The basic rule is, “On a sunny day set aperture to f/16 and shutter speed to the [reciprocal of the] ISO film speed [or ISO setting] for a subject in direct sunlight.” For example:
On a sunny day and with ISO 100 film / setting in the camera, one sets the aperture to f/16 and the shutter speed to 1/100 or 1/125 second (on some cameras 1/125 second is the available setting nearest to 1/100 second).
On a sunny day with ISO 200 film / setting and aperture at f/16, set shutter speed to 1/200 or 1/250.
On a sunny day with ISO 400 film / setting and aperture at f/16, set shutter speed to 1/400 or 1/500.
As with other light readings, shutter speed can be changed as long as the f-number is altered to compensate, e.g. 1/250 second at f/11 gives equivalent exposure to 1/125 second at f/16.
An elaborated form of the Sunny 16 rule is to set shutter speed nearest to the reciprocal of the ISO film speed / setting and f-number according to this table:
| Aperture | Lighting Conditions | Shadow Detail |
| f/22 | Snow/Sand | Dark with sharp edges |
| /16 | Sunny | Distinct |
| f/11 | Slight Overcast | Soft around edges |
| f/8 | Overcast | Barely visible |
| f/5.6 | Heavy Overcast | No shadows |
| f/4 | Open Shade/Sunset | No shadows |
| Add One Stop | Backlighting | n/a |
from Wikipedia
CHARLES HEISTERKAMP, III, M.D.
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May 20, 2011
A PRESCRIPTION FOR WHAT’S ON THE NET
LESS ORDINARY – http://www.lessordinary.org.uk/
“By taking the time to browse through the posts here, you’ll find plenty of beautiful photographs, thoughtful reflections and inspirational content, as I communicate my deep passion for specialness.”
Photography, Books, an unusual Blog. Worth a visit. You might be inspired.
Charles Heisterkamp, III, M.D. – Photographer
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May 13, 2011
A Prescription for How and Why to Use Flickr
Harold Davis has written an excellent article of why one should use Flickr as a method to show, share, and publicize his/her photographs. You can find his article at the following web address.
http://photo.net/column/harolddavis/finding-an-audience-for-your-photography/using-flickr-for-marketing/
If you are unfamiliar with how to register for a Flickr account (it is FREE), read the earlier blog post on this site written by John Flinchbaugh who steps you through the process of signing up and what your many options are.
Charles Heusterkamp, III, M.D., Photographer
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April 28, 2011
PHOTOGRAPHERS YOU SHOULD KNOW – BEN WILLMORE
A PRESCRIPTION FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Ben Willmore
There are many photographers whose work one should know. Among the many great contemporary photographers is Ben Willmore. Ben has three websites:Web Site – http://www.thebestofben.com/
Web Site – http://whereisben.com/
Web Site – http://www.digitalmastery.com/
Ben’s a master of design. Definitely visit the Best of Ben and look at his galleries. And, if you ever have the opportunity to attend one of his teaching sessions, his ability to teach is super. I know from personal experience. Whenever I see him, I always learn something new.
CHARLES HEISTERKAMP, III, M.D.
April 26, 2011
Documenting America from the Great Depression to World War II
A PRESCRIPTION FOR WATCHING THE WEB
The Library of Congress
Documenting America from the Great Depression to World War II
http://rs6.loc.gov/fsowhome.html
“The images in the Farm Security Administration-Office of War Information Collection are among the most famous documentary photographs ever produced. Created by a group of U.S. government photographers, the images show Americans in every part of the nation. In the early years, the project emphasized rural life and the negative impact of the Great Depression, farm mechanization, and the Dust Bowl. In later years, the photographers turned their attention to the mobilization effort for World War II. The core of the collection consists of about 164,000 black-and-white photographs. This release provides access to over 160,000 of these images; future additions will expand the black-and-white offering. The FSA-OWI photographers also produced about 1600 color photographs during the latter days of the project. ”
“The mission of the Library of Congress is to make its resources available and useful to Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations. The goal of the Library’s National Digital Library Program is to offer broad public access to a wide range of historical and cultural documents as a contribution to education and lifelong learning. ”
“The Library of Congress presents these documents as part of the record of the past. These primary historical documents reflect the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of different times. The Library of Congress does not endorse the views expressed in these collections, which may contain materials offensive to some readers. ”
Visiting this site should be an inspiration as well as a lesson in documentary photography. Many great photographers of the 1930′s era worked for the United States Government. Photographers like Walker Evans and Ansel Adams are among those represented. And anyone with a knowledge of photographic history will recognize “Migrant Mother.” And, if you wish, download a high resolution file and print your own personal copy of this photograph or of many others.
CHARLES HEISTERKAMP, III, M.D., PHOTOGRAPHER
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March 7, 2011
Philadelphia Photo Arts Center Spring Schedule
The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center has posted its Spring 2011 schedule of classes, workshops, and gallery shows, as well as a call for entries for a future show. You can learn more about all of these by visiting their website.
The PPAC is located at 1400 N. American Street, Suite 103, in Philadelphia.
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February 6, 2011
2011-02-07 Camera & Manual Open Space Meeting
The February meeting of Lancaster Camera Club is going to be something a little different this month! You (yes, you) and everyone else in attendance will be presenting your favorite topics for the group, so come ready to share and to learn. Be sure to bring your friends and family members with new cameras as well, because this is sure to be a good meeting for everyone. Let’s have our camera manuals on hand as well, because there’s a wealth of information in there.
Our initial theme for the evening will be Camera and Manual, but the discussion can go anywhere from there. We’ll start out making a list of suggested topics from the group, we’ll vote to find the most popular, and then we’ll break out into 2 or 3 groups to discuss the top picks. After 15 or 20 minutes, we’ll come back together as a group and do it again!
This meeting could go anywhere, but it’ll be right where you want to be!
We’ll see you at Brethren Village Fieldcrest Room at 7pm sharp on February 7, 2011. I, John, will be your master of ceremonies, and I look forward to seeing everyone for this great night.
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