Taking Pictures with Different Cameras
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Introduction
Each camera offers different capturing abilities that have a major impact on results. Experience plays a major role in improving performance, yet it is important to know right from the beginning what expectations to have. The following details will be focused upon that.
Smartphone cameras
Smartphones are easily the most versatile devices. It seems that everything is obvious yet there are a lot of untapped possibilities. True photo abilities are rarely known in detail. Most of the time we rely on having everything set on AUTO and just taking a snapshot, but all phones offer much more than that.
Camera applications
Unfortunately, using a different camera application, despite potential possibilites, rarely works as intended. There are very few applications that offer significant improvements for Android phone, for instance, no matter if we consider paid or free software. The issue is that there are few users of advanced features and development itself requires resource that have to be tailored towards a larger variety of manufacturers an extensive testing to reach good results. This is why most applications have worse performance than the ones supplied by the manufacturer and offer only minimal additional capabilities. None of them will result in dramatically improved pictures as most of the processing happens beyond the camera application control.
However, if you want to experience with a different application and see how it suits you, the best replacement I found and tested for many years was OpenCamera, an open-source versatile camera application that is obviously free of charge and well behaved.
Different modes
Leaving the default AUTO mode most of the time is preferred, and having the PHOTO mode active by default. Changing settings on the fly when you also want to take pictures can result in missed opportunities for captures and this is the main reason we accept the AUTO mode. It is important to also know what is offered by other modes. Some smartphone may not have all modes or have them named slightly different. Only the most relevant ones are presented.
The strongest recommendation is to always disable the FLASH function, which may be indicated by a lighting symbol. You may end up with uneven washed pictures, it is pointless outdoors and results in less practice to make the better use of lighting in indoor environments. Any aspiring photographer should avoid using the flash assistance.
AUTO, Photo mode (with AutoExposure and AutoFocus)
This mode is a good compromise. You can end up with surprising results using this mode and slightly changing the way in which you frame your subject. Try to use the main camera and avoid magnifications such as 2x or more or .5, which is less than 1, as they may slightly distort your capture and offer lower resolution than your main camera. When framing the subject is impossible at standard distance, definitely use any magnification that offers better chances of capture rather than risking to lose such an opportunity.
Auto Exposure and Auto Focus are the biggest improvements in recent phones so I highly recommend using them to the full extent. When you can point at part of the image and adjust both values you can very quickly reach good photos. Auto exposure on the part of image that interests you ensures that the picture is never washed out or overly dark. Slightly adjusting the focus near areas but right on the area with high shifts from dark to bright areas create the most balanced results. For artistic effects, you may experience with different points on the same frame and see which one ends up with a more interesting image.
The alternative method to using AUTO values would have been to fiddle with so many settings in the hopes of reaching a reasonable result, such as: exposure, shutter speed, white balance. All of these values must be slightly changed even when a picture is only shifted by a couple of centimeters. This is the power processing that your camera makes so that you end up with usable results when pressing the snapshot button. However, knowing how these value change results may help you better understand what your camera is capable of.
Experiment with adjusting focus and brightness on various parts of the scene you intend to capture. It is the fastest way to end up with the best photos!
HDR or High Dynamic Range
We would like to have the highest ability to capture lighter and darker parts of our picture, but the two requirements are opposite to each other. We either strive for better details or we avoid overblown pictures. HDR or High Dynamic Range promises to change all that. However, there are many caveats. The most important is that HDR means a composite picture, a picture that superimposes the less exposed and more exposed picture of your subject. This means that some details are preserved but colour accuracy is not maintained.
To compensate for colour mismatches between the lower and higher exposure snapshots, the picture is processed and ends up over-saturated. Since the result is so heavily processed and there is no way to control transformations, many pictures will end up with an artificial look. Also, it is important to be aware that such compounded pictures require more time to capture and, thus, do not lend themselves well to scenes or subjects that are not static.
The above mentioned limitations are present in any camera, whether we consider smartphones, semi-professional or professional products. HDR trully became interesting, unfortunately, because it stood out from conventional photos, as some manufacturers attempted to differentiate themselves. As this tendency became common and many people enjoyed the artificial look, there is little interest to mute the picture and get closer to what the principle of HDR photos state it should be.
Macro mode
Some phones have a dedicated MACRO or extreme closeup mode, that operates at a distance between 2-5 centimeters from the camera. This context requires very bright lighting conditions so it is more suited to outdoor purposes.
Macro most is best suited to natural environments, highlighting leafs and flower details, but it can also be used with certain ubiquitous objects from around us that may have a different meaning when pictured so close.
Panorama
While potentially appealing, panorama modes present many shortcomings due to limited abilities of phone camera lenses. Curvature aberrations are highly noticeable and lead to generally poor images. Any misalignment in successive photos or changes in light affect the final outcome. It is not recommended to use this mode except for practice purposes.
Slow-motion and Burst Mode
Showing the movement of a subject may be interesting in some circumstances, as happens in sports, dance or when there is an interest in highlighting a well known phenomenon that is too quick for us. Capturing such scenes require cameras that are able to take quickly a set of pictures, at very short intervals. However, requirements for this type of captures are even stricter than for typical photos, as exposure times are shortened and the available picture processing times are much more limited. The result is that pictures can more easily end up being underexposed or darker than they should, or show slight focusing problems.
Before cameras were able to take successive snapshots at intervals below one second, the only ability to capture subjects and movement was to use the so-called "Burst" mode. This ability commonly translated into a couple of pictures being taken in 5 seconds, usually one every second. Another additional use of this mode aims at obtaining more useful snapshots, since at least one of them may end up with a good result. Unfortunately, using burst mode in these circumstances results with more near copies of the same picture, wasting space and time. Overall, the same limitations applied as for slow-motion pictures occur for burst mode pictures, meaning that the risk of under-exposure and focusing were present. Some cameras may still provide a burst mode today.
As a rule of thumb, most cameras will require much better lighting and improved stability to capture useful slow-motion pictures. There are few circumstances where the burst mode will be useful.
Timed pictures
In the past, pictures that were taken with a timed delay of a couple of seconds were, perhaps, the only way to achieve the camera operator to also be part of the picture, long before smartphones created the selfie photo opportunity. Nowadays, using timed pictures does not offer as many advantages since most cameras are much better able to handle our preferences. Moreover, since we experience countdowns less in our lives due to most products reacting faster, waiting for the countdown and making repeated attempts when something goes wrong, seems tiring.
Due to the risk of not synchronizing the picture with the subject, as the person taking the picture is not aware precisely when the snapshot will take place, timed photos frequently end in frustration, and may be avoided.
Timed shots and burst shots
Rule of Thirds
Photos with great potential maintain the same attributes in just about any circumstance. Proper framing is an essential technique that can offer the best possibilities for future use. A common way to achieve that is to apply the so-called ruled of thirds: you divide your picture into 9, focusing your subject close to the center of the image and having sufficient details to make the best use of the transitioning area between each of the 9 divisions. Good pictures have the main subject slightly off center but make good use of the frame to draw attention in other parts of the image as well. A subject should not fill the entire image or be the sole point of interest in the center of the picture or anywhere else. The composition should be balanced by other elements.
A major side-benefit of applying the rule of thirds is that you easily end up with photos that can be easily cropped or have only their interesting points emphasized in a particular format. This is particularly useful when we consider that images are generally by default wide and narrow, or created as landscape formats, as on for the cinema, while some popular devices, such as smartphones, may favour the square format and include text or different information below the picture. Having a subject and framing technique that is flexible enough results in final pictures that can be cut well to reach very good results in any purpose.
Subjects
Landscapes, trees, plants
Vast fields, forested areas, trees, shrubs and plants are easily the most inspiring scenes. Weather and seasons present many opportunities to capture them from a slightly different perspective every day, leading to endless photos with good potential. Showcasing nature to a world where most of the population leaves in urban spaces is inspiring and meaningful. Imaginative pictures focus on showing aspects that are often overlooked due to our routine. Plants and particularly flowers offer ample opportunities and have a strong impact, considering that some of them have a very short lifespan.
Mountainous areas have a particular attraction with their breathtaking sights and they offer many opportunities for photographers. However, insufficient detail brought by weather conditions or a camera that is not coping as well with light conditions can affect the quality of a resulting image.
Ponds, Rivers, Lakes, The Sea
Water surfaces always attract us, since most of our life is spent on the land. On vast waterways it is better to look for details that intervene in an otherwise endless platitude than to simply think about capturing the endless water surface. Ripples, splashes can be emphasized when they are the picture's focus and there is some variation obtained in this way. Natural or man-made presence, whether we consider animals, vegetation or ships and structures, can always result in interesting photos. Closeups and odd picturing angles can also liven up the composition.
Wild and Semi-feral Animals
Humans enjoy to experience the wilderness while not being harmed by it. Many times, the same can be said about the wildlife as it thrives when human intervention is minimal. To be able to experience the wild it is important to be patient and well versed with accessories such as tripods and high-magnification, telescope lenses. The main takeaway is that you can rarely show good pictures of true wilderness with a simple smartphone. Its camera is way too limited in optical capabilities for the requirements of these environments. Very good semi-professional and particularly professional cameras are required to end up with good enough pictures. Even so, fast moving animals may still be difficult to capture.
Semi-feral animals are easily the most likely subjects to practice photography. As they are somewhat accustomed to the human presence, they frequently stay closer to humans and this results in shorter distances from the camera. It is more likely to reach good enough positions from which to capture such animals. In some cases, insects that are less likely to run or fly frequently can also be captured with less advanced cameras such as the ones found in smartphones. Unfortunately, as in other similar cases, it is possible to end up with many unusable photos due to camera and particularly focusing and framing limitations. I advise only experiments with such subjects on smartphones since they frequently do not end up as a steady source of good snapshots.
Individuals and Groups
The most likely encounters with photography is probably from capturing known and unknown individuals. Since people rarely travel very fast by themselves and are naturally closer to us, particularly in urban environments, there is a vast expanse for experimentation with cameras and trying to capture details in their attire and gestures. Groups may be slightly more difficult to cover properly, particularly when they act disorganized but even in these cases there is at least an individual or a couple of them than can showcase a difference that can be well emphasized in a specific part of the image.
It is advisable to know that less brighter environments, as in some stage performances, are very difficult to capture properly with smartphones. The insufficient performance of the optical system means that only a very small of the picture is occupied by the subject or subjects, leading to poor details that remain visible. At least semi-professional cameras are required for such scenarios. The larger the distance to the point of interest, as is the case in certain sport competitions, the less chance of capturing it with an inexpensive or readily-available camera.
Buildings
An ubiquitous presence in urban environments, buildings are plentiful and can be the subject of numerous pictures. However, unless the buildings themselves have architectural features that signify complexity, it is rarely possible to end up with attractive pictures. When architecture blends in the environment, as is the case of being surrounded by sparse vegetation or groups of people, a building stands out much more than in a deserted area. It is true that derelict or run-down buildings can also offer good opportunities, albeit their state will not elicit joyous reactions to viewers and may even be offensive.
Very tall or vast buildings may present difficulties for framing. Most inexpensive or general purpose cameras, as the ones used in smartphones, do not have the same optical compensations as professional cameras. This results in slight aberrations such as curvatures, that are more noticeable on such large subjects. With more modest cameras it is better to look for smaller areas of interest that are still able to overcome the apparent monotony. Reflective buildings, particularly office centers with large glass panels, may require experimentation in camera positioning to avoid glare, particularly on sunny days. Heritage or older buildings benefit a lot from shadows cast on them or having their features accentuated by other means such as reflections or temporary interventions.
Vehicles
While vehicles are an integrated part of our lives, they require more effort in creating meaningful pictures. Simply capturing a standing vehicle may not be enough. The age and state, placement, buildings and people to which it stands nearby create an interesting scene. Moving vehicles by themselves, whether they are cars, trucks, trains or ships are more difficult to capture the faster they travel. Good lighting conditions and steady camera positioning is required. Some vehicles may be placed to far away to be properly captured with a smartphone, as they lack the required optical magnification to end up with useful details in images. Showing the vehicle in its natural environment, a less common presence of it or simply details of it are all valid ideas to exploit in photographs.
Machinery and Components
All sorts of equipment has been and is present around us, telling a past story or making us enjoy the present. As such objects are abundant, there are vast opportunities to focus the camera lens on features we frequently ignore or use without a second thought. Closeups and environments that present various devices and products in uncommon places offer very good chances of ending up with great photos. Due to us having a detached experience that frequently leaves our electronic or mechanical creations well sheltered, showing their internal components can also be insightful to the audience, in a way to showcase beauty, order or the opposite of it.
Framing Ideas
Framing refers to the way in which a subject or centerpiece of a photo is part of the environment. Good framing ensures the subject is clearly visible but also that other sugestive details are present in the scene. Bad framing shows the subject in a context that is almost empty, finds the subject close to the limit of the picture or has other flaws that are readily obvious. Experiencing with hundreds, even thousands of photos as well as noticing what is appreciated by others in photos will offer a good understanding of framing techniques.
Try to make the best use of the rule of thirds. Having the focus on a good subject yet sorounding it with other details that are attractive ensures successful photos. Never consider that a subject by itself or something unexpected about him is enough. Photography has everything to do with composition and the way in which multiple elements, preferably of different types, human and natural, tell a compelling story. Photos that offer little enticement to write a story about, are not good photos.
Take many photos, delete the ones that are poor, practice the subjects and compositions that you like the best to define your own personal style.
Nature
Natural elements are able to, by themselves, tell a story. As many elements usually interact, it is not difficult to "cut" and "expose" a specific part of the world.
Vegetation can naturally be a focus of many photos. Forested areas or multiple layers of vegetation create a rich atmosphere. The focus should be on elements that are unusual, such as different colour foliage, an animal, an insect or anything else that is different. Good photos break the monotony and suggest interactions between at least two or three planes. If it is a landscape picture avoid having long areas that are geometrically similar, such as a river bank, trees and sky. Ensure that at a couple of these natural features are not symmetric or similar.
Closeups and macro photography can be very attractive. It is advisable to keep in mind that the large optical magnifications required for successful photos are unavailable to smartphones. Certain closeups can be created with care and patience. The most spectacular ones you may have seen of different websites require professional cameras and tripods to ensure steady, detailed shots.
Panoramic pictures are not recommended. Since they require specific lenses or composition techniques to compensate for the lack of such optical systems or multiple cameras, they tend to be less viable than aspiring photographers may expect. It should also be known that panoramic photographs most likely require specific software or support to ensure the display of these composited images. This means that effort spent on a technique for a particular way of presentation has to be made from scratch for a different one, as some procedures are specific to each implementation.
Light and shadows cast on the natural environment or the presence of other elements that break the monotony, such as buildings and humans, are highly recommended in the composition.
Urban Photography and Buildings
Framing whole buildings is generally difficult or does not bring meaningful details into view. With the sole exception of landmarks, most buildings have symmetries that make a photography's content highly predictable. This is the main reason why the focus is on specific architectural features, alterations or novel interventions. The presence of animals, people, or any other object that may interact or have a relationship with the building or its neighborhood are advisable, unless they are also relatively ordered and symmetric. In such situations, framing should focus on an area of interest that seems as diverse as possible, without being considered as random.
Any human settlement, from a village to a sprawling metropolis, offers opportunities to highlight its life. Individuals or groups liven up the streets, animals such as birds may suddenly appear in secluded or more visible areas, various works leave temporary or permanent marks on the way in which an urban or rural area looks and feels. While sometimes more monotonous, cities truly offer unique experiences due to the mix of buildings, lifestyle, vegetation and weather specificity. Rural areas can also suggest compelling stories if the scene does feature certain variability in building facades, placements or natural background. For aspiring photographers, urban photography is easier to follow and improve upon.
Making photographs as a habit may not result in a lot of useful captures but will certainly offer experience, confidence and ability for more complex tasks or even result in some compelling compositions by chance. Never underestimate your daily photo routine!
Individual and Group Photography
Events frequently take place and offer ample photo opportunities particularly in cities. Crowds can form around places of high interest in the downtown area. All of these offer ample opportunity to experiment with smaller and larger crowds photos. Goals established for these scene address the variety of people present or particular details that are visible on some of them. Pictures have to be taken quite fast and opportunities may sudden arise or disappear. Improving skills in these environments may help in other circumstances and many useful images may result for illustration purposes.
Individual photography is somewhat more difficult as it may require additional care in taking good pictures of still or moving persons, which creates its own set of challenges. Smaller, lighter cameras, such as ones on smartphones, are an advantage in such circumstances as they can be easily moved to attempt various snapshots. However, it is always important to avoid being intrusive and to show respect when capturing or using such images. Individuals may be placed in any environment. The focus may be on their outfits, accessories or gestures that may be helpful in suggesting a compelling story. Closeups can be had only for other features than facial ones as privacy has to be respected.
A special mention has to be made for "selfies", as they do not help as much to improve photography techniques and their quality is generally poorer than for standard photos. However, they may help in testing or improving personal style as well as having inspiration for other standard photos."
Parks and Vegetation Abundant Areas
Natural or man-made parks and places with vegetation are high attraction areas for people. The more varied the landscape is and particularly if the area offers height differences, can result in highly appreciated spots for photography. Depending on situation, deserted or lively areas have their own benefits and the environment may be enhanced or affected by their presence. This means that certain areas should be captured at different times of day and on different seasons to better gauge what kind of context is more suitable. Sometimes buildings may be obtrusive or better blend into the natural environment. Any good photography location has to be assessed separately and in multiple photos.
Any area with vegetation can become the centerpiece of successful photographs. The most successful ones may be to use framing techniques that avoid obvious presences in typical pictures of other photographers.