Frequently Asked Photography Questions... Answered!

1 February 2010

What is an ‘F’ stop?

Whatever ‘F’ stop you put the camera to determines your aperture. The smaller the aperture (i.e. F2.8) the more light gets in. The larger the aperture  (i.e. F16) the less light gets in. Depends on weather/ lighting conditions.

What is shutter speed?

Shutter speed is exposure time. The length of time the shutter is open and light is hitting the sensor in the camera the more light is getting in. The smaller the shutter, the more light gets in and the slower the exposure (more time to light the object ).

What is ISO?

International Organisation for Standardisation.ISO is light sensitivity within the camera. If in a dark space and at the lowest F stop and the slowest shutter speed without movement of an object or using a tripod, I would increase the ISO to whatever suited the lighting conditions. The disadvantage of increasing the ISO is the grainier your images can become.

How do I burn images to a CD?

Firstly open the folder with the images you want to burn.  Then a pop up on screen after you put in your disc will allow you to open writeable CD folder. Click on this then select the images and drag them into the open writeable CD folder then click on write these files to CD; Name the CD and wait for the writer to finish burning the images to the CD then click finish.

What is a megapixel and how many do i need?

A megapixel is equal to one million pixels.  How many megapixels you need depends on firstly the resolution of your camera and if you intend printing your images. The size of the print and number of pixels will determine the quality of your print. For example a 2 megapixel cameras best quality has a maximum size of 3x5 inches, whereas a 10+ megapixel cameras best quality has a maximum size of 13x17 inches.

How do I view my images?

On most digital cameras the forward arrow sign allows you to view your images. To return to shoot mode press the shutter button halfway down.

How do you use flash?

Either internally or externally. In most cameras the flash is inbuilt (internal) and depending on your setting will determine whether the flash works. On Single Lens Reflex (SLR’s) there is a pop up flash that when engaged will work on any setting. At Opus we use external flashlights which are attached to the camera.

What type of lighting do you use?

For a white background we use high key lighting (4 lights) and for a coloured background we use low key lighting (2 or 3 lights).

Do you like to use natural light?

For activity shots we like to use natural light as much as possible, depending on the time of day you can get bad ‘flat’ light or nice ‘punchy’ light. It also depends on the lens you use and your desired setting.

What lenses do Opus use?

We use Nikon lenses. (28 – 70mm). Sometimes we would use Sigma 18 -200mm for wide angle shots.

What cameras do Opus use?

We use Nikon D200 cameras.

What lights do you use?

Bowens lights 500 or 1000 with attachments of soft boxes and reflectors.

What printers do you use ?

Professional pro lab printers, Digital laser high quality printing paper we use with these printers.

What type of paper do you use?

We have an array of paper ranging from lustre to metallic.

What other mediums do you print on?

With canvas we print large format on high quality inkjet.  We also print banners, T-shirts, mugs and calendars. 

What is your paper range size?

Anything from 6x4 to 20x16 our size range vary to reflect the most common sized frames.

What is the best computer package to enhance my photos?

Adobe Photoshop this is used on a daily basis for enhancing our photography.  It can be used for cropping, correcting red eye, sharpening, changing to black and white and 100’s of more effects.  There are several ways of doing each task it involves playing about.

How do I crop my photographs?

Choose the crop tool (5^th tool down on tool bar).  Choose your size in inches or centimetres along the top of your screen.  Drag the crop tool over the area that you want to become your new photograph.

How do I brighten my photographs?

There are two simple ways, using Adobe Photoshop- curves or levels.  Image-Adjustment-Curves or Levels.  Either of these options by playing about will enhance the brightness of your photographs

What is the simplest way to change your colour photographs to black and white?

In adobe the simplest technique is to go into Image-Adjustments- Desaturate. Your    image is now black and white but to give your image more contrast go into image – adjustments – brightness and contrast.  This will make your blacks darker and your whites brighter.

How do I create a dreamy/romantic effect to my photographs?

By giving them a diffuse glow go into filter- distort- diffuse glow, play around to create your desired effect.

How do I fix Red Eye?

Red eye is caused by the light of your flash bouncing of your subjects retina.  Adobe CS3 onwards a simple red eye tool can be used.  On your tool bar the 7^th icon down right click to choose the red eye tool.  Click on the red eye and this will correct it. 

How do I fix blemishes and cuts?

The simplest way to do this is the patch tool (7^th icon down on your tool bar right click to reveal options) Draw around your blemish. 

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