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Saturday's Thoughts - The Ins and Outs of Good Photography...

By
Home Inspector with Complete Home Inspections, Inc. TN Lic#050
I often get asked what camera I use to take my photographs. The camera is only one part of the equation. Any good digital SLR can take good photographs whether it is Cannon, Nikon, or what ever. The main parts of the equation are the lenses, knowing your camera, a photographers eye, and failing - sometimes miserably.

When it comes to taking good quality photographs, good quality glass (lenses) is a must. Herein lies the problem with amateur photographers. Good glass is expensive, but there are alternatives. I often go to pawn shops to see what they may have that will work on my Nikon D50. The trick is to go in with cash and a price in mind. I have picked up good lenses for half of the cost by placing cash on the table and telling the pawn broker this is what I am willing to pay. I have yet to be turned down. You know the old adage about cash doing the talking...

Know your camera. Learn to shoot with aperture priority and shutter priority. Yes, there are setting other than program and automatic. They will bring differing results.

There is a correlation between time (shutter) and depth of field (apature). The smaller the apature, the longer the shutter needs to remain open to get the exposure. Flowers need small apature settings and more time in order to get depth of field.


Sometimes 1/30th of a second can make the difference between a great shot, one that is so-so or just junk. Bracket your shots by 1/3 of a stop if you are using manual setting. You will be surprised that what you see is not what the camera sees...

The final part of the equation is the photographers eye. Some folks have it some don't. But don't be discouraged, it can be developed. I took several photography courses at Purdue University. Often, we went on field trips to junk yards to learn to see the beauty in all things. Talking about getting into your right mind in a junk yard! But it can happen! Most importantly, failure is a must! Digital film is cheap! I have learned more from my failures than my successes. I hope this helps.


Y'all have a great weekend... ;-)

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© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com

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Comments(11)

Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Hi Michael

Excellent post on photography and I totally agree with you about the value of lens.

Success and good luck.

Lou Ludwig

Jun 27, 2009 12:35 PM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Michael, I have a fairly good eye but I still get so confused on the different settings.  Your post helped quite a bit.  You explained everything in reasonable terms.  I've been wanting to take a photography class that would probably help me the most. 

I saw a great shot today but my daughter had took off to the Brazos for a photography shoot with ALL my lenses. 

Jun 27, 2009 12:44 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTORĀ®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Michael, I never thought of the pawn shop avenue. Do you take your camera with you?

Jun 27, 2009 12:47 PM
Mary Strang
Viroqua, WI

Good you put that great brilliant photo at the bottom of your post, it inspired me to read the post twice!

Jun 27, 2009 12:56 PM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi Michael,  I upgraded my Canon P&S to a Nikon D80.  I was concerned about the interior shots we all see in the MLS.  Recently I added a Sigma 10-20mm wide angle and a speedlite .  What an amazing difference .  People actually comment on how well the pics turned out.

Jun 27, 2009 01:44 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Michael...

Another thing about flowers ... if you are using long shutter times you need to make sure that there is NO wind!

Great shot BTW!

Jun 27, 2009 01:45 PM
Brian Lee Burke
Kenna Real Estate - Lone Tree, CO
Broker & Advising Expert-Kenna Luxury Real Estate

Michael - thanks great pointers. I am on my way to learning and testing what different things shutter speed, aperature etc. can do :) I have always heard that the lens is what makes it. ~Rita

Jun 27, 2009 04:01 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

A tripod can help tremendously, too. And if one just got a digital SLR camera but has been gone from serious photography for a couple of decades, practice, practice, practice! LOL

Jun 27, 2009 09:18 PM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Michael, Your dedication shows in all the great pictures you post on your blogs. This was a great primer on photography, thanks.

Jun 27, 2009 11:19 PM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

I followed your previous post and ended up here Michael.

What a beautiful cornflower, the species I planted are more of a lighter shade. Very nice indeed your photograph!

Jul 07, 2009 03:04 AM
Dan Quinn
The Eric Steart Group of Long & Foster Real Estate - Silver Spring, MD
Dan Quinn

How funny - digital film is cheap!  These are good tips Michael - thank you.

Jan 07, 2011 11:16 AM