Some of the Equipment used:
SLR Camera: Chinon MultiFunction Auto SLR (CP-9AF )
Lenses: 27 - 70mm Zoom/Macro, 70 -210mm Telephoto
Filters: Don't believe in them, though I confess to occasionally using a polarising lense to cut out glare from highly reflective surfaces eg: seaside photos etc. Film: Mostly Fujichrome 100ASA, though occasionally 400ASA (1600ASA at Rock Concerts, ah sure, they let me in with a camera :-)
Scanning: Photos scanned at 400dpi (600dpi is the maximum useful resolution you will get from photographs. Beyond that, all that you are adding is the grain of the paper). Images are saved as JPEG, (Photoshop) compression level 8 (High Quality). Creates files averaging 1.2Mb per photo (@ 400dpi, RGB). Working file size is in the region of 8 to 12Mb.
Digital Camera: Kodak Z740 (10 x Optical Zoom, 5 MegaPixel) with additional Canon photocopier lens for the extreme macro shots.
This has rapidly become the primary image capture tool
Tripod: Sharp photo's in failing light or shady forests
demand the stability of a good tripod.
Stillness (How to take good photos): This is related to the tripod issue, which one may or may not have available at the time a photo is taken. Stillness differs from "hand shake" (lack of a tripod) in that it is a state of mind (preferably no mind). To be totally focused and calm within will reduce physical movement and provide sharper clearer images. It will also effect how you "see" and frame an image. And always ... mind the rocks! Be aware (mindful) of your environment, lest you inadvertantly come to harm or cause harm to others.
In fairness, spending some time to practice and experiment with your camera, studying the manual and of course your choice of camera, will also contribute to the quality of any resulting photos.
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