Testing PhotoSwipe Zoom

Claude and I are testing the functionality of the PhotoSwipe zoom tool in Ghost to determine if the issue we're seeing in imported posts is a remnant of the import process, or an issue with PhotoSwipe itself.

Image Stabilization

We’ve discussed numerous methods of reducing camera shake, including the Reciprocal Rule, proper handholding technique, and other tips and tricks. Today, we’ll discuss a technological means for helping you minimize camera shake – image stabilization. There are two main types of image stabilization: optical and digital. Both aim to

Q&A–What type of lens should I get for my trip?

This question was recently submitted by Cheo. I’m looking to get a fish eye. I’m taking a vacation to Key West and want a lens, but I’m not sure if I’m wasting my money. I have an 18-55mm DX VR. Looking for guidance on panoramic

Focusing on Lenses

There are so many different types of lenses, when it comes to figuring out what you need, it can be a daunting shopping experience. Many people go through an experience similar to what I did… start with the kit lens your first DSLR comes with, buy an inexpensive telephoto zoom,

Reading the Histogram

One of the most misunderstood tools that most cameras, and every piece of post-processing software I’ve ever used, include is the histogram.  There are sometimes multiple histogram readouts available, which offer a ton of information about your image. However, the one I find the most helpful when it

The Reciprocal Rule

As it relates to sharp photos, good hand-held technique is where it all starts. But there are other tips and tricks you can use in conjunction with good technique to help ensure your photos come out clear and sharp. One such tip is known as the Reciprocal Rule. The

Valentine’s Day Special–Hand Holding with your Camera

Okay, so this post isn’t about holding hands with your camera. However, it is about how to properly hold your camera in your hands in order to get nice sharp photos. Properly hand-holding your camera is all about providing a stable base for your camera to minimize any

Reading The Meter–A Tale of Exposure and Other Settings

I’ll start this post off with a big disclaimer… Read your camera’s manual! I use this disclaimer because I’ll be providing info on where to find certain settings, modes, and information on your camera’s display or readout. However, this information varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and

Exposure–Tying It All Together

Now that you (hopefully) understand the concepts behind aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, it’s time to review how they interplay with one another, and show how you can manipulate them to improve your photography. For the most part, manipulating exposure is a matter of simple math, with a good

Exposure, Part 3 – ISO

The third component of exposure is probably the simplest to explain, but in many ways, the least understood. That component is ISO. ISO is the sensitivity of the film or sensor to light. A lower ISO number means lower sensitivity, while a higher ISO number means higher sensitivity. The relationship

Exposure, Part 2 - Aperture

Aperture is a less-than- easy a concept for the novice to grasp, but once it’s control and impact is understood, it becomes, perhaps, the most utilized piece of knowledge put to use in your photography arsenal. Aperture is the hole or opening that light travels through as it’

Exposure, Part 1 - Shutter Speed

Previously, we discussed the concept of exposure, and it’s three components – aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Perhaps the easiest component for beginners to understand is shutter speed, so we’ll begin there. Shutter speed is the simple function of how long you open the shutter of your camera to

concepts

The Basis of Things to Come

Too dark… Too light… The concept of exposure, in my view, is critical to understanding almost everything in photography. From getting the right color in your images to understanding the markings on your lens to the mode dial on your camera, all of these things are rooted in in the

Difficulty

Which Camera Should I Buy?

VS By far, the question I’m asked the most by friends, colleagues, and acquaintances concerns which camera they should buy as their first DSLR, given a choice of two or three models from competing brands. In truth, brand matters far less than most people think. There are certainly the

photography

Welcome

Welcome to Back 2 Basics Photography. This will be a space to provide helpful information insights for beginning photographers who want to improve their photographic skills. Much of the information I plan to post will be topics that I found invaluable while growing as a photographer. I'm looking