Monday, February 17, 2014

Understanding and Achieving Image Focus and Sharpness: Part IV

Nikon 51 point Autofocus System layout in the Nikon D4 DSLR, photo courtesy of Nikon CorporationImage sharpness depends on multiple factors including focus.
While it's true an image can't be sharp unless the subject is in focus, the converse is not necessarily true, that an image which is in focus, will necessarily be sharp. Image sharpness is fundamentally controlled by focus, but there are other important factors which enable in-focus images to be sharp.

In Part I we looked at how modern digital cameras autofocus (AF), and what factors influence AF systems' ability to focus quickly and accurately.

In Part II, we discussed choosing the best focus mode for a particular subject, manual or autofocus, or using them together, as well as single versus continuous focus, all to achieve a solid focus for a variety of situations common to travel photographers.

In Part III, we got to the nitty-gritty of using autofocus and manual focus, including looking at the different AF area and tracking modes, and focus locking methods.

In Part IV, below, we discuss photographer focus technique, and other factors which enable photographers to make sharp images.

Purdue photojournalist detained, and his equipment seized covering a shooting

Freedom of PressOn January 21, 2014, Michael Takeda, Purdue University Exponent newspaper photo editor, was attempting to photograph the aftermath of an on campus shooting in the Electrical Engineering Building.

Mr. Takeda reports he was at the entrance to the building near the skywalk where there were no police barriers or signs telling anyone not to enter the building, and identified himself to the Purdue University Campus Police as an Exponent photographer. Mr. Takeda had a Nikon camera in each of his hands at the time.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Wildlife Photo Walk: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, February 8, 2014

Great Blue Heron pecking through the ice of the impoundment pond at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
On Saturday, February 8, 2014, I will be leading the Wildlife Photography Walk, sponsored by the Friends of Heinz Photo Group, starting at 9am in the Visitor Center of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in South Philadelphia, near Philadelphia International Airport.

We'll be walking and photographing in several areas of the Refuge, including near its Impoundment Pond, Darby Creek, Hoyes Pond, and through some of the deciduous woods areas of the Refuge. The walk will last for about three hours. During the walk I expect to discuss the challenges of cold weather photography.