Understanding and Achieving Image Focus and Sharpness: Part II

Image 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, below, we'll discuss 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.

Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative out of control

The Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) is a collaborative effort led by the US Department of Justice in partnership with the US Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies. The initiative was ostensibly established to create a coordinated national capacity for gathering, documenting, processing, analyzing, and sharing SAR information to help prevent terrorism and other criminal activity.

On the surface, that appears to merely be a national database initiative of what law enforcement agencies have been doing for years, gathering information regarding criminal behavior and activities, but NSI is different, vastly different.

Understanding and Achieving Image Focus and Sharpness: Part I

Image 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 this multi-part series, we'll discuss what it takes to make a photograph look sharp. We'll look at how to successfully focus your camera on your chosen subject, and how to make your well focused image actually look sharp.

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

NSL Photography Tip: Add Important Photography dates to your Appointment Calendar

For all photographers using a digital camera, keeping the date and time accurately in the camera is very important.

The date and time of every photograph is embedded in the meta data for each image, each time the image is made and saved in the camera. These are important pieces of information for photographers.

The date and time in each photograph's metadata establish precisely when the image was made. It helps for verification during photo editing. It's tremendously helpful in later identifying images, and greatly assists photographers in organizing their images.

Ned Levi leading Wildlife Photowalk at Heinz Refuge

For photographers in the Greater Philadelphia, PA Region, who are interested in wildlife photography, I wanted to let you know, I'm leading a Photowalk in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, September 21st. The Refuge is on the north side of I95 just across the Interstate from Philadelphia International Airport.

All walks at the Refuge are led by volunteers (me included) working under the overall supervision of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and are open to all members of the public, though children are expected to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and are free. While some US national wildlife refuges charge a nominal fee, the USFWS charges no admission fee for the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

Top Six Travel Photography Essentials

Today, travelers are often journeying to far-off lands and seas, many to “once-in-a-lifetime” destinations. During the past month, I was on such a trip to the Arctic. Most of the expedition trip was spent in Svalbard, an archipelago halfway between the North Pole and Norway, and in Greenland, with short stops in Oslo, Reykjavik and Paris.

Travelers can find themselves hundreds of miles from the nearest photo store or repair shop at destinations like Svalbard, and Greenland, and while in cities, where photo shops are available, who wants to waste precious time in them, for purchases or repairs.

Travel and photo gear self-sufficiency, while away from home, has become essential, especially for those for whom photography is an important part of their journeys.

Photography Exhibition: Philadelphia Museum of Art - Family Portrait

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the foremost exhibitors of fine art photography in the nation, especially since the completion of its Perelman Building. Family Portrait is a wonderful exhibition worthy of this great institution.

This exhibition will run through November 10, 2013

Helicopter tours and great scenic photography

More and more often, I hear from travelers who, while on cruises, and land based trips, are planning to take helicopter tours at their ports of call and destinations, and convert the great views they see into wonderful images with their cameras.

Helicopter touring can provide travelers with spectacular views, amazing photographic opportunities, and a chance to visit venues unreachable by other means.

Two great places for helicopter touring are in our 49^th and 50^th states; Alaska and Hawaii. I have two favorite helicopter tours, one in each location.

Photography Exhibition: The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Julia Margaret Cameron

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City, is one of the premier art museums in the world. When they have a photographic exhibition, you can be sure of its extremely high quality and its careful composition and construction. The Julia Margaret Cameron exhibition will be no exception.

This exhibition will run from August 19, 2013 through January 5, 2014.