Shooting great video with your interchangeable lens camera is easy if you know the simple tips to make it work. We will start with the basic settings and then look at some key accessories that will raise the quality and watchability of your project. Camera Settings Most all cameras have a video mode. This is different from just pressing the Record button because it gives you some simple controls that make for better video right away. Figure 1 : This image shows the toggle switch on a Nikon camera to […]

Good Video Needs Great Light Want to make professional looking videos?  Great lighting is a key element!  So, join me as I share the secrets and techniques of the Pros, that you can easily do in your own projects! Getting Started with Lighting Before we look into the type of lights, let’s learn a little bit about how light works.  Light is a complex thing that is both a particle and a wave from the view of physics.  Simply, this means that light moves in a straight line unless otherwise […]

You’ve Got Activities Planned, Don’t Forget Your Camera! With Family Day rapidly approaching, folks are planning their special time together. No matter what you and your family are doing, this is a great day to ensure that you are keeping your photo albums current and making images to share with family and friends who may be some distance away. Indoor Activities We know that many times it’s tough to get everyone together to head out somewhere, and from time to time, the younger folks want to spend the day off […]

Figure 1 : Even with white balance correction, you can see the reddish tint of the light here

At most pro sporting events, what type of camera you’re allowed to bring in is strictly controlled. Even though “real” cameras – DSLRs, for the most part – are not allowed, smartphones and point and shoots appear to be usable at will. We can argue these policies at another time. Many of us, though, have family members who enjoy amateur sports in the winter. Whether this is watching the game, placing bets using one of the top 10 sportsbooks, or even playing. Capturing a picture of a friend while they […]

A new camera is a wonderful thing. It doesn’t have to be brand new, it could be gently used, it could be handed to you from a family member, wherever it came from, you have it now. It could be a DSLR, it could even be a home security camera for apartment! So the next question is what do you do?

When my editor sent me this topic, I have to admit that I asked myself if there really were that many ways to photograph the holidays and holiday related events. It was quite a challenge to come up with some reasonable candidates, so here we go. 1. 360 Degree Family Gatherings 360 cameras are easy to use and most deliver great results with no fuss, no muss. Put one on a stand or hang it from a ceiling (you can rotate the footage later) and use your smartphone to wirelessly […]