While many lenses have a maximum aperture of f/22, some lenses have apertures that go to f/40 or higher! Generally, photographers do not use any aperture above f/18 or f/22 because of diffraction. Diffraction is a phenomenon which causes a loss in sharpness because light rays are bent around the aperture. The following is a …
Depth of field — it’s more than just aperture!
We all know that the aperture value controls the depth of field, but I am shocked how many intermediate photographers have never learned what other factors also impact depth of field (how much is sharp and how much of the photo is blurred). In fact, these other factors have as much impact on depth of …
The Truth About Sharpness
I remember the first time I saw a DVD. I had heard people talking about how clear the picture looked on a DVD when compared to a VHS tape. I remember sitting there during the movie thinking to myself that I couldn’t tell a difference in picture quality from a VHS and a DVD. Years …
Focus and recompose, or compose and focus?
Portrait photography often means short depth-of-field. In fact, when the photographer is close to the subject and a low aperture (such as f/1.8) is used, then the depth-of-field an be as short as one inch (3 centimeters?). Even slight variations in focus can take the focus off the model’s eye and make it slightly blurry. …
More than you wanted to know about noise
This is a sample chapter from Jim Harmer’s book Improve Your Night Photography. Check out the book! The success or failure of your night photography will likely depend on whether or not you have fully mastered your low-light shooting technique. A skilled night photographer can leave a shoot knowing that all of her images were shot correctly …