Home made flash diffuser

Photography can be quite an expensive affair if you are to buy all the equipments needed to take your best photos. However there are situations where you can actually save some money and make your own equipments and this is where you can consider making your own flash diffuser. This can be easily done where you only need some cardboxes, aluminium foil, tapes and rubber bands. You would know by now that the built-in flash lights on your DSLR are the worst lighting source you can use if you want to take great photos.

Hence, if you have no choice but to use the flash light, then perhaps you can minimize the intensity of the light through the diffuser. Diffuser can sometimes be expensive and they seldom are one-size-fit-all devices. This is where you can save some money by making your own diffuser. It might not look pretty but it might solve you a lot of problems. Cut out a four sided cardbox and then place them above the flash. This is the most important part of the diffuser where it must sit on top of the flash housing stably.

The whole at the bottom of your diffuser must not allow any light through which means you must use the rubber band to tighten around the housing. Use the aluminium foil to wrap the inside walls of the diffuser so that it reflects light around and then channel it out of the diffuser. A plastic back with translucent texture would be ideal to place at the top of the diffuser which will then ‘soften’ the flash out to the open. If you like to control the direction of your diffuser, you might want to cut a hole on the middle of the box where you can either leave it open or closed whenever you like.

So whether or not you like digital captures or film, be aware that both are actually analog captures where the digital cameras use electronic sensors which actually uses an analog charge which is being digitized in the camera. This is why they are able to produce high resolution pictures in the camera itself. On the other hand, you can also scan films in high resolution which are equally the same quality.

Digital cameras are superior in a few areas namely resolution control where you can decide and determine how many megapixels your shots are going to be. They offer lower noise and grain as compared to films like the ISO 100 and 200 in the DSLR which produces almost no visible noise. Digital cameras also offer limited dynamic range which is a constant problem with these devices.
In terms of colour quality, digital cameras that offer less generation loss often produces better prints as compared to films. There are countless technical aspects between the 2 technologies really and as they advance, digital cameras will surely take over films one day. For now, many photographers still prefer the clicking and clacking of the film rolls which offer the more authentic photographic experience. The sound emulated through the digital cameras has yet to replace this.
As such, digital images are easier to edit and can be done instantaneously while you can pick and choose which one to keep and which one to discard, an option which would be overly expensive with films. The advantages are many and it would be just a matter of time before it becomes the only standard in photography.

Macrophotography

Macrophotography typically is, as the name implies close-up photography. This type of photography is slight different from still life or portraiture where it usually involves small subjects like insects and flowers. A macrophotograph is classified where the negative size of the subject is greater than its actual size.

Macro photos have a 1:1 or closer magnification where it is one area which requires a lot of technique and patience. In most macrophotographs, you will find that they involve a lot of insects and flowers because when you take a close up shot of these elements, they exude a lot of details and are very beautiful, often colourful even.

If you are into this area of photography, the equipments are very important and you will need to get it right. The DSLR camera is a default and given while you will also need a dedicated macro lens to get this done which comes with the 1:1 capability which could be quite costly as compared to other types of lenses. Where possible, you should have a dedicated camera with the appropriate settings and the macro lens so you need not have to change lenses all the time. Extension tubes could be used as well where you can use them to focus closer than the standard lens. But the quality varies.

If you have a 200mm lens and 50mm lens, then you can use the latter in front of the former on opposite sides which give you some very good magnification. There are countless ways when it comes to equipments and it really depends on your resourcefulness and budget but one skill that you must have when taking macrophotos is that you must be extremely still. Otherwise it would be a big problem. If you have shaky hands, it poses another problem because it is not often that you a place to put a tripod. So a beanbag might be your next option. As mentioned, a lot of patience need to be injected into this type of photography, especially when it comes to insects. They fly away so quickly before you can get your settings right, so you need to try and try again until you get it right.

As photography is considered as an art, it is hard to put out rules which sometimes do not exist. But you can ensure that your shots are compelling with the right composition. The most common guideline to composition is the Rule of Third which stipulates that you must position the main object along the intersecting lines of the 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines of your projection. The digital cameras today also come with a  function that actually places the lines for you on the screen to help you with this.

However, it is not by default that the main object be placed on the centre of the lines. If your focus is on another section of the scene, you should include another object so that the picture is not too empty. That is where the ‘secondary’ object comes into play. You might not use a very important object because you want to focus on the primary subject matter. Use focal points where necessary. In a scene where objects are very symmetrical, you might want to use the focal point so that it does not appear to be too monotonous.

This is a practice that you would have seen many do. They place both their index and thumbs into a square and visualize the scene before taking a shot. This is actually good practice where you can actually use it imagine how the photo would come out before proceeding to snapping on your camera. Another important guideline is to evaluate the background, which is often overlooked. The background would be the tertiary element to help tell the story better.

This is where you can either use the timer on the camera or if possible use a wall to keep your body and hands still. If all that is not available, then keep your legs apart and take a deep breath before pressing on the button. If possible, apply high ISO settings where you can get sharper images which might appear grainy. This is where you will find that they are much more preferred and favourable as compared to the likes of blurry photos. To capture the best shots, take 3 shots of which one is dark, the second in the middle and the third light shots so that you can have the best of all worlds.

As a photographer, you must be able to play with light element where you must be able to grasp issues like the direction and intensity of light. In most situations, natural lighting would be most ideal but that would not be possible when you are taking photographs in the nighttime. This is where the flash light comes into play where the intensity and direction of the light is again important. Without light, there will be no photography. However, it is not often that you will get shots with the best lighting effects hence the need to use software to do this.

Image editing software is also very commonly used for their blur effects. Night time shots are best for you to create some effects which need not use image editing software, this means that you can actually play around with the shutter speed to capture the background where you can then deliberately move the camera to make out a motion blur effect.

Such photos look great and natural and you can actually have a photo that is totally unedited but exudes your photographic skills. However, night time shots do not come as easily as others as you need to be at the right place at the right time or you will need to wait another day. Software is one avenue which can help you with motion blur effects and many others too. While not everything needs software, knowing how to use them would surely help you to create some of the most compelling shot and interesting photos.

Just like a person who is given paint and canvas, if you do not know how to use them, they are just paint and canvas and nothing more. The same goes with photography. You need to know your equipments and what they can do if you want to take great photos and this is where the whole concept is. So before you go out and buy the most expensive equipments, know your current ones first.

One thing for sure, a camera, whether it is analog or digital is used to take photos. Basically it is a piece of drawing with light, as the origins of the name implies. This basically means that photography is only possible with the presence of light. Hence, if you know how to play and manipulate light, then you are on the right course. The whole concept of a camera is to have the light go through the lens where the aperture is that controls how much light is allowed into the sensor. The shutter is the mechanism that determines how long the sensor is exposed to the light which will then determine the outcome of the photograph.

The sensor is very vital here because it is a sensitive plate that the light gets absorbed before the image is converted into pixel form.
The longer the shutter remains open, the higher the amount of light is captured by the sensor. Apart from these elements, you must also understand the concept of the ISO speed, which stands for International Organization of Standardization which stipulates the measure of the film speed. Here, the slower the ISO speed will mean a longer exposure is required while high ISO speed would require less time for the same exposure. These are some of the important technicalities of photography because from here, you will now need to inject creativity and some intuition to capture the most memorable images you can conjure.

Taking photography seriously is not just moving on from digital cameras to DSLRs. So do not think that the first thing you need to do is to go out and buy a DSLR camera and you are well on your way. That is the wrong approach. The first thing you must do is to know which area of photography you will like to venture into. If you like landscapes instead of portraits, events instead of close-ups, then there are many types of equipment out there which will help you much.

Also, never think that the most expensive equipments will set you straight into becoming a serious photographer. This is because if you get the techniques and shots right, then you actually do not need very expensive equipments. So learn more about what type of photos you like and then move on from there. Use your current set of digital camera to take all kinds of shots, lay them out and see which shots are the ones you like most, then work your way from there.

A good practice is to keep your camera with you at all times. This means that you will not be able to afford hefty and cumbersome equipments. Use a bag with a simple camera and your tripod and you will be ready when the most impromptu moments come about. One of the best equipment you must consider is a tripod. This is specifically useful if you have shaky hands.
It is not always that you will have your cameras with you so having an avenue to sketch out the shots would be ideal. If you cannot sketch, then jot them down in a notebook so that you can always revisit the place or moment when it comes around again. Ensure that you have taken down important information like the lighting, surroundings and such.

There are countless resources which are free today for you to learn more about photography. You can now find out the best equipments and reviews about new products everywhere and this is where you can put them to good use. Reading alone will not be sufficient so you will need to practice them. You must read the theory and then carry out the practical part of it. You will find that the learning opportunities in photography are never-ending because there are infinite possibilities. This is where practice makes perfect and even so, there is still room for improvements. After that, you will then need to look at image editing software to help you with touch-ups. While not everyone is receptive about using software to make their photos look better, it is sometimes essential to help taking out the noise from certain shots. You need not be experts in using these software but having the basic skills will be an added advantage for sure.

As a beginner in photography, you must take photos all the time. Unless you want it to be just a hobby which comes around every once in a while, you must practice, practice and practice. Apart from that, you must also not be afraid of experimenting. After all, it is way cheaper now that you can use SD cards instead of films. So try out all the settings available, all that comes with your equipments and determine which are the ones you like most and are comfortable with. So always look at what resources are available out there and then put them into practice, after that post them into places where you can welcome criticisms and suggestions to make your work better. This is the best way to learn and to get the best tips from the experts.

Zain realized that his passion is in photography after browsing through the earlier Kodak website where he learnt that photography is not just clicking the camera button. He realized that there are surely more than just the method of snapping and that was an intriguing fact. Hence, he ventured out to learn more about this art where he used his innovative ways to pick up the skills. He read books, went through magazines, searched online and was not afraid to get help from some experts and today, he offers one of the most attractive options in photography. To Zain, taking a photo presents an indescribable feeling when the beauty of the shot is presented after it has been snapped. These moments need to be captured and they can then be remembered better through his body of work.

Zain’s work is known to encircle around travel, nature and architecture where since taking up this artform, he has become more patient and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of nature more. In his photography, Zain finds that he is able to express his emotions and perception of his surroundings where he takes a somewhat different approach as compared to conventional and traditional photography. This is where one would be able to appreciate the way Zain sees the world through his photos where he uses a very unique way of presenting his shots.

Sammy has been involved with many photographic assignments where she had previously worked behind the stage in commercials while working with make-up artists, directors, stylists and cinematographers. These elements and experiences have helped her to learn the tools and skills of lighting, angles, make up and such all of which she put them into practice in her shots today.
Using state-of-the-art and hi-end digital equipments, she is able to enact shots which are often not achievable by the conventional photographers.

Her career began in 1992 when she worked in local television commercials then where she was engaged with Axis Films under the supervision of renowned directors like Hoo Eee Kee, Paul Loosely, Dain Said and Farouk Aljoufy. Here, she learned how commercials are made where she would then work her way up in the areas of art direction, wardrobe styling and film directing, all of which provided here with the best hands-on experience of this industry.

Sammy would also venture into interior design where she had been involved with designing night clubs in Malaysia and China. She would then be assigned to direct television commercials where she has been involved with major clients like Nestle, Petronas, Boh, Ministry of Agriculture, Friskies and Panasonic.

From there, she would then venture out to her biggest challenge where she set up Sammy Khoo Photography and this is where one can appreciate her very original way of expression. As mentioned, she takes a lot of portraiture of women and a major focus on maternity shots. Not afraid of pushing the boundaries, Sammy’s work exudes the story that the images tell, and it is happiness best told in her photography.