January 29, 2011

Hyperfocal Distance and Tripods

I just finished watching the "Live Action Training" which accompanied Unit 1 of the NYIP course.  Some notes about the video:
  • It ran about an hour.
  • It was over 10 years old.  It talked about film cameras, didn't even mention digital cameras.
  • But ... the photography concepts they discussed are still pertinent and they complemented Unit 1's audio and text lessons.
  • Seeing the professional photographers actually use the techniques and then critiquing the different shots (good and not-as-good) was most helpful.   DonChuck, Linda and Jerry, were good teachers.
  • I understand hyperfocal much better now and I know why I need to understand it.
The first topic after the introduction was framing a shot and depth of field, specifically using hyperfocal distance to take sharp pictures.  This was explained in depth by a professional photographer taking various shots for a local chamber of commerce calendar on location at a church yard.  Then Chuck Delany, back in the studio, demonstrated how to set the lens aperture and distance.

The second segment discussed two topics, using a tripod and taking motion pictures. The first photographer took pictures of a waterfall and wanted a softer motion shot with a misty look to the water falling, while the second photographer needed to illustrate, in sharper focus, a cantering horse and rider. 

More on Hyperfocal Focusing:
Hyperfocal Distance Guide (DOFMaster)
Hyperfocal Focusing (Great Landscape Photography)
Demystifying Hyperfocal Focusing (Nature Photographers)

More on Using a Tripod:
How to Use a Tripod (Roberts Web Photoschool)
It's Not as Simple as You Think (Digital Photography School)
Why You Need A Good Tripod (ZDNet)

More on Taking Motion/Action Pictures:
45 Beautiful Motion-Blur Photos (Smashing Magazine)
Taking Sports Pictures (photo.net)
Fun With Photography (About.com. Photography)

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