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Technical Info 2
(Tips and suggested reading)
Tips on making great images:
My number one tip for improving your photography is to use a tripod always. A significant percentage of my photographs could never have been captured without one; I often shoot in very low light demanding slow shutter speeds of 1/2 second or much longer.
Learning about exposure, focus, and lighting are the foundation of great photography. Prior to my mastering of these basics, observers of my work were impressed with my photo talents, which was certainly encouraging. However, after learning how to control the tools of my craft, I'm consistently complimented on my level of craft, and on the evocative, sometimes-intangible qualities of my finished work.
My style of photography requires technical mastery of my craft; when it comes to consistently producing great photographs, there can be no substitute for learning the sciences of exposure, focus (depth of field) and lighting. One can expect to consistently produce technically excellent photographs either digitally or on film by understanding these variables and applying that knowledge to control their photographic tools. Furthermore, once control of exposure, lighting, and focus is mastered, these factors can be relegated to the back of one's mind while more aesthetic choices are pondered.
To these ends, let me suggest some readings that cover all of these basics, and in fact are largely responsible for my knowledge base. I have read many dozens of books about photography, but only a few really stick out as effective learning devices for my style. In particular the "Nature Photographer's Field Guide " by John Shaw, and "Light: Science and Magic" by Fil Hunter and Paul Fuqua are the most complete and useful books I have ever encountered on their respective subjects, perhaps because they emphasize principles and properties more than equipment and bravado. They can all be found by following their links to Amazon.com.
All Images © 2003 Jim Emery Photography