1. A picture speaks a thousand words indeed. It is actually the emotional content
of a photograph that speaks to us in our hearts and minds. How often have
you observed the pride and wonderment as parents show their photos of their
new baby?
There are photos that at once bring a rush of memories that transport us back
through time as we relive the moments in our minds and hearts. There are
photos that cause us pause as we reflect on some secrets that are within
them. Sadly, quite many photos are poorly taken and out of focus and
probably give little help to our already dimming memories. It need not be so, if
we are at all serious about capturing and preserving these slivers of memories
whose preciousness can only manifest in time.
My basic rule is to buy the best I can afford. This removes the poor equipment
excuse out of the equation. After that, look after it well and learn to use its
features effectively.
The Nikon D600 is the lightest
(approximately 760g for body only)
and most compact Nikon full-frame
DSLR, it offers stunning sharpness
and brilliant image quality. From
beginners to pros, it is also affordable
and paired with suitable and also
affordable lenses and accessories
will be a joy to use.
It allows you to capture everything from lush landscapes to still portraits with
its 24.3 effective megapixel FX-format sensor, with an ultra-fast EXPEED 3
image processing engine and a versatile ISO range from 100 to 6400.
The FX-format sensor measures 36x24mm which is approximately the same
size as 35mm film. The FX sensor, with more "light gathering" area, offers
higher sensitivity and, generally, lower noise. There is, of course, no crop
factor present with the FX sensor.
Camera Handling
Keep the lens clean for sharp, clear pictures. Keep fingers and straps away
from the lens to avoid obstructions in your photos. It is always good to just put
a UV or neutral filter on the lens, better any damage e.g. smudges or worse,
scratches on this filter than the lens itself.
For sharp pictures, hold the camera steady and gently squeeze the shutter
release. Do not get excited and use the whole hand to grip and press the
shutter release at the same time. It can cause camera shake and blur pictures.
For speeds slower that 1/30 shutter speed use a camera support like a
monopod or a tripod.

2. Lenses
Lenses of different focal lengths will let you vary the perspective of a scene.
You will note a change in the apparent distance between the subject and the
background. The depth of field will also increase or decrease.
A focal length of about 50mm is a good lens for general pictures as it provides
a good balance of an angle of view similar to the central vision of the eye. It
provides natural perspective, generous depth of field and a fast lens speed. A
high speed lens is good for existing light photography and action pictures in
low light.
The Nikon FX Format Zoom AF-S 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 ED VR is a good all
rounder general lens to use as it covers from wide angle for group photos,
and landscapes to telephoto for portraits. It is great for travelling as there is no
need to change lens too often. It is also physically not too long to get in the
way in some situations. Together with the Nikon speedlight SB-700 it is
suitable for most indoor situations and also for outdoors when it is necessary
for flash infilling.
You can very quickly get more of a scene in a picture, e.g. group photo by
using the wide angle zoom. At 35mm it is convenient and does not cause too
much distortion at the sides. It also allows you to get closer to the subject or
to get a greater depth of field. You can also use a slower shutter speed as the
wide angle zoom minimizes the effects of camera motion and also good for
stop action photos of nearby subjects.
Do not tilt upwards to shoot tall objects as the subject will look squeezed
together at the top. This is known as keystoning, move back to photograph tall
objects. Wide angle zoom is also not good for portraits as they distort
features at close range.
For portraits pictures, a 85mm zoom is great. It eliminates distracting
surroundings from a picture and compresses the apparent distance. Use a
shallow depth of field to focus attention on the main subject. It is also
possible to use filters to create dreamy effects for portraits.
For more information go to www.live2wellness.com