Crystal Clear – doesn’t need apply to everything in your photo

 

One of the most convenient features of today’s digital cameras is their ability to automatically focus on your subject. The result is that we have fewer out of focus pictures. In fact, sometimes we end of with picture that have too much in focus.

Except for the least expensive models, most digital cameras have the one or more “selective” focusing options.

For example, when shooting portraits, one technique that’s often used is to focus carefully on the face while at the same time throwing the background out of focus. This technique allows the photographer to “zero in” on the main subject. The key to “defocusing” the background is to set the lens to use a large aperture (smaller f/stop number).

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In this photo I’ve focused carefully on the young girl’s face. In automatic mode, the camera set the lens for a relatively small (f/11 aperture) keeping much of the background in focus and a bit distracting.	For this shot, I also focused on her face. However, by setting the lens to a larger aperture (f/3.5), the background appears largely out of focus. The face becomes the center of attention.
Of course this technique is not limited to portraits or faces. Notice the house in the background in this snapshot.	In this snapshot using a large aperture, the house is barely distinguishable making the lily more prominent.

 

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Quick tip for selective focus:

• Set your mode dial to “A” -(aperture preferred automatic exposure)
• Rotate the control dial until the smallest f/stop (largest aperture)
• Focus on your main subject
• Shoot

 

 

Written by Arnie Lee

 

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We heard that a few military aircraft were going to be stopping at Grand Rapids airport for a quick visit. So we grabbed a camera at hopped over to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport – only a mile from our offices.

As part of the Armed Forces Day, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was displaying different military aircraft and equipment. The event, which honored those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, was held inside the Amway Corporation hangar so the threatening weather was not a problem.

The aircraft on display included a Blackhawk helicopter and a B-17 World War II bomber.

The “Yankee Lady” B-17 World War II-era bomber.

The ESGR is part of the Department of Defense for Reserve Component Employers. Its goal is to develop relationships with employers that support workers who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Several representatives from all branches of the U.S. military were available to talk about the military.

The Blackhawk was another favorite with the visitors.

I didn’t, however, see anyone climbing into the very cramped quarters of the ball-turret gunner on the B-17…

The aircraft were definitely “hands-on” so you could climb into the cockpit of the Blackhawk helicopter or check out the very cramped quarters of the ball-turret gunner on the B-17. I saw people of all ages from little kids up through veterans of World War II talking with the military personnel.

The U.S. Coast Guard displayed some of their rescue craft and law enforcement craft. Two sharpshooters were also present talking about their camouflage techniques and work Although it wasn’t extensive and took only a short time to walk through, it was a good way to kick off the days leading up to Memorial Day.

 

Written By Scott Slaughter

 

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Innovative New Feature Makes the Eye-Fi Even More Valuable

 

A few months ago, I ran into Ziv Gillat, one of the co-founders of Eye-Fi at a photography trade show. His company developed a set of SD-cards that can send images directly from your digital camera to your personal computer by way of a local wi-fi network.

For background information about these cards, you can read the original review of the Eye-Fi from a few weeks ago here.

Anyway, Ziv was excited to tell me about a new feature that the company was developing. Finally last week, Eye-Fi unveiled a fascinating new capability for any of their X2 series cards. With this free update, the Eye-Fi can now send images directly to a mobile device – either an iPhone, iPad or Android. By itself, this provides an automated way to backup your images. On the mobile device, you’ll need to download and install either an iPhone/iPad app or an Android app. These free mobile apps (also provided by Eye-Fi) receive the images from the Eye-Fi card. The apps provide another very useful feature – they let you resend the images to other online sites. And since they use cellular to upload, the mobile devices replace the personal computer.

To use the new capability which the company calls Direct Mode, I downloaded and installed an update to the included Eye-Fi Center software that is used to configure the SD-card. Using one of the dialogs, I added my iPhone and Android device to my list of supported wi-fi networks. Next I installed the Eye-Fi iPhone app from the iTunes website (and later the Android app from Market) and I was ready to give Direct Mode a try.
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