Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: did Google finally beat Apple?

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Renders of the Google Pixel 8 next to the Apple iPhone 15.
Digital Trends

Google has unveiled the Google Pixel 8 lineup at its Made by Google event in New York. Though there aren’t any drastic upgrades to the Pixel 8, Google made some smaller changes that are sure to be welcome among fans.

But Apple also just released the iPhone 15 lineup a month ago. So, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, which one should you pick up? The Pixel 8 and iPhone 15 are both the baseline models for Google and Apple, respectively, so let’s take a closer look at these two phones.

Google Pixel 8 Event in 11 Minutes

Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: specs

Google Pixel 8 Apple iPhone 15
Display 6.2-inch LTPS OLED Actua Display

1080 x 2400 resolution at 428 ppi

1,400 nits HDR brightness, 2,000 nits peak brightness

6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED Display

2556 x 1179 resolution at 460 ppi

1,600 nits HDR brightness, 2,000 nits peak brightness

Always-on display Yes No
Refresh rate 120Hz – 60Hz 60Hz
Colors Obsidian, hazel, rose Black, yellow, blue, green, pink
Storage and RAM 128GB/256GB

8GB RAM

128GB/256GB/512GB

6GB RAM

Processor Tensor G3 A16 Bionic
Software Android 14 iOS 17
Rear cameras 50MP main

12MP ultrawide

48MP main

12MP ultrawide

Front camera 10.5MP 12MP
Biometrics Under-display fingerprint sensor

Face Unlock

Face ID
Battery 4,575mAh 3,349mAh
Charging 27W wired

18W wireless with Google Pixel Stand

12W Qi-compatible wireless charging

4.5W reverse wireless

27W wired

15W MagSafe wireless charging

7.5W Qi-compatible wireless charging

4.5W reverse wired

USB-C Yes Yes
Price From $699 From $799
Available from Google Store Apple

Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: design

The black Google Pixel 8, being held by a person wearing a sweater.
Google

On the surface, both the Google Pixel 8 and Apple’s iPhone 15 don’t look very different from their predecessors.

The Google Pixel 8 looks very much like the Google Pixel 7 that came before it. However, there are some minor changes. The Pixel 8 now has more rounded corners and symmetrical bezels, as well as a flat display. You’ll still have the traditional camera bar on the back with the metal finish, which houses the dual camera system. Google has a new satin frame enclosure with a polished back glass for the Pixel 8 (aka, the back is glossy). There are three beautiful colors for the Pixel 8: obsidian, hazel, and rose.

A green iPhone 15 on a green bench.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

With Apple’s iPhone 15, it looks pretty similar to the iPhone 14. You still have the flat edges and diagonal dual camera layout, but that’s where the similarities mostly end. Previous base model iPhones had glossy glass on the back, but the iPhone 15 uses a new “color-infused” glass that now has a unique, matte finish. Since it’s matte, fingerprints are less likely to show up.

The iPhone 15 also has more rounded edges compared to its predecessor, which gives it a more ergonomic and comfortable feel in the hand. Apple also uses an aluminum frame that’s pretty resistant to fingerprints, and it also makes the phone quite lightweight. There are five color choices for the iPhone 15: black, yellow, blue, green, and pink. However, most of the colors are quite pale, with pink being the best of the bunch.

Both phones look great, but with more color options and a more practical matte back, we’re giving the iPhone 15 the win here.

Winner: iPhone 15

Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: display

Google Pixel 8 render against a pink background.
Google Pixel 8 Digital Trends

This year, Google actually made the display on the Pixel 8 a bit smaller than before. Previously, the Pixel 7 had a 6.3-inch display, but the Pixel 8 now has a 6.2-inch Actua LTPS OLED display with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution at 428 pixels per inch (ppi) and a 20:9 aspect ratio.

The Pixel 8 display also has a 120Hz refresh rate and reaches an HDR brightness of 1,400 nits and a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. The new Actua display yields 42% brighter levels than the previous Pixel 7.

The Google Pixel 8 also has an always-on display that features At a Glance and Now Playing. It uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus as well.

A green iPhone 15 in hand showing home screen.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

Apple’s iPhone 15 display is not quite as impressive, especially considering the price point. With the iPhone 15, you have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 1179 x 2556 resolution, 19:5:9 aspect ratio, and 461 ppi. It reaches typical brightness at 1,000 nits, but can go up to 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoors. It also brings in the Dynamic Island from last year’s iPhone 14 Pro models, making it the new standard for the iPhone.

However, even though the iPhone 15 costs more than the Pixel 8, the refresh rate is only 60Hz, which is far below what the Pixel 8 (and most Android phones, for that matter) is capable of. Though the display features bright and rich colors with sharp text, scrolling won’t be as smooth, and it’s definitely noticeable if you’re used to a higher refresh rate. It also does not support an always-on display mode, which is something the Pixel 8 does offer.

Winner: Google Pixel 8

Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: software and performance

Android 14 logo on a smartphone.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

The Google Pixel 8 will ship with Android 14 out of the box, naturally. It also features Google’s new Tensor G3 chip and Titan M2 security coprocessor. The Pixel 8 also has 8GB RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage available.

With the Google Tensor G3, the machine learning model on the Google Pixel 8 is about 10x more complex than what was on the Google Pixel 6. Some specific features of Tensor G3 include the Pixel’s Call Screening feature that can detect and filter out spam calls, improved Clear Calling for high-definition and crystal clear phone calls, and Audio Magic Eraser, which can erase distracting sounds from your videos.

Google is also taking steps to future-proof its phones. The Pixel 8 will have Android 14 out of the box, and Google is promising OS and security updates for seven years. It will also release Feature Drops, which add helpful new features for the Pixel 8, every few months.

The display on a green iPhone 15.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

Apple’s iPhone 15 comes with iOS 17. On the inside, it has the A16 Bionic that debuted last year with the iPhone 14 Pro models and has 6GB RAM. You have the option of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage.

The A16 Bionic is quite fast in terms of performance, and iOS 17 has been a solid performer. With iOS 17, you’ll have some new features like NameDrop, improved AirDrop, Standby mode, interactive widgets, Live Voicemail, and more. It may be a smaller update than previous years, but it does add a lot of quality-of-life improvements. Apple also tends to support its devices for around six years on average, so you can expect the iPhone 15 to last a while too.

Ultimately, which one is better really depends on whether you prefer iOS or Android overall. But if we had to pick a winner, the iPhone 15 takes it — at least for now. While the A16 Bionic is a proven chip with great performance across the board, it remains to be seen if Tensor G3 can seriously compete with it. Tensor G2 was riddled with efficiency and performance issues, and while those should be fixed for G3, we need to see for ourselves if that’s actually the case.

Winner: iPhone 15

Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: cameras

Someone holding up the pink Google Pixel 8, while also wearing a pink shirt.
Google

The Pixel 8 has a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide. The main camera also has an f/1.68 aperture, 82-degree field of view, and digital zoom up to 8x with optical 2x zoom. The ultrawide lens has an f/2.2 aperture and a 125.8-degree field of view. The dual camera setup also has a single-zone laser detect autofocus, a spectral and flicker sensor, and optical and electronic image stabilization on the wide lens.

The selfie camera on the Pixel 8 is 10.5MP with an f/2.2 aperture, fixed focus, and 95-degree ultrawide field of view.

The rear camera should also produce some quality video. You can get 4K recording at 24/30/60 frames per second (fps) or 1080p recording at 24/30/60 fps. The front camera is capable of 4K recording at 24/30/60 fps. Google also has a macro focus video mode, cinematic blur and pan, astrophotography time lapse, and more.

Google Pixels have had a solid reputation for taking great photos, and the Pixel 8 is no exception. The upgraded camera system with the Pixel 8 has advanced image processing that will bring out vivid colors and striking details. There is also now a new Macro Focus that lets you take even better macro images. Another new feature is Best Take, which will combine similar pictures into a single image where everyone looks their best.

A green iPhone 15 showing the camera and matte glass back.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

On the iPhone 15, you also have a dual camera setup with a 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide. The main camera has an f/1.6 aperture, while the ultrawide has an f/2.4 aperture. Despite not having a telephoto lens, Apple made it possible to get 2x optical zoom with up to 10x digital zoom. For the selfie camera, the iPhone 15 has a 12MP lens with an f/1.9 aperture. The selfie camera also has autofocus, which you don’t get on the Pixel 8.

Apple has made some improvements in the camera quality this year with Smart HDR 5. Colors don’t appear as harsh or washed-out as in previous generations. There is also a new Auto Portrait feature for the entire iPhone 15 lineup. With Auto Portrait, as long as the camera detects a person or pet in focus, it automatically captures depth data even if you’re not in Portrait mode. When viewing the photo, you can toggle Portrait mode on or off as you please, and the feature even works for selfies too.

For video recording, Apple can be tough to beat. You have 4K recording at 24/25/30/60 fps or 1080p recording at 25/30/60 fps. The iPhone 15 also has a cinematic mode with shallow depth of field up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, and slo-mo video up to 1080p at 120/240 fps.

You get slightly more digital zoom and autofocus for the selfie camera on the iPhone 15. But the Pixel 8 has a slightly sharper 50MP main camera, and given Google’s track record, it should also provide excellent photographs. Until we’re able to put both cameras to the test, we’re calling this one a draw.

Winner: Tie

Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: battery and charging

Someone talking on the phone with the Google Pixel 8.
Google

The Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery, and Google promises 24-hour battery life with up to 72-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver — the same claim it made last year for the Pixel 7. It uses USB-C for fast charging up to 27 watts, which results in a 50% charge in 30 minutes.

For wireless charging, the Pixel 8 uses Qi-compatible wireless chargers and can wirelessly charge up to 18W with the Google Pixel Stand accessory. For other wireless chargers, it will cap out at 12W speeds. You can also use the Pixel 8 to charge up other devices with Battery Share reverse wireless charging, which is around 4.5W.

A green iPhone 15 showing battery life.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

Apple packed in a 3,349mAh battery cell in the iPhone 15. In our tests, this should get you through the day with moderate usage. It’s an improvement over the 3,279mAh battery of the iPhone 14, but not by much.

The iPhone 15 has finally ditched Lightning for USB-C, so you no longer need a proprietary cable to charge the iPhone. However, Apple did not make any improvements to the overall charging speed, as the iPhone 15 still charges around the same 20W as before, so again, you’re looking at a 50% charge in 30 minutes.

As far as wireless charging goes, the iPhone 15 still has 15W MagSafe wireless charging speeds and 7.5W with Qi-compatible charging pads. Apple did add reverse wired charging, so as long as you have a cable, you can charge up other devices at 4.5W speed.

We still need to test the Pixel 8’s battery for ourselves, but there’s a good chance it could come out ahead. It’s significantly larger than the battery capacity of the iPhone 15, and when you combine that with the convenience of reverse wireless charging, it’s enough to give it the win.

Winner: Google Pixel 8

Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: price and availability

A green iPhone 15 leaning on a lamp post.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

The Pixel 8 starts at $699 for the 128GB model, which is a $100 increase from the Pixel 7. Google justifies the price increase with a new design, upgraded cameras, and the Tensor G3. The Pixel 8 comes in three colors: obsidian, hazel, and rose.

You can preorder the Pixel 8 now, and it will be widely available to the public on October 12.

The iPhone 15 starts at $799 for the 128GB version. It comes in five colors: black, yellow, blue, green, and pink. However, most of the colors are very light and pale, though pink is a notable standout. Apple launched the iPhone 15 on September 22, and you can purchase it right now.

Google Pixel 8 vs. iPhone 15: verdict

Two Google Pixel 8 phones lying next to each other on a table.
Google

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck with a base model flagship, then it’s hard to beat the Google Pixel 8. For just $699, despite being more than its predecessor, you’re getting a lot more features this year.

For one, the Pixel 8 now features a 120Hz display, which is a bump up from the 90Hz of the Pixel 7. Even though it’s slightly smaller at 6.2 inches, the refresh rate is also higher, and the peak brightness is doubled. The display on the Pixel 8 is also double what Apple offers with the iPhone 15, which is only 60Hz and $100 more, which is disappointing.

Though the cameras on both phones are similar, the Pixel 8 edges out the iPhone 15 just slightly with the 50MP main shooter versus the 48MP main camera. Though the iPhone 15 does have the Auto Portrait mode, the Pixel 8 should be capable of taking some great photos as well, especially with the new Best Take feature, which looks especially useful if you take a lot of group photos.

Battery life could also work in the Pixel 8’s favor, offering a 4,575mAh battery compared to the iPhone 15’s measly 3,349mAh. Charging speeds for both phones are about the same with USB-C, but the Pixel 8 is capable of faster wireless charging overall (unless you want to use MagSafe). The Pixel 8 is also more convenient for reverse wireless charging, whereas the iPhone 15 can reverse charge, but only if you have a cable with you.

What does this all mean for you? If you know you want an iPhone, the iPhone 15 is a tough phone to beat. It’s expertly designed, very performant, and a pure joy to use. But if you want an Android handset — or you’re simply looking for the best deal possible — the Google Pixel 8 drives a pretty hard bargain.


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7 Essential Tips for Capturing the Best Photographs

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Photography is an art form that allows us to freeze moments in time, preserving memories and emotions for years to come. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, these seven tips will help you elevate your skills and capture stunning images that leave a lasting impression. Photography is a rewarding hobby, and it’s nice to see image quality improve as you sharpen your photo-taking skills. But getting started or advancing your photo quality may feel overwhelming.

Master Your Camera Settings:

Understanding your camera’s settings is crucial for getting the best photographs. Take the time to learn about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. Experiment with different settings to see how they affect the final image and adjust them according to your shooting conditions. Knowing your gear inside out will empower you to take control of your photography.

Pay Attention to Composition:

Composition is the foundation of a great photograph. Use the rule of thirds to place your main subject off-center, creating a more balanced and visually appealing image. Look for leading lines, natural frames, and interesting angles to add depth and dimension to your photos. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different perspectives to find the most captivating composition.

Find Good Lighting:

Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. The golden hour, which occurs shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers soft, warm light that enhances your subjects. Avoid harsh midday sun as it can create unflattering shadows. If you’re shooting indoors, utilize natural light whenever possible or invest in quality lighting equipment to control the illumination. Natural lighting is ideal for high-quality photos. You can get great natural lighting in the morning or before sunset during times known as the “golden hours.” Of course, if you can’t manage natural lighting, consider getting artificial sources.

Patience is Key:

Photography often requires patience, especially when capturing subjects in nature or candid moments. Wait for the right moment, observe your surroundings, and anticipate actions to capture that perfect shot. Sometimes, staying still and observing the scene can lead to unexpected and extraordinary opportunities.

Focus on Details:

The difference between a good photograph and a great one often lies in the details. Pay attention to small elements in your composition, such as textures, colors, and patterns. Macro photography allows you to explore and capture intricate details that are often overlooked.

Use Post-Processing Wisely:

Post-processing can enhance your images, but it’s essential to use it judiciously. Avoid over-editing, which can result in unrealistic and unnatural-looking photos. Invest time in learning editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, and use it to fine-tune your images while retaining their authentic essence.

Embrace Your Creativity:

Photography is an art, and creativity is its soul. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, techniques, and subjects. Push your boundaries, try new things, and let your imagination guide you. Be open to unconventional perspectives, as they can lead to the most unique and captivating photographs.

Capturing the best photographs requires a combination of technical knowledge, artistic vision, and patience. By mastering your camera settings, paying attention to composition, utilizing good lighting, and focusing on details, you can elevate your photography to new heights. Remember to embrace your creativity and enjoy the process of capturing moments that evoke emotions and tell compelling stories through your lens. Happy shooting!

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These Are The Best Camera Lenses To Use If You Want To Get Into Fashion Photography

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(MENAFN- usa art news)
down to its essentials, photography is capturing light to craft an image-and fashion photography is no exception. renowned fashion photographer calypso mahieu agrees.“[lighting] can destroy or make a picture sublime very easily,” she says, underlining that her utilization of light is a secret weapon in creating her vibrant pictures.
if you’re an aspiring fashion photographer intent on picturing the best of style and couture, you will want to use light in the same way as mahieu, and that means choosing the right camera lenses . these will determine the extent to which you can catch that light and manipulate it. with the right lens, you can shoot your subjects near or far, as brightly or dimly as you want-and ultimately set the right depth and mood for your photos to achieve their desired effect.
but which one should you start with? the following is an overview of the best lenses to use if you want to get into fashion photography. sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 dg os hsm if art lens

you won’t want to splurge on multiple specialized lenses when you’re just starting. this model is a great first lens because of its robust quality and versatility. its 24-70mm focal length is perfect for capturing a vast array of angles and shots of a singular subject, whether you want a close-up on a remarkably detailed fabric or a wider shot to snatch a picture of the model posing in a particularly picturesque walkway. sigma art lenses are also designed for detail via their higher apertures of f/1.4 to f/2.8-with this kind of sharpness, no part of a fashion design will escape you, and you’ll be able to present it with crystal clarity. the lens also has high-speed focus and an advanced optical stabilizer function. choose the sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 dg os hsm if art lens for flexibility and caliber when taking photos.

sony fe 35mm f/1.4 gm lens

fashion photography isn’t all about clothing. it’s also about what stories you can tell within the four sides of a frame-and a sony fe 35mm f/1.4 gm lens will give you everything you need to maximize that space. its extreme aspherical elements can create a butter-smooth bokeh effect, while its extra-low dispersion glass element optimizes resolution while reducing flare and ghosting. its f1.4 max aperture even makes it capable of night photography. if you want to take your work outside for more interesting shots-just don’t forget to leverage tools like photography reflectors to disperse and scatter light in different ways depending on the image you want to achieve. pick the sony fe 35mm f/1.4 gm lens to craft a narrative around the clothing you want to exhibit.

canon rf 85mm f/1.2 l usm lens

zooming in doesn’t limit your ability to take an intriguing picture. in fact, a study in
fashion photography portraiture
notes the infinite choices you have within portraits-with clothing alone, you can alter the drape, texture, form, and luster of the fabric while directing your model to emphasize or downplay the silhouette to emit strength or vulnerability. a canon rf 85mm f/1.2 l usm lens has 13 elements in 9 groups and a 9-blade aperture system, which means you can easily shift from a soft haziness perfect for a fairytale-dress photoshoot to razor resolution for high fashion images. it also has a 12-pin communication system that boosts the digital lens optimizer, eradicating image deterioration. choose the canon rf 85mm f/1.2 l usm lens to depict striking, intimate fashion portraits.
building fashion photography skills means developing an eye for manipulating light. use these lenses to widen your options and depict the best of fashion

MENAFN20062023005694012507ID1106469149


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Photography specialist site DPReview is closing down

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Digital Photography Review, a popular online resource for photographers, is shutting down after 25 years of service.

The website’s closure is part of the restructuring plans announced this year by Amazon, which acquired DPReview in 2007.

“The site will remain active until April 10, and the editorial team is still working on reviews and looking forward to delivering some of our best-ever content,” DPReview said in a message posted on its website on Tuesday.

“This difficult decision is part of the annual operating plan review that our parent company shared earlier this year,” it confirmed.

DPReview added that “everyone on our staff was a reader and fan of DPReview before working here, and we’re grateful for the communities that formed around the site.”

Within hours of DPReview announcing its closure on Tuesday, another site dedicated to photography, PetaPixel, revealed it was offering a home to Jordan Drake and Chris Niccolls, whose YouTube channel, DPReview TV, shares camera and lens reviews, along with photography tips and other related content.

The pair will be the faces of a new PetaPixel YouTube channel launching in May and offering similar content as DPReview TV while exploring a number of new photography-related themes.

It’s not the first time Drake and Niccolls have shifted sites, as five years ago they moved from The Camera Store to DPReview.

“The show is going on,” Niccolls said in a video posted on Tuesday. “Everything that you know and love about [DPReview TV] , you’re still going to know it, you’re still going to love it, we’re still going to be doing our technical gear reviews out in the field, which means out in freezing cold Calgary, Canada. That’s not going to change.”

So vast is DPReview’s database of reviews and other content that it’s likely you’ve landed on the site whenever you’ve researched a camera or lens, or sought out news related to the industry. It’s not clear if the site will remain online so that its valuable resources remain accessible to photography fans, but it will certainly feel like a waste if the site simply disappears from view next month.

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Want to take picture perfect shots? The A to Z of photography

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Have you ever imagined taking a photograph in your head, only to find that the end result doesn’t quite match the scene you had in mind?

Despite the fact that modern phones have good cameras and that people post a lot of photos online, most folks have no idea what goes into taking a good photo.

However, arming yourself with proper knowledge can go a long way toward upping your picture-taking game.

Shoddy shortcuts

Emillio Daniel, a fine art photographer and founder of the Perspectiva Collective – an analogue and film photography collective – shared his thoughts on why people end up with bad photos.

Emillio Daniel says that while photography rules are just guides, it does help to understand why they exist and how they help. — EMILLIO DANIELEmillio Daniel says that while photography rules are just guides, it does help to understand why they exist and how they help. — EMILLIO DANIEL

“Many new and especially young photographers will outright skip the basics and use ‘presets’ or ‘hacks’ they learn from influencers to make their stuff better.

“But those tend to be gimmicks and they’ll often find that they can’t go beyond what’s essentially a ‘template’ for making the same photo someone else made.

“They like to brush off photography rules as mere suggestions, and while it is true that these are just guides, it does help to understand why they exist and how they help,” he said.

According to Emillio Daniel, the first three things that any budding photographer should learn are exposure, composition, and focus, in that order.

Exposure is the amount of light allowed to enter a camera’s sensor, which determines how bright or dark an image will be.

This is usually done automatically on a smartphone, but it can be manually adjusted in pro mode by tweaking the shutter speed, ISO, and exposure value.

The composition, on the other hand, is the arrangement of elements within a photo, which can be improved by practising techniques like the rule of thirds and making use of leading lines (more on both later).

Focus refers to the sharpness of the subjects in an image. A good picture should have the main subject of the photo sharp and distinct, with background elements out of focus or even blurry.

Smartphone cameras have autofocus features built in, but like exposure, more granular control can be achieved via the pro mode if you have a specific effect in mind.

“There are a lot of ‘basics’, honestly, so don’t forget to look into the definitions for various terms such as resolution, megapixel, focal length, Bokeh, and so on,” said Emillio Daniel.

Grids as a guide

When it comes to improving the composition of shots, photography enthusiast Leong Wah Sion recommends making use of the previously mentioned rule of thirds. The rule of thirds divides an image into a 3×3 grid, giving the shooter a total of nine boxes.

According to Leong, patience and passion are essential for mastering photography. — LEONG WAH SIONAccording to Leong, patience and passion are essential for mastering photography. — LEONG WAH SION

Ensure that the subject is positioned at one of the four intersections – each of which is located at one third of the photo, hence the name – while leaving the remaining space “clear”.

Leong explained that this gives the subject of the shot room to “breathe” in the frame.

Making use of the rule of thirds also helps draw the viewer’s eye to the subject of the photo, guiding the person to see the picture as intended.

This makes it easier to convey an idea or emotion while making the photo engaging.

It can also be used to highlight an interesting background by giving it the most space and placing the subject at the lower intersections.

“Even novice photographers have heard of the rule of thirds, but look beyond this and into the rule of odds, rule of weight, contrast, symmetry, and so on.

“There’s so much more to play with and the rule of thirds is really just a starting point,” Emillio Daniel shared.

The rule of thirds works twofold here, giving space to the horizon while also sectioning the water and land.The rule of thirds works twofold here, giving space to the horizon while also sectioning the water and land.

While the rule of thirds creates a sense of balance by placing, the concept of “visual weight” dives deeper into other ways to create interest in a shot.

The more attention-grabbing an object is, the greater its visual “weight” – sheer size, colour, tone, position, shape, and even orientation are factors that contribute to how much “weight” the object is perceived to have.

It’s a given that bigger objects would be the centre of attention, but brightly coloured objects that contrast strongly with the background can also make a picture stand out.

For example, a shot of a bright red apple set against a green background will give the red apple visual weight due to the colour contrast.

In the same vein, a photo that includes both very dark and very light areas would be more striking than one that uses the same tone.

In terms of orientation, vertically oriented objects – and especially diagonal ones – appear to carry more weight.

Balancing a picture by using the elements of visual weight will allow you to compose a shot that is interesting as a whole without a single part dominating the photo.

Both natural and man-made leading lines can make an image more engaging to viewers.Both natural and man-made leading lines can make an image more engaging to viewers.

For instance, you can “split” the shot in half by arranging the elements in a frame so that they are mirrored, though they don’t necessarily have to be identical on both sides.

As long as the left and right appear symmetrical, both sides will look equally interesting.

As for the rule of odds, whenever possible, have an odd number of subjects in the frame – for example, five people in a group photo instead of four or six.

The reasoning is that the human brain will instinctively try to pair subjects in an image, which makes even numbers less interesting.

However, Emillio Daniel stresses that it’s important to apply the rules only when necessary.

“Just get your exposure, composition, and focus right, and you’ll be fine for the most part.

“Don’t apply unnecessary Dutch angles (tilted shots) unless you have a solid reason, don’t crop limbs unnecessarily, and don’t include too much negative space.

“If you’re taking photos of people against a background, ensure that their upper body is at least above the horizon line,” he advised.

Lining up a shot

The use of “leading lines” can help guide the viewer’s eye toward the main subject of the shot, another common technique that gives a photo depth.

A leading line can be natural, like a road or a river, or man-made, like a building’s edge, road markings, or a row of trees.

Adding depth to your shots is also possible by framing through windows, doorways, archways, or even trees to draw attention to the main subject.

Once more familiar, you could also try experimenting with perspective, which can result in a more interesting image.

A low angle shot plays with the perspective to make the subject appear larger or more imposing. — 123rf.comA low angle shot plays with the perspective to make the subject appear larger or more imposing. — 123rf.com

For instance, taking a low-angle photo of a subject can make it appear bigger and more important, while shooting downward from above at a high angle can make it appear smaller and weaker.

This can shift the mood or emotion of a scene, possibly making the photo more engaging and memorable, but it’s best to plan the shots ahead.

Eye of the beholder

When starting out, most photographers have a preference for street photography and portraiture, based on Emillio Daniel’s observation.

“They definitely dominate in popularity, with the former being the most easily accessible as the ‘cost for entry’ tends to be a lot lower than others.

“I would recommend new photographers go for either still life or landscape photography first to at least get their feet wet.

“A common complaint among photographers is not having any subjects to photograph, so if you can get the hang of these two genres, you won’t have a reason to complain about it ever again,” he said.

Leong, on the other hand, encouraged those who wanted to primarily photograph people to start practising with their friends.

“When I started, I had to figure out everything, from lighting to location and settings for each scenario – and that was just for regular street photography!

“The learning curve becomes steeper once you start editing the photo, and working with colour gradation and filters.

“This is why I recommend starting with a friend, who can tell you how they want to be shot.

From there, you can move on to lighting and the other aspects as well,” said Leong, who primarily does cosplay photography.

Johan Rosli believes that different types of photography teach different things. — JOHAN ROSLIJohan Rosli believes that different types of photography teach different things. — JOHAN ROSLI

Designer and photography enthusiast Johan Rosli emphasised that no two types of photography are the same and that there is something to learn no matter the type.

“At the end of the day, shoot everything. Shoot streets, cars, landscapes, or even portraits.

“Just shoot a lot of photos of the things that you like, and in the end, you’ll find out what genres of photography you enjoy the most and are good at.

“Different types of photography will teach you different things, but the knowledge you gain can apply to everything,” he explained.

Smartphone or SLR?

For the most part, the actual process of taking a shot isn’t particularly different between using a smartphone and a standalone camera, but there are still areas where a standalone camera will have the edge.

“Obviously, on regular SLR or digital cameras, you’ll have access to interchangeable lenses, plenty of off-camera flash options, faster lenses, higher shutter speeds, and ISO capabilities.

Emillio Daniel said, “But the most obvious difference is that the image quality is better because the sensor size is larger than that of a smartphone camera.”

It’s basically about how much you can fit in a device, he added.

Though having better gear is no replacement for skills, they can come in handy depending on the situation, as there are some things that a smartphone camera can’t do.

“People like to simply tout that gear doesn’t matter. But it’s true that gear doesn’t matter … until it does.

“Some things literally cannot be done without the right gear, such as taking photos of a bird from afar with a short focal length lens or getting more Bokeh with slow aperture lenses,” he explained.

This is why it’s important to consider what a camera will be used for when picking one up.

“People often look at just the technical side because buying gear is fun, and the way camera manufacturers market their stuff these days doesn’t help in making people think all they need to make a good photo is better gear.

“They view the camera as the sole agent of change – completely forgetting or even disregarding many other factors.

“However, photography is one of the few art forms where both technical and artistic knowledge can be put to great use,” he said.

Take the time

For Leong, patience and passion for the hobby are a must to get better at picture-taking.

“When I mention patience, it’s not just the patience of learning the craft.

“You’ll need patience to guide your subject through different poses, patience to look for a place to take photos, patience to adjust your settings and equipment, patience to set up your lighting, and so on, while your subject waits.

“With passion, I learned from senior photographers how to set things up myself, and I got better after starting from scratch,” he said.

Emillio Daniel similarly brought up a lack of patience as one of the reasons for bad pictures.“The digital age of cameras has come with an unfortunate problem. It made people impatient.

“They want to fire off as many shots as they can with the hope there will be a good photo in there but art has always been about intentionality.

“If you fire off 600 shots and walk away with six good photos, you’ve wasted a lot of time trying to improvise what should have been preplanned.

“I like to remind people that it’s better to come away from a photo shoot with one perfect image, rather than 10 passable ones. Because even if you post an album of 10 images, people will truly only remember that perfect picture.

“Case in point, Marilyn Monroe. Think about which photo of her you can recall.

“It’s probably just one or two of the thousands of photos that exist of her,” he said, adding the iconic photo of Tunku Abdul Rahman’s declaration of independence as another example of a perfect image.

For budding photographers, he also advised them to study prominent photographers and their styles.

“Study the old masters such as Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Richard Avedon, Fan Ho, Yousuf Karsh and William Eggleston.

“Also, read up – if you can afford it, buy the book, if not, go to a library and check out any photography-related books you can find.

“Don’t get too influenced by popular trends, especially on social media. Make sure to check their credibility, as you don’t want to get distracted by bad information, which will hamper your progress.

“Basically, invest in yourself as a photographer by taking the time to learn,” he concluded.



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MPCC Broken Bow Campus plans introductory camera class

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The Mid-Plains Community College Broken Bow Campus will host a “Get to Know Your Camera” class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 4.

MPCC art instructor Dik Haneline will teach the class, which will serve as an exploration into a digital camera’s functions and capabilities, according to a press release.

Instruction will cover the buttons on the camera and their functions, when to use or not use certain features when capturing images, menu items and settings and how to shoot manually to maximize capabilities. Beneficial gear and equipment will also be discussed.

Participants are asked to take either a digital single-lens reflex camera, otherwise known as a DSLR, or a mirrorless camera to use. Batteries should be charged ahead of time.

Registration can be done online at bceregister.mpcc.edu or by contacting the campus at 308-872-5259.

The course is the first in a series Haneline will teach this spring. Other upcoming classes include macro photography, wildlife images, landscapes and astrophotography.

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Photography in Lehman’s Terms: Don’t stop life to photograph it this holiday season | Lifestyles

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’Tis the season ye merry photographers. No idea what the statistics are, but I have a pretty good idea there is no time like the holidays for shooting tons of pictures. Back in the day, I’d wager more rolls of film were used between now and New Years than during the whole rest of the year.

Certainly no different in this day of cellphones and gigabytes.

But not around my house. I’ve become a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to shooting Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities. Rebelliousness is not usually part of my nature, but come the holidays, with the expectation being that Greg’s a photographer, I don’t snap a lot of shots. Does the cobbler make shoes on Christmas Eve?

I’m not saying I’m proud of it, but the fact is, the holidays are one time when I enjoy myself more without a camera around my neck or my phone in camera mode. This is crazy, because what better time to document the joy and love of family and friends than when they’re gathered for the holidays?

So, don’t do as I do, do as I recommend.

CANDID, NOT POSEDIn all honesty how many shots fill your photo albums of people smiling at the camera, posing with a just-opened present or with a carving knife poised over the ham? Most of them? Too many photographers think a photograph is something you stop real life for.

Here’s the main idea to keep in mind for this holiday season: Get most of your photos of people doing what they are doing. Shoot pictures when grandma is opening the Christmas present or reacting to it. Get that shot of dad and the big bird while he’s carving it or the activity in the kitchen during the cooking.

Even when it comes to the most delightful of us — the children — we tend to stop them from their normal activity to get a picture. Let them play! Years of professional photography has taught me that kids can ignore a camera like no one else. They notice it, but VERY quickly forget about it. That’s when your best shots happen.

So, don’t stop life to photograph it.

IF POSED, MAKE IT FUN

Now there’s posed and then there’s boring, stiff, stare-at-the-camera POSED.

During the holidays most of us are around people we know pretty well. Use your knowledge of them to pose them meaningfully. If Uncle Frank is bored to tears with family gatherings, say “C’mon, Frank! Show us how you’re really feeling.” If your mom is protective of her kitchen while cooking, maybe you can coax her into a pose by the kitchen door, arms crossed and chef’s knife in hand. It’s posed, but has some playfulness to it and says something.

Pose fun, if that makes any sense.

TAKE IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Generally, people don’t get nearly close enough to their subjects in photography — a topic of many columns. But during the holidays be sure to step back and take in the environment. Allow a sense of place to come through.

This sense of place can be literal, such as in what house is the event happening. I look through old family pictures and there are so many where I have no idea where they were taken. A wall is a wall is a wall. Step back and take in more of the room on a few or even a couple shots of the exterior.

Sense of place can also be more symbolic or atmospheric. This can involve including the decorations and the food in your photographs. Keep an eye out for making these things the actual subject of pictures. If the lights on the house are Griswold-esque, it might be worth a shot.

TIME, PLACE AND NAMES!

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your memory will always be so fresh. File your images with the date.

I am currently digitizing nearly 100 years of Lehman family film. It’s frustrating to look at photos and try to figure out when and where they were taken by how old they look. Or the model of car in the background. Or the style of clothes, the hair and the furniture. Save them in a dated folder!

Also, I have whole albums of wonderful black and whites from generations gone by and very little idea of who, what, where and when. Take a little time and attach some names, even if it’s in a notebook that you can photograph and include with the pics.

Shoot, have fun and preserve memories. It is a photograph’s greatest gift!

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