Nr. 001: Difficult Conditions I

The summer light can be quite strong here in Texas, and heavy contrasts can ruin a scene if the camera does not have enough dynamic range to cope. But picture-taking is still far from impossible:

1. Set your camera to the lowest contrast, saturation, and sharpening levels, and shoot RAW whenever possible. Everyone has their own opinion on RAW but there is no question that it offers the most processing potential and enhanced dynamic range. Memory is cheap; why not?

2. If you are using a camera with live LCD view (in other words, the sensor is always on), make sure to turn off the lcd when you don't need it so that the camera can cool down, reducing noise.

3. Make use of shades for portraits or whenever softer light is preferred. Fill flash might also do the trick.

4. Look to reflections and shadows for a graphic image.

5. Don't forget a lens hood if your lens is prone to flare.

I'm a hobby photographer who used online resources to teach myself photography, and I hope that this blog will help novices to get started in kind. If you have any suggestions for the next topic, questions, or comments about the blog, let me know.