Macro Photography Tools Autofocus and aperture (02/09/2010)
... Some can render a life-size image on the sensor (a 1:1 ratio), and most can magnify at least to half-size, or a 1:2 ratio. Many macro lenses look very much like a non-macro lens of the same focal length, but with a somewhat longer barrel. They come in normal to moderatetelephoto lengths (50mm, 60mm, 105mm, etc.). The most exotic (read: expensive) lenses combine macro abilities with perspective control (PC)....

Bokeh pictures How to make one easily (02/09/2010)
... Objects that are not in focus are recorded as larger and less distinct circles. The quality of lens bokeh varies with the optical quality and the shape of the diaphragm. It’s generally a good idea to try to keep the objects in the foreground in reasonable focus. Humans tend to accept a fuzzy background, but find an out-of-focus foreground distracting. Shallow depth of field and bokeh at wide f/stops are natural characteristics of telephotos....

FStop function for DSLR cameras explained (02/09/2010)
... All we need to know is that the formula can be used to determine the relative intensity of light reaching the sensor. A “full” f/stop is an aperture opening that cuts the intensity of the light exactly in half (stopping down), or doubles it in intensity (opening up), compared to the next full stop in the series. That’s the same change in exposure value as when we halve or double the shutter speed. So we can easily choose an exposure combination to suit our needs. The next image shows the f/stop adjustment ring and DOF calculator on a 50mm manual lens....

How to use manual focal lengths and focus to make a digital picture (02/09/2010)
... The horse’s head is large because it is so much closer to the camera than the rest of the picture. Wide-angle lenses let us play tricks like this with visual perspective. It also lets us get very close to a subject and still see its surroundings. If you have a wide-angle lens, or a zoom that goes into the wide-angle range, experiment a bit with framing objects near the edge of the frame and see how it adds perspective to your visual statements. Wide-angle lenses let you work close to a subject and still keep distant objects in the in background in focus....

Digital photography contrast highlight and shadows (02/09/2010)
... Color contrast, the second type of contrast, refers to the way colors interact visually in the scene. Colors with opposite characteristics contrast strongly when placed together. Each color accentuates the qualities of the other and makes the color elements stand out dramatically. Both types of contrast are tools we can use in our photographs to set a mood, pull the viewer into our work, and draw the eye to the main point of interest. They are related to exposure, since exposure affects the way a tone or color is recorded....

Matrix Metering adds computer analysis to the RAW file Digital Photo (02/09/2010)
... Be sure to study the options and controls available for your built-in meter; each model has its own quirks that can only be understood by using them. Matrix-metering is a major improvement over the coarse results provided by a basic averaging system. If you wish to rely on either, practicing to the point of familiarity is in order. It’s also a good idea to check the results, if the image is important. That is especially true if the picture contains an unusual mix of light and dark areas or has high contrast....