Puzan Photography: 2017

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

PSG vs FC Barcelona

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TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR LENSES

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR LENSES.1. BUY A UV FILTER
As soon as you get a new lens, immediately buy a UV filter that will fit the front element. These are measured in millimeters. The best ones are multi-coated, which helps to reduce or eliminate flare if light hits the front of the lens.
In the days of film, UV filters blocked ultraviolet waves, preventing images from having a blue color cast. Digital cameras with automatic white balance compensate for this, so really, the only reason to have a UV filter now is to protect the front element of your lens.
Many things can happen to the glass on a lens, from scratches to greasy finger prints. It’s much safer to continually clean a UV filter than to continually clean the front glass on a lens. And if something hits the front of your lens, it’s much better to fix a $40 filter crack than a $1,000 lens. A good UV filter gives me peace of mind that my investment will stay sharp over the long haul.
2. USE PROPER CLEANING SUPPLIES
If you are using your lens outdoors, you will likely accumulate dust on the glass. There are many different cleaning methods for you to try, including brushes, compressed air, lens cloth and lens cleaning fluid, and pre-moistened wipes. All of these are safe to use on your lens and your success really depends on your technique and the quality of the tools.
Do not use any old cloth or a shirt tail. These things can gather small particles that are abrasive to glass and can damage your lens. I prefer to use pre-moistened wipes that are alcohol-based because the liquid evaporates quickly and doesn’t streak. Make a point of cleaning your lens glass periodically and, if the dirt doesn’t build up, it will be an easy task.
Lens Care Equipment Typical cleaning supplies
3. KEEP YOUR EQUIPMENT DRY
Better lenses have some sort of weather seals to keep water and dust out. But with so many moving parts, it’s impossible to waterproof a lens completely. If you plan to be shooting in the rain or in some other situation where there’s a possibility of water damage, look into buying a rain cover, which is basically a plastic bag you put over your camera and around your lens. At the very least, put a lens hood on to keep water off the front element, and if you are in VERY wet situations, consider using an underwater housing for the ultimate protection.
4. USE A LENS HOOD
Speaking of lens hoods, putting one on your lens is an easy way to protect it from unforeseen flying objects or even from setting your camera down too hard. Having a hood on has saved my glass more times than I can count.
5. SEND YOUR LENS IN FOR SERVICE
Trying to take a lens apart to clean it if you are not experienced in that sort of thing is a bad idea. The camera manufacturers have the equipment and skills to take a lens apart and properly clean it. I know that both Canon and Nikon allow you to do this for a reasonable cost, and some independent shops are able to clean, too. Lenses that have been in particularly harsh shooting conditions, like sand, snow or high winds might benefit from a professional servicing.
IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT STORING YOUR LENSES IN A COOL, DRY PLACE WILL EXTEND THEIR LIFE, AS WILL HANDLING THEM CAREFULLY. TRY OUT A FEW DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING YOUR LENS AND LET ME KNOW WHICH WORK BEST FOR YOU IN THE COMMENTS.

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ESSENTIALS EQUIPMENT FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

HESE ARE THE EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
1. CAMERA AND BACKUP CAMERA

I actually bring three cameras so I can shoot with two and have one additional as a backup, but I think only two would get the job done. It is essential to have a backup in the event that something goes wrong with your primary camera -- and there are so many things that can go wrong.

2. MEDIUM ZOOM LENS

I use a 24-70 f2.8 as my medium zoom and the lens that is on my camera most of the time. This focal length is great for wedding portraits and photojournalism, offering both wide and tight perspectives. The pretty wide aperture gives me some flexibility in spaces that aren’t very well lit.

3. TELEPHOTO LENS

You will need a longer lens to capture events from a distance, in particular the ceremony. I like to stand toward the back or sides of a ceremony as to not be blocking anyone’s view and taking photos from a distance with my 70-200mm. I also use this lens for closeups of the first dance.

4. WIDE ANGLE LENS AND PRIME LENSES

These are not as essential for a wedding, but are certainly nice to have. The wide angle can get you shots of architectural details or big groups. The prime lens can allow you to shoot in dark spaces and give you dreamy depth of field.

5. SPEEDLIGHTS

Using an external flash can be a lifesaver when you need to get a shot that is just too dark to get otherwise. I have to use speedlight photography techniques for nighttime weddings and dark churches. The alternative is dark or grainy images.

6. MEMORY CARDS AND BATTERIES

Always bring more cards and batteries than you think you need. I will shoot 50-60 GB of images for a wedding and go through two sets of batteries per camera and per speedlight. Make sure the batteries are all charged up in advance.

7. TRIPOD AND LIGHT STANDS

A good tripod will get you out of a pinch if you are low on light and just need a little more stability. It’s also helpful if you are working in very low light or compositing images together. The light stands are helpful to place your speedlights on and allow you to adjust the placement of the lights. Shoot-through umbrellas are also helpful to have with the lightstands and speedlights for portrait work.

8. FLASH DIFFUSER

I like to bring a Gary Fong Lightsphere to put on top of my flash. It helps to diffuse the light and make for better portraits on the fly when you don’t have time to set up lights.

9. CAMERA BAG

You will need something to put all your gear in. Make sure it’s big enough and comfortable enough to haul around with you as you’re moving throughout the day.

10. STUDIO STROBES AND UMBRELLAS

Some people may disagree with me that this is essential, but I like to have powerful strobes (more power than speedlights) to use on formal portraits if I need them. Sometimes, it rains or is too cold and I’m forced to take formals in a dark church. In this case, I like have the speed and power of strobes to evenly light up a large group of people.

11. LENS CLEANING KIT AND LENS HOODS

It’s possible for the lens to get dirty or wet throughout the course of a quick moving event, so it’s good to keep a cleaning kit or lens wipes with you to keep smudges from ruining your shots. Lens hoods are a good way to keep lenses from getting dirty in the first place and also serve to keep sun flare down. Take a look at our post for 5 tips for caring for your lenses, and ensure that all of your equipment is well-maintained.

In his class, Off-Camera Flash Photography, Neil van Niekerk discusses how to generate the best light for your subject via speedlights, umbrellas and further equipment. His Portraits with On-Camera Speedlight further delves into the importance of creating the best light no matter what kinds of conditions you may be shooting in.

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