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Photography Shortcut Rules of Thumb
I have been wanting to compile a "rule of thumb" list for years... after I couldn't remember one particular one... and since then... it's always in the back of my mind. Something like: When to use a tripod... if the exposure time is less than the focal length, e.g. the exposure time is showing at 1/100s but your focal length is 200mm, then you have to use a tripod. I am sure there is a shorter more precise description, but you all know what I mean anyway. Now... there are many rules like that, which could be considered short cuts during a photoshoot and I wonder who else can contribute some... so that we maybe able to put a list of usefull tips together that some photographers may find usefull (including me!) Jun 23 05 12:19 pm Link Here's two off the top of my head: Generally: The eye closest to the camera should be in sharp focus. When the model's head is turned, the tip of the nose should not break the line created by her cheek. Hope this thread stays useful. Jun 23 05 12:24 pm Link C'mon guys... there must be more shortcut rules... and I am sure you must know them all... Jun 24 05 10:30 am Link If you can not see the subject use IR film? :-P Ok, I am definately the wrong person to be posting in this thread....... Jun 24 05 10:31 am Link Question is what stuff you want. All the general photography stuff is easier to find in a good book. I'm interested in tips for model photography, remembering how I used to overlook stray hairs and spent way too much time cleaning up in PS. So, shortcut rule: watch out for stray hairs. It sounds so obvious now... Jun 24 05 12:51 pm Link Posted by JvR: This could be restated in general terms as: The minutes you spend getting the shot right in the camera will save you hours in photoshop later. Jun 24 05 01:12 pm Link If you don't have a light meter and want to iteratively get the exposure for a scene, use a digital camera and a piece of white paper and black paper. Shoot them and adjust the exposure until you see the histogram turn into 2 deeply divided bars at the white and black end. Digcams make good light/flash meters- that's why I got my first one. mjr. Jun 24 05 01:27 pm Link Posted by LarryB: I'm laughing at myself because I was just about to post the OPPOSITE advice. Depending on your depth of field I focus on the eye FARTHEST from the camera because if the DOF is shallow I'm likely to also have the closest one in the sharp zone as well. Jun 24 05 01:31 pm Link If you're doing a larger shoot with lots of assistants, my "Rules of Filmmaking" might apply, but it's not so much dealing with the camera as creating a professional environment. Jun 24 05 01:37 pm Link Posted by LarryB: An even better general rule of thumb would be to think about how much time it will take to get something "right" in the camera vs how long it will take in postproduction, then pick the solution which saves time to get to the same quality. Jun 24 05 09:19 pm Link Posted by Marcus J. Ranum: Actually, the rule of thumb for perceived depth of field is 1/3 of DOF is in front of the focus point, 2/3 is behind. Shooting running and leaping dancers (who passed through a 12 foot zone of white seamless and studio lights at some angle determined by them), which required pre-focusing and praying your DOF was right, made that bit of knowledge really, really useful. Jun 26 05 01:47 pm Link |
