Picture taken by one of our readers, Herman Vandecauter

I like to welcome you to the “knowledge” section of the site. Most of the articles I wrote myself and the reason for doing so was to try and help the reader get a better understanding of all the terms and theory that’s been used so loosely in photography. What is DR or dynamic range, why does reviewers talk so much about noise, are compact cameras with their “small” sensors really that much inferior and so many more questions. I am a electrical engineer from profession and enjoy to go a little deeper into the technical aspects of the digital camera.

Some folk criticize my articles and say but Siegfried that is not 100% correct. Yes that is 10% correct and the reason is simple. I try to use known terms in photography to explain a world that is totally different to the beautiful analogue scenery we often photograph. By doing that I hope to create a “picture” our readers can use when setting up their digital cameras for the next picture. If the theory is little underexposed its always possible to edit the picture in the “digital” darkroom.

You will also find articles written by our readers. I am very happy to receive articles because I believe many of our readers have great experience and it is always interesting to see and learn something new. If you believe you have something you like to share with the community then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please have a look around, also see our Photoshop area and do not forget to have a cup of coffee round our forum table.

What do you need to make a panorama?

Did you Know?

1. Many digital cameras has the functionality build in to help the photographer take a series of pictures that can be used to build a panorama. One of the unique aspects of these individual panorama pictures are that they all require the same exposure settings.
2. In many cases combining the pictures does not function well and many photographers walk away wondering what possibly went wrong and why the individual pictures did not fit together?
3. Taking panorama pictures requires technique, specific “tools” and/or adapters and without them it is difficult to effectively align the individual panorama pictures.
4. On this site we will explore these basic techniques, how to use the adapters correctly plus how to build a panorama using software.

How to do Infra Red photography and what is required?

Picture taken with a PowerShot G7

Did you know?

1. That most digital cameras have a unique “Anti Alias” filter build-in that prevents the camera from taking Infrared pictures the way one expect it to happen. It is possible with an “off the shelve” camera, but only when using long shutter times. The disadvantage is possible movement in the final picture. The biggest culprit is moving trees and it is exactly the greenery one like to capture with IR photography.
2. In most cases it is better to take infrared pictures using a SLR camera. Most SLR’s also have the same build in AA filter restriction.
3. It is possible to remove the build in AA filter.
4. We will also have a closer look at this discipline in this part of the site.

Emmental Photography

Panorama made from many pictures....

Did you know?

1. The Emmental is a farming region in Switzerland. Its one of the most beautiful areas across the whole of Europe I believe and offers the photographer a wealth of opportunities. Its where I live and I have already spend hours taking hundreds of pictures in the Emmental.
2. I am sure that if I had to ask you about the area you live in that your reply will be similar to the above answer.
3. In 2010 I like to discover the Emmental even more, I want to take many pictures of the Emmental and I want to do special and unique projects when doing that.
4. I will write about it, will show you pictures plus we can discuss how best we can do similar projects where you live that can help you get more from your hobby.

Time-lapse Photography

Did you know?

1. It is not something you can do with your G7. I am not sure if the G9 can, what you need to look for is the time laps timer found in the “Video” menu of your latest generation Ixus or PowerShot camera.
2. The time-lapse scenes are made in video mode and not in camera mode.
3. I saw the results and its something really interesting. Your camera does require the right software or functionality for you to do time laps pictures or movies.
4. I will be very interested to hear feedback from you on this interesting subject.

Available light Photography

Did you know?

1. It is an art to correctly capture the ambiance, color and atmosphere of available light photography.
2. It requires the correct technique, understanding of the camera and its functions plus aspects like noise, white balance and exposure.
3. It is fun and the rewards are great once mastered.

Picture taken with a PowerShot A570 IS in the late afternoon. Camera was in Manual Mode with spot metering. The exposure reading was taken from the buildings at the back. This picture typically has a number of different light temperatures. This makes it difficult to select the “correct” white balance. The wb was adjusted in Photoshop.

Photography is fun

Everybody can enjoy it