Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Rental Gear

Lighthaus Camera is excited to announce that our Kona location now has rental inventory available in-store!

Previously, if Kona residents wanted to rent equipment, it would have to be flown in from the outter islands.  With the ongoing success of rentals in our Honolulu and Kahului stores, we've decided it was time to expand the rentals to Kona as well!  And our Lahaina store also has rental gear - several point and shoot cameras and underwater housings.

Below, you can browse through our list of rental equipment available at each location.  Gear can be transported between islands for rental, but may require a minimum rental period.  Check with your local Lighthaus Camera for pricing and more details on rental equipment.


King Street

Canon

  • EOS 7D
  • EOS 5D Mark II
  • EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye
  • EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
  • EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
  • EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
  • EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
  • EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
  • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
  • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
  • EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
  • EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
  • 580 EXII Speedlite

Nikon

  • D700
  • AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
  • AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
  • AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
  • AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G
  • AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR
  • AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
  • AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED
  • AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR
  • SB-900 AF Speedlight

Other

  • Sekonic L-398A exposure meter
  • Sekonic RT-32 transmitter module
  • PocketWizard Plus II
  • Elinchrom D-Lite-it 4 set
  • Profoto AcuteB 600 lighting kit
  • Profoto AcuteB 600 Ws pack
  • Profoto AcuteB head
  • Profoto Pro-7b lighting kit
  • Profoto Pro-7b 12volt battery
  • Profoto Pro-7b generator
  • Profoto Pro-7b head
  • Profoto 2x3 softbox


Kahului

  • Canon EOS 7D
  • Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
  • Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
  • Gitzo Series 2 Explorer tripod w/Manfrotto 496RC2 ballhead

Kona

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
  • Canon 580EX II Speedlite
  • Induro Carbonflex CX214 tripod w/Gitzo Gitzo GH2750QR magnesium ballhead

Lahaina

  • Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
  • Bogen 3011 basic tripod w/Bogen 3030 3-way pan/tilt head
  • Canon PowerShot G12 w/Canon WP-DC34 underwater housing
  • Canon PowerShot SD780 w/Canon WP-DC31 underwater housing
  • Olympus Stylus Tough TG-810 underwater camera
  • Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 underwater camera
  • Sea & Sea YS110α TTL underwater strobe
  • Olympus Trooper 10x50 binoculars

December Photo Contest


Congratulations to Lindsay Alperstein for her November Photo Contest winning entry of Rusty Bucket!  Her adorable image can be seen at our webiste.


Ready for another chance at a $50 Lighthaus Camera gift card?  The December theme for our monthly photo contest is:

"Doors & Gateways"

As 2011 swings to a close, we felt that doors and gateways would be a perfect representation of passage - moving on through from one part of your life into the next.

Entries to the photo contest can be sent via email, or dropped off or mailed to our Lahaina location.  Here are the basic submission guidelines:
  • Email submissions should be sent to contest@lighthauscamera.com
    • Please be sure to include in the subject, "December Photo Contest"
    • Submissions should be the original, hi-res file to ensure best image quality
  •  If you'd like to mail or drop off your photo, an 8x10 would be the prefered print size
    • Physical entries should be sent to/dropped off at:
      Lighthaus Camera
      143 Dickenson St. Suite 102-A
      Lahaina, HI 96761
  • Please be sure your entry includes the following:
    • Your contact info (name, address, phone number and email)
    • The photo's title and a brief description
  • Images shall not contain depicitons of violence, drugs or nudity - any images with these present will automatically be disqualified
  • Only one entry per person, per month
    • An individual may only win once within a six month period
  • Please be sure to review the full contest rules and regulations at the link below for detailed submission info
Remember to make it interesting!  And should you choose to use post-processing in your image, you will be judged on the photo itself as well as how clean and well done your processing is!

December Photo Contest Info
General Photo Contest Rules

Monday, December 12, 2011

The hits just keep on coming...

Hey Canon fans, we've also got the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II on sale! Regularly $369, it's currently marked down to $279!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Canon 430EX II Sale!

Right now we have the Canon 430EX II Speedlite on special for $299!  Drop by to check it out or pick one up today!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Get in Motion!

Looking for a way to build your DSLR film skills?  Check out the Get in Motion Tour, tomorrow at Oahu's Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.  Only $49 for over four hours of great filmmaking education!


Check out the details and register here:
http://montezucker.com/gimt/hawaii_dealer.html

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Special Veteran's Day Sale


Lighthaus Camera would like to give a big MAHALO to all our service men and women who serve our country. All Lighthaus Camera stores will be open normal hours. Mention this posting and receive a 15% discount on all regularly priced tripods, bags, memory cards and all other accessories. 10% off all used equipment company wide.

HOURS:
Kailua-Kona: 9am - 5pm

Kahului: 9am - 5pm

Lahaina: 9am - 7pm

Honolulu: 9am - 6pm

Monday, November 7, 2011

Monthly Photo Contest


Lighthaus Camera is excited to announce the state-wide launch of our monthly photo contest!

For a few months, we've been testing the waters for a photo contest with outstanding results.  The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and the photos we've received have all been amazing!  Now we'd like to see more of the talent that Hawaii has to offer, so we're calling to residents of all islands to submit their photos each month to be eligible to win a $50 gift card, good at any of our 4 locations across the state!

Seeing as we're in the month of November, we'll be a little cliché and go with the usual "What Are You Thankful For?" theme.  Besides, it feels good to acknowledge the things and people in your life that make you happy.

So send us a shot that best illustrates what you are most thankful for.  And keep in mind, we're not looking for anything in particular.  Just a photograph that creatively and artisticly expresses that feeling of thankfulness.

Entries to the photo contest can be sent via email, or dropped off or mailed to our Lahaina location.  Here are the basic submission guidelines:
  • Email submissions should be sent to contest@lighthauscamera.com
    • Please be sure to include in the subject, "November Photo Contest"
    • Submissions should be the original, hi-res file to ensure best image quality
  •  If you'd like to mail or drop off your photo, an 8x10 would be the prefered print size
    • Physical entries should be sent to/dropped off at:
      Lighthaus Camera
      143 Dickenson St. Suite 102-A
      Lahaina, HI 96761
  • Please be sure your entry includes the following:
    • Your contact info (name, address, phone number and email)
    • The photo's title and a brief description
  • Images shall not contain depicitons of violence, drugs or nudity - any images with these present will automatically be disqualified
  • Only one entry per person, per month
    • An individual may only win once within a six month period
  • Please be sure to review the full contest rules and regulations at the link below for detailed submission info

That's it!  So get out there, start shooting and show us what you got, Hawaii!

November Photo Contest Info
General Photo Contest Rules

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

They Call Me "X"...

Canon has unveiled their newest EOS model today.  Please help us in welcoming the Canon EOS 1D X to the DSLR family:
This amazing new camera is a massive leap ahead for pro shooters and DSLR enthusiasts.  The new model offers dual DIGIC 5+ proccessors for image handling, and a separate DIGIC 4 to tackle autofocusing and metering.  That basically translates into a seriously speedy camera.  The 1D X is everything you've come to expect from the Canon Professional line, and more.
With it's 18 Megapixel image sensor, the Canon 1D X certainaly does not sacrifice in image quality.  I know what you're thinking; both the 1Ds Mark III and the 5D Mark II had 21.1 Megapixels, so why the drop?  There's quite a bit of technical reasons to this, such as retaining a high frame rate (an impressive 12fps in RAW or 14fps in JPEG on a full frame sensor is not an easy task!) and better light handling for less noise on higher ISOs.  Basically, take heart in knowing that Canon most likely weighed all the pros and cons to throwing say a 36 Megapixel sensor into this camera, and in the end, went with the choice which offered the best results.  Besides, 18 Megapixels is more than enough for just about any application you could use this camera for.
Also in this camera's impressive list of features is a 61-Point autofocus system, a new Intelligent Tracking and Recognition system for autofocus, longer video recording, ISO standard range of 100 to 5200 (additional low @ 50, H1 @ 102,400, H2 @ 204,800), exposure control, multiple exposure modes...  It's packed.

The Canon EOS 1D X is scheduled to launch in March 2012 at an astounding estimated retail price of $6,800 (body only).  To learn more about the new 1D X, check out Canon's official press release:
Also, check out some sample images and a movie from this powerhouse camera:

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Photobook Class

Extreme Hawaii

If you want to experience the wild side of the Big Island's volcanic nature in a safe, comfortable setting, come check out the latest additions to the gallery in our Kona store from Extreme Exposure!


Bruce Omori and Tom Kuali'i have been capturing Hawaii's beauty and intensity for several years in this capacity, and also have their own gallery setup in Hilo.

To check out their online gallery, or for more info on how to contact them, visit their website:


And if you're in Kona, don't forget to stop by our Lighthaus location to check out some of their images for sale!



About Bruce:
Bruce Omori is a photographer based in Hilo, Hawai‘i.  Although he has been shooting full-time for just several years, his passion for the craft developed long ago.  As a kid, it began as a fascination with the magical ability of film to capture a moment of time, being able to hold it in your hand, slip it in your pocket, and share it with the world…  at school.

That fascination is still very much alive today, as Bruce strives to infuse elements of the moment into each frame, such as emotion, energy, and beauty, with the creative use of light and movement.  His easy-going, unassuming personality and fondness for the ‘aina are also reflected in his work.  From portraits of surfers on the beach to photos of native Hawaiian honeycreepers deep in the rainforest, he captures an integral part of life in Hawai‘i from a local perspective.

After spending 24 years with an engineering firm on Oahu, Bruce kissed life in corporate America goodbye and moved back to his hometown of Hilo with his family to pursue this passion, and continues to artistically interpret his view of our beautiful island home through the lens.

About Tom:
Island native, born and reared in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Having an acute interest in nature, I spent much of my earlier years drawing using different materials and techniques to express what I see.  I enrolled in a number of art classes at the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Community College, one of which was photography taught by renown artist, Linus chao.  It was my first introduction to the professional use of the camera.  However it was not until I was deployed to Iraq that I truly discovered the fascinating world of photography.

During my tour in Iraq, I spent my "down time" looking for the beauty amid the chaos of war.  Armed with a "Canon" of a different sort, I exposed grand sunsets and fluid waves of endless sand on photo paper.  I stilled the movement of animals and insects unfamiliar to a Native Hawaiian.   And, I encouraged and captured smiles on faces that otherwise expressed fear and sorrow. Having a lifelong fascination of fighter jets and combat helicopters, I would often take pictures of them.  One particular photograph of a row of resting Apache Helicopters nestled among protective barricades on an airfield in Balad won me a grand prize in a photo contest.  I was awarded a custom-built Harley Davidson upon my return to Hawaii after my tour was over. That really spiked my interest in photography and has since been intent on developing my talent and creativity.

Back in the Islands, I have become a progressively advancing professional photographer, having focused my lens on athletes of all ages on many courts and fields, including professional athletes in many sports.  I have photographed aspiring models, competing hula dancers, singers and musicians, high school graduates, politicians, brides and grooms, and celebrating families and friends.

With an expanded, more acute eye for details, I have captured stunning images of nature as well. My passion is the theatre that is Kalapana; The vast playground of the Hawaiian Goddess, Pele.  There I find a connection to my roots as a Hawaiian - even as a descendent of the native kings and warriors of old.  Trekking over sacred, treacherous, unpaved landscape in the dark of night, lends to my dependence on a higher power.  It becomes a spiritual experience that lays the backdrop for a simply spectacular production of wonder and beauty.  I have been making this trek several times a week since march of 2008, capturing the magnificence of it all in my images.

Women's Photography Retreat

Kathleen Carr is one of Hawaii's many talented photographers, and from time to time she offers special courses and workshops.  This November, she is going to hold a seven day photography workshop for women who would like to learn more about this art.  For details and registration, see the info below.


Kathleen Thormod Carr is a fine art photographer, author and teacher. She received her B.F.A. (cum laude) in Photography from Ohio University in 1970. When awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Regional Fellowship in 1991, she further explored handcoloring black and white photography. Her fine art work has been widely exhibited at galleries and museums, and purchased for the Polaroid collection and other private collections.

Kathleen's photographs have been published internationally in numerous books and periodicals, including PhotoVision (featured artist), Outdoor Photographer (featured artist), National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Esquire and Decor (featured artist). Her last book, Polaroid Manipulations: A Complete Visual Guide to Creating SX-70, Transfer, and Digital Prints (Amphoto Books, September 2002), is a companion volume to Polaroid Transfers: A Complete Visual Guide to Creating Image and Emulsion Transfers (Amphoto Books, 1997), which has sold over 30,000 copies.

Kathleen takes a fresh look at the world around her and translates her vision and felt experience into her photographic work. Whatever photographic medium she works in, her photography speaks to the viewer on emotional and spiritual levels. In her own words, "I am fascinated by the energy I sense within the forms I am photographing. Using a variety of techniques, I experiment with ways to express this presence more tangibly. Caring deeply about nature, especially when I see such environmental destruction in the world, I want my photography to inspire people to honor the earth and all who live upon it."



Visit Kathleen's site (http://www.kathleencarr.com/workshops/retreat.html) to register or contact her.

Women's 7-Day Photography Retreat
November 5-12 , 2011

• Photographing special places on the island
• Choice of photographic or alternative techniques to learn--digital, digital infrared, Photoshop, Polaroid/Fuji transfers, lifts, handcoloring and more
• Open studio time to work on your images
• Pool and garden photography session with model at Tropical Hideaway
• Optional snorkeling/swimming with dolphins - 5 minutes away
• Delicious catered meals--organic, gourmet vegetarian and fish
• All in a beautiful tropical paradise garden setting with panoramic ocean views
Each day will have a photographic excursion, studio time to work with your creative process, free time, discussions/information/demonstrations, and private assistance. Please bring 10-12 images to share, which can be small prints (a fancy portfolio isn't necessary) or on your laptop.

Bring or ship what you want to work with--digital or film camera(s), film (35mm, Polaroid, Fuji) and equipment (laptop, cables, printing paper, Daylab, watercolor paper, etc.). Provided is a scanner, an Epson 2200 for printing, some Epson Enhanced Matte paper for proofs, a Daylab Copy System Pro (for Polaroid/Fuji transfers from 4x6 prints), a Daylab 35+ (for transfers from slides), a Vivitar slide printer, and an image and emulsion transfer setup to be shared.

If you'd like to learn digital infrared, you can try a camera here, or bring a camera that can take infrared images, an IR opaque filter, such as the Hoya R72 (inexpensive film version available to try at the retreat), and a tripod. Please email me if you want more information on digital infrared photography.

Cost: $1595
Includes double occupancy room, excursions, and most meals)
$1045 if you provide your own accommodation. Kama'aina discount available.
A $350 deposit is required to reserve your space, with the balance due 60 days before the Retreat begins. Additional information will be sent upon registration.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Thanks

We want to thank everyone who made it to our Canon Photography Workshops!  Lance provided a great learning experience, as always, and we are grateful to continuously have him available to us.

We're working on something a little different for his next visit, which will likely be in March.  So be sure to keep an eye out for further info.  And help us keep Lance coming out to do these classes by spreading the word!  Canon needs to know that Lance's valuable time is being well spent, so help us keep these classes full!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

And the winner is...

Thanks to everyone who voted in our poll for this month's Canon Photography Workshop!  The second class which will be taught alongside Sport Shooting is Intro to HDslr Video!  We're all looking forward to Lance's visit, and hopefully you are too!

Don't forget to visit our Facebook page and RSVP for the class being held at your location if you'd like to attend!
Canon Technical Workshop - Honolulu
Canon Technical Workshop - Kona
Canon Technical Workshop - Kahului

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

“Images of East Hawaii”

What: Exhibit of Photography – “Images of East Hawaii”
Who: Ken and Mary Goodrich
Where: Lighthaus Camera, 74-5614 Palani Road, Kona
When: August 5 through September 30, 2011



Lighthaus Camera has recently opened their new gallery with some of Hawaii Island’s best photography. The work of two Volcano photographers, Ken and Mary Goodrich, will be on display at Lighthaus Camera now through September 30. The exhibit is titled, “Images of East Hawaii” and have been taken on the East side of the Big Island and in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.






Though they often work together in the same locations, both photographers have different points of view. Ken Goodrich has eloquently photographed places of power and beauty, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Ken is current President of the Hilo Photography Club and has won numerous awards in photography competitions for his landscapes and images of the people of Hawaii. Many of his nature shots are woven into multi-media presentations utilizing projected imagery choreographed to music.




Mary Goodrich photographs the landscape, botanicals and enjoys finding abstractions in Nature. She has been a photographer for over 25 years. She formerly worked in a black and white darkroom to produce her prints, some of which are hand painted with oils. More recently, she has been using digital equipment and Photoshop. Her work has been seen in B&W and COLOR Magazines and she recently won 2nd Place in Architecture in an international competition sponsored by Hahnemuhle digital printing papers. Speaking of her work, she says, “I like finding quirky things in the environment, like a face in a rock or unusual patterns made by water or plants. These elements are like old friends. I see shapes and lines that I recognize as though they are in pictures I’ve already taken”.

Lighthaus Camera is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. For information call Lighthaus at (808) 326-7025 or Mary Goodrich, (808) 985-7487.




Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Canon Photography Workshop


In addition to the photography classes we have coming up this weekend, Lance Folden, Canon Product Educator, will be visiting the stores again at the end of September to put on a free workshop for our customers. Lance is a great guy to talk to and his visits are always quite educational. These free workshops are a great opportunity to learn more about the Canon DSLR products that you may already have or are interested in getting, as wells as to help polish some basic camera skills.

Keep in mind, this workshop will be quite different from the upcoming Maui classes on Saturday and Sunday, and will be strictly Canon-oriented. The workshops held by Lance are of a more general informational scope, while the classes taught by Krystle will be a much more in-depth teaching of actual photography techniques.

Last time, Lance taught us all how to navigate and properly use our external speedlites and about how different lenses can affect our photography. This time, we'd like some feedback from you as to what you'd be most interested in learning from Lance. Check out the course descriptions below and vote in our poll to help us decide! Then head over to our Facebook page and RSVP for the seminar being held at your location if you'd like to attend!


Intro to the Digital Rebel
A class on the Rebel series camera including the Mode Dial, AF modes, exposure compensation, metering, flash, Af points.

Intro to the 60D, 7D, and 5D Mark II
A class on the 60D, 7D and 5D Mark II cameras including the Mode Dial, AF modes, exposure compensation, metering, flash, Af points.

Intro to HDslr Video
Goes into every setting that effects how video looks on our DSLR. Also give some video shooting tips.

Advanced Flash
Covers how different camera modes effect flash. Also covers high speed sync, rear curtain sync, wireless eTTL.

Choosing and Using Lenses
Covers using different lenses such as wide angle, macro, telephoto, and specialty lenses.

Maui Photography Class

Just a reminder to all our Maui customers that next week Saturday we will be hosting a beginner class on light and composition for DSLR shooting. Seats are still available!

See last week's post for more details.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

New Nikkor Micro Lens


Nikon is just about set to launch its newest closeup macro lens - the AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G! This impressive lens is versatile enough to be used for closeup work such as macro shots of plants or food, portraits or even landscape work.


Specifications
Mount Type - Nikon F-Bayonet
Focal Length - 40mm
Maximum Aperture - f/2.8
Minimum Aperture - f/22
Format - DX
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) - 38°50'
Maximum Reproduction Ratio - 1.0x
Lens Elements - 9
Lens Groups - 7
Compatible Format(s) - DX
Diaphragm Blades - 7
Distance Information - Yes
Super Integrated Coating - Yes
Autofocus - Yes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) - Yes
Minimum Focus Distance - .53ft.(0.163m)
Focus Mode - Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto
G-type - Yes
Filter Size - 52mm
Accepts Filter Type - Screw-on
Dimensions - (Approx.)2.7x2.5 in. (Diameter x Length); 68.5x64.5mm (Diameter x Length)Weight - (Approx.)9.9 oz. (280g)
Supplied Accessories - LC-52 52mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, HB-61 Bayonet Hood, CL-0915 Flexible Lens Pouch

Keep watch for more announcements about this great new Nikkor lens!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Think Tank Sale

Hurry in to your local Lighthaus Camera location to check out some awesome Think Tank camera bags and take advantage of this limited time special!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Light Writing

Having gotten through the 4th of July, we always have sparklers left over.  Use those left over sparkers to do some light writing.

Source
Here's how to set up you camera. 

Always use a tripod!  This is a must...
Set your camera mode to M (Manual) this is the best way to set your camera up perfectly.
Set f/5.6 to f/11 this will let less light hit the sensor and make you have a longer shutter speed.
Set shutter speed to 4 seconds to 8 seconds (just about 1 second for every letter in your word)
Try the Tungsten  white balance, remeber your camera has a monochrome that will shoot it in black & white too!
Here is the key.... Make sure everyone writes their letters backwards!
Review & enjoy!

Source

Friday, July 8, 2011

Used Nikon Clearance


All the USED Nikon Equipment in our Honolulu Location is 10% off for 3 days only.  Check out the selection on our website http://www.lighthauscamera.com/ or call our Honolulu location at 808-955-5155.  Order now and pick up at any of our locations.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Fireworks

10 Tips to Better Fireworks Photos
 
#1 Use a tripod, its a must! We as photographers forget how much a tripod can change our images. Forget steady hands and concentration let the tripod do all the work. And for a dramatic feel sit on the ground and bring you tripod lower and point your lens up at the night sky. This can change your perspective dramatically! And don’t forget, turn off your flash.

#2 Use a remote release. This may seem obvious but you would not believe how many shooters forget this small and simple gadget. There are many different types of releases, wireless, corded ones (these allow you to do exposures of 30 seconds or longer) and even digital corded releases. Also don’t forget that even the mirror swinging up and down in your camera can cause the tiniest blur. Try using the mirror lock up option!

#3 ISO. What ISO should you use? Well when doing these types of shots digital noise can be very distracting. The lower ISOs will make your blacks inky black and your colors truly vivid. So start at 100 and try to keep your shutter speeds at a reasonable length( 3-30 seconds). If you find that your shutter is open far too long try a higher ISO till you get the desired effect.

#4 Shutter Speeds. This is where intuition and knowledge come together. Every 4th of July display is different. This is where the bulb option comes in. You can listen for the explosion then hold down the shutter button on your corded remote the release 3-8 seconds later. If this is too loose experiment with different shutter speeds till you get your desired effect. Be care full as shutter speeds too long will quickly get overexposed.

#5 Aperture. All photographers will intuitively reach for their fast lenses so they can fire of shots at f/2.8. Let’s not forget that we have a tripod and some of these explosions are GIANT and have serious depth of field. So a smaller aperture is more rewarding, try a f/8 to f/16. Get ALL of the display in focus at the same time.

#6 Manual Mode. Don’t be scared! Full manual will give you all the tools to change the outcome of your photos! Don’t hesitate to try different shutter speeds and apertures to make a truly dynamic photo.

#7 Lens Selection. I would always suggest you use your favorite lens. That way you are familiar (it will be dark while you are taking your photos). Remember longer focal lengths are going to make it harder to focus and frame. Wider angles may give the image context as to the surroundings of the area.

#8 Framing and Composition. Scope out your location early. You don’t want to be setting up your tripod in the dark! Look at how you may want to frame your images. Do you prefer verticals? Do you love wider angles? Do you have folks sitting in front of you creating a nice silhouette? Don’t forget that the reactions around you may be a portion of why the 4th is so fun!

#9 Experiment! Try new things, like zooming your lens while the shutter is up. Play with blur. If you are shooting digital you will get to see right away if you got something you like. Remember what you did to get certain effects. (I have a small pencil, notepad, and flashlight combo in my camera bag to write down interesting discoveries. )

#10 Grand Finale. All displays have a grand finale. If you are not getting what you want stop, slow down, regroup, and prep for the grand finale.

Lighthaus Camera has all the tools you need to get the best photos this Independence Day Celebration. We have a great selection of tripods, remotes, and lenses. As always we are passionate about photography and want to help you get the best shot!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Relational Exposure Techniques

While it may seem confusing at first, the aperture and shutter speed controls on your camera operate in a synchronized and organized way when their relationship is understood. These controls allow you to preconceive the image you would like to create and then execute it, whether you’re shooting a digital, or a film camera. Each major F-stop and Shutter Speed allows exactly either one half or twice the amount light to enter your lens as the one next to it.


Shutter Speeds
Consider these shutter speeds which determine how long the shutter of the camera is open.

500 ~ 250 ~ 125 ~ 60 ~ 30 ~ 15 ~ 8 ~ 4

Keep in mind that 500 is actually 1/500 of a sec, so 1/250 is double the exposure time and same with the rest of these speeds. Moving from left to right, each of these shutter speeds is exactly double the exposure time of the previous one.


F-Stops
The F-stops control the diameter or size of the lens opening.

F2.8 ~ f4 ~ f5.6 ~ f8 ~ f11 ~ f16 ~ f22 ~ f32

Some confusion may arise since the f-stops while not numerically symmetrical; they also allow exactly either one half or twice the light to enter through your lens as the one next to it. Moving for left to right on the above scale each F-stop allows one half the amount of light to enter the camera as the previous one.

Since each of these controls represents either one half or double of the one next to it, they can be used in different combinations to produce the same amount of light or exposure entering the camera. Consider these exposure combinations stated as a thirtieth at f2.8 (first one).

30 @ f2.8 ~ 15 @ f4 ~ 8 @ f5.6 ~ 4 @ f8 ~ 2 @ f11

While the aperture opening and shutter speed vary considerably, all of these combinations result in the same exposure level. The correct exposure amount will be determined by the metering system in your camera.

The creative aspect mentioned earlier comes in play by understanding how the various F-Stops and Shutter Speeds affect your image. The F-Stops control depth of field as explained in our recent blog post about apertures. The Shutter Speeds will affect your image by either freezing or blurring the image. A fast Shutter Speed such as 1/500 will freeze a race car or a galloping horse, while a slower speed such as 1/15 will create a sense of motion as the subject is moving faster than the shutter takes to complete its cycle. Practicing with your camera and tracking your results will allow you to begin building an understanding of how your Shutter Speed and F-Stop settings will affect the outcome of your image.

Friday, June 17, 2011

It's Good To Be Shallow

Well, when it comes to photography, it can be.

Among the many aspects of taking a photo, your f-stop or aperture can be one of the most confusing.  In the simplest terms, the aperture controls how much light enters the camera.  The larger your aperture, the more light enters the camera.  The smaller it is, the less light it gets.  Simple enough, right?  Sure.  As long as you don't get deeper into it.  But we are.

The aperture size is represented by a number, or f-stop.  You'll hear numbers like f/2.8, f/3.5, f/11 and so forth.  But here's where things get confusing; the smaller the f-number, the larger your aperture will be, and the larger the f-number, the smaller the aperture will be.
This is an example of three aperture sizes.  At f/2 your aperture is wide open, allowing for a ton of light to enter the camera.  At f/22 the aperture is closed down and you have much less light coming into the camera.  What this means to you is that if your aperture is larger, since more light is coming in you can use a faster shutter speed.  If your aperture is smaller, then you're going to need to use a slower shutter speed to compensate for the lack of light.

Your aperture size will also determine your image's depth of field.  Simply put, "depth of field" refers to how wide (deep) or narrow (shallow) your focus is.  An image with a wide depth of field will have a clearer focus on objects further away from your subject, and a narrow depth of field will have less focus on anything further from your subject.  Take a look at the image bellow.  If you roll your mouse cursor over the different apertures below, you'll see exactly what all that means.
At f/1.4, your aperture is wide, wide open.  That means more light, and less depth of field.  So the trees and buildings behind the subject become very blurry.  At f/22, the aperture is smaller which equates to less light but far more depth - everything behind the subject is much clearer.  Knowing how aperture sizes affect your depth of field can really change the impact of your image.

As stated, at f/22 there is a lot more focus in the overall image which can create a background that is very busy, or visually confusing.  Your focus isn't necessarily drawn immediately to the subject - which you may or may not want depending on the feel you're looking to capture in your image.  With a shallower depth of field, the viewer's eyes are pulled right to your subject, but having your focus extremely narrow means parts of your subject could get blurred out as well.  Again, it all depends on what look you want for your final image.  Generally speaking, when taking portraits or product shots, having a shallow depth of field is recommended.