The 4 Basics

[Loupey]

OK, I'll send him my address to where he can send my check. Say, that reminds me, Kenko still hasn't sent me that one and someone still owes me a beer

Ironic that, in my back-to-basics approach, people have to go out and buy more equipment. (hey, I just NOW figured out where all of you have been getting all those other smileys - the "more" button ). I just hope that they will be useful purchases!

Payn, your gray card should be white on the back side - good for setting custom white balance in the field. Also, it will be useful with your continuing macro work. Just remember to orient it in the direction that matches your subject. Hold if vertical to get an exposure reading to photograph the side of an object. Hold it horizontal to get an exposure reading to match the top of an object.

[Loupey]

Though not officially one of the 4 basics, I always consider the background as a key make-or-break element of the image. Regardless of the subject matter, one should ALWAYS consider the background (and foreground if there are overlapping elements) with the same regard as the subject itself.

I always try to place the subject in a neutral area of the background so there are no intersecting lines. If not possible, I try to place the main area of the subject (the head for example).

I shot this sequence a few days ago and I thought it might adequately demonstrate this. The first image is how I first spotted the bird. Not very impressive. Next, I always look for the appropriate background for any subject. The only break in the tree line I could find was a small opening (2nd shot). Refocusing on the bird (3rd shot), the opening grows by going OOF - just enough to encompass the bird. Much better now.

That's your lession for today. Now go out and shoot