Using panoramas or photo stacking to achieve more details

 When you mention a panorama photo most of us imagine a large landscape picture no thinking that you can use panoramas for other reasons. For example, to achieve a bigger level of details or sharpness or to fit a large object in your picture when you are using a zoom lens instead of a wide angle lens. The below picture is an example of these two techniques using LightRoom Classic to create the panorama.  

If your goal is to achieve the highest level of detail in a panorama, it's important to take multiple shots while adjusting the focus as you change the portion of the image you're capturing. Imagine your final picture divided into smaller quadrants. Focus your camera for each quadrant and capture the shot.

Next, repeat the process, but this time shift your quadrants so they overlap differently from the previous set, focusing on each one again. This technique ensures that the entire panorama remains sharp when stitched together. I find that this works better if you are shooting a landscape in portrait/vertical orientation.

The example below illustrates a panorama created with an insufficient number of quadrants. As a result, some areas are out of focus where they should have been sharp.

Keep in mind that Lightroom may refuse to create a panorama if your photos are not aligned along the vertical or horizontal axis. In such cases, you'll need to use Photoshop's stacking option instead.

Here is a very useful article describing the use of photo stacking for this purpose.

Specially for Beginners

 This is a perfect video for beginners because it covers all the things you need to buy and that are considered essentials. It also tells you what not to buy, something very important because when you start in this hobby you may end buying stuff that you do not need at all. 

Are extenders good?

Yes, if you know how and when to use them. But you better watch this video from Simon d’Entremont, a wildlife photographer who has taken more than 500,000 photos using them!

6 ways to get the best image quality

This video from Duade Paton was shot 3 years ago and still valid today. One thing I love from this photographer is that gives you tips that will not require you to buy super expensive gear. Even more he gave you the required information for you to buy good old lenses that still work well with your Canon camera. 

Model training

 Here is a very interesting and informative video about posing. 

Expose to the right

Exposing to the right is a technique that helps to reduce the amount of noise in your pictures. The following video explains how to expose to the right. 

How to shoot Manual

One thing that I do in this blog is to find easy tutorials about photography so you don’t have to. Today I would recommend you to watch the below video showing how to shoot manual.

Lens Basic

Ok, you bought your camera but what lens do you need? Buying your first lens it’s not an easy task and depends a lot on how are you planning to use your new camera. The next video tries to explain what do you need to know when picking your first lens.

Photography Basics

Yesterday I mentioned a video about the basics of using a flashlight with your camera. Today I would like to present you a video that explains photography basics. In other words, everything that you need to know to control your camera in Manual Mode. 

Flashlight basics

I know that using a speedlight or flashlight in your camera could be intimidating at first but once you watch the following video you may find that it’s not that complicated. 

Beginners mistakes

If you can pass his presentation style and humor here is video that shows mistakes that most of us have made and you may learn to avoid in your next photo shoot. 

Starburst effect, how to achieve it

How to Achieve the Starburst Effect in Your Photos

The starburst effect is a popular photographic technique where points of light, such as the sun or street lamps, appear to radiate beams like a star. To create this effect, follow these tips:

• Use a Small Aperture: The key to a strong starburst is to set your lens to a small aperture, such as f/11, f/16, or f/22. The smaller the aperture (larger f-number), the more pronounced the starburst effect will be, as the light passing through the narrow opening creates diffraction spikes.
• Watch for Diffraction: While a smaller aperture enhances the starburst effect, shooting at f/22 may introduce diffraction, which can reduce overall image sharpness. To find the best balance between a crisp starburst and minimizing diffraction, experiment with apertures like f/16 or even f/11, depending on your lens.
•  Positioning the Light Source: For the best results, position your light source (like the sun or streetlights) partially obscured by an object, such as a tree or building edge. This can intensify the starburst effect while controlling the exposure of the surrounding scene.
• Use a Tripod for Stability: Shooting at smaller apertures often requires slower shutter speeds, especially in low-light situations. A tripod will help prevent camera shake, ensuring your image remains sharp.

By practicing with different aperture settings and compositions, you'll be able to master the starburst effect while maintaining image quality.

Here is an example of the effect from my last weekend photos.

This photo was taken at f/18, 28mm, handheld, using a Tamron 28-300 EF adapted to Canon R6.

A must watch video

 This is an excellent video that shows you the importance of light, specifically backlight, in wildlife photography. You can see beautiful pictures taken using this technique.  

 

I love incorporating backlighting in my photography as much as possible. It adds a sense of drama and depth, elevating the composition far beyond what you'd achieve with frontal lighting. The way backlighting enhances silhouettes and contrasts makes the scene more visually striking, creating mood and atmosphere that wouldn't be as impactful with the light coming from the front.

I still have a long way to go to achieve the same results as shown in the video. While it's motivating, I recognize there's a lot of practice and learning ahead for me to reach that level.

16 is the magic number

To capture a landscape photo like this, 

There are a few key steps to follow:

1. Lens Choice: While zoom lenses can work for landscape photography, a wide-angle lens is generally recommended to capture more of the scene. In the example above, I used the Tamron 28-300mm at its widest setting, 28mm. The smaller the focal length, the wider the view.
2. Camera Settings: Switch your camera mode to either Manual or Aperture Priority. This gives you more control over your settings. Set your aperture to f/16 or higher. f/16 is ideal for achieving sharpness from the foreground all the way to the horizon. Aperture values between f/16 and f/21 will help with this task, while still allowing you to keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise.
3. Post-Processing: After shooting, use editing software like Lightroom to slightly enhance the saturation and contrast. This will bring out the colors and give the photo more depth.
   

White Balance

White Balance is one of the most important settings in your camera and the below video explains why in a very comprehensive way. 

I got lucky this weekend

 This weekend, I photographed a Speckled Pigeon— a bird I never expected to see in Florida.

 

Normally, this pigeon is found in Africa, so it seems likely that it either escaped from a private owner or a zoo. It's a beautiful bird, isn't it?

Understanding Manual Mode in Photography

If you're aiming to shoot in Manual Mode, it's important to know that this is the only mode where you have full control over the "exposure triangle"—Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. While the concept of a triangle might seem confusing, mastering these three settings will allow you to take well-exposed photos in any situation. Don't worry if the theory feels a bit overwhelming; with practice, you'll be able to shoot in Manual Mode with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Switch to Manual Mode: First, set your camera’s mode dial to "M" for Manual.

2. Learn Your Camera's Controls: Refer to your camera’s manual to find out which dials control Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO in Manual Mode.

3. Start with Aperture (Av):

   • Aperture controls the amount of light entering the camera. Indoors, use the lowest aperture number (widest opening) to let in more light.
   • Outdoors, you can experiment with different aperture settings, but for now, start with the lowest number available.

4. Set Your Shutter Speed (Tv):

   • Shutter Speed determines how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light, affecting motion blur. For static subjects, a lower shutter speed is fine.
   • For moving subjects, increase the shutter speed to a range of 1/250 or higher to freeze the action.
   • A good starting point is to match your shutter speed to the focal length of your lens (e.g., 100mm lens, use 1/100th of a second).

5. Adjust the ISO:

   • ISO controls the camera’s sensitivity to light. A lower ISO (e.g., 100) produces a cleaner image with less noise but requires more light.
   • For outdoor shooting in bright conditions, ISO 100 is usually sufficient. Indoors, you’ll need to increase ISO to somewhere between 800 and 6400, depending on the lighting.
   • Since DSLRs don’t always show the exact exposure in the viewfinder, take a test shot and adjust your ISO accordingly if the image is too dark. Increase the ISO incrementally  until you achieve a well-exposed photo. 
   • If you are using a mirrorless camera you will be able to see how changing the ISO will impact your photo.
     

This approach is a simple way to begin shooting in Manual Mode. With practice, you’ll become faster and more intuitive in adjusting these settings, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO interact to create a perfectly exposed image.