Camera Specifics For Me

“Is it really necessary that I purchase an expensive camera to get nice photos?” Answer: “No. An expensive camera is not necessary to get nice photos.”

Even though I now am a professional photographer I still do not own the top of the line digital camera and a studio full of fancy equipment.

I actually began testing myself in the field of photography with a camera in a cellular phone. I have since the age of 4 played with differing film camera models which came from the late 1960’s, but this was different. This time, using a digital camera in a cellular phone, I did not need to buy for film and pay for processing.

This is not to say that I would be satisfied to go back to using the camera inside the cellular phone, however it provided me a great opportunity learn the angles and perspectives which bring the picture together to communicate a logical visual thought. [Woe! Okay Mr. Big Words; Let us read this in an understandable language this time! – Blog editor] It is important to capture the subject in a natural, comfortable pose. If a viewer looks at the photo and says what they are thinking, would they say something like “That does not look comfortable!” Or would they say, “Wow! I wish I looked that good.” Truthfully we all think that about ourselves, super model or not. The important thing to remember is that the beauty we see is inherent within the person and how they look comes from the way the picture was taken.

Go to a camera store, and I mean a camera store, not a computer super-store. Talk to a sales associate about renting a digital camera and take it out with you everywhere; subjecting it to all the situations in which you will find yourself, testing its abilities. Learn the camera’s strengths and weaknesses. If it will help you, treat the time you have rented the camera as a product review and you are a highly acclaimed journalist who could make or break this store’s sales quarter.

In other words, enjoy your time and put the camera through its paces.

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Spontaneity

You may have heard a photographer say “I never go anywhere without a camera!” Well, today was a day when a photographer who almost always has a decent camera with him, did not!

As I drove around town, I spotted a hawk in a tree. Yes! A hawk in town. I was elated because I have been waiting almost 3 years to get the “prefect” picture of a hawk and other birds of prey. Today may have been my day, but I left my camera at the studio! What a foolish move! So, on my way past the tree where sat the hawk, I turned used my phone camera to snap a picture. Here is what I ended up with for proof that I had seen a hawk.

Well I would like to say that I have learned my lesson, but this can only be proven next time I leave. “Someone please watch me to see if  I have my camera in hand!” *Chuckle*

I have painted a pretty dim picture. It was not all that bad. I drove off slowly so as not to upset the bird with any sudden moves and when I returned to the studio I ran inside, snatched up my camera and bag. When I got back to the place I spotted the bird it was still there! I do apologize for the pictures which I will post below. It was about mid day when I spotted the hawk and he was enjoying, what I assume he found to be tasty, a gray squirrel.

In my post production edits of the photos, so as not to draw attention to the meal (which was not my intended focus), sever crops were used to draw your attention to the magnificence of the bird.

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I am a bit of a naturalist. By that I mean, I enjoy observing natural things around me such as the hawk, every other bird, flora, fauna and insects. So as is my custom, I researched the family and genus of this hawk. The hawk I photographed today is specifically a juvenile “Red tailed hawk.” Scientific name: “Buteo jamaicensis”. Average measurements of the Red tailed hawks are 19 inches in length, 49 inch wing span and weighs about 2.4 pounds (1,080 grams).

Just as a side note, with an estimated 12 inch high wing and 49 inches wide (this is not exact) that would equate to 588 square inches of lift surface for 2.4 pounds. This translates to an average of 245 square inches of lift per pound. Comparing that to Boeing 767 estimated 936.5 (11,238 inches) square feet of lift surface, weighing (again estimated) 376,580 pounds. We come out with a rounded .03 square inches of lift surface per pound. That is an incredible difference, but shows the strength and ability of the creature! This also demonstrates the power of the bird’s Creator. Simply amazing!

I hope you enjoyed the post. Please leave your comments below. Thank you for stopping by the Foe-toss – LIGHT Photography blog!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!