tola

<p>I've got a series of tutorials on the photography fundamentals that I've written myself. The tutorials are all illustrated and are presented with step-by-step instructions. These are tutorials I've made on my own site, so I hope this doesn't conflict with the thread rules or anything.</p>

<ul >

<li ><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/understanding-exposure-7-steps">Understanding Exposure in 7 Steps</a></li>

<li><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/understanding-iso-3-steps">Understanding ISO in 3 Steps</a></li>

<li><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/understanding-shutter-speed-3-steps">Understanding Shutter Speed in 3 Steps</a></li>

<li><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/understanding-aperture-3-steps">Understanding Aperture in 3 Steps</a></li>

<li><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/understanding-your-cameras-light-meter-5-steps">Understanding Your Camera's Light Meter in 5 Steps</a></li>

<li><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/understanding-aperture-priority-mode-3-steps">Understanding Aperture Priority Mode in 3 Steps</a></li>

<li><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/understanding-shutter-priority-mode-2-steps">Understanding Shutter Priority Mode in 2 Steps</a></li>

<li><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/understanding-your-camera%E2%80%99s-shooting-modes">Understanding Your Camera’s Shooting Modes</a></li>

<li><a href="http://stepbystep-photography.com/tutorials/learning-white-balance-4-steps">Learning White Balance in 4 Steps</a></li>

</ul>

<p>I hope this helps anyone who's beginning into photography or wants to brush up on the fundamentals.</p>

<p>Tola</p>

<p>My take is that you should get a DSLR or "four/thirds" cameras. Here's why:</p>

<ol>

<li>Price is not a factor. I bought a used t2i for $400, same price as SX40hs.</li>

<li>In the long run, the life time cost of the DSLR will be lower as well. You can just upgrade the lenses.</li>

<li>DSLR is a better learning camera. (Okay, I admit I don't know what the features of the sx40hs are, so if it allows full manual controls that's great too). Since it seems like you enjoy photography enough to be posting questions on a photography forum, then you're better off with a DSLR.</li>

<li>The only real reason you should get a bridge camera or P&S is for the size (after you learn how to use a camera already). But the SX40hs looks to be one rather large camera anyways so that positive is moot.</li>

<li>I haven't met any serious photographer who learned photography with a point and shoot. Do yourself a favor and get the DSLR instead.</li>

</ol>

<p>Regarding the picture: <a href="../photo/6327759" rel="nofollow">http://www.photo.net/photo/6327759</a> </p>

<p>The longer shutter speed indeed plays a role in setting up the overall look and feel of this photo . For this particular photo, the longer shutter speeds allows for motion blur of the water and clouds - and in effect, the light itself as it is reflecting off the clouds and the water. The results is a dreamy, "ethereal glow" as you describe.</p>

<p>I think a smaller aperture (larger f-stop) was used here as the foreground and most of the background look to be in focus and also allowing for longer shutter speeds. </p>

<p>Longer shutter speeds means a tripod is an essential tool. Filters (ND, polarizers) also help to control the light and allow for creative uses of the exposure settings as well. Especially in this situation as he is shooting directly into the sun.</p>

<p>Once you learn the "creative effects" you get from the different exposure settings (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture) you can control these settings to create the artistic expression you want.<br>

<br />So yes, technique here is just as important as lighting.</p>

<p>Sounds like quite a dilemma Hoi. Like the others mentioned, the obvious choice is to separate the speaker from the background with as much backlighting as possible. This of course, is dependant on your gear and other factors.</p>

<p>But why not change your approach and take your photo from a different viewing angle, as opposed to straight on? What about taking photos from the side or slightly angled. What about a cool photo from behind showing the speaker's perspective? I think you can get some really cool shots if you move around and are not forced to shoot head on.</p>

<p>Best tip I can think of for a beginner, is to just get in there and START! Don't think or worry too much about the RIGHT way or the CORRECT way to do it. There isn't one. Become a sponge and soak up as much experience and knowledge as you can.<br>

Good luck and enjoy your journey...</p>

<p>Ryan, Without knowing your specific needs, it would be tough to give you a good suggestion.</p>

<p>With that being said, I would suggest Wordpress for just about any site. It's free, super-easy to use, and there are great themes available. You can make some great gallery sites with wordpress.</p>

<p>I use smugmug myself, but it isn't very user-friendly to customise.</p>

<p>Haven't had any experience myself, my first impression would be to keep it simple. Shoot with available light (use your fastest lens), RAW (don't worry about color correction).<br>

Sure you might have to increase the ISO, but I think that adds more depth. So what if the lighting isn't perfect? To me, that would make the pictures more intimate and personal - which is what I would want for photos like these...<br>

Good luck and congrats!</p>