Today there are many different tools used to measure light. With the advancements in modern technology, photographers have been utilizing different technologies such as light meters, histograms, and gray cards. Each technology can be equally successful in achieving the correct exposure.
Using a gray card is a rather old method in measuring light exposure. It’s used to calibrate light meters to the correct 18% gray the camera uses to build a perfect exposure. These corrections are made under the white balance feature in most cameras. Having a light meter that isn’t calibrated correctly can lead to under or over exposure shots; which then can lead to extra time in Photoshop correcting the image, and a disgruntled photographer.
Light meters come in handy when you would like to measure the amount of light from a particular object. This helps when creating highlights, and avoiding a poorly exposed photos. Even though many photographers use this technology to get the correct amount of exposure, some photographers would argue that a light meter isn’t even necessary because most cameras have a built in histogram in the camera.
A histogram is a graph that displays the about of blacks and whites in a particular photo. The blacks in the graph will be displayed on the left hand side, while the white are displayed on the right hand side. Here is a video I found that explains how to read a histogram correctly.
All three of these methods came from the advancements in technology and the understanding of how a camera works. In the late 1820’s and the early 1830’s, a lot of photographers learned from trial and error, and eventually learned to master their craft. It’s safe to say when photography was first introduced; photographers never had any of these tools at their exposal. When I think about present day, compared to the past; you learn to appreciate the advancements in tools and different technologies we utilize today.
I really enjoyed your use of multi-media in this blog post. Your simple video explains the process of reading a histogram very well, allowing those who do not practice photography to understand the information being given to them. I would have, however, used a more attention getting photograph to begin the post. You could maybe attempt to find an example of a photograph comparing correct and incorrect exposure.
ReplyDeleteIn order for readers to understand the entire concept, maybe try to add a few more sources. Your source for white balance is great because many people may have never heard of this before. Try finding sources to supplement the terms gray card and light meter. If people do not practice photography, they may not understand what these things are.
I like how you write. I feel that many people do not know concepts in photography, providing a great reason to give out tons of information about it. However, for future posts, try to apply your own experiences with the things you are writing about.
I would like to see you write about more recent photography inventions in the future. Possibly try writing on Adobe Photoshop or the different uses of lighting.
I liked your sources, but I am assuming since you know most of this stuff, this was common knowledge for you. Bobbie has already said to add more sources and I agree with her, but you can also explain the things you talk about in this blog so someone with no photography knowledge (like me) can understand what you are saying. Then, back up your information with more sources. I know it is a pain because you know what you are talking about, but it helps solidify what you are trying to present.
ReplyDeleteVideo helped out, but I would have like to see more pictures. Examples of the things you were talking about in this blog. Something so I could have a frame of reference for when I see a picture like that in the future. This way, I can sound smart to a group of girls who want me to take their picture. "You know I like this picture, but I believe there is a problem with your light meter."
Your writing could be way more conversational. I like writers who throw comedy in there subjects. You know this topic so well, it reads like a manual. That is not meant to be mean, I would just like some personality thrown in there so it makes it easier for me to read the topic. This way, you can get people who could care less about the topic to read your stuff.
A future topic that I would like to see is what company makes the best camera for what kind of photographer you are. For beginners, go with this type of camera from this company. For experts, go with this. You would have an unlimited amount of opportunities for multi-media and a chance to throw in some personality when describing the cameras.
You are clearly very knowledgeable of photography and many of its finer details. However, as the earlier comments implied, I would consider a different sort of topic in the future...rather than one that is very informational (like this one). Instead, I'd like to hear about your opinion on more RECENT advancements in photography, and I'd also like to get a 'dumbed-down' version so that literally anybody can understand and be interested in what you're talking about...not just photographers.
ReplyDeleteTry adding more personality to your blog. Not only in your writing and literary techniques, but also in the overall mood, appearance, atmosphere, and aesthetic of your blog. Try messing around with different fonts, font-colors, and an appropriate background image that will give your blog some pizazz! The current blue background is boring and doesn't allow your blog to stand out.
Also, be careful with grammatical and mechanical errors...especially the use of the semicolon. I noticed a few instances where it was improperly used, and this can negatively affect your credibility as a blogger.