Shutter Speed Determination for Hand-held Landscape Photos

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Now generally I recommend a tripod for landscape photography, however, I do shoot a fair bit of hand-held landscapes too and trust me, I have had more than my share of blurry photos in my 15 odd years of photography.

Is there anything worse than a Blurry Masterpiece?

In my opinion, there is nothing worse than zooming into the best shot of the day, the miracle shot that captured the moment perfectly, only to discover it’s blurry.

Ok, so how do we shoot hand-held in tough conditions and make sure our photos have a good chance of being sharp?

Shutter speed is critical when shooting without a tripod. We need to shoot fast enough so that any camera shake is not visible in our final photo.

But what shutter speed is fast enough to avoid camera shake?

Interestingly, it varies depending on the focal length of the lens you are shooting with.

Wide-angle lenses are much easier to get sharp hand-held photos than telephoto, as you will see below

The rule of thumb that I use is:

2 times the focal length you are shooting is a good minimum shutter speed as a guide. Of course, the faster – the better chance of a good result.

You may find that with modern stabilized cameras and lenses that you can go even lower, however, I feel that 2x the focal length is a good minimum to start at.

Now you might be thinking, “what on earth is he talking about”.

Hopefully, this clears it up:

  • 20mm lens: 2 x 20 = 1/40th of a second as your minimum shutter speed for a 20mm lens.
  • 50mm lens: 2 x 50 = 1/100th of a second as your minimum shutter speed for a 50mm lens.
  • 100mm lens: 2 x 100 = 1/200th of a second as your minimum shutter speed for a 100mm lens
  • 400mm lens: 2 x 400 = 1/800th of a second as your minimum shutter speed for a 400mm lens.

Of course, the faster the better, if you can.

This won’t guarantee sharp photos every time but it will get you on the right track as far as shutter speed is concerned.

Below are further tips for the perfect hand-held Landscape photo.

• Raise your ISO to achieve at least the minimum shutter speed above.
• Brace yourself against a solid object to reduce camera shake.
• Choose a lens or camera with Image Stabilization.
• Set your camera to multiple shot mode and fire 3-4 consecutive shots. Generally, camera shake is at its highest on the first photo as we press the shutter and will settle down in the 2nd-3rd-4th shots of the sequence.

Capturing Motion: The Art of Sports Photography

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Sports photography is an exciting genre that allows photographers to freeze moments of
intense action and capture the raw emotions of athletes in motion. From the thrill of a
winning goal to the power of a perfectly executed slam dunk, sports photography
presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this article, we will explore the art of
sports photography and provide valuable tips to help you capture the essence of athletic
motion in your images.

To effectively capture motion in sports photography, a fast shutter speed is essential. Set
your camera to a high shutter speed to freeze the action and capture sharp images. A
shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second or faster is typically recommended, but adjust it
based on the specific sport and level of action you’re photographing.

Anticipating the action is key to capturing the peak moments. Familiarize yourself with the
sport you’re photographing, study the athletes’ techniques, and predict their
movements. By understanding the flow of the game or event, you’ll be better prepared
to capture those decisive moments.

Utilize burst mode or continuous shooting mode to capture a rapid series of images with a
single press of the shutter button. This increases your chances of getting the perfect
shot and ensures you don’t miss any critical moments. However, be mindful of your
memory card capacity and shoot in bursts wisely to avoid overwhelming yourself with
too many similar shots during post-processing.

Focusing on the eyes of the athletes adds depth and connection to your images. Set your
camera’s autofocus point to the athlete’s eyes or face to ensure they remain in sharp
focus. This technique draws viewers into the action and allows them to feel the intensity
of the moment.

Experiment with different angles to capture the dynamic energy and movement of the
athletes. Get low to the ground for a dramatic ground-level perspective or shoot from a
higher vantage point for a bird’s-eye view. Varying your shooting angles adds visual
interest and a unique perspective to your sports images.

Panning is a technique that involves tracking the subject’s movement while keeping it in
focus, resulting in a sharp subject against a blurred background. This technique adds a
sense of speed and motion to your images. Practice panning by following the athletes’
movement with your camera while using a slower shutter speed, usually around 1/60th
of a second or slower, depending on the speed of the subject.

Composition plays a crucial role in sports photography. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines,
and framing techniques to create visually engaging and balanced images. Position the
athletes off-center to allow space for them to move within the frame. Consider the
background and foreground elements to add depth and context to your shots.

Capturing the emotions of the athletes is equally important. Look for moments of
celebration, determination, or even disappointment. These emotional moments bring a
human element to your images and make them more relatable and impactful.

sports photography requires a combination of technical skill, anticipation, and
creativity to capture the essence of athletic motion. By mastering fast shutter speeds,
anticipating the action, using burst mode, focusing on the eyes, experimenting with
angles, utilizing panning, and paying attention to composition and emotion, you can
freeze the thrill and excitement of sports in captivating images. So, grab your camera,
head to the field, and embark on an exhilarating photographic journey to capture the art
of motion in sports photography.

DPC Spiti Trip Photo Review Session and Members Meetup

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This give us immense pleasure to Invite you all DPC members for the DPC Spiti Trip Photo Review Session and Members Meetup this Saturday .

Spiti Travellers: Please get photos that you want to review and share with us in Pen drive, Selected pictures will also be featured on DPC website and DPC social Media posts .
Date : 23rd April 2022 
Time : 4 pm to 6 pm

Venue: DPC Lounge Shahpur Jat

For more info call
8826712162 or DM if interested!
For any queries:
hi@delhiphotographyclub.com

DPC PhotoBus Trip to SPITI 10th to 17th April 2022

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DPC one more most amazing trip to Spiti

DPC PHOTOBUS TRIP TO SPITI

About Spiti

This time we are going to Spiti, During our trip we will witness and capture the most beautiful monasteries, landscapes and the local people.

It’s going to be an 8 days trip.

We will be covering everything by Tempo Traveller.Just Remember : We are going on a road trip and there will be ample opportunity to click good pictures. We will stop at places and spend time clicking and create good pictures.

Meeting point : SDA market (opp. IIT main Gate )

Date : 10th Apr 6.00 AM Sunday Morning
We are going by 9 seater Tempo Traveler

Itinerary

Day 1. 10 th Apr Delhi to Rampur Busher .

Day 2. 11 th Apr Rampur to Tabo

DAY 3: 12 th Apr Kaza- key- Dhankar

DAY 4: 13 th Apr Kibber- key and others

DAY 5: 14 th Apr Langza Komik Hikkim.

DAY 6: 15 th. Apr Kaza to Chandratal ( if way to Chandrataal is Open)

DAY 7: 16 th Apr Starting Back from Chandratal (If it’s Open )

and reaching Delhi on 17th Apr

Other Important Details

Stay: Will be on a twin sharing basis in a home stay environment. And you can opt for single sitting rooms wherever possible ( on extra charges)

Mode of travel: We will be traveling in an AC TEMPO traveller together.

Gear: You can carry tripods and wide angle lenses for cameras. Any camera is good for this trip so long as it is digital

Clothing: Please carry woollen clothes , comfortable shoes, take hats/caps, shades and sunscreen!Please carry winter clothing for 3-4 layers temp would be around 6-7 degree. Days are pleasant , Nights are a bit chilly.
Please carry a few edible items with you for munching like Dry Fruits , chocolates and nuts.

All the small bags and camera bags can be kept inside the tempo traveller and rest will go on the top of the tempo. So manage wisely. Please carry one small bag and your moderate size bag.
Fee (per person) : 32000 (including registration fee)

For DPC Members : 30000

Fee includes travel & group transfers, stay and meals

For more info call
8826712162 or DM if interested!
For any queries:
hi@delhiphotographyclub.com

DPC PhotoBus Trip to Jaisalmer -Sam-Bikaner 15th Dec 2021

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DPC one more most amazing trip to Jaisalmer-Sam-Bikaner 

About Jaisalmer-Sam-Bikaner

Jaisalmer holds a major place in the tourism landscape of Rajasthan. Located in the northwestern part of the Indian State, it is popularly called as the golden city because of its bounteous golden sand dunes and castles built with golden honey sandstones.

The city is adorned with a number of lagoons, ornamental Jain places of worship, and lavish havelis. This is however one side of the coin. Jaisalmer is also known for its offbeat desert safari experience. The city offers pleasant stays in the middle of the vast spread Thar desert and loads of adventure activities to give you a completely unforgettable experience. The city is also packed with colorful handicraft marketplaces that will take you back in the timeline to offer you an experience of Indian culture and heritage.

Jaisalmer is home to some of the most sought after attractions of the nation like the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, full of live desert national park, ancient Kuldhara Village, beautifully designed Jain temples, surreal Gadisar Lake, rustic Sam Sand Dunes, artistic Tazia Tower and Badal Palace, intricately designed Patwon ki Haveli, glorious bada bagh, and many more significant places of tourist attractions.

In the course of your visit to the city of Jaisalmer, you can indulge in a number of desert experiences which are not only adventurous but also filled with fun. Heading out on a safari tour on a jeep or camel and traversing your way through the sands is certainly a great experience. The desert camps have also got loads of other fun for you. You will be spending amazing evening hours at the campsite witnessing the traditional performances of music and dance. The campsites are also known to offer the best ever authentic Rajasthani dishes to delight your taste buds.

The details for the trip are as follows:

DPC Photobus Trip to Jaiselmer – sam – Bikaner

Day 1: Explore Jaiselmer Local
After travelling overnight and Check In at Hotel we will get ready for exploring the real heritage of india
We will be visiting – Jaiselmer fort, Patwon ki Haweli, Gadisar Lake
Nathmal ki Haweli, Sunset at Gadhisar Lake and Sunrise from Jaiselmer Fort
Overnight Stay In Jaiselmer ( Heritage Hotel)

Day 2 : Visiting Sam Sand Dunes
After exploring the heritage Spots, we will be going to the heart of the desert by camel ride to sunset point .
will be spending time watching the heart taking mesmerizing sunset and will get to Camp where we will have bonfire and Dinner.
Overnight stay in Sam at Camp
Day 3 : Sam- Jaisalmer – Bikaner
After freshening up we will checkout Camp and will be leaving for Kuldhara
After a long drive/Ride we will be reaching Bikaner and will Check In hotel,
Day 4 : Local Bikaner
Morning After breakfast we will be visiting Junagarh Fort and Local Market.
Evening 3 Pm Leaving Bikaner and Reaching Delhi by 11pm.

Other Important Details:
1. Stay: will be on a sharing basis at a comfortable guest house or Heritage haveli. You Can opt for individual rooms at extra cost .
2. Mode of travel: We will be travelling in an AC TEMPO traveller together.
3. Gear: Jaisalmer offers some breathtaking shots. Hence wide angle and zoom lens are advised with camera covers because of desert festival Celebrations.
Please wear comfortable clothes according to the weather, comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking, take your hats/caps, shades and sunscreen.
4. Meal: Simple vegetarian meals will be provided by the club.
The group will follow the itinerary mentioned above, however if one wants to visit places at one’s own will, can visit accordingly on their own.
Fee: Rs. 17500 per person, DPC members: Rs. 16500 per person.
The cost includes stay, travel and food. Does not include tickets for camera and equipment if any.