Footprints of the Past

How do i 'Blur' the background using a PnS or Hphone?

This was taken using my compact PnS (Panasonic Lumix)

A friend of mine asked was interested in getting a new compact, and asked me which camera to recommend.

I told her i did not know what are the cameras in the market now,

hence the next question -

"What are you looking for in your camera?"

"I want to have that blur background effect."or something along that line

She appears to be misled that semi-pro cameras or DSLR can make such effects.

I will show you how to 'blur' your background even with a lousy PnS.

I will be using my Nokia C6 and Panasonic Lumix (bought in 2006) to illustrate.

The main idea is the depth of focus.

you can read more here.

The following shots are taken under the Macro mode setting(the one with the flower logo) which

can be found in almost every camera and phones.

The Nokia C6.

As you can see, even a camera phone can make such effect.

Granted this phone has a 5megapixel capability but its not the megapixel that

is creating this 'blurred effect'

Simply tune to Macro Mode,

focus closely (as in near) on the subject,

Autofocus...

and there you have it.
Simple.

Now, my Old Panasonic Lumix.

Typical Point-And-Shoot.

Same logic here. You may have noticed that the Lumix appears to create this effect more

significantly. This has got to do with its slightly larger sensor. Read the post attached above to learn more!

p.s: Nowadays cameras (PnS and Camera phone) have ISO settings.

Tune it to the lowest (provided u have sufficient lighting).

This will reduce the noise of your photo. (pixelation and stuff)

Also, play ard with ur exposure (the +/- logo) if the image u see in ur liveview is too dark/bright.

Hope this helps!

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On a side note, i was exploring the pictures i took in the Lumix,

and saw this picture i took at one of the restaurant in KL.

Like the feeling of the picture =D

Taken with the Lumix FX01

Fav. Portraits

A fellow enthusiast once commented, that taking photo of others is simple.

As long as your photo got their face and its sharp enough, it would suffice.

The usual folks will not go down to scrutinize the lighting, angle and composition.

His words struck a chord.

Then i started to think about it...

Thing is, its not easy to take a nice portrait.

I tried to find portraits that i took and like...hmm apparently not a lot.

Liked this shot because of the freckles. =)

Liked because of his smile.

Not the perfect smile with the perfect teeth,

But these just makes it perfect.

Because its heartfelt and genuine.

I just loved it when she daze aimlessly with her big eyes.

Interesting read on taking portraitures here

Quote from link: "Why are people always so damn serious when they are being taken photos of? Does nobody understand the art of portraiture anymore?"

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On a side note, there is going to be a reality show on channel 5 called the "Big Shot"

THE BIG SHOT of Singapore is ality tv series is about stories of seven aspiring photographers and their quests to take the BIG SHOT of Singapore. Each week, the seven aspiring photographers will do their best to stay in the competition by overcoming the different challenges that await them in each episodic challenge. Be it night photography, commercial photography, portraits, architecture, journalism, nature, wedding photography - how will each of them handle their subject matter? How will he or she make it come alive for the beholder's eyes?

Can't wait to watch =)

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Saw a website that was linked in one of my friend's facebook.

He wrote: "There's also another important thing I would like to highlight.

"The differences between a GWC, Cameraman , Photographer and a professional photographer"

*GWC stands for Guy with camera

First is Guy/Gal With Camera(GWC).

It literally means a guy with a camera regardless if the person knows how to use it or not.

The moment you buy a camera, you're a GWC.

A cameraman is similar to the GWC.

However, they might not be even familiar with the device they're using and more often than not are unable to take any good pictures. It doesn't matter if you're holding a cheap 3 megapixels handphone camera, or a 1D mark 4. If your pictures sucks like shit, than you're only a GWC.

Second is photographer. They're the enthusiast who we see often.

Yes there are many classes here as well. There's the pixel peeper, measurebators, equipment collectors, hobbyist, etc etc. But generally a photographer would mean someone who takes a good photo regardless of the equipment they're using............"

Thought it was pretty interesting how he did his comparison.

To each his own.

I have friends who own DSLRs, compacts or even film.

We find similarity through our passion for photography, and our desire to improve our shots.

But i wonder what category I'm in...=P

Domo-Kun !

Domo is described as "a strange creature that hatched from an egg," with a large, sawtoothed mouth that is locked wide open. Domo can only communicate by producing a low-pitched noise which sounds somewhat like his own name, Domo is known to pass gas repeatedly when nervous or upset.

*Watch video at bottom of post!*

Random shots of Domo-Kun !

Off-Shift Day, decided to spend some time shooting...again.

I'm fascinated by this character's appearance.

Have not watched a single episode of this character's show though.

My gal even got a pair of domo head-rest for my car. *loves*

Love that shocked face...=P

Do you have a Domo? =D

Playing with my balls...again

First attempt here

Tried in the day.

Glass balls are fun.

Enough playing for today.

Gonna work from home tomorrow!

ROAR~

< /Rubbish >

Saw this at the old folks home.

Right Beside the Rubbish bin.

Why are some people so lazy....

p.s: In case u r nt familiar with simple coding,

< /rubbish> means END Rubbish =)

An Aging Affair

Went to volunteer at AWWA today.

Was offering more services more to the photography side.

I'm not as enthusiastic about taking portraits as to taking

stills or the surroundings, i realised.

The club had a little event going on, thus there were

slightly more activities...much to my delight.

Here are some shots i liked =)

Some of the elderly can be really cute,

some can get very emotional with you,

some act like kids around you.

It just proves to show youth has no age limit.

There were still deepavali decorations around the site.

Two more photographers were on site too.

Always delightful to exchange tips on photography.

Next event for the elderly?

Christmas!

Reflecting...

Can't stop shooting...Even more so after i bought my Sony NEX.

I have so many ideas in my head, so many things i want to try.

When i board the shuttle bus to work,

i will look at the view outside the window and

wish i could take certain shots.

是不是中毒太深了。。。?

Nonetheless, my ideas are troublesome to execute.

Usually too lazy to do anything after returning home

from work.

Weekend we'll see!

Nikon D90 vs Sony NEX

Two out of three loves in my love. The third one thou shall not reveal =P

Sony NEX has been impressing me with its image quality and versatility, not to mention its much desired architecture, portability and weight!

Quote from http://camera.downloadatoz.com/comparison,sony-alpha-nex-5,vs,nikon-d90.html

As a classic digital SLR camera, Nikon D90 boasts a good design, high performance, easy-to-use controls and many other advanced features. It is not exaggerating to say the D90 is one of the best digital cameras in history. It has a 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD, Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and 4.5fps continuous shooting rate. On the other hand, the NEX has a 14.2 million effective pixels CMOS sensor, 3.0 inch 920k dots LCD screen and 7fps continuous shooting rate.

The sony NEX host a DSLR sensor which won me over with its similar price to the micro 4/3.

And i got the 16mm lens so that i can get the fisheye adapter in the future (i suspect pretty soon).

Have yet to try its Flash because i've been exploiting its ISO abilities!