Technology today has moved forward and we therefore capture colour digitally. Other ways to record colour is through negative colour print film or positive colour transparency film. Colour balance, exposure and exposure duration are a few factors that contribute to the accurate recording of colour.

The colour balance when capturing a photo is very important, and white balance is the foundation of accurate colour. Digital cameras and film emphasizes some hues while recording others more weakly.

When matching exposure to colour, an exposure for one colour may not be correct for another. This can cause problems when both colours are in the same image. It is important to always make tests first before continuing with a photo shoot.

One of the most fantastic things about photography is that the different hues we see are combinations of only four colours!

The relationship between light and exposure is very important in photography. The brightness of a scene (known as the luminance) needs to match the exposure in order to get the best results and assists with the processing of the photo afterwards.

We cannot use our eyes to tell us the luminance as our eyes adapt to changes in light. Exposure meters in cameras tell us the shutter speed and apeture for a photo taken in relation to the luminance. Most cameras today have meters built into them and the sensor in a digital camera today may double as a metering device. The best way to figure out the metering in a camera is to play with the different settings and discover the results.

Exposure is the foundation for image quality and is determined by the camera settings and the luminance at the time the photo is captured. Overexposure is when to much light is captured in the image and causes the photo to look to light. Underexposure is the complete opposite and causes the image to look to dark as there was not enough light when the image was taken.

Processing an image can partially compensate for exposure errors.

There are many different uses of photography in today’s world; probably more than we realize. Almost everyone today uses photography is some form or another, whether it’s for advertising or recording events.

Photography can be used for scientific purposes such as measuring buildings and aerial view, surveys and nuclear research. Surveillance is probably one of the most common uses of photography, which can be for public or private use in banks or shops and also for satellites. People in the medical and forensic field will use photography to record images at a crime scene and for diagnosis and record keeping for a patient. These are just of the few uses of photography.

Almost every household today owns a camera and is used to record different events such as birthdays, weddings and holidays. It is a way of holding on to memories which is why many people use professionals for important events. A lot of couples will seek a professional photographer for an event such as their wedding or a professional will be used to take family portraits.

Photography is a wonderful tool for use in businesses and personally to hold on to memories that are just unforgettable.

Lighting is always one of the most important aspects to many photographers, some prefer early morning shoots while others prefer later afternoon light from the sun. These are always beautiful times to take photos as you, of course, have your sunrises and sunsets. Some photographers prefer to work with  natural light without any help from flash lights  or reflectors. I personally would prefer natural lighting but indoors I would say some lighting is necessary.

The amount of lighting used is very important as this determines the exposure. In a studio lamps would usually be the only lighting used but one must take into consideration the natural light coming into the room. When setting up lamps the direction of the light affects the textures, shapes and forms according to how the lights falls on an object. It is important to visualise what you want from the shoot before setting up your lighting. Remember that the distance of the lamps also affects shadows and rays. There are many other factors that you can take into consideration but remember that it is always good to have a general idea of what you need before setting anything up.

Electronic flash units are the most commonly used for most photography today. The Monobloc designs are compact but can be top heavy. Studio lights use power packs and are easier to control. The one disadvantage is that you cannot see the affects of the flash until an exposure is made.

The best way to learn is to play around with different lighting and decide what suits your photography needs. Go out during different times of the day and see how it affects your photo’s, and use different lighting in a room.

Have fun with your camera!

HELLO WORLD!

Welcome to Xplore Designs!

This is officially the very first blog for Xplore Designs with many more to come.

Xplore designs focuses on photography and digital printing, and are based in the Helderberg area. This is mainly Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay, Strand, and Stellenbosch however we will happily venture out to wherever you need us to go in Cape Town in a heartbeat!

Photo’s can be purchased on our website with various printing options. We also offer canvas printing, so if you have any personal photo’s such as potraits or family photo’s that you would like on your wall at home we will glady assist!

We also offer photo shoots so please send us a request at info@xploredesigns.co.za for any information needed.

Please visit our website www.xploredesigns.co.za and let us know what you think!

Thank you for taking the time to get to know Xplore Designs.

Happy Reading!