20 22 June 2019 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
DavidClapp
DavidClappis a landscape,architecturaland
travelphotographer.A jackofalltrades,he
worksforCanonUK,is a stockphotographer
forGettyImagesandleadspopular
photographictoursacrosstheworld.David
recentlyreceiveda directfellowshipfrom
theRPS.Visitwww.davidclapp.co.uk.Technique
Camerasettings
Successful landscape photography starts
with the right camera settings
Mirror lock-up
The one way to ensure your imagery is as sharp as possible with the equipment
you have, is by using mirror lock-up (with a DSLR). With your camera mounted
on a tripod, vibration can be caused not only by wind but also by the mirror
movement as it lifts up and down, especially with longer focal lengths. Using this
feature alongside a cable release or a two-second timer will ensure the sharpest
possible image, as the mirror lifts up, before a delayed shutter fi res.Custom controls
Custom controls are a great way of storing a snapshot of the
entire camera’s settings and retrieving them via a quick turn
of a dial for handheld landscapes. Many cameras contain as
many as three custom settings or more (C1, C2, C3), so
store your presets to save you from menu digging. Set C
to aperture priority, single shot, f/5.6, ISO 200, and daytime
white balance. Set C2 to the same, but with ISO 1600 (for
darker environments). Then set C3 to the same again, but
with low-speed continuous shot and servo focusing, in case
something unexpected happens (like a wildlife opportunity).Manual mode
Gain maximum control of your exposures by using
manual mode. Although this seems somewhat confusing
at fi rst, take time to learn how the change in aperture,
shutter speed and ISO affects the exposure. The
camera’s in-built metering system can only do so
much, so use manual to gain complete control.
Step 1 Choose the aperture to control depth of fi eld.
Step 2 Dial in shutter speed to alter image brightness.
Step 3 Adjust your ISO, if you feel your shutter speed
is too slow.Don’t fear high ISO
Many landscape photographers
fear using high ISOs, but – with
the quality of modern cameras- there has never been a better
time to use it. A higher ISO
such as 1600 is virtually noise
free, even on most consumer
cameras, and should be
embraced. Shooting landscapes
with a long lens can benefi t
greatly from high ISO, lifting the
shutter speed to reduce camera
shake. Higher ISO can also be
perfect for controlling motion,
like water movement in rivers
or coastal landscapes.
Customise
‘My Menu’
Most cameras
have a My Menu
feature that allows
you to collate all
your essential
menu items into
a list, so that you
can avoid endless
menu searching.
Some important
ones to include
are white balance
(if it’s only located
in the menu),
mirror lock-up
for DSLRs, and
picture styles (for
switching to b&w,
for example). I am
surprised to see
‘Format Card’ in
the My Menu
list on many
client cameras!ALL PICTURES ON PAGES 20-21 © DAVID CL APP