What defines professional? (post 2)
Okay, so here is my second post on this topic and it is about the type of kit you use. There are two grades of photography equipment, those targeted at the high street and those targeted at professional users. Professional equipment is (1) more expensive, (2) higher spec and (3) more robust and durable. The one that I will focus on here is the higher spec. So, just what exactly does this mean?
Well it means when a manufacturer is making something then fit for purpose is the measure of quality - in other words quality needs to be sufficient for the intended purpose. In terms of cameras the difference is generally in how robust they are, although professional cameras do have more features. The big difference, though, is in the lens and lighting. Let me explain.
Professional grade lens are made to a much higher specification and they let in much more light, which makes then heavier and bigger. This all goes to make for a very heavy camera bag but some top draw lenses and some great pictures. The downside is the cost and weight - you are talking about around £1,000 or more for each lens, and each one can weigh a pound on its own. A photographer can easily have 5 or 6, to cover different situations. That is a lot of money and weight in glass.
The other area is lighting. The use of artificial light is key; too much and you spoil the picture, and too little and you will struggle to see anything. Professional grade equipment is designed to give a balanced picture, using a mixture of natural and artificial light. Of course you have to know what you are doing, but that applies anyway.
Here are a few pictures as examples:-
This picture was taken by Samantha and shows what can be achieved using a professional grade lens. The combination of the sharpness of the bride's (Dipti) face and the out-of-focus necklace is a hallmark of a good lens. It is a beautiful picture made so to a large extent by the quality of the lens.
This picture demonstrates the ability to combined natural and artificial light, to give a pleasing, balanced picture.
This picture uses a differential in the focus to create an artistic effect. The place card is in focus but the rest of the picture is blurred, even though the distance between the items is very close. The lighting is also very soft and natural. This picture was entirely created in camera, no soft focus lens, no computer adjustments - just a very good, professional grade lens. It has turned a very simple and not-so-interesting scene into one that really appeals to the eye.
This picture was taken using a tripod and an ultra-wide angle lens. The lens costs around £1,500 and you can see why when you see the result it can produce.
Well it means when a manufacturer is making something then fit for purpose is the measure of quality - in other words quality needs to be sufficient for the intended purpose. In terms of cameras the difference is generally in how robust they are, although professional cameras do have more features. The big difference, though, is in the lens and lighting. Let me explain.
Professional grade lens are made to a much higher specification and they let in much more light, which makes then heavier and bigger. This all goes to make for a very heavy camera bag but some top draw lenses and some great pictures. The downside is the cost and weight - you are talking about around £1,000 or more for each lens, and each one can weigh a pound on its own. A photographer can easily have 5 or 6, to cover different situations. That is a lot of money and weight in glass.
The other area is lighting. The use of artificial light is key; too much and you spoil the picture, and too little and you will struggle to see anything. Professional grade equipment is designed to give a balanced picture, using a mixture of natural and artificial light. Of course you have to know what you are doing, but that applies anyway.
Here are a few pictures as examples:-
This picture was taken by Samantha and shows what can be achieved using a professional grade lens. The combination of the sharpness of the bride's (Dipti) face and the out-of-focus necklace is a hallmark of a good lens. It is a beautiful picture made so to a large extent by the quality of the lens.
This picture demonstrates the ability to combined natural and artificial light, to give a pleasing, balanced picture.
This picture uses a differential in the focus to create an artistic effect. The place card is in focus but the rest of the picture is blurred, even though the distance between the items is very close. The lighting is also very soft and natural. This picture was entirely created in camera, no soft focus lens, no computer adjustments - just a very good, professional grade lens. It has turned a very simple and not-so-interesting scene into one that really appeals to the eye.
This picture was taken using a tripod and an ultra-wide angle lens. The lens costs around £1,500 and you can see why when you see the result it can produce.
Labels: Photographic technique
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