Review Digital Camera World 06-24-2013

Digital Camera World

How to photograph anything: best camera settings for wildlife photography Jun 23rd 2013, 23:01 In the fifth part of our Shoot Like A Pro series on how to photograph any subject you want we take a closer look at the best camera settings for wildlife photography. Getting sharp photos takes time to master, but here we show you all the best camera settings you should use to shoot both captive and wild animals to get great wildlife photos every time. Best camera settings to photograph captive animals When shooting in a zoo or wildlife park you can predict reasonably accurately when and where you will be able to shoot them. The greatest difficulty is shooting through fences or wire mesh. The best way to avoid this is to shoot at the widest aperture available on your lens, while getting as close as possible to the obstruction. Even though they are limited by their enclosures, captive animals will still move around. So set the Autofocus mode to Continuous or Servo focusing so that it will still focus if the animal moves, and try to position the autofocus point over the eye of the animal. How to set up your camera to photograph captive animals ISO   Auto (upper limit 800) To save time changing the ISO when moving around, set the ISO to auto and then limit the highest setting to 800 – if this feature is available on your camera. Aperture   f/5.6 (or wider) When shooting through glass or wire fences set the widest aperture. Get as close to the obstruction as you can. Exposure mode   Aperture Priority (Av or A) Shutter speed   Set by camera, but at least 1/500sec Lens   300mm or longer Focus mode   Servo or Continuous Drive mode   Continuous shooting White balance   Auto PAGE 1: Best camera settings to photograph captive animals PAGE 2: Best camera settings to photograph wild animals PAGE 3: Best camera settings to photograph garden birds READ MORE Wildlife photography in any environment: free photography cheat sheet Zoo photography: a fool-proof method for capturing animals through glass Wildlife photography made easy: simple techniques for pro-quality pictures Photo Anatomy: photographing the aurora borealis in stunning detail Jun 23rd 2013, 13:00 In our Photo Anatomy series on Digital Camera World we select pictures by famous photographers and explain point by point what makes them work. In our latest instalment we look at how Norwegian photographer Ole Salomonsen captured this dramatic picture of the aurora borealis. Quality kit Ole used a Canon EOS 5D Mk II with a Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens and an adaptor ring. "The 5D Mk II is the best camera for taking such shots, due to it's high resolution and good noise performance at high ISOs," explains Ole. "The Nikon 14-24mm is a fantastic wide-angle zoom lens, with low vignetting and low distortion. It's considered by many to be the reference wide-angle zoom lens on full-frame bodies. I set it to 20mm to achieve the best overall photo composition, while capturing as much of the aurora as possible." Great location "I chose this spot on the Norwegian island of Sommarøy because it offered a clear view to the horizon," Ole says. "I also wanted the foreground rock pool reflections to give a sense of scale." Firm support It was a windy night, and solid camera support was vital. Ole used a Benro A-458M8 tripod with an Arca Swiss Z1 Monoball head, plus a remote release to prevent vibrations. Fast worker "This burst of northern lights lasted for around two to three minutes," says Ole. "I shot four or five images in that time; I exposed this one for 12 seconds at f/2.8 using ISO2500." Spectacular sight Vivid colours and shifting shapes make the aurora borealis a beautiful subject in itself, but here it contrasts effectively with a dark, forbidding and almost otherworldly landscape. We say "To shoot great aurora images you have to be in the right place at the right time, with the right kit. One way to do it is by going on a photo holiday trip. See www.theaurorazone.com/holidays. Ole's image was a runner-up in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2011 competition." Chris Rutter, technique editor READ MORE Famous Photographers: 100 things we wish we knew starting out How to see photos like famous photographers… every time you shoot The 10 Commandments of Landscape Photography (and how to break them) The Decisive Moment: how nature photographers can make the most of it

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