Review Digital Camera World 06-03-2014

Digital Camera World

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How to hold a camera: getting started with your new DSLR Jun 2nd 2014, 23:01, by jmeyer More so than any of your new camera’s features, learning how to hold a camera properly will ensure you get the sharpest pictures possible. Therefore it's worth taking a few minutes to practise holding your camera before you start shooting. When upgrading to a DSLR from a smaller model, it might not feel natural at first where to place your hands. In this quick visual guide we’ve illustrated the different ways in which you can hold a camera, and how to hold a camera so it’s secure. How to hold a camera: free photography cheat sheet Click on the infographic to see the larger version, or drag and drop to your desktop to save. Finger The camera body is designed to be gripped with your right hand and your index finger over the shutter release. You should be able to press the button without having to reposition your grip. Hand Rest your lens in your left hand. You should be able to twist the barrel of the lens to zoom or focus with this hand, leaving your right hand to grip the camera body. Elbows Tuck your elbows into your body to keep your camera sturdy. The further out your elbows are, the more unstable you will be. SEE MORE: First camera crash course – simple solutions for mastering your new DSLR Shooting in portrait format If you need to switch your camera to a portrait orientation then turn it over so the shutter release sits at the top. If you do it the other way around your arms will become all twisted up! Eyebrow contact Lift the camera up to your eye and rest the viewfinder against your eyebrow. This makes another point of contact on the body for more stability. Legs Place your legs a little apart so you're balanced. If you're leaning in to take a shot then move one foot forward to create a sturdier body shape. SEE MORE: Beginner photography tips – the most common mistakes and how to avoid them Control your breathing Breathe out when you take a shot. If you hold your breath or breathe in, you'll find you move around a lot more. It's amazing how much of a difference controlling your breathing can make. Take a mat When kneeling to take shots outdoors, you might get a wet or dirty knee. Take a mat or a plastic bag to place under your knee for comfort and to avoid ruining your clothes. SEE MORE: How to set up a camera for the first time – 11 things you need to do first Bring one leg up By coming down into a crouching position and bringing your leg up you can turn your body into a human tripod. Place your elbow on your knee to connect your leg and arm together, creating a braced position so you don't wobble around. Back panel control With your hands in the correct position, your thumb is well placed to access the controls on the  back of the camera to alter the shooting settings. SEE MORE: 24 camera features every beginner must memorize Rest Elbows If you have a surface area in front of you, lean your elbows onto it to steady yourself. Look for level surfaces, such as a table or wall. Lean in Leaning against a wall creates instant support for your camera. This can be useful when shooting at slow shutter speeds without a tripod. READ MORE What camera should I buy: pros and cons of each camera type 10 common camera mistakes every photographer makes How to use a camera: exposure modes made simple New camera anatomy: 12 key camera settings to get you started right Best camera focus techniques: 10 surefire ways to get sharp photos Bridgestone unveils B&W winner, new urban landscape round in competition Jun 2nd 2014, 09:00, by jmeyer The results are in, and Paul Stokes has been named the winner of the Black & White round of Bridgestone’s landscape photography competition. Image by Paul Stokes This second round of the inaugural five-round contest drew hundreds of spectacular entries, but judges were united in choosing Paul’s image of Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge as the winner. Paul, an Aircraft Fitter at GKN Aerospace in Bristol, said he started taking landscapes about five years ago using a Canon EOS 40D + Sigma 10-20mm lens combination. “Most of the time I was by myself, but over time I found the company of others (usually better photographers) helped my progression,” Paul says. “And the extra petrol money was nice too!” He’s since upgraded to a Canon EOS 5D Mark II and a 16-35mm f/2.8 as his go-to gear for shooting landscapes, but he credits the addition of a range of filters to his kit bag some three years ago as the turning point in his photography. Paul’s winning shot of Bristol’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge took around 20 visits over a two-year period to capture, he says. “Finally on a cold February morning last year I was in the right place at the right time and was able to photograph it in misty conditions.” Paul will receive £50 in vouchers to spend at WEX, along with a bag of goodies from Bridgestone. He will also advance to the final pool of judging with a chance to be named the overall winner at the end the five rounds. Image by Jolene Richardson Runner-up this round was Jolene Richardson, of Glasgow, who works in the hospitality industry. Judges say they loved her composition and the contrast in her image. Introducing Round 3: Urban Landscape Introducing Round 3: Urban Landscape Bridgestone is now accepting entries for the third round of its competition. This month the theme is urban landscapes. As before, entries can be submitted via Bridgestone’s Facebook app before the closing date on 23 June. The competition is open to UK-based photographers over age 18. You may enter as many images as you like to each round. To enter, simply visit Bridgestone’s dedicated competition gallery on its Facebook page and upload your image(s) before the closing date on 23 June. Click here to enter

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