how to understand bit depth bytes and why they are important

For most aspiring photographers one of the biggest challenges is understanding the technical stuff especially if you are taking pictures to scratch your creative urges. Understanding some technical information will enable you to deepen your knowledge and make the whole digital world less of a mystery.

Digital means the 0s and 1, black or white or on or off. As you are probably aware digital cameras only record in B&W but they output in colour.

Bits and Bytes.

Bit stands for a binary digit: 0 or 1.   1 byte = 8 bits

A byte (or 8 bits) can therefore represent 256 different states; 2^8th power. Generally speaking there are 256 shades between black & white and this is what your camera will record in. Most of the digital world operates on 8 bits including your monitor and inkjet printer. 

This is why you don't want to print a B&W image on an inkjet printer using just black ink. The printer would only be able to provide  256 shades of gray, from black to white and these are not nearly enough for a decent image. Instead you should print using colour inks as well, which means that all three primary colours (Red, Blue and Green) will be mixed together to create 16 million shades of gray (256X256X256). More than enough.

As you can see from the diagram one of the biggest advantages is the smooth gradation of the tones that look more natural and are easier on the eye. The less tonal information that you have the less memory it will take up although the extra memory is a false economy if you are trying to achieve a natural and professional looking result.

 This is a 'byte sized' version of the subject of bit maps, yes I know but I could not resist, and will hopefully have answered a few questions.

how to use reflections for abstract

nick brewer

The photograph is a reflection in water taken on a recent trip to Derbyshire, England. The wind across the water has helped to obscure the shape of the trees.

how to use creative blur with waterfalls

Nicholas Brewer

How many times have you seen pictures taken featuring a waterfall with 'ghostly water' similar to the image above? Yes loads, but unconcerned by the many pictures already out there I thought I would add my interpretation for your appraisal and to explain how to get the simple effect.You will need a tripod, neutral density filter (ND) and the ability to set your camera manually.  Using a Nikon D200 with a focal length of 27mm a shutter speed of 1/2 a second and F stop 5, this image was created. Pretty easy however: the tricky bit was standing on the top of the waterfall on wet stone trying to maintain my balance. I managed to get away with using a faster shutter speed because the water was moving quickly as I was near the top. Typically ND filters will help you to get the slower shutter speed but of course it depends on how much daylight you have and the speed of the water. In this case there was not much daylight as I was under some large trees on an overcast day. A cable release ( a lead that allows you to fire the camera without touching it) is also helpful but if you do not have one set your camera on self-timer with the mirror up and this should avoid any camera shake. 
“A good photograph is knowing where to stand.” - Ansel Adams

what is surrealism?

Man Ray

How many times have you heard the word surreal used and wondered what the true meaning is? Often it is used out of context with people describing Monty Python as surreal comedy for example. The word is now frequently used to describe something that is a little bit unusual. The surrealist movement dominant in the early 20th century, in terms of photography, is influenced  by the writings of Sigmund Freud and his work concerning the 'dream state' or unconscious mind.  The famous surrealist image above combines not only the 'dream state' but a sexual reference. When you hear the term 'Freudian Slip' it is frequently used in reference to a slip of the tongue implying a sub-conscious  sexually motivated desire. The naked girl and playing her like a violin is quite evident. This is naturally a vast subject and I wanted to provide a (very) brief outline of surrealism in photography.

Philippe Halsman

pictures of the olympics

Here are some outstanding pictures from the London Olympics via Chase Jarvis's blog on the link below.
Enjoy the Games!

Come on Team GB!

the olympics have arrived.....

The London Olympics are nearly here and I am a mixture of excitement and nerves. If the London Underground makes it through the next few weeks I will be convinced that it is an act of divine intervention- it could be nothing else! Hackney Wick, home of the Olympic Stadium,  is one of the biggest areas of photographers and artists anywhere in Europe. Sam Scott-Hunter, who is probably best known for his music photography, has produced a short piece made up of hundreds of still images considering the environmental impact on his local area.

Notes From Fish Island from Sam Scott-Hunter on Vimeo.

how determination paid off

You can just make out the 'boots' and was the glimpse of a sign I had walked past hundreds of times and not noticed. It was painted before the additional shops were added which would have provided a prime advertising spot.

You are now looking at the view from the shopping center balcony in Wimbledon. The Center Manager kindly agreed to let me use this vantage point to help with the 'Ghost Signs' project after I explained what I was doing. While better not good enough. At the top of the building on the right are offices. I took the name of the company based on the top floor. After speaking with the Office Manager a few days later he let me lean out of his window and take this final picture.