book

Sony NEX-6: From Snapshots to Great Shots

by Jerod Foster

March 2013

Beginner

288 pages

8h 19m

English

Peachpit Press

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Ten Tips to Make Your Shooting More Productive Right Out of the BoxPoring Over the CameraPoring Over the Camera1. Charge Your Battery2. Turn Off the Auto ISO Setting3. Set Your JPEG Image Quality4. Configure Your LCD and Viewfinder5. Set Your Autofocus Area and Mode6. Set the Correct White Balance7. Set Your Color Space8. Know How to Override Autofocus9. Review Your Shots10. Hold Your Camera for Proper ShootingChapter 1 Assignments
A Few Things to Know and Do Before You Begin Taking PicturesPoring Over the PictureChoosing the Right Memory CardFormatting Your Memory CardUpdating the NEX-6’s FirmwareCleaning the SensorUsing the Right Format: RAW vs. JPEGLenses and Focal LengthsWhat Is Exposure?Motion and Depth of FieldChapter 2 Assignments
Get Shooting with the Automatic Camera ModesPoring Over the PictureIntelligent Auto ModeSuperior Auto ModeUsing Photo Creativity with Intelligent Auto and Superior AutoScene Selection ModesSweep PanoramaWhy You May Never Want to Use the Auto Modes AgainChapter 3 Assignments
Taking Your Photography to the Next LevelPoring Over the PictureP: Program Auto ModeS: Shutter priority modeA: Aperture Priority ModeM: Manual ModeHow I Shoot: A Closer Look at the Camera Settings I UseChapter 4 Assignments

The Tricks to Shooting Sports and MorePoring Over the PictureStop Right There!Using Shutter Priority (S) Mode to Stop MotionUsing Aperture Priority (A) Mode to Isolate Your SubjectKeep Them in Focus with Continuous AF and Autofocus Area SelectionManual Focus for Anticipated ActionKeeping Up with Continuous Shooting ModeA Sense of MotionTips for Shooting ActionChapter 5 Assignments
Settings and Features to Make Great PortraitsPoring Over the PictureAutomatic Portrait ModeUsing Aperture Priority ModeMetering Modes for PortraitsUsing the AE Lock FeatureFocusing: The Eyes Have ItClassic Black and White PortraitsThe Portrait Creative Style for Better Skin TonesUsing Face Detection and RegistrationUse Fill Flash for Reducing ShadowsPortraits on the MoveTips for Shooting Better PortraitsChapter 6 Assignments
Tips, Tools, and Techniques to Get the Most out of Your Landscape PhotographyPoring Over the PictureSharp and In Focus: Using TripodsSelecting the Proper ISOUsing Noise ReductionSelecting a White BalanceUsing the Landscape Creative StyleTaming Bright Areas with Exposure CompensationShooting Beautiful Black and White LandscapesThe Golden LightShooting Compelling Sunrises and SunsetsWhere to FocusEasier FocusingUsing Manual Focus AssistMaking Water FluidDirecting the Viewer: A Word About CompositionShooting PanoramasChapter 7 Assignments
Shooting When the Lights Get LowPoring Over the PictureRaising the ISO: The Simple SolutionUsing Very High ISOsStabilizing the SituationFocusing in Low LightShooting Long ExposuresUsing the Built-In FlashCompensating for the Flash ExposureReducing Red-EyeRear Sync FlashUsing an External FlashFlash and GlassChapter 8 Assignments
Improve Your Pictures with Sound Compositional ElementsPoring Over the PictureDepth of FieldAnglesPoint of ViewPatternsColorContrastLeading LinesSplitting the FrameFrames Within FramesFocal Length and CompositionChapter 9 Assignments
Impress Your Family and FriendsPoring Over the PictureSpot Meter for More Exposure ControlManual ModeAvoiding Lens FlareUsing the Sun CreativelyMacro PhotographyHigh Dynamic Range PhotographyWireless and the NEX-6ConclusionChapter 10 Assignments
Getting Professional-Looking Video from Your NEX-6It’s All About the LensesUsing FiltersGetting a Shallow Depth of FieldGiving a Different Look to Your VideosTips for Better VideoWatching and Editing Your VideoChapter 11 Assignments
Upgrades and Accessories to Expand Your Camera’s Creative PotentialFiltersTripodsRemote CommandersMacro Photography AccessoriesHot-Shoe FlashesDiffusersCamera BagsBits and Pieces

Content preview from Sony NEX-6: From Snapshots to Great Shots

8. Mood Lighting

Shooting When the Lights Get Low

There is no reason to put your camera away when the sun goes down. Your NEX-6 has some great features that let you work with available light as well as with the built-in flash. In this chapter, we will explore ways to push your camera’s technology to the limit in order to capture great photos in difficult lighting situations. We will also explore the use of flash and how best to utilize your built-in flash features to improve your photography. But let’s first look at working with low-level available light.