Taking Better Bike Photos
A technical aside, behind-the-scenes type post, for photogs
I was reading camera reviews last night and linked to a fascinating video about CCD and CMOS from engineer/inventor Eric Fossum. CMOS Sensors are:
an integrated circuit containing an array of pixel sensors, each pixel containing a photodetector and an active amplifier.
Or as I describe it, “the thingy inside your camera that makes the pictures.”
I also read the DP Review forum thread about the video where Eric answers megapixel, dynamic range questions, and more. This is like Gordon Moore popping into a blog post about future processors from Intel or a Yoshi Shimano discussing 11 speed drivetrains.
When asked by a reader who wanted to learn more about CMOS, Eric wrote
“I’m sorry but I just don’t know of any intro-level books like that. Seems like there should be some general photography-audience books.”
There are intro-level books written by David Schloss, our Photo and Product Editor. David’s books explain how digital cameras work compared to film. Understanding how an image is rendered in camera has helped me in post production and more importantly, when I’m shooting. When the edges of chrome on a bike are blue, I know why and how to fix it in Aperture 3, like this one of a Hevic.
A noisy photo that was corrected in Aperture 3, using the C/A and Halo adjustments
Fancy yourself a DSLR prosumer and want to get better? I suggest you watch the video and download David’s books from iTunes. I’m plugging the books, not only cause he’s a Bro that takes amazing photos, but they’re that good.
I always say the same thing to cyclists that want to race, “read Eddy B’s Horse meat book, watch old tour tapes, ride 10 to 12 hours a week, and watch the Hell of the North.” Also, we shave our legs for a reason.
Get grounded in the basics, to get better. That applies to most everything, including bike photos.