Tomas Mendoza Photography

Lenses come in all color and size not to mention the price. We got to handle multiple lenses, hear their motors, see how fast or slow they are to focus and go over the markings on the lens itself. On our third meeting we analyzed our first assignments and discussed the qualities and limitations of the lenses and how they impact the quality of our pictures

Shutter Speed or TV, S, T-mode refers to the speed the Shutter (between the lens and the sensor) opens and closes. On our fourth meeting we got to play with the shutter speed on the camera and compared several pictures. A fast shutter speed limits the amount of light hitting the sensor but also helpful to freeze action. A slow shutter speed is used to convey motion when desired but increases the risk for camera shake and the need for a tripod and even a cable release

f5.0, 1/400 sec, ISO 200, 85mm

Film used to come color-coded or labeled as ‘Night’, ‘Sports’ or ‘Day’. However, once loaded we had to shoot the whole film before being able to shoot indoors or in low light. Well, those days are gone now that we have the ability to change ISO Settings from one frame to the next until we obtain the desired effect.
On our fifth meeting we get to review and critique our ‘Shutter Assignment’ and see what we can learn from this experience. We also define ISO and how changing the ISO Settings could improve some of the pictures previously shot. On the equipment discussion we review how the higher ISO sensitivity offered by a model can in turn make it more expensive.

ISO refers to the sensor sensitivity to light. On our sixth meeting we got to play with the ISO Settings on the camera and compared several pictures. A lower ISO number (or setting) reduces sensitivity to light hitting the sensor and helpful to create Quality Portraits. A higher ISO Setting increases the sensor’s sensitivity to light but also creates ‘noise’. Useful when shooting in low light such

f2.0, 1/160 sec, ISO 1600, 50mm

What camera should I buy? Is Canon better than Nikon? What about Sony? …Pentax? …Olympus? As if brand was easy to choose, we have to pick the model. Canon offers DSLR from $700 to about $12K. Well, if they are the same brand why the difference in price? In one word: Features.
On our seventh meeting we get to review and critique our ‘ISO Assignment’ and get to see if we have begun noticing some ‘qualities’ or ‘limitations’ of our cameras. We get to compare Camera Models and I get to show-and-tell about my main camera, backup and past models. Hmmm, I guess I’ve been around