Does gear really matter in photography?

Some photographers always have the newest equipment and swear by them for producing the best quality photos, while others keep their work lowkey and humble, believing that the quality of the photos they produce does not depend on the caliber of their equipment. The question now is: Does gear really matter? Ram Chary.

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If one is looking for a clear and concise answer, they’re in for a whirlwind of opposing replies. Many professional and acclaimed photographers stand by the answer that gear does not matter. Their answer is mainly based on their experience with old photography equipment. They argue that if they were able to produce top-notch photos in the past using what the many regards now as basic photography equipment, then gear does not matter. Ram Chary.

The camera and lenses aren’t in charge of the composition. The only time that gear matters is when it’s used the right way for the right purpose. Sports and wildlife photographers need cameras with a high burst rate, quick focus action, and adequate ISO options for low light situations. Wedding photographers require gear that can adapt quickly to inconsistent lighting. Additional gear pieces such as monopods, tripods, remote shutters, and natural density filters matter when doing long exposure photography. Ram Chary.
When photography and photography gear go head-to-head, the former matters more. The latest gear equipment would be useless if the photographer doesn’t have the skills to produce great work. Photography gear only matters when they are used correctly and for the right purpose. Ram Chary.

Filters every photographer needs in their kit

Useful camera filters -- Ram Chary.

A camera is the base weapon in a photographer’s artillery. Sure, a photographer can use the base kit of their camera. But there are situations where other tools are needed to make the shot work. For example, instead of holding a camera dead steady for three full hours, a photographer can make use of a tripod. Besides basic photography tools, professional photographers also carry around filters for their cameras. Here are three filters that every photographer needs to have in their kit. Ram Chary.

Image source: shawacademy.com

Image source: shawacademy.com

Ultraviolet filter: Great photographers know how to utilize natural lighting. However, the sun can sometimes produce a small amount of haze caused by ultraviolet light. This lens doesn’t affect the light coming in for digital cameras. They also double as protection for your main lens. Ram Chary.

Graduated neutral density filter: Unlike the UV filter, ND filters block a portion of the light that’s coming into the camera when taking photos. By positioning the darker segment of the filter over brighter areas of the shot, overexposure can be prevented, and a great deal of detail of photos can be kept. This filter is extremely useful when taking long exposure photography or if photographers don’t want to bother with longer shutter speeds. Ram Chary.

Polarising filter: Polarising filters can augment light that enters it. The result is that it can eliminate or even enhance reflections. By simply twisting the filter, photographers can make reflections very noticeable or remove them from the shot. This works well when taking photographs through windows, in bodies of water, as well as polished surfaces. Ram Chary.

The exciting world of sports photography

Sports photography is one of the most exciting genres of photography, and it’s also one of the most challenging. The greatest sports images of all-time tell tons of stories and are deep with history. This is a huge part of what makes sports photography great. Ram Chary .

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Image source: pixabay.com

Beginners to this genre, though, often feel overwhelmed during their first shoot. While they may be adept at taking pictures of nature or buildings, or even people walking, they may find sporting events a completely different animal.

Speaking of animals, many veteran sports photographers have compared sports photography to wildlife photography in the sense that things can happen in the blink of an eye. And because of that, sports photographers need to more than just alert; they have to be prepared. Ram Chary.

As for preparation, veteran photographers recommend getting basic camera gear first, with high-speed shutters that can capture quick motions without blurring. It also helps that photographers read up on the games and the teams, so they know which players to focus on. Ram Chary.

At the events themselves, sports photographers need to know which vantage point to shoot from. Remember that not all perspectives will give dramatic shots. To keep from being boring, photographers have to be creative with their positions to take a shot at that one shining sports moment. Ram Chary.

The best laptops for graphic designers in 2019

Laptops for graphic designers are generally expensive, as the industry requires no less than high-end graphics that work seamlessly and quickly. This entails having top-of-the-line components and hardware, from the best software and fastest processors to the latest graphics cards and long-lasting battery, says graphics designer Ram Chary. Hereunder are three of the best choices for your design needs this 2019.

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MacBook Pro 2018

Easily the best of the high-end laptops out there for 2019 is this Apple product, which always comes with its patented Touch Bar. The Touch Bar is big plus, as it’s a segment of the keyboard that can be used to create customizable shortcuts for today’s top graphic designers. It features an Intel Core i7 8th-gen processor, a Radeon Pro 560X graphics card with 4 GB VRAM, 16 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD.

Lenovo Legion Y530

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, this gaming laptop is a great choice. It has both a dedicated GPU and CPU for various graphic tasks and boasts of excellent responsiveness. It has a full HD screen, an IPS panel with excellent anti-glare, an HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.0 ports. The Y530 is also great for mobility, with a weight of 2.3 kg and an announced autonomy of 9.5 hours. You should be able to easily carry this laptop during business trips.

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Microsoft Surface Book 2

If you’re not a fan of Apple, then this is the best option. Though it comes with a steep price (costing in the same range as Apple’s MacBook Pro), it comes with a slew of monster specs: an Intel Core i7 8th-gen chip, 16 GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 card with 6 GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 512 GB SSD. This is not only is one of the best graphics laptops today, but also among the best Windows laptops ever made, Ram Chary adds.

Ram Chary is a graduate of fine arts in graphic design from Boston University. His services extend to logo design, marketing ads, magazine design, business cards, and graphic art. More on his work and interests here.

Photography etiquette for enthusiastic travelers

Hello, Ram Chary here. I'm a freelance photographer and graphic artist. To hone my skills as a photographer, I explore new places. Sadly, when I travel, I often see people who seem to just point and shoot without being conscious of the culture and surroundings. To make sure that we're not disrespecting people and places when we're out of our comfort zone, let me share with you some travel photography etiquette:

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Seek permission before taking a photo

While this might seem counterproductive, this is actually the right thing to do especially when visiting conservative communities and countries. Instead of just pointing and shooting at everything you see, ask permission from your host or the people you're going to photograph. In many religions, photographing private prayer areas is prohibited to allow people to meditate without distractions. When photographing children, always ask permission from their guardian or parents. In some cases, I introduce myself as photographer Ram Chary and show them some of my work to ease their doubts.

Image source: Pexels.com

Give space to other photographers
Even if you're the only pro photographer in the area, you still have to give your fellow shutterbugs a chance to get a good photo. When visiting a tourist site that you know will be crowded, it's better to leave your fancy equipment at home. This will prevent loss and damage on your part. When it comes to taking photos, don't stay in one place. Let others take your spot after a few shots and then move to another one. This is especially true for those who want to take have their photos taken with the landmark.

By knowing our boundaries, we show our respect to the people and culture of the foreign place we're visiting. As we explore their lifestyle, we also want to show their best side without overwhelming them.

Hello, I’m Ram Chary from Boston, Massachusetts. I am a freelance photographer and graphic designer who loves to explore new places. For more reads on photography and design, visit this blog.

The best places in Boston to practice your photography skills

There are so many places to explore while in Boston. In my city, you’ll find historical sites and modern centers that will inspire your artsy side. Aside from the usual touristy fare, if you're visiting for the first time and you'd like to go on a photo walk, here are some of the best spots in the city for artsy shots:

Image source: Time.com

Old South Church: Architecture fans shouldn't miss out on this US National Historic Landmark when in Boston. This 19th century Gothic Revival structure at 645 Boylston St. serves as an icon of our rights to free assembly and speech. You can also go on a tour to see the historical exhibitions.

Image source: Britannica.com

Modica Way: If you think you're just passing by an alley, you'll be surprised. When in Cambridge, be sure to stop by this street art exhibition that showcases the artistry of Boston's people. This open-air gallery is a welcome sight that brings a pop of color to Boston's urban context.

Beacon Hill: Go on a walking tour of this iconic neighborhood that housed famous personalities. Check out the charming architecture that can be seen in the federal-style row houses. Take a walk in the cobblestone streets and explore the remnants of the old days in Boston. There's a lot to explore in this area, so I'm sure you'll find many photo spots.

I don't think you can fully enjoy Boston in a day even if you start early in the morning. On your visit, bring your nicest cameras and take your time to immerse in the city's most picturesque places.

Hello, I'm Ram Chary, a freelance photographer and a Boston University alumnus. For more on my hobbies and interests, visit this page.

All you need to know to get started in product photography

Most—if not all—photographers have been using the iPhone since its release more than a decade ago. Other smartphone developers are trying to replicate what the iPhone can give to its consumers with regard to photography. The iPhone just flawlessly delivers photography-wise.

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If you’re new to photography and have nothing to spare for a professional camera, you can get started with an iPhone. Explore different modes in your iPhone’s camera app, and just get used to switching through the modes. Once you do this with ease, you can play around with your shots. The iPhone is a simple device; keep your photos simple. Don’t over-edit your photos. There’s a reason the pictures your iPhone takes don’t look fabricated.

Capture close-up detail, and see the intricacy of your subject. Zoom with your feet, and avoid using your iPhone’s built-in zoom. Get close with your subject and see it in detail by tapping on the yellow box on your screen. Take silhouette photos by shooting towards the light. Shoot through objects to provide your subject with a frame. This also allows your iPhone to focus more on the subject.

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Be on the lookout for reflections. Not only does this make for good composition, it can also teach you a symmetry and visual impact. Use diagonal alignment for a more balanced composition. Creating photos such as this also encourages the viewer’s eye to flow effortlessly through the scene. While using editing apps can enhance the photos you’ve taken, using the iPhone itself with intent to learn enhances your skill.

Ram Chary Everi is a 25-year-old freelance photographer and graphic designer from Orlando, Florida. For more photography tips from Ram Chary Everi, subscribe to this blog.