1. Bokeh
Photo shot by Ivan Joshua Loh using an XF90mm lens
One of the most popular photographic terms of the year, bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of a photograph’s out of focus areas, including the
specular highlights that most easily reveal a lens’ aperture shape (often rendered as the bright circles that people so love).
Although bokeh is a feature of a photograph, certain lenses help render better bokeh characteristics (XF50-140mm, XF56mm, XF90mm). To achieve bokeh
in your shots, use the largest aperture (smallest f-number) available on your lens
2. Magic Hour
Photo taken by Matt Searles using an X-E1
Otherwise known as the Golden Hour, photographers swear by this time of day for its exceptional lighting qualities. And if there's anything that will
make or break a photographer it's lighting.
A rule of thumb is to aim for the first hour of light after sunrise, and the last hour of light before sunset, although the exact duration varies
between seasons. During these times the sun is low in the sky, producing a soft, diffused light which is much more flattering than the harsh midday
sun that so many of us are used to shooting in.
3. Long Exposure
Photo by Scott Grant on an X-T1
A well-executed dreamy long-exposure shot can be a highly impactful shot to add to any avid photographer's collection. The key to capturing a great long
exposure shot will be your tripod and making sure your camera setting are appropriate for the scene and lighting. Click here for an 8 step guide on mastering this technique.
4. Contre-jour
Photo by Michael Neale taken on an X-T1 & 35mm F1.4R
Contre-jour is simply French for 'against daylight' or against the sun. While counter-intuitive (as most photographers aim to have the light source
behind them and facing their subjects) there are special circumstances that call for the dramatic halos and silhouettes caused by contre-jour.
To master this technique ensure you angle your camera so that the light source isn't in the shot and position your subject directly between the light
and camera. Investing in a lens hood is a great way to reduce flare as well.
5. Panning
Photo by Chris Harrison using X-T1 and 50-140mm.
140mm, f11, 1/60, ISO 100
Panning refers to the horizontal, vertical or rotational movement of an image still or video. It’s an age-old technique to show movement in an image
and although not easy to accomplish it is a must for professional photographers. A great 'panning' photo will show the subject in sharp focus, but
the background as streaky and blurred.
Whilst every subject and situation will call for its own camera setting requirements, a good place to start is to set your shutter speed to 1/20th
of a second and focal length of 200mm.