Photography expert Derek Doeffinger is the author of The Complete Guide to Ultimate Digital Photo Quality. Recently, we sat down with Derek to find out how to capture that “ultimate” photo and here’s what Derek recommends:

What is ‘ultimate digital photography’?

It’s about taking the best picture possible. It’s about making the right choices and equipment settings at each step in the picture-taking process so you can maximize image quality.

Why would I want to learn the techniques of ultimate digital photography?

People who enjoy taking pictures and trying to make at least some of them as good as possible would want to learn these techniques. By using the right (and not any more expensive) equipment and a few simple techniques, you’ll be able to produce gallery quality photos that everybody will love.

What kind of camera do I need?

You should use a digital single-lens reflex camera, preferably with 8 megapixels or more. Although the techniques can be used with advanced snapshot cameras, their image sensors, lenses, and controls are aren’t as good as those of SLR cameras, so image quality will suffer.

Does ultimate image quality apply to only certain types of pictures?

The techniques are simple so you can use them for any type of picture: portraits, landscapes, travel photos, nature shots, still lifes, art shots—really any type of picture. But since the techniques take a bit more time, you might not want to bother with them for everyday pictures and snapshots.

What else do you discuss in the book?

That’s simple. But let’s make it four:

• Use a tripod. Nothing hurts a picture more than the subtle blur caused by handholding a camera.


• Use a good (sharp) lens at a medium lens opening, such as f/8. Again, the goal is on maximizing sharpness. That means a good, sharp lens at a medium lens opening because a medium opening typically minimizes optical flaws.


• Use a low ISO, such as 100. Higher ISOs, especially those at 800 and up, increase image noise, which results in confetti like colored pixels.


• Hit the exposure precisely. A good exposure (the amount of light the camera lets in) yields a picture with the appropriate brightness or as we self-appointed experts like to say good “tonal values.” A good exposure reveals details in the highlights (white and other bright areas) and shadows (black and other dark areas), and is critical to achieving a quality image. Many photographers bracket exposures (take extra pictures at plus one and minus one on the exposure compensation dial) to make sure one of them gives an accurate exposure.

And one final note, most quality conscious photographers use the RAW file format (instead of JPEG) for two reasons: one, JPEG files compress data and create minor flaws that slightly lower the quality of the image; two, the RAW file format gives you many options to improve the picture after taking it, almost like letting you change a recipe after the cookies have been baked.

How difficult are these techniques?

The techniques are easy. Can you attach a camera to a tripod? Sure. Can you take a couple of extra pictures to bracket exposure? A breeze. Can you put on a lens hood to reduce flare from the bright sun? As easy as putting on a baseball cap. Most of the techniques are pretty easy, but in total they might slow you down a bit. But the results will be worth it.

What are the advantages of doing this?

The advantages are beautiful pictures that you can put on your wall for all to admire.

Do I need to learn Photoshop?

You don’t need to “learn” Photoshop. You do need to use a few basic Photoshop techniques, which are covered step by step in the book. And you can use the more basic (and less costly) Photoshop Elements software to achieve the same results.

Are lenses and other accessories important?

Yes, you need at least one good lens, and preferably two. But a good lens probably doesn’t cost more than a mediocre lens if you choose wisely (we tell you how). You need a tripod, and you need Photoshop software. A few other accessories could prove useful, but with these three you will be well on the way to making gallery quality photos.

So what’s next?

Read the book and get the background and additional information that can turn your ordinary pictures into ultimate images. If you spend a lot of time taking pictures or travel to some nice destinations, why not spend a few extra hours to learn how to make the most of your picture-taking opportunities. Hope to see you out there!