Does the "D" Make the Difference? Dexter Yarbrough on DSLR vs. SLR Cameras

From Dexter Yarbrough's Photos

There is an ongoing debate among photographers like Dexter Yarbrough these days: Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras versus Single Lens Reflex cameras.

The latter (SLRs) appeared in the market when an obvious discrepancy appeared in photography at the time—what a photographer sees in the viewfinder is not precisely what is seen through the lens. Hence, it is not as precise as can be desired. SLRs had a mechanism that allowed a look through the lens itself, and had certain features that heightened the clarity and aesthetic effect of the image captured. When the shutter is pressed, a mechanism shifts the film to the right spot for the shot.

Digital SLRs (DSLRs) have this same function, except modified so that the images taken would be saved onto a memory card. Many professional photographers such as Dexter Yarbrough use DSLRs for their convenience especially in memory. Storage medium is very cost-efficient with DSLRs, as these days film rolls cost more with fewer photos stored, and with processing adding to the cost.

From Dexter Yarbrough's Photos

However, many photographers view film as the advantage of the SLR. Unlike in DLSRs where the LCD in a DSLR allowing an instant view of a photo right after a shot, the SLR’s usage of film limits the photographer to make a better, perfect composition prior to taking that one perfect shot. Film is also light-sensitive depending on its type, making different effects, unlike in a DSLR where light sensitivity and balance can be adjusted prior to the shot. The SLR forces the photographer to go for the perfect shot, while the DSLR can extend creative control immediately.

In the end, both types have their advantages and disadvantages. It is the photographer’s preference on which type to see as superior.

Dexter Yarbrough is well known photographer in Chicago for his photography and portraiture. Find out more in his website at www.dexteryarbroughphotography.com.

From Dexter Yarbrough's Photos

Capturing a Subject's True Self on Film: Dexter Yarbrough Talks about Candid Shots

Though he would not suggest stalking celebrities to take pictures of them, Dexter Yarbrough loves taking candid shots as they make the subject look very natural. “Taken during your subject's unguarded moments, candid pictures often turn out exceptionally well. If you want your shots to capture the natural behavior of your subjects, then go for candid shots,” the professional photographer and founder of DJY Photography says.

From Dexter Yarbrough's Photos

Candid photography is best described as un-posed and unplanned, immediate and unobtrusive. This type of photography is opposed to stalking subjects such as in animal photography, sports photography, or photographic journalistic intrusion. A photographer taking candid shots is close to and not hidden from its subjects. Focusing on spontaneity rather than technique, candid photography is about photos usually shot without a lot of technical equipment or any time taken setting up the shot. Photographers such as Dexter Yarbrough who love taking candid shots focus not on the camera, but on the current task they want to capture.

From Dexter Yarbrough's Photos

Another thing that makes candid photography work over classic portrait photography is that in portrait photographs, the subject is aware they are being photographed so they tend to become self-conscious and stiff in the desire to look good in the photo. Yarbrough adds that a candid shot that focuses on the subject’s eyes will tell those who will later look at the photo something about the subject. “A good portrait will contain at least one element that reveals the subject’s personality, attitude, unique mannerisms, or any of the other features or traits that form the individual nature of the person. A good way to capture a sense of these traits is to take a candid photo of your subject,” he says.

From Dexter Yarbrough's Photos

More information about Dexter Yarbrough is available at www.djyphotography.com.