Film speed, shutter speed and aperture determine exposure.
A 35mm camera was the camera of choice during the last half of the 20th century. These small-format cameras were capable of taking excellent photos, but the small film size magnified any mistake. Photographers who used these compact cameras used ways to minimize these problems and accentuate their strengths. They still produce stunning images.
Movement
Unwanted 35mm camera movement during exposure can produce an unusable image. The best way to prevent movement is to use a tripod. Mounting a 35mm camera on a tripod is the surest way to prevent blur because of camera movement. However, this also takes away the mobility and candid capabilities of the camera. There are some ways to minimize camera movement and shake. Hold your breath slightly before and after exposure to help prevent shake. Brace your arms against your elbows against your ribs during exposure also helps.
Film
Films with the lowest exposure index (EI), or International Standards Organization (ISO) number, will give the best quality pictures. Grain, or clumps of silver in the negative that makes the image, is smaller for a slow film. Smaller grain produces a sharper image. A slow film also requires more light to make the proper exposure. This means using a slow shutter speed that makes the camera more prone to movement and blurs. Choosing film with a higher ISO number allows the use of higher shutter speeds that help eliminate blurring from movement.
Depth of Field
The f-stop ring on the camera determines the aperture. A wide-open aperture is the smallest number, and the smallest is the largest number. The depth of field is the distance that is in focus. A smaller aperture gives a greater depth of field, while a larger one gives less. The focus must be exact if you're photographing with a wide-open lens. Use this to purposely isolate the subject and leave the background pleasantly out of focus. Smaller apertures increase the amount of area in focus. Use this technique to carry sharpness throughout the depth of the photograph. This is a pre-focusing technique. Use the depth of field to cover the area where the action will occur.
Blur
Sometimes blur is a good thing. This is the case with panning. Panning is following and exposing a subject as it moves. Ideally, this will give a sharp subject and blurred background. Do this effect by adjusting the camera exposure for a slow camera speed. The slower the speed, the more background blur. It takes a little practice to achieve the desired results, but it is well worth it.
Tags: camera movement, depth field, 35mm camera, against your, during exposure