Sunday, August 31, 2008

Archiving Images - Approaches to Storage & Retrieval


Everyone has their own approach to image storage and retrieval. Today's 6MP digital cameras produce 18MB RAW files, and at about 30 Megabytes for each scanned 35mm frame even the largest built-in hard disk fills up quickly.

How to store, index and safely archive all of these files? There are a number of conflicting issues, including cost, convenience and speed of retrieval, and finally, security. What to do?

Full Article Here

Accessories and Parts for Nikon


For all those lost or extra DoDads you just gotta Have Here

The Copyright Conspiracy


Copyright is intended to protect the creator of an original work. It certainly attempts to do its best for the large entertainment companies. When applied to the one of the most exciting things to happen in recent memory—the sheer mass of creativity that is being unleashed by the general public on the Internet—its default protection is something akin to that provided by a piece of tissue paper when an elephant sneezes.

The vast majority of the photographs on Flickr and other photo sharing sites, probably something like 99.999999% of them, are in a state which results in effectively zero protection by U.S. copyright law.

"But wait...", you say. "That's not right. Every creative work is protected by copyright from the moment it is created."

Full Story Here

Nikon's Virtual Demo's


See them Here

Nikon

Using Linux for Photography, where we stand


My goal with this entry is to brush a big picture of where Linux stands as far as photography is concerned. What are the achievements, where improvement are needed and being worked on and which pieces are still missing.

I will survey what I consider the 3 main areas that an OS has to cover for serious photography work: color management, printing support and workflow.

Read Full Article Here

15 Spectacular Lightning Images from DPS


See Them Here

Friday, August 29, 2008

Nikon D90 Hands-on Preview by Simon Joinson


Almost exactly two years after the D80 was announced comes its replacement, the rather predictably named D90. The D80 has been one of Nikon's quiet successes, and even today, despite being positively Methuselah-like in digital camera terms it continues to sell and often makes its way into our top 10 most clicked on cameras. Because it looks so similar to the D80 the D90 appears at first glance to be one of those rather subdued incremental upgrades, but dig a little deeper and you'll find there's plenty to keep Nikon fans happy.

First and foremost there's a new CMOS sensor, which Nikon claim produces D300 quality output at up to ISO 6400 and - one of several features to 'trickle down' from higher models - the same highly acclaimed 3.0-inch VGA screen as the D3/D300. Naturally it has Live View with contrast-detect AF and it would have been surprising had it not sported some form of dust removal system. More surprising is the inclusion of the world's first DSLR movie mode (720p HDTV quality, no less) and HDMI output, though as we'll see later it does come with some limitations. A lot of the core photographic spec is the same as or very similar to the D80, though there is a new shutter and an implementation of the 3D tracking AF seen on the D3/D300.

And it's not just the high end models that have lent features and technology to the D90; the user interface has been given the same user-friendly treatment as the D60, as have the retouching options. As it was explained to use the D90 is intended to appeal to the broadest audience of any Nikon SLR, from first-time 'step up' customers moving from a compact to serious amateurs wanting comprehensive photographic control without the cost and weight of a D300. Whether the D90 turns out to be a jack or a master of all trades we'll discover when we get a final production body to review, but our early impressions are overall pretty positive. Note that for the moment the D80 will continue to be sold, possibly well into 2009 - expect to see prices falling as soon as the D90 settles in.

Nikon D90 Key Features

  • 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
  • 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
  • Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
  • Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
  • Illuminated focus points
  • Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
  • IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
  • 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
  • Expeed image processing engine
  • 3D tracking AF (11 point)
  • Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
  • Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
  • Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
  • Improved user interface
  • New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
  • Same battery and vertical grip as D80
  • Vignetting control in-camera
  • 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback
Full Review Here at Digital Photography Review

Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX


The Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II DX was announced at the PMA 2008 and ever since it is the center of interest in the various discussion forums out there.

It fills the gap between the entry level lenses a la Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and the high end (although not all that great) AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G ED. Obviously it gives up speed in favor of coverage (5.3x zoom ratio) which is surely a smart compromise cost-wise.

Nikon decided to "compensate" the slow speed by implementing a VR II (2nd generation vibration reduction). The field-of-view is equivalent to 24-128mm on the classic full format so in terms of range it's a highly attractive all-round lens.

Combined with a rather moderate pricing of around 600€/US$ it seems to be a no-brainer for serious amateurs and prosumers.

Full review Here

But at a cost of $150-$200 more I would also consider the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX HSM or the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 with built in motor which I have and both are around the $450 mark..

Nikon 16-85mm VR vs. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 Debate at photo.net

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Great Photoblog of Protest at DNC - Where is this country headed?


We provide an outlaw view of the underbelly of the beast during the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

All images were created by either Tim Hussin or Noah Rabinowitz.

See Full Spread Here

tim_hussin's buddy icontim_hussin's photostream

These pictures invoke a sense of Dread and Fear that the good ole' U.S.A. is headed for the Dark Times.

40 Dark & Futuristic Photoshop Effects


A question: what do exploding planets, energy spheres, ethereal lights, ruined cities, telepathic warriors, gloomy nebulas and light-rays all have in common? Answer: they look freaky awesome when you build them in Photoshop.

Here's how to do all of the above and more, for a total of 40 excellent cyberpunk and Sci-fi style effects.

Check them out Here

Prototype: Scope, a camera for kids


Inspired by James Nachtwey's TED Prize wish, designer Bas Groenendaal shares this prototype camera with TED. The Scope camera has a fresh look and a singular purpose, he says:
to be used as a therapeutic instrument for underprivileged children, e.g. children living in (former) warzones. Children can take photographs and self-portraits in order to rediscover their environment and identity, and share their point of view with others.

With its open-steering-wheel design (you click the shutter by squeezing the sides), Scope invites a new perspective on picture-taking, removing the distance between the photographer and her subject. As Groenendaal writes....Here for Full Story

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Nikon D90 Announced



Product Page Here
Press Release Here
DPReview Preview Here

And two things that surprised me quite a bit is available as Body only for $999 and able to purchase in Sept! that made me go whoa!

Thanks David Chu for posting this.
Whaat? No thanks needed, Orb :).

Paint.net - Version 3.36 just released


Paint.NET is free image and photo editing software for computers that run Windows. It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools. An active and growing online community provides friendly help, tutorials, and plugins.
Find it Here

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II review


Of course as one of Sigma's flagship lenses, the 70-200mm F2.8 boasts a suitably complex optical design, featuring 18 elements in 15 groups, two of which are Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass and two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass for correction of chromatic aberrations.

Other attractions include internal focusing and zooming mechanisms, and a quick-release tripod mount collar which can be removed from the lens in seconds. On paper at least, this is a lens which might interest a huge number of photographers across a range of abilities; so is it worthy of that interest?

Full Review Here

Aug. 19, 1839: Photography Goes Open Source


1839: With a French pension in hand, Louis Daguerre reveals the secrets of making daguerreotypes to a waiting world. The pioneering photographic process is an instant hit.

Full Story Here

45 Beautiful Motion Blur Photos


Motion blur is frequently used to show a sense of speed. You can artificially achieve this effect in a usual scene using cameras with a slow shutter speed.

Also Adobe Photoshop can be used for this purpose, though sometimes images may look unnatural and unprofessional. You may want to takea look at resources provided in the end of the article — they show how one can add the motion blur effect in photos.

See Them Here

Friday, August 22, 2008

THE UNDERSTANDING SERIES - Index

Understanding Aspect Ratios and the Art of Cropping – squares or rectangles, the choice is yours
Understanding Soft Proofing – using your profiled monitor and printer to really see what you're going to get
Understanding Printer Colour Management — the proper settings for using profiles
Understanding Raw Files — whether to choose to shoot in raw or JPG format, and why
Understanding Contrast Masking — a simple Photoshop technique for opening shadow areas and reducing contrast
Understanding Digital USM — what is the Unsharp Mask and what does it do?
Understanding Histograms — how to read the digital camera's most useful exposure evaluation tool
Understanding MTF Charts — what is MTF, and how to read lens charts
Understanding Digital Sensor Cleaning — the why, how and tools required
Understanding Digital Workflow — suggested steps and settings to use when working with a digital SLR
Understanding Mirror Lock-Up — the simplest technique for creating vibration-free sharp images
Understanding Medium Format — a primer on the jargon, and the equipment available
Understanding Depth of Field — a tutorial, including Hyperfocal Distance and the Circle of Confusion
Understanding Polarizers — a tutorial on how to use the most important filter for colour photography
Understanding Lens Contrast — an in-depth tutorial by Mike Johnston
Understanding Bit Depth — a tutorial on hi-bit images and when and why to use them
Understanding Sharpness — a tutorial on resolution and acutance
Understanding Resolution — explores the basics of digital Input and Output
Understanding Camera Movements — the ins and outs of tilts and shifts
Understanding Colour Theory — academic colour theory applied to landscape photography
Understanding the DSLR Magnification Factor — what it is, how it works, benefits and drawbacks
Understanding ProPhoto RGB – are you throwing away much of the colour gamut your DSLR is capable of?
Understanding Lens Diffraction – does stopping down a lens make it sharper, or not?
Understanding Exposure — the world's 10 stop range. Why it's so tough and how to handle it


Alot of goody info Here

How to Win a Photography Competition


Photography Competitions are a wonderful way to improve your photography.

While photography just for the sake of photography is a lot of fun sometimes a competition can help you raise the bar as a photographer as you know your image will be seen by a discerning group of judges and possibly even displayed along with other winners...Full Article Here

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Photo Friday: Monitor Calibration Tool



One goal of monitor calibration is to make sure that tones immediately lighter than true black are clearly distinguishable from true black, and tones immediately darker than true white are distinguishable from true white.

Here.

- DIGITAL CAMERA IMAGE NOISE - PART 1 -

























"Image noise" is the digital equivalent of film grain for analogue cameras. Alternatively, one can think of it as analogous to the subtle background hiss you may hear from your audio system at full volume.

For digital images, this noise appears as random speckles on an otherwise smooth surface and can significantly degrade image quality. Although noise often detracts from an image, it is sometimes desirable since it can add an old-fashioned, grainy look to an image which is reminiscent of of early film.

Some noise can also increase the apparent sharpness of an image. Noise increases with the sensitivity setting in the camera, length of the exposure, temperature, and even varies amongst different camera models.

Full Article Here

Most Popular Dslr Lenses

Nikon DSLR Lenses

1. 50Mm F1.8D Af1. Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens
2. Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
3. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens
4. Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

5. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens
6. Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
7. Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
8. Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens
9. Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Zoom Nikkor Lens

10. Nikon 85mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens

See Full list and 3rd party favs here

Man Arrested and Locked up Just for Taking a Photo of Cops


When Andrew Carter saw a police van ignore no-entry signs to reverse up a one-way street to reach a chip shop, he was understandably moved to protest to the driver.

Particularly as he lives on the road and always goes out of his way to obey the signs.

But his complaint brought a volley of abuse from PC Aqil Farooq.

And when Mr Carter took a picture of the van then tried to photograph the officer, PC Farooq rushed out of the shop and knocked his camera to the ground....Full Story Here

Monday, August 18, 2008

Tineye - Visual search engine for photographers

 
A new visual search engine could help photographers keep track of their photographs whenever, and wherever, they appear on the internet. The TinEye search engine, developed by Canadian company Idee, allows users to search by uploading a picture rather than typing in a keyword. It then conducts a pixel by pixel search across the internet, flagging up all instances of that image even if it's been cropped, merged or digitally altered in some way. 

TinEye could provide an entirely new way for image companies and amateur photographers to track how and where their images are being used, without the need for digital watermarks. 

Read the full article here.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

living on the edge: 2 stunningly scary clifftop communities


See the Pics Here

How to Win Friends and Influence People - A Guide to Commenting on Other People’s Photos


The following post is from Australian photographer Neil Creek who is part of the Fine Art Photoblog, and is developing his blog as a resource for the passionate photographer.

Mate

Don’t just parrot the same comments over and over.
© Neil Creek

One of the ten things I hate about Flickr is people who don’t know how to comment on photos. In a recent post to my blog, I lamented the number of comments I receive on my photos which consist of only one or two words: “Frankly, I don’t care if you think my photo’s “Awesome!”, I care even less if you think it’s a “Cool photo”. I’ve put a lot of work into it, I’d genuinely like to know what you think of it and why. If you’re going to comment, why not take the extra 30 seconds, engage your brain, and say something insightful.”

Read full Article Here

Lightroom - Fine-tune the tonal scale using the Tone Curve panel


You make tone curve adjustments directly on the curve or using the region sliders in the Tone Curve panel. The areas of the curve affected by the sliders depend on where you set the split controls at the bottom of the graph...Full HowTo Here

Friday, August 15, 2008

Quarter Million Dollars of Digital Photo Gear in a Single Photo


Here's a common scene—but still impressive—at the Beijing Olympics: dozens of photographers firing the most expensive digital photography gear available on the planet at full speed.

The sound of all those shutters re-clacky-clicketing alone must give goosebumps to any photo aficionado, but the total price of all this machinery would actually make anyone faint. How much does this all cost?

Full Post Here

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Top 10 Photoshop Tutorial Websites


There is certainly no shortage of Photoshop tutorial websites floating around in cyber space. As I’m sure many of you know, most of them are pure crap.

They are filled with recycled and out dated tutorials, many of which look like they were written by a 6th grader.

Instead of wasting your time scouring the web looking for good Photoshop tutorials, stick with this list of the 10 best. You will actually learn something on these!

So, if you are looking to up your game some, or just learn the basics, check out these sites.... Check them out Here

How to Use Ultra-Wide Lenses


Ultrawide lenses are the most difficult lenses to use well. Ultrawides are not for "getting it all in." Ultrawides are for getting yourself, and therefore the viewer, right smack into the middle of something.

Ultrawides are for putting next to the muzzle of Dirty Harry's revolver to put it in your face. If you can't or won't get close, leave the ultrawide at home.

Ultrawides rub the viewer's nose in your subject. Properly used, ultrawides grab your viewer and yank him into the middle of your situation.

Full Article Here

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II review


Of course as one of Sigma's flagship lenses, the 70-200mm F2.8 boasts a suitably complex optical design, featuring 18 elements in 15 groups, two of which are Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass and two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass for correction of chromatic aberrations.

Other attractions include internal focusing and zooming mechanisms, and a quick-release tripod mount collar which can be removed from the lens in seconds.

On paper at least, this is a lens which might interest a huge number of photographers across a range of abilities; so is it worthy of that interest?

Full Review Here
FM Review Here

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Professor Kobré's LightScoop


Professor Kobré's Lightscoop instantly improves pop-up flash photos!

More Information Here.

Photography Is Not a Crime !


A insightful Blog keeping tabs on what is happening to photographer's and the legal system of abuse..Read all the happenings Here.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Dreamy, Magical and Lighting Effects Photoshop Tutorials


Tutorials writers replied with a new wave of awesome, eye catching well designed tutorials with loads of cool ideas inside them.

Tutorials and Howto's are Here

Nikonians News & Blog


Interviews,Stories,News and More Here

10 Unusually Talented Night Photographers: The History and Art of Night Photography


The word “photography” has its roots in Greek, roughly translating to “writing of light.” Just as text is most interesting when free of superfluous words, photography using little light is often the most intriguing.

Night photographers, consequently, are some of the most captivating “writers” in the medium.

Full Pictures and Article Here



Anonymous Your Photo Tips said...

This is actually very perfect for me as the new JPG Magazine theme is night photography. Thanks for the source.

August 11, 2008 3:11 AM

How to Crop Photos for Large Prints


If you've ever been disappointed by how large prints of your digital photos turn out, chances are that you're a victim of a "bad crop".

Since cropping itself is unavoidable (I'll explain why in a moment) you must take matters into your own hands and crop before you print.

This gives you a measure of control over which parts of the photo will get left out of your final print...Full Article Here

Olympus, Panasonic Plan Assault on Fortress of Pretentious Photography


A new camera standard promises to cram the quality of a digital SLR camera into a smaller, more portable package -- and may even bring back the golden age of candid street photography...Full Story Here

Simon Blint, Director of Visitor Relations at the SF MOMA, Yeah You Jerk, Photography is Not a Crime


After purchasing my family membership and visiting the museum today I was forcibly thrown out of the museum by two museum security guards at the direction of the Director of Visitor Relations Simon Blint....Full Story Here on Thomas Hawk's Blog.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Tamron Announces the Launch of SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO


The new SP AF70-200mm Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model AA001) is an F/2.8 fast tele-zoom designed for DSLRs with 35mm full-size image sensors, inheriting product concept of the existing SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di (Model A09) that is highly acclaimed as a compact and fast standard zoom lens enabling photographers to enjoy high cost performance characteristics.

Full info Here

But was released in May and goes for about $700 at Amazon.

Hilarious Signage, Part 11


Scratching of head required...

...and even then, it's no guarantee you'll figure out the real meaning behind these masterpieces of ambiguity. At least this signage provides much needed entertainment and comic relief on our all-too-stressful urban roads.

Many Pics Here

White Balance Follies from Luminous Landscapes


Few people (at least not those that regularly read this web site) doubt the benefits of shooting in raw mode. But, for those that still don't appreciate the benefits of working with raw files, here are a couple of examples that I recently created to demonstrate this issue to some students at one of my seminars...Full Article..Here

Filters,Len's Caps,Body Caps and more Oh My!


Protective and UV Filters

UV Filters - Absorbs ultraviolet rays. Gives cleaner, sharper pictures with less haze. It is recommended to leave a UV filter on your camera lens at all times to protect the lens from dust, moisture, scratches, and breakage.

Sky Filters - Reduces blush tones in outdoor shots. Keeps skin tones natural and free of reflection from nearby objects. Also serves as a permanent lens protector.

Protector Filters - protect your valued lenses from expensive front element damage which could be caused by dirt, knocks or scratches.

Polarizing Filters

Circular Polarizer and Moose Filters - Essential for outdoor photography; deepens intensity of blue skies; reduces or eliminates glare. Circular Polarizing filters are used on auto focus cameras.

Linear Polarizer Filters and Linear Focus - Used on non-auto focus cameras.

Neutral Density Filters

Neutral Density Filters - Reduces the amount of light without affecting the color. Eliminates overly bright, washed out images. Great for video.

Filter Kits
Filter Kits - Popular filter kits to save you money.

Ultra Thin Filters

HOYA HMC Ultra Thin Filters - High end filters designed to avoid vignetting problems which occur with wide angle lenses.

Special Effects Filters

Cross Screen, Soft Screen, Star 4, Star 6, and Star 8 - Creates a star in the picture where this is bright light. Ideal for photographs of ladies wearing jewelry or other objects with strong reflections.

Close-up - For close-up photography.

Split Field Filters - One-half of the picture receives a close-up effect while the other half is normal.

Special Effect, MultiVision, and Mirage Filters - For special effect photography.

Sepia Filters - Give a nostalgic effect to otherwise ordinary color or black & white photographs.
Misty Spot Filters: Breeze, Halo, Windmill, and Gradual Filters - They have a sharp central image with a pleasant blurring of the outer field. For special effect photography.
Center Spot, Soft Spot, and Color Spot Filters - The center has a clear spot, while the outside can be used as a portrait filter or color.
Softener Filters - Gives a soft gradation image, with focal point somewhat retained.

Infrared (IR) Pass Filters - For infrared photography.

Intensifier Filters - Intensifies and enhances colors.

Portrait, Duto, Diffusion, Spot Diffuser Filters - Diffusion filters give an overall soft focus effect. Can be used to create the romantic and mysterious effects.
Fog A & B Filters - Fog filters give an overall soft focus effect. Fog filters can be used as a portrait filter or to create the romantic and mysterious effect of fog in any scene.

Colored Filters

Colored, Vario PL, Fantasy, and Tri Color Filters - Tone correction; improves contrast. Ideal for landscapes.
Half Colored and Gradual Color Filters - Half of the filter colored and half clear.
FL-W, FL-B, FL-D and Special Fluorescent Filters - Used to correct the greenish tone that appears when fluorescent lighting is present.

Warming & Cooling Filters

80A, 80B, and 80C Filters - These filters are for color photography in artificial light.
81A, 81B, and 81C Filters - Filters used to create a warming effect (reduces blues, increases reds).
82A, 82B, and 82C Filters - Filters used to create a cooling effect (reduces reds, increases blues).
85A, 85B, and 85C Filters - Filters used to create a warming effect (reduces blues, increases reds). These are more powerful than the 81 series.

Camera Lenses

Camera Lenses - Great prices on all types of lenses.
Telephoto Conversion (Add-on) Lenses - It makes subject larger than the image obtained with the original camera lens.
Wide Angle Conversion (Add-on) Lenses - Providing wide angle views.
SLR Zoom Lenses - With manual and automatic focus enable to take pictures from long distance.
Right Angle Lenses - You can point your camera one way but film to the side.

Equipment and Accessories

Adapter Rings - Step-up and step-down adapter rings. You can use filters larger than the lens' screw-in threads. For example, you can use 46mm filters on your 43mm lens and attach them with a 43mm to 46mm step-up ring, thus saving money. Adapter Rings from $1.80.

Adapter Tubes - Digital camera adapter tubes. Allows the use of standard filters on digital cameras.

Conversion Rings and Conversion Adapters - Bayonet conversion rings. Use them to mount filters with thread on the bayonet side of the camera .

Lens Caps - Highest quality lens caps for speedy installation and removal. Lens caps from $1.
Rear Lens Caps and Body Caps - High quality caps for speedy installation and removal. Caps from $1.50.

Macro and Rotating Rings - Macro and rotating (spinning) rings. For Close-up Photography. Macro Rings from $5.
Filter Stackers - The best way to store your filters. Filter Stackers from $5.
Filter Wallets and Lens Pens - Another good method to store your filters. Filter Wallets from $6.48.
Lens Hoods - Rubber, metal, and plastic lens hoods to protect your lens from flare. Lens Hoods from $2.66.
Spacer Rings - To increase the distance of an accessory from your lens. Spacer Rings from $4.21.
Camera Cords - Cable releases, flash brackets, camera flash (sync) cords and single point standard hot shoes. Cords from $3.59.

Get them Here

DSLR Tips





















Find Resource...Here

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Understanding aperture





Digital Photography School have posted a great article on understanding aperture priority settings on your camera. Moving from fully automatic settings to manual can be confusing and the article explains exactly what  aperture is, in layman's terms. Click here to read the article.