The 3rd International Filter Photo Contest 2012-2013 sponsored by Kenko Tokina Co.Ltd is open to all photos that has been taken with the aid of a filter (any brand) with the aim of expanding creative possibilities.

Applications are open to image data of both types, both in color or black and white, as long as the photos are taken using a filter. Filters such as protectors, whose filter effects cannot be seen on works, are not permitted. Photos treated or processed using computer software are not eligible

The contest is open from 1st October, 2012 until 30th November, 2013.  There are prizes set every 3 months in stages during the contest for encouragement.

1st Stage: 1st October – 31st December, 2012

2nd Stage: 1st January – 31st March, 2013

3rd Stage: 1st April – June, 2013

4th Stage: July – November, 2013

To enter and know more of the Contest prerequisites and procedure click here

Thanks Ahmed Abul Burghul

Macro Photography is quite addictive. Well, you don’t need to worry about the harsh weather and off course the sandstorm which is been quite as a ritual here. We can choose any subject for macro. In Point & Shoot (PS) camera we have little control on aperture and shutter priority mode but most PS camera have a dedicated mode for macro or close-up photography. In DSLR camera we need to use the Aperture priority mode or still better if we use the Manual mode to achieve sharp focus. To get a shallow DOF (depth of field), it is very important to choose a large aperture (small f number) available. If the subject is moving or is in action, you may need to control the shutter speed to freeze the action. Also depending on the situation you may need to use the Flash. The most important criteria in DSLR camera is the choice of lenses.

Macro photography is at its best with a true macro lens. There are plenty to choose (Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina etc.) depending on the camera and its lens mount. If you don’t want to invest on a dedicated macro, there are still options to shoot macro. My friend uses a Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens with reverse ring adapter and using Reverse-Lens technique for his macro shots. You can also use a Close-up lens on a Standard zoom lens for macro. Close-up lens are like filters fitted on the front of the lens and are relatively cheaper than macro lens. I had used a Canon 500D close-up lens on my Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom – Nikkor 18-200mm lens and the results were fairly good. Macro can also be achieved by using an extension tube and bellows.

Using a tripod to handle the camera still will help to get rid of camera shake. If you have shutter release cable or remote control it is further advised to use to avoid all kinds of camera shake, a cheap alternate to the same is to use the camera built-in timer.

I currently use a Tokina AF 100mm f2.8 on my Nikon D90.