Zac Garrett

I never understood the reason behind so many geeks being obsessed with cameras before I actually started taking pictures. That was because I never really understood how to take a good picture. It is very technical.

First, you have to understand the various settings on the camera. You can go out and use auto mode, but you might as well just have a point in shoot camera. To get the most out of a camera you should really learn it inside and out. This is like any other technical project. Understand the hardware so its just second nature.

The next major geek factor is the fact that you have to be very precise in your work. To shoot a good picture you need to know what your subject is going to do prior to doing it. For example if you are shooting a car race; you need to know where the car will be to get the exact picture you are looking for. It may sound easy, but when you are trying to focus the camera at the exact right spot it can be very tedious.

Once the picture is taken there is this entire world of post processing. To really make the shot look great you need to use a piece of software to alter it. Change the contrast, white-balance, sharpness, and so many other factors. There are very few photographs today that have not been processed in some way shape or form. With Adobe Lightroom and Apple Aperture you can easily organize your work while also being able to easily tweak the images.

Even more than all of these technical reasons photography gives us a reason to get outside. Most geeks live on their computers and to have a hobby that includes going outside its a nice change of pace. it is relaxing go take some pictures. Even though your brain does not fully shut off, you are using a different section. For someone who is artistically challenged it is a very nice change of pace to see some of your work that actually looks decent.